Timing Chain Problems by Car Brand: The Worst Offenders
A failing timing chain can destroy an engine. It's one of the most expensive repairs a car can need, and some brands are far worse than others.
Cars With the Worst Timing Chain Problems
| Rank | Model | Issue | Worst Case | Avg Failure Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BMW 3 Series E90 | N47 timing chain | £4.0k | 70k |
| 2 | BMW X1 E84 | N47 timing chain | £4.0k | 70k |
| 3 | BMW X3 F25 | N47 timing chain | £4.0k | 70k |
| 4 | BMW 1 Series F20 | Timing chain (N47) | £3.5k | 70k |
| 5 | Audi A6 C7 | Timing chain | £3.0k | 80k |
| 6 | BMW 5 Series F10 | Timing chain | £3.0k | 75k |
| 7 | BMW 2 Series F22 | Timing chain | £2.5k | 70k |
| 8 | BMW 3 Series F30 | Timing chain | £2.5k | 80k |
| 9 | Mercedes-Benz C W204 | Timing chain (M271) | £2.5k | 75k |
| 10 | Mercedes-Benz C W205 | Timing chain (M274) | £2.5k | 75k |
| 11 | Mercedes-Benz E W212 | Timing chain (M271) | £2.5k | 75k |
| 12 | Mercedes-Benz A-Class W176 | Timing chain (M270) | £2.2k | 75k |
Timing Chain vs Timing Belt
- Timing chain — metal chain, designed to last the life of the engine. When it fails, it's usually a tensioner or guide issue. Cost: £800-£2,500
- Timing belt — rubber belt, needs replacement every 60,000-100,000 miles. Cost: £300-£650 to replace. Catastrophic if it snaps.
Known Problem Engines
BMW N47 (2007-2014)
Found in: 118d, 120d, 320d, 520d. The timing chain runs at the back of the engine (gearbox side), making replacement a major job. Known to stretch and fail as early as 50,000 miles. Budget £2,000-£3,000 for repair.
Peugeot/Citroen 1.2 PureTech (2014-2019)
Found in: 208, 308, C3, C4 Cactus. Early versions had timing chain stretch issues. Updated from 2019. Cost: £1,500-£2,000.
VW/Audi 1.4 TSI EA111 (2006-2012)
Found in: Golf, Polo, A1, A3. Timing chain tensioner failure causing chain stretch. Cost: £800-£1,200. Later EA211 engine resolved the issue.
How to Check for Timing Chain Issues
- Listen at startup — a rattling or whirring noise from the engine on cold start is the classic symptom
- Check for engine management lights — timing-related fault codes indicate stretch
- Ask about history — has it been replaced? If the car has 80,000+ miles and it hasn't, it may be due
- Get a pre-purchase inspection — a specialist can check chain stretch with diagnostic tools
Check timing chain risk for any car | Browse all vehicles
See also: DPF Problems by Car | Cars to Avoid Over 100k Miles | Biggest Money Pit Cars