BMW N63 / S63 Timing chain issues

In this video I briefly comment about the 3 main issues related to the timing chains on the S63 and N63 BMW - You timing chain will stretch and that's a fact, how it takes your engine with it will depend on how you prevent yourself.
There are several VANOS related errors that are also caused by the timing chain skipping a teeth and get the engine out of timing and unfortunately the only way to properly diagnosing this is by removing the valve cover on both banks and fitting the timing tool in place.
I don't mean to scare people off because at the end of the day I love these engines and in fact own one S63 (X5M) myself however with the amount of misinformation out there is very easy to get confused and jump into conclusions too early.
If you like the video PLEASE subscribe to the channel ##
I reaaally hope you enjoy you BMW as much as I enjoy mine.
PART NUMBER for the "BMW oil PAN gasket" is 11137566808

[@19Forest20]

Great videos regarding S63/N63. My 2010 550iX had 293 000 km and together with my mechanic we decide to rebuild engine to avoid big costs in the future. Next week I will have my car back :) Generally engine was in really good condition because I'm changing oil each 5000 km or before winter and summer (depends what is faster). This way engine was really clean inside and parts like bearings were in good shape also. Those are not bad engines or like someone said "worst BMW engine". The only problem of those engine is that people don't know how to treat them. Like you said, this is high performance engine not 1.9 TDI. Keep doing great job with those videos !! :) Greetings from Poland.

[@dnl35projects]

I couldn't agree more with you ! Well done and I'm sure you will enjoy your car for many years to come - The best time to rebuild these engines is like you said, when is still running well ! Its also pretty cheap too considering the prices these cars sold for when new. Thanks you for the comment

[@tyronjulian5957]

Awesome content sir , many thanks for you efforts and time to share all the knowledge with everyone. 🤙

[@dnl35projects]

Thanks for watching!

[@robertcampbell1033]

Great Vid my man, owner of the same car and treat it well.Great insight to what we all might need to do oneday. Thanks and great work!

[@dnl35projects]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@levtrader4015]

Very thorough video you have great experience. Thank You

[@dnl35projects]

Thank you

[@robertmassmann228]

Great video and info. I will need some luck bought an 2012 750Xi as a project, have a 2002 525i daily driver. Will be pulling the N63 engine to see if it can be saved. From checks currently, it looks like on one cylinder has a bad connector rod bearing, low compression and shorter piston travel. So we shall see once the engine is pulled and disassembled.

[@dnl35projects]

Hi, if the engine still runs (and please dont run it any longer :) it most likely can be saved. Your goal now is to have as much patience as possible (because trust me, you will feel like crying once the engine is out) If your bores / cylinder walls are not scratched you should be able to get away with machining the crank and a set of new rods/bearings (plus all the stuff that comes attached to rebuilding that engine) Stay inspired, it will be a great car once its done.

[@robertmassmann228]

@@dnl35projects thank you for the words of encouragement. I am in the process of preparing to pull the engine. I do have some bore scope photo that may shed more light on the engine condition. I am concerned with one cylinder that is showing scoring of the cylinder wall.

[@carlosaguilar1945]

Hello I am doing chains and phasers on my 2011 750i was wondering if it can be done with engine in car by removing both oil pans and lowering subframe

[@dnl35projects]

I think you meant timing chain and guides right ? Technically you can do it with the engine block still in the car however both engine heads will have to come out in order to fit the timing chain cover so it’s a bit pointless to have the engine still in the car because the access to everything is a lot harder.

[@gokumasterchief2449]

Hello, I have a question: were the cylinder walls on your engine damaged and if, then what did you do ? Cause I have a 750li with an n63b44c (449 hp), I think outside of Europe their called n63 tu

[@dnl35projects]

Hi, yes there were damages to 2 cylinders so we had to sleeve the block and use different rings.

[@gokumasterchief2449]

@dnl35projects Thanks for your answer. What will it cost me to do this because every cylinder has a slight damage.

[@MegaCokecake]

Great video, good job 👍 One question - did you used FEBI timing chains kit on your build? I see FEBI boxes on your table

[@dnl35projects]

Hi, yes that piece of info is actually coming up on the next video 😆 about the timing chain tool and what timing chain to use - FEBI actually makes the OEM chain for these BMWs so the logos will be scratched off - Search for FEBI 36320 - You'll need 2 of this kits and I highly recommend buying the lower sprocket as well.

[@bmwm5f108]

nice video, how much slack can i have on the intake and exhaust vanos sprockets ? s63 m5 engine

[@dnl35projects]

You mean as to the hub of the sprocket or to the chain ? Either way there shouldn’t be any slack at all (that’s why the tensioner is there

[@caioderobi9206]

Amazing video

[@dnl35projects]

Thanks for the visit

[@tyronjulian5957]

Hey I just subscribed after see all your videos, I Planning to buy a 650i 2014 with 55k on on clock, any advice please of what to check before I buy it? Is that truth the v6 engine on 640i is more reliable? Many thanks 🙏

[@19Forest20]

650i is really good choice a specially with 55k, my friend have such car. 2014 N63 is after technical update so some issues were solved. I strongly recommend visit BMW shop (can be not authorized) plug computer, make visual inspection etc., someone who knows BMWs should do this a specially with N63 engine. Of course you will not check most dangerous things like bearings but will be good to check oil interval if possible at least. 640i is straight six, 3 liters with turbos, BMW is not producing V6 engines. 640i is also good choice and will be cheaper in service BUT.... if you will try first try 640i and then 650i you will not go out from this car ;)

[@dnl35projects]

Hi, at 55k I doubt there will be something wrong with it unless the car has been badly abused (eg: trashed while oil is cold) and as said below, that's the TU version of the N63 which is much more reliable. With that said, the V6 version (with an N55 engine) should be equally as reliable but a LOT easier to work on since the engine doesn't have to come out for some repairs. The V6 on the other hand is surely fun but not as fun as the twin turbo V8, specially if you put a tune in it. If I was me, I'd buy the 650, do a comprehensive service with all fluids and preventive maintenance, and change the oil every 5.000kms - Good Luck

[@user-ye4lr4qw5c]

I have a f10 57000km 2016 m5, can yu recommend procedure prevently?

[@dnl35projects]

Hi, the engine you have in your car S63TU is a bit more reliable version of the S63 engines. Yet, at that mileage I believe the best thing you could do is to change the oil n filter frequently (5.000kms works good for me) and also look after your coolant system properly (flush and renew the coolant every few years ) - The biggest point about these engine is to warm it up properly before you go hard and if your car is still going well consider a rebuild at around 150.000kms

[@gtradis7955]

Hello, I have a question, will it be possible to replace the timing belt in the s63 e71 without removing the engine?

[@dnl35projects]

Hi, I don't thing so. There are misleading photos online suggesting it can be done however, they show the timing cover removed but there is no way of fitting it back in without removing the engine heads and the oil pan. Your best bet would be getting it out of the car and doing a rebuild.

[@hasanalothman27]

Your opinion about lower thermostate temps is it a good idea ?

[@dnl35projects]

I don’t see any harm in lowering the temp for water thermostat however I prefer running OEM specs in all my cars. BMW could have made a lower temp thermostat if they wish. Flush your coolant system and ensure it is filled up without air pockets and it should work just fine.

[@josereyesport23]

Does the engine have to be In order to do the front timing chain?

[@dnl35projects]

Hi Jose, what do you mean by “in order” ?

[@maksimderinskiy2325]

I believe the n63 is a non interference engine so even if the piston is at tdc and valves are out it won’t hit the piston.

[@dnl35projects]

I thought the same until coming across one with a bent valve - Better just not take the chances !

[@alexanderkharevich3936]

I think you statement about jumping chain over sprocket tooth is wrong. It’s almost impossible to happen even if tesnsioner and guides are broken.

[@alexanderkharevich3936]

How short oil service can prevent chain stretching?

[@dnl35projects]

A short oil service interval will not prevent the chain from stretching but will delay the process. 5.000Kms or 12 months is what I do on all my cars

[@dnl35projects]

And as for your previous statement, with all due respect, if you have not seen it happening doesn't mean it's impossible. I make all videos based on my experience with this cars (not something I saw on the internet) and YES I have seen this happening.

[@19Forest20]

@@dnl35projects chain stretching depends on many things. for example try to imagine when there is -20 winter and you are runing engine, what kind of forces are working on cold engine... and what is going on with chain... change it after each 100k and there will be no problem

[@alexanderkharevich3936]

@@dnl35projects In which of your videos I can see the jumped chain? Chain more likely can snap than jump over tooth especially before 200k miles. I think the scenario is: 1) Chain stretched over time 2) Tensioner failed (not enough clearance) 3) Chain started hitting the guides (engine makes loud sounds especially when cold) 4) Chain guides failed and broke in peaces (oil filter full of plastic peaces) 5) Chain sawing the block or the head making super loud sound (oil filter full of aluminium flakes) So at step 5 it may just snap after some time, I guess it's in case of deaf owner who didn't notice strange and loud sounds their engine makes for last 10-30K miles. To me jumping chain is more like a myth.