Need the timing chain replaced on my 2013 X3 xDrive28 (N20) and would like a recommendation on a reliable shop in Fairfield or Westchester County.
Just google Euro shops in your area and then read reviews, ask other BMW drivers you meetā¦ who has been doing all the work to it so far??
Timing chain pays 16+ plus hours labor time, welcome to having a BMWā¦
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Who suggested replacing the timing chain? Did that shop not recommend a mechanic that can do the work?
How many miles on this vehicle? Timing chains rarely need replacing if car is properly maintained.
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Ask your BMW-owning friends, relatives, co-workers, fellow church goers, etc which local shop they use.
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The engine management system can tell if the timing chain needs attention.
Tester
Ah, thank you.
As far as the OP, looks like another one and done post.
Maybe you provided all the information they needed, should they ask again?
If a waitress asks if you would like a refill on your coffee, just sit there silently.
It was Tester that provided the answer to one question posed, not me.
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The timing chain on the N20 has a known fatal flaw that results from premature failure of the timing chain due to its plastic guides. Our car has about 75k miles on it but the engine is starting to get āchattyā on start-up.
OK , what are going to do about it ?
Definitely not a one and done post ā just wasnāt getting the emails on the responses (until now) and Iām not routinely on this forum.
Unfortunately, most of the feedback hasnāt been helpful ā people unfamiliar with the N20 advising that timing chains arenāt an issue, or that I should ask āfriendsā for shopsā¦as if I wouldnāt have done that before resorting to a forum. Most friends use either dealerships or general mechanics in the area ā ones that arenāt what Iād consider BMW specialists. I appreciate the inquiries and questions but even the question by oneā¦āwhat am I going to do about it?ā Umm, Iād like to bring it to a BMW specialist, hence my original postā¦
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I donāt think there is anyone on this forum that lives in Fairfield or Westchester County where ever those places are.
Thank you for the explanation about your chain.
Search āEuropean Car Mechanics near meā, that is what I would do if I did not want to use a dealership. Canāt be of anymore help.
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BMW estimated about $9k.
The OE replacement kit is about $700 from FCPEuro (the cost from BMW is almost twice that) plus some speciality tools I could probably pick up cheap but, especially on cars with AWD, itās a pretty time intensive job. I know people from other parts of the country who have used indies to have it done for about $4k. Not cheap but still better than $9k. And, unfortunately, while Iām comfortable working on cars, I donāt have the time for this project especially as itās a daily for my kids.
Appreciate the feedback. Iāll keep calling around and sifting through BMW forums. 
Understandable. Iām seeing timing chain r & r is specād at about 11 hours labor. Big job. .
I presume you already know BMW issued a warranty extension. You might could use an expired warranty extension as a argument that a BMW dealership should give you a discount on the job. For good customer relations. Better chance to āyesā if you convince them youād like to buy another new BMW one day. No harm to ask. Your idea to search through BMW-specific forums seems a good idea in any event.
If you would read other peoples postā¦
It was in the very 1st replyā¦
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What makes you think your 16 hour estimate is closer to the actual time than my 11 hour estimate?
There is an occasional poster that is a BMW dealer mechanic. Maybe he will read it. I donāt recall his pseudonym at the moment.
Because it is what a lot of pro shops use, including the one I retired fromā¦
It is the same one I always quote labor times from, it is NOT a DIYer websiteā¦
Could it be wrong, yes but very rarelyā¦
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What is bmwās cost breakdown? $1500 parts and $7500 labor? $200hr/32hrs? Seems a bit high.
$9000 job? But Hans auto emporium does it for $4000?
Thanks for warning others to stay away from 10yr old bmws.