BMW’s N20/N26, a 4-cylinder, turbocharged engine, was produced from 2011-2017. These engines do exactly what they were designed to do, and then some. Respectable performance, decent fuel efficiency, and enough power to have some good old fun. However, these engines (like many other created by BMW) have one fatal flaw – the timing chain.
BMW’s N20/N26 Timing Chain Issue
The timing chain is a very important component that controls the timing of the engine. When these go bad, the engine can skip timing and cause catastrophic damage. The most common cause for timing chain failure is lack of maintenance and improper oil change intervals. By going too long in between oil changes, worn out oil is unable to lubricate the chain. This can result in the timing chains and chain guides to wear against each other. Oceanside Motorsports can inspect the chain for wear and prevent these failures. We perform this inspection for free with every visit.
BMW’s N20/N26 Oil Change Schedule
Although BMW recommends an oil change interval of 10,000 miles, we recommend cutting that in half due to this common failure, and since this is a turbocharged engine. When you get your car serviced here at Oceanside Motorsports, we check for timing chain play every visit to make sure you always know the current status of your timing chain! Check out our lifetime oil service program so you can change your oil even earlier for no additional cost – www.lifetimeoilservice.com
BMW’s N20 Engine Model List
2013-2016 E89 Z4 sDrive18i
2013-2017 F25 X3 sDrive18i
2011–2015 E84 X1 xDrive/sDrive20i
2011–2017 F25 X3 xDrive20i
2012–2015 F30 320i
2013–2016 F34 320i GT
2014–2016 F32 420i
2011–2016 F10 520i
2013-2016 F10 520Li
2011–2016 E89 Z4 sDrive20i
2014–2016 F22 220i
2015-2017 Brilliance Huasong 7 MPV[8]
2012–2017 F20 125i
2013–2016 F10 525Li
2015-2017 Brilliance Huasong 7 MPV [8]
2014–2017 F45 225i Active Tourer
2019- VinFast LUX A2.0
2019- VinFast LUX SA2.0
2011–2016 E89 Z4 sDrive28i[9]
2011–2015 E84 X1 xDrive/sDrive28i[10]
2012–2017 F25 X3 xDrive28i
2011–2016 F30 328i
2014-2016 F32 428i
2012–2016 F10 528i
2013–2016 F34 328i GT
2014–2016 F22 228i
2014–2017 F26 X4 xDrive20i
Written by Megan