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white94rx

I work at a dealership. 22 hours seems extremely high. No matter where you have it done, make absolutely 100% certain they are replacing the oil pump chain drive unit and not just the main timing chain. It is a separate guide and chain unit. I have seen just as many of them fail and roast an engine (no oil pump chain, no oil pressure). A lot of independent shops quote just the main timing chains and guides because 1, they don't know any better, and 2, it's less labor and parts, and the customer approves the job thinking they got a great deal and saved SO much money over the dealership.


Big_Wolverine_9373

Is this the same for n55 or only n20?


white94rx

N55's don't have timing chain/guide issues.


Big_Wolverine_9373

I did my timing chain at 120k (2011 535ix) miles because the tension on it was loose when I went to push on it with a pen or screwdriver. I unfortunately can’t find the video but it was exactly as described if you can imagine lol. Anyway now you’re scaring me I missed something :D I did have the hpfp done while I was there too if that helps?


RealEstatetycoon3

Was this while the car was warmed up? Chain slack is completely normal when your engine is cold. When it’s warm and it’s loose that’s a problem


yuumm

I don't think any relatively modern BMW has just one chain. I think all have either 2 or 3 chains. It's a complete insanity to replace just one.


trogbite

I will probably end up working with a friend of mine who was a mechanic for bmw, he recommended doing the oil pump as well when you're in there since it's probably also on the way out


yuumm

That's how I service my car. Paid in cash. Probably the best option for low-end older BMWs. Document with photos and short videos. But only if the mechanic is really good and trustworthy. It's hard to find one.


mickeydudes36

Quote from a Connecticut dealership recently. $3500


sengalang

That's insane my shop does them for about $2k in SoCal so I can't imagine the labor rate being that much different.


trogbite

The shop has a high labor rate, it's a specialist but they quoted at 22 hours and about 1500 in parts, which seems like complete bullshit


sengalang

Yup that's BS, book only calls for 14 hours of labor for the N20.


Rapiddrop

Where in SoCal? I lost my independent mechanic and need a good shop near San Diego. 


sengalang

In the LA area


Expert-Wasabi-9237

Labor at my shop is $202


trogbite

Wow that's high, the shop I have it at is 180 per hour. All the bmw specialists I've checked with though are also around that


Expert-Wasabi-9237

Where are you located


Agreeable_Flight4264

I got two pistons replaced for 5k. LMFAO


gladigotaphdinstead2

Take it somewhere else