I was hoping for a bit of advice really as I have just spent £2200 for a new timing chain (all three chains, various gaskets and seals included) and a new turbo as there was some play in the old one. This was done by a reputable BMW/Mini specialist in the south east. The reason I had the chain done is simply because I could hear it. In a perfect world, where one executes perfect maintenance work and oil is changed on a regular basis, the timing chain should last the lifetime of the engine. But usually, the timing chain by average will need to be replaced after going 80,000 to 120,000 miles unless you encounter an untoward problem. All BMW 320i engines from 2013 to 2018 are interference. Scroll down to see specific data for your model year below. The timing belt (or chain) maintains the proper synchronization between the various engine components in a combustion engine. If the belt or chain stretches or breaks, it can lead to catastrophic engine damage. But, I have a 2013 X3 with 93K miles and the timing chain is loose and BMW is recommending a full $18K engine replacement . BMW issued a extended warranty to 7 years or 70K miles because they realize there are issues with these engines. I understand the timing chain wraps around plastic parts that don't last. The timing chain tensioner is expected to last between 80,000 and 120,000 miles. However, there is no recommended time frame to change the tensioner. The device is expected to run long and should be checked regularly. The 328i has the n20 / n26 engine. It has a notoriously bad failure rate for the timing chain. There was a class action lawsuit that resulted in a settlement. The long and short of it is if you catch the issue before 70k miles / 7 years, bmw will pay for the replacement, or if you take it elsewhere, they'll pay for most of the repair. How much does it cost to fix BMW timing chain? Cost at the Mechanic: $1,624 to $1,879 This is a pretty intensive maintenance/repair task that can take a mechanic several hours to complete. Your BMW timing chain should be replaced every 100,000 miles to keep your car healthy. How long do BMW timing chains last? A: As a general rule, if an engine has a timing chain and the oil was changed on a regular basis, the timing chain should last the lifetime of the engine. What BMW engines have problems? The BMW X5 330D 3.0 Diesel M57D30 (306D3) and the M57D30 (306D5) have long been known to endure problems with turbo and injectors failure. This applies to ALL years of Airheads. BMW does not supply a master-link chain for the duplex chain, but they ARE available aftermarket; even at some dealerships. BMW does supply the duplex chain with masterlink. Unless you are VERY experienced, don't try to use a chain from BMW without the master-link, for a 1979+ Airhead. Please report your year and milage and if you had any issues witht he known TIMING CHAIN on the N47 engine. Lets see how long the N47D20 can last without Time Chain failing. 1. Mine is 7/2007 with 97.000 miles on mine and there is little noise on the timing chain. _____ WdQwN3b.