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N20 timing chain replacement: what owners actually paid
N20 / N26 (2.0L turbo 4-cyl)
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Fair-price range (from sourced prices)
How this is derived: the middle 50% (25th–75th percentile) of the USD prices in the table below for that shop type, using full-job totals only. Labor-only, customer-supplied-parts, warranty cost-share, bundled-extra-work and non-USD prices are shown but excluded. A range is only published with at least 3 usable prices. Scope differs between quotes, so read the notes.
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Graded against the dealer sourced range and independent sourced range.
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Estimates, not quotes. Tax, shop fees and diagnosis aren't included, and the price you're quoted can differ. How we estimate
Symptoms
- Whining/whirring noise from the front of the engine, rising with RPM
- Rattle on cold start
- Check-engine light with camshaft/crankshaft correlation faults
- In the worst case, plastic guide breaks and the chain fails (major engine damage)
Which cars are affected
2012–2015 F30 320i/328i, F32 428i, F10 528i, F25 X3 28i, E84 X1 28i, F22 228i, Z4 sDrive28i (N26 = SULEV 328i). Problem mainly on pre-2016 builds per owners.
F30 · 3 Series 2012–2019F32 · 4 Series 2014–2020F10 · 5 Series 2011–2016F25 · X3 2011–2017
Many quotes bundle the oil-pump chain and guides. Ask whether the quote is timing chain only or timing + oil pump chain. Some VINs got a BMW goodwill/extended cost-share — ask a dealer before paying.
Sourced price points (8)
| Price | Shop | Vehicle / scope | Location | Year | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,400 | Dealer paid |
N20 Timing chain + guides; also included oil filter housing gasket |
— | ~2025 | BimmerFest |
| $2,000 | Independent paid |
2014 F32, 62k mi Timing chain + oil pump chain, out the door |
Simi Valley, CA | ~2024 | BimmerFest |
| $3,228 3227.95 |
Independent quote |
2013 328i (N26), 86.6k mi Timing chain, parts + labor, BMW specialty shop |
— | ~2024 | r/F30 |
| $3,500 | Dealer quote |
N20/N26 Timing chain |
— | ~2024 | r/F30 |
| $2,700 | Independent quote |
N20 Timing + oil pump chain, rails included |
Houston, TX | ~2021 | Bimmerpost F30 |
| $2,500 | Independent quote |
2013 N26 Timing chain |
Northern California | ~2021 | Bimmerpost F30 |
| $1,750 | Dealer paid |
N20, 95k mi Owner paid 40% under a BMW 60/40 cost-share · not used in range: warranty cost-share |
Houston, TX | ~2021 | Bimmerpost F30 |
| $3,600 | Dealer quote |
328i Timing chain (quote from 'a few years ago', ~2019–2020) |
— | ~2020 | BimmerFest |
Greyed rows are shown for context and excluded from the range. Years are approximate (date of the post).
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Before you pay: check your VIN for recalls
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