Guide

BMW timing chain replacement in Strasbourg

BMW timing chain replacement: Rattling on starting, engine warning light or high mileage on N47, N57 or M57: the chain should be checked and replaced before it breaks.

Updated on 16 September 2026

from: €1,900incl. VAT

Book an appointment Call +33 9 88 04 88 11

Symptoms

Signs of a worn timing chain

Our Ostwald workshop diagnoses the timing system's actual condition and replaces the complete kit, including chains, tensioners, guides and sprockets, at a published price. A worn timing system rarely gives a clear warning: these signs, alone or together, justify prompt diagnostics.

Rattling on starting
A metallic noise for a few seconds when cold, until oil pressure restores the tensioner: the chain is slack.
Whistling or ticking at idle
A continuous noise at the rear or front of the engine, varying with engine speed, indicates worn guides or sprockets.
Engine warning light and timing fault
The control unit detects a mismatch between crankshaft and camshaft: the chain has stretched.
Loss of power, difficult starting
Inaccurate timing impairs combustion: the engine pulls less strongly and takes longer to start.
Plastic residue at an oil change
Pieces of guide in the oil or sump indicate broken guides that threaten the oil pickup strainer.
High mileage without history
Above the mileages in the table below, with no timing chain invoice, a preventive check is needed.

Affected engines

Which BMW engines are affected?

There is no universal mileage: oil quality, oil change intervals, short journeys and driving style matter as much as the engine. Here are our workshop's reference points, engine by engine.

N47 (4-cylinder diesel): 1 Series E81 / E87 / F20
3 Series E90 / E91
5 Series E60 / F10
X1 E84
X3 E83 / F25
MINI Cooper D / SD
N57 (6-cylinder diesel): 3 Series E90 330d / 335d
5 Series F10 525d / 530d
X3 F25
X5 E70 / F15
X6
B47 timing chain / B57 (diesel, next generation): 1 Series F20 LCI
3 Series F30 LCI / G20
5 Series G30
X1 F48
X3 G01
MINI F55 / F56
M47 / M57 (older diesels): 1 Series E87 118d / 120d
3 Series E46 / E90
5 Series E39 / E60
X3 E83
X5 E53 / E70
N52 / N53 / N54 / N55 (6-cylinder petrol): 1 Series E82 / E87 130i
3 Series E90 325i / 330i / 335i
5 Series E60 / F10
X3 / X5

Other engines: monitoring recommended at high mileage. Models listed as examples; the exact engine is checked from the registration document or number plate.

What the workshop does

Diagnostics, then the complete kit in one job

The chain is never the only component involved: tensioners, guides, sprockets and the oil pickup strainer wear with it. Replacing only the chain postpones the fault. The work follows BMW manufacturer procedures, using specific timing tools.

Timing system diagnostics
Listening when cold, reading crankshaft / camshaft timing values, checking oil pressure and looking for residue: we establish whether the chain needs changing and how urgently.
Removal and preparation
Removing the necessary components (engine assembly on N47 and N57), with kit parts prepared and checked before fitting.
Complete kit replacement
Timing, fresh oil and testing
Engine timing set to manufacturer values, oil change with fresh 5W30 oil and filter, faults cleared, then road test.

Vehicle downtime: one to four days depending on the engine.

BMW timing chain replacement: Why act before failure?

Preventive timing chain replacement costs far less than failure. If it jumps or breaks, the cylinder head generally needs removing and resurfacing, bent valves, seals and levers replacing, then camshafts and their support checking. In the most serious cases, the engine is beyond repair and must be replaced: the bill is then several times the cost of kit replacement.

Preventive replacement has another advantage: it can be planned. You choose the downtime date, the quote is known beforehand and the work is carried out on an engine that is still sound, without damaged parts to add to the bill. On a car you intend to keep, or before buying a high-mileage used BMW, it is also an opportunity to review the service history.

Residue from broken guides can also block the oil pickup strainer. Lubrication deteriorates and wear spreads to big-end bearings, the crankshaft, camshafts and turbo. On an N47, the N47 engine guide details other points to monitor, and kit details are listed in our timing chain prices.

Prices

Timing chain replacement cost

Complete kit, parts and labour, incl. VAT. The exact price depends on engine and drivetrain: it is confirmed after diagnostics. Preparing a quote for this work costs €75 incl. VAT, deducted from the invoice if the work is carried out at the workshop.

Timing chain kit M47/M57
3 chains + 2 tensioners · Camshaft / injection pump sprocket · Crankshaft sprocket · All gaskets included · 5W30 + oil filter
from€1,900incl. VAT
Timing chain kit N47/N57/B47/B57
3 chains + 2 tensioners · Camshaft / injection pump / oil pump sprocket · Oil jet · Sump, rocker cover and timing cover gaskets · Flywheel oil seal · 5W30 + oil filter
from€2,100incl. VAT
Timing chain kit N47/N57/B47/B57 xDrive
3 chains + 2 tensioners · Camshaft / injection pump / oil pump sprocket · All gaskets included · 5W30 + oil filter
from€2,500incl. VAT

All our prices

Timing and booking

Timing, appointments and prevention

Replacement takes place only at the Ostwald workshop, by appointment: the car must be present for removal and timing.

Diagnostics before any quote
Timing system noise is not always the chain. Diagnostics confirm the cause and the kit suited to your engine before booking downtime.
Downtime by appointment
Duration depends on engine and drivetrain (rear-wheel drive or xDrive): it is provided with the quote.
Do not drive with a rattling chain
If the chain jumps or breaks, pistons and valves collide: cylinder head removal and resurfacing, bent valves, camshafts to check. In serious cases, the engine needs replacing.
Change oil at least every 10,000 km
Clean oil protects tensioners and guides. We recommend oil changes at intervals of no more than 10,000 km to protect the timing system and engine lubrication.

Frequently asked questions

Your questions, our answers

Another question? Call the workshop on +33 9 88 04 88 11.

When should a BMW timing chain be changed?

There is no single mileage. Our reference points: between 100,000 and 150,000 km on N47, N13, N43 and N20, from 150,000 km on N52 to N55, between 200,000 and 230,000 km on N57, from 230,000 km on M57. Rattling on starting or a timing fault brings the interval forward.

How much does BMW timing chain replacement cost?

The complete fitted kit costs from €2,100 incl. VAT on rear-wheel drive N47, N57, B47 and B57 models, from €2,500 incl. VAT on xDrive, and from €1,900 incl. VAT on M47 and M57. Parts and labour included.

N47 timing chain: what is the replacement cost on a 1 Series or 3 Series?

On a rear-wheel drive 1 Series or 3 Series with an N47 engine, the complete fitted kit costs from €2,100 incl. VAT. On an X1 or 3 Series xDrive, allow from €2,500 incl. VAT.

How much does chain replacement cost on an N57 engine?

On a rear-wheel drive N57 (330d, 530d…), the complete fitted kit costs from €2,100 incl. VAT; on xDrive (X3, X5, 5 Series xDrive), from €2,500 incl. VAT. Prior diagnostics confirm that the timing system needs replacing.

Can you keep driving with a noisy timing chain?

We advise against it. Rattling indicates a slack chain or worn tensioner: the chain can jump a tooth or break without further warning. Limit journeys and book an appointment for diagnostics.

Which BMW engine has the most chain problems?

The N47 diesel is most affected, particularly on the 1 Series, 3 Series and X1. N57, B47 and B57 engines are less exposed but also need monitoring as mileage rises.

How long does a BMW timing chain last?

A chain is designed to last a long time, but its actual life mainly depends on servicing: good-quality oil, frequent oil changes, few very short journeys. Neglected oil changes wear tensioners and guides well before the chain itself.

Summary