The durability of the valve train on the BMW E60 – when does it need to be replaced or repaired?

BMW E60 driver question about timing chain

I am the owner of a BMW E60. The car has a verified mileage of 167,000 km. Everything in the car works flawlessly. However, the timing chain issue bothers me.

I know that there are big problems in 2.0d engines. How does it look in my 3.0d? A friend’s timing chain broke off in his X5 with the same engine at 220,000 km. Please advise. Should I replace the chain? Or drive as it is, and consider the friend’s case unlucky?

The problem was with a BMW 530 E60 with a 3.0-liter 235 hp diesel engine manufactured in 2007, but it happens with other BMW models.

BM Cars service response on timing chains

The 530d (E60) model is not experiencing a problem with chains or other timing components. The described case with the X5 3.0d should be treated as an individual. In this engine, chain breakage can occur due to the use of the wrong engine oil, or the use of unauthorized engine starting methods (push, pull, etc.). If the correct consumables are used and the car is serviced regularly at a service center, the timing problem does not occur.

The cited example of the 2.0d (N47) engine is an infamous exception in BMW designs, where parts that did not meet quality requirements were used in 2007-2008 – which manifested itself in the stretching of chains and sometimes their jumping or breaking. These engines were mostly covered by BMW’s Technical Action and the problem is being repaired at the factory’s expense.

The only way to accurately determine the current condition of your valve train, and the possible cost associated with replacement, is to perform a full computer diagnosis and a visual inspection of the vehicle.

Other BMW tips related to the topic at hand

• Replacing the timing chain – after what mileage?
• Metallic sound from the valve train in BMW – how to fix it?
• Factory defective valve train in BMW 3 F30 and other F line models

Read more tips and ask your own question