BMW 2.0 Turbo N20 F30 How to Check for A Worn Out Timing Chain (2013 328 F30 Sedan)

[@khamigen]

If it is actually loose, do not start the car. At this point, the chain tensioner does not keep up with the chains elongation and starting the engine may let it skip within the first revolutions. There are tools to actually measure the timing chain length, these screw into the chain tensioner socket and measure the thread depth until tight.

[@JustinHiFi]

Absolutely agree! This customer has decided the costs to make needed repairs is beyond what they desire to spend on the this vehicle and are planning to trade it in on a replacement.

[@brandonalessio1586]

Is this before or after starting the engine? My chain is loose if I haven’t started my car in a while, but there is no slack after driving

[@WayToManyAssassins]

What happens if you just replace the tensioner

[@KarlWohlfromm]

You good to go until your chain guides break off and destroy your engine also I would check the chains on cold and hot the tensioner changes

[@stephenoffiler8024]

But the tensioner is hydraulic, so it is not tensioning the chain when the engine is off. What would this test reveal on a known-good N20 timing chain?

[@JustinHiFi]

Tensioner is hydraulic yes, however this shows a worn out chain/slop.