How to prevent timing damage in BMW?

BMW driver question

How can I prevent the timing chain from failing? Do any symptoms appear in advance? Is it possible to check it? I should add that I bought a BMW and have already replaced the timing gear along with the oil pump.

The problem was with the BMW 328i F30, but it also happens in other BMWs of the F line.

BMW 318i (F30) EurovisionNim[CC BY-SA 4.0], from Wikimedia Commons

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Response from BM Cars service

From the user’s side, the only way to prevent damage to the timing chain is to use the right engine oil – 5W/30 or 5W/40 specification LL04 and change it regularly every 15,000 kilometers.

In addition, at low starting temperatures, it is recommended to wait a few minutes after starting a cold engine, and before driving.

The chain very rarely breaks suddenly without additional symptoms. This can occur when trying to start the engine on push or pull.

A loose chain or one with a defective tensioner/slide gives clear audible signals when the engine is running – cooing, rattling. Ignoring these signals can lead to a broken chain.

It is possible to service check the state of the timing gear, the state of chain tension and the efficiency of the tensioner and sliders. Such an operation is carried out at specialized BMW service centers.

Timing chain in BMW

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 models of the F line

Shell Helix Ultra 5W/40 oil | Image used for informational purposes © Shell

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