Hi All

I know of the N14 Timing chain issue. What about the N18. Is the timing chain issue just as bad. I have an n18 engine and can hear some rattle, Will a new tensioner address the issue or will it require a complete replacement as the N14's require.

Thanks

M

 

Yes the N18 is also prone to timing chain wear and failure of the guides, in particular the top guide. Death rattle, misfire, lambda faults, loss of power. Replacing the tensioner is a fail if you hear a rattle, all you are doing is pushing the chain further in and your chain is probably already beyond the safe limit. Yes BMW have done revisions on the tensioner, making it stronger and longer but it is too late if chain is already worn and even if this is 'buying time' it is a false time. The chain is no better than a bicycle chain in my opinion, it is not fit for purpose (when I say that I mean BMW telling us it is for life and not a service item then it is NOT fit for purpose). Replacement anywhere between 50-70K miles is where I would be or any time the rattle occurs. It is not worth the risk of jumping cam sprockets/fragments of plastic entering the oil pump/ valves interacting with pistons. Either DIY it using youtube videos and a good manual OR pay someone who knows Minis to do it for you. The diesels are even more trouble as the chain is located behind the engine and it is a full engine/box out job...

 

They dont have as much issues as the N14 older chain, but we have seen them time to time. Depends on whats wrong and the amount or stretch. The dealership measures the slack it then makes sure it has the updated longer tensioner, if it does and still rattle they change the chain, guides, tensioner..etc like in our Assmeblied by kits. Sometimes the top guide is damaged or the guides are worn into the chain.. You can pull the valve cover to inspect that.

Checking the chain: https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/r...aft/1VnZ6aRFHk

Tool: https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...302353281~oem/

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/r...shaft/Dd5vhE1u

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-schwaben.../026421sch01a/ Timing chain tool n18

N18 timing kits: https://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2011-...Engine/Timing/

Make sure the oil is not low( makes the chain noise when really low) , also make sure the noise is coming from the passenger side on the engine. Sometimes people hear rattle and its the belt tensioner or something else.


Here is a great DIY:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...laement-2.html