Body vibration and metallic sounds in BMW – how to fix them?

BMW driver question

I recently replaced the timing gear (chain) and oil pump chain. After this repair, the car started to vibrate a lot when adding gas. I knew that the clutch and dual mass were not in the best condition either, so I replaced them, but the vibration remained.

In addition, I bought new engine pads, changed fluids and filters, cleaned the injectors – still no change. At the moment, when shifting into second gear, I can hear as if something is banging around (metallic sound). I think it may be the exhaust, but I’m not sure. In addition, at 2000 to 2300 rpm and in gears 4 to 6 the whole cabin vibrates. I’m tired of adding money with no effect. Please help!

Thank you in advance and best regards.

The problem was with a 2012 BMW 520d F10 with 184HP 135 KW engine and manual transmission, but it may happen with other models as well.

BMW 520d M-Sport F10 | By M 93[CC BY-SA 3.0]

Response from BM Cars service

We always advise against repairing a car by trial and error. In your case, the first question that arises after reading the description is, why were the timing chains and oil pump replaced?

If they were not stretched and did not cause any additional errors, then this investment was unnecessary. If vibrations and additional noises appeared after replacing the timing chain, then this is the direction in which you should direct your attention.

In our opinion, the replacement of the clutch and dual mass wheel were also unnecessary. Their damage causes additional sounds and vibrations usually heard when pressing the clutch or when starting and stopping the engine.

As for the metallic sound when engaging second gear, it is not related to the valve train, rather to the transmission or transmission components (clutch, dual-mass wheel, gearbox).

Body vibration at engine speeds of 2000 – 2300 rpm suggests a problem with the pulley (vibration damper). Components may be worn, stripped, or improperly bolted (with the wrong torque).

Since all of the above-mentioned components were or should have been disassembled when the timing gear was replaced, I suggest closely following the steps involved in the work and their proper installation. If the work was performed by the service center, I suggest you turn to a claim.

In case of problems, you are welcome to use our service. We provide a two-year warranty on all work.

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BMW 520d M-Sport F10 | By M 93 [CC BY-SA 3.0]