BMW N20/N26 Timing Chain Installation DIY Part 2 - Assembly & Startup (328i, 320i, 228i, 428i, X1)

►Part Two of Two: There is one major Achilles heel with the BMW N20 and BMW N26 engines, the timing chain. BMW N20 timing chain issues are known to cause potentially catastrophic effects if not maintained properly. Because there isn't much information out there regarding how to actually replace the timing chain and guides, we put together this start-to-finish DIY video to show you how it's done.

Part one of our BMW N20 timing chain replacement DIY, linked below, focuses primarily on the diagnosis, removal, and disassembly of the job. Part two outlines the installation, re-assembly, and start-up procedures.

BMW N20 Timing Chain Extended Warranty: Recently, BMW released an extended warranty that covers the timing chain and drive chain for the oil pump. A limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 7 years/70,000 miles as determined from the original in-service date. This coverage is subject to the same vehicle eligibility requirements, limitations, and exclusions that apply to the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty for passenger cars and light trucks.

BMW N20 Timing Chain Replacement Costs: If you were to take a comparable vehicle to your local BMW dealership and have the job quoted/installed, depending on parts/availability/location, we estimate a roughly $5,000 estimate for parts and labor.

BMW N20 & N26 Timing Chain Replacement DIY Tools:
Breaker bar
Torque wrench
Pick
Flathead screwdriver
Mirror
Magnet
Flashlight
Oil filter wrench
10mm, 13mm, 14mm, & 17mm wrenches
E8 wrench,
T30, T40, T45
8mm & 5mm hex sockets
27mm, 24mm, 22mm, 16mm, 10mm, & 8mm sockets
E20, E12, E10, E8, E7, E6 sockets

This DIY fits the following vehicles:
BMW F30, F31, F32, E84, F10, F25, & E89

BMW 328i
2012-2016 BMW 328i Engine Timing Chain Kit

BMW 528i
2012-2015BMW 528i Engine Timing Chain Kit

BMW Z4
2012-2016 BMW Z4 sDrive28i Engine Timing Chain Kit

BMW X1
2013-2015 BMW X1 sDrive28i Engine Timing Chain Kit

BMW 320i
2013-2018 BMW 320i Engine Timing Chain Kit

BMW 428i
2014-2016 BMW 428i Engine Timing Chain Kit

BMW 228i
2014-2016 BMW 228i Engine Timing Chain Kit

BMW X3
2015-2017 BMW X3 sDrive28i Engine Timing Chain Kit

BMW 428i Gran Coupe
2015-2016 BMW 428i Gran Coupe Engine Timing Chain Kit

Index:
Intro 00:00
Assemble the new timing chain assembly 00:01
Install the oil pump drive assembly 02:08
Replace the crankshaft seal 05:24
Install the timing chain assembly 06:00
Install the camshaft adjusters 13:00
Install the crankshaft bolt 16:27
Install the timing chain guide pin plugs 19:07
Install the vibration dampener 20:18
Check the timing 21:45
Install the new timing chain tensioner 31:04
Reinstall the oil pan 33:02
Reinstall the accessory belt 44:20
Refit the turbocharger parts 45:06
Reinstall the valve cover 47:56
Install the camshaft timing adjusters, boost control solenoid, and vacuum pump 55:53
Reinstall the fuel delivery system 1:00:40
Install the backside wiring harness 1:06:46
Refit the ignition and fuel injector harness 1:11:00
Refit the underbody panels 1:20:16
Reinstall the airbox 1:21:25
Reinstall the cowl brace and trim 1:22:17
Install the engine foam and cover 1:26:27

Get free parts from FCP Euro:

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[Sipho-Msayi]

The best video of all the BMW timing chain replacement I have seen. Both part 1 & 2, video quality is top class. Much appreciated

[WillySantos]

Just a heads up for anyone doing this - the chain tensioning tool should have been installed before the camshaft sprockets were torqued down on the camshafts. The small amount of slack in the chain between the two sprockets in this video will immediately be taken out once that engine starts up, and the intake/exhaust timing will be slightly out of time again. Same with any slack in the chain between the cam sprockets and the crankshaft.

[harryrjones]

2.5 hours to record a grueling timing chain replacement. Much respect…Nate is a dog… hands down!!!💪🏿

[titleistprov]

You know you’re old when you’re watching these for fun. Amazing company and video. Great production. Thank you for the info. When/if this happens to my 2017 I’m coming back. Mentally preparing haha

[fraserbell]

I followed this video and the online guide and you’ve literally saved me £4554.79 over the cheapest quote I got from any garage. That includes buying all the timing tools and a service. I can’t thank you enough for making this guide! Peace!

[eduardovelasco]

This is everyone dream mechanic when taking their car to a shop. Especially a bmw, Wish every mechanic was like this. No half ass work just straight knowledge. Very good video.

[louiskruger]

BRILLIANT tutorial. I purchased all the parts and tools and my son and I did the job in 15 hours(+/-). Everything worked out 100%. Just couldn’t use the flywheel locking tool as my vehicle is a manual. Thank you for the video.

[islandrsxboostedk]

Just want to say a big thanks for the two video on timing. I just finish doing my 328i N20 engine at home still can’t believe it. But because of your two video was so detailed I did it thank a lot sir.

[pedrogonzalez]

I made the chain change in my N20 F10 528i . Thanks FCPEuro for putting out these videos and providing all parts in a single kit. The procedure is very much alike in my F10 without X-Drive as shown on your series 3. I did it in my garage with couple of stands and a HF engine bar to lift the engine to make clearance to remove the oil pan. With 73K miles, the original chain and tensioner were still in good condition, nothing broken, nothing loose, nothing weak. But, the potential for a future (catastrophic) failure was present. I hope this new chain kit does not show any new flaws in the future as miles pile up on it.

[kegankelly]

You see my profile pic?


She’s still alive, & now making 400 whp, thanks to you guys!

Thank you, FCP Euro! 💯

[adama]

watched your videos, bought your parts, fixed my car in a week!

[Bmwguy]

I’ve never been more thankful to own 2 N52’s! Unreal! For a small 4 cylinder and rather ordinary car in BMW’s lineup? This is way too much complication in my opinion. Brilliantly done, though. I can’t believe how little coaching or reference that this host / narrator needed. It was all in his head.

[dwaynedixon]

Finally a fully detailed video of this job, thank you

[johnnymac]

Awesomely detailed video! As a 15 year Honda mechanic I have much respect for anyone working on these cars. It would almost be easier to drop a Honda K20/K24 in these and be done with it. The engineering between the German and Japanese designs is so much different. Cam and crank gears are keyed.... that alone would reduce 20% of this job

[eriksnead]

Huge HUGE help Vincent!! although, the xdrive was pretty different when it came to the diff and oil pan. Nonetheless, your detailed description was crucial! Couldn’t have done it with out you guys!!!

[reneeverellen]

Thanks for doing this video, was very helpful while fixing my Wife's 2013 X3. Chain Guide let go at 277000KM. skipped one tooth on Intake cam but cylinder leakage gauge showed ok so ordered parts and tools and went for it. A bit more work with AWD (give yourself 3 days) but very satisfied to have it back on the road. Thanks again..

[denisbaev]

Watching this and Part 1 is so zen. But also made me realize I may want to go electric for the next vehicle to avoid having to do this.
Have a '14 328xi GT with 100K miles, you know, just in case you're looking to do a comparison with the AWD version in SoCal...

[normlove]

I couldn’t have done this job in my 13 N26Xdrive…. In driveway without the help of this video and the kit I purchased from FCP Euro. Thanks a million times over.

[Salehyya]

Thanks for this very helpful guide. I decided to sell the problem and I revised my decision again looking for solution and after I saw complete 2 part I decided to sell the problem again 😄. I don’t trust our mechanics we have in town to do the same quality job .
Thanks again

[ScottSellsSoCal]

Excellent video! You’re very calm, and explain things easily. Also, your voice instills confidence. Lol sounds funny, but true. Thank you