Timing chain wear on the gearbox side on the BMW B57
Why this rating?
High severity: Risk of a serious engine, turbo or gearbox failure.
Frequency rare: The source rules out the N47's premature failure pattern; we have found no documented cases or B57 campaigns, so we leave it at "rare".[1]
Symptoms
- A brief metallic rattle after a cold start.[1]Chain noise: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
- A brief metallic rattle after a cold start.[1]Noise on start-up: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
Why it happens
Affected cars and years
The source does not limit it to particular versions or years.[1]
| Version | Years | Codes |
|---|---|---|
| B57D30 265 hp, single turbo (B57D30O0, 2015-2020) | 2015–2020 | B57D30O0 |
| B57D30 320 hp, twin turbo (B57D30T0, 2015-2020) | 2015–2020 | B57D30T0 |
| B57D30 286-340 hp, twin turbo with 48 V (B57D30O2/T2, 2020 onwards) | since 2020 | B57D30O2B57D30T2 |
| B57D30 400 hp, four turbos (B57D30S0, 2016-2020) | 2016–2020 | B57D30S0 |
Models fitted with the affected versions
BMW
- BMW Serie 3 G20since 2019
- BMW Serie 5 G302017–2023
- BMW Serie 7 G112015–2022
- BMW X3 G012017–2024
- BMW X4 G022018–2024
- BMW X5 G05since 2018
- BMW X6 G06since 2019
- BMW X7 G07since 2018
- BMW X3 G45since 2024
How much it costs to repair
Includes: Replacement of the chain, tensioner, guides and sprockets, with removal of the engine or gearbox.[1]
We have not found a published quote in Spain.
Prices in Spain, including VAT. A workshop hour costs on average €38–66 at independent garages and €77–134 at dealerships in Spain, depending on the region and the brand. How we calculate costs
How to check for it before buying a used car
- Start from cold and listen to the first few seconds: a rattle is the signal to have it checked.[1]
Parts needed
The part or kit that fixes this fault, according to the sources.
Timing chain kit[1]
The chain, tensioner, guides and sprockets that synchronise the crankshaft and camshafts.
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How to prevent it
- Change the oil on time with the BMW LL-04 specification and pay attention to noise when cold.[1]
Recalls, campaigns and claims
As of 4 October 2026, we have no record of recalls, campaigns or extended manufacturer warranties for this fault. Check with an official dealer using the chassis (VIN) number: they will tell you whether the car has any outstanding campaign.
What owners say
Frequently asked questions
What can you do now?
We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.
Other BMW B57 faults
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalEmissions controlAdBlue/SCR system fault (NOx sensors, heater and pump)A specialist garage considers the B57's AdBlue/SCR system the fault that most often leaves cars immobilised: a NOx sensor, the quality sensor, the heater or the pump usually fails, and topping up the tank rarely stops the countdown of remaining starts.
- High severityFrequency: RareEmissions controlEGR cooler leaks on the B57 (limited action on the 540d xDrive)Unlike the N47 and N57, the B57 was left out of the big EGR campaigns of 2018 and 2021; a specialist garage cites only one action in 2022 for the 540d xDrive and another limited one in 2024. The fault exists but is uncommon.
- High severityFrequency: RareTurboDegradation of the turbos on multi-turbo versionsOn the twin-turbo and four-turbo versions, a specialist garage considers oil in the intercooler or intake ducts the earliest warning of turbo degradation, before any fault codes appear.
More faults with the timing chain on other engines and cars
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequent1.5 BlueHDiWear and breakage of the 7 mm chain between the camshaftsIn 1.5 BlueHDi engines built between October 2017 and January 2023, the 7 mm chain linking the camshafts can stretch and break, causing serious engine damage. Stellantis has recalled them and covers the fault for 10 years or 240,000 km.Repair (garage): €730–€820
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequent1.2 and 1.4 TSITiming chain stretch and tensioner failure (EA111)On the 1.2 and 1.4 TSI EA111 (2006-2015) the chain can stretch and the tensioner fall short; if the chain jumps a tooth, the valves hit the pistons. Volkswagen admitted the defect in 2012 and revised the chain and tensioner between 2010 and 2011.Repair (garage): €700–€1,400Appears at around 30,000 km
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequentBMW N47Rear timing chain stretch and breakageYes: the N47 has its timing chain at the rear of the engine, next to the gearbox, and on a very high proportion of units, especially those built between 2007 and 2009, it stretches or breaks prematurely because of an inadequate tensioner, with a risk of destroying the engine.Repair (garage): €1,590–€3,000Appears at around 50,000 km
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequentOM651Timing chain stretch and tensioner failureYes: the OM651 timing chain can stretch prematurely, above all on units built up to 2013, and in 2014-2015 Mercedes-Benz recalled around 114,000 vehicles in Germany over a defective sealing ring in the tensioner. A metallic rattle on a cold start is the first sign.Repair (garage): €2,000–€3,500Appears at around 120,000 km
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequent2.0 Ingenium diéselTiming chain stretchYes: the timing chain on the 2.0 Ingenium diesel can slip or stretch prematurely and put the engine out of time, with a risk of serious failure. It is documented on the Evoque, Discovery Sport, XE, E-Pace and F-Pace, with engine failures between 90,000 and 130,000 km in several owner reports.Repair (garage): €4,000–€7,000Appears at around 90,000 km
- Critical severityFrequency: Common1.3 MultijetTiming chain stretch and tensioner failureYes: the timing chain's hydraulic tensioner can lose pressure and let the chain slacken; if it skips teeth or breaks, it can destroy the engine. It is a documented problem on Fiat, Opel, Suzuki and Ford cars with this engine, mainly linked to long oil change intervals.Repair (garage): €350–€550Appears at around 70,000 km
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Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Motor BMW B57: fiabilidad y averíasDasercars · Motoring press · consulted 4 October 2026 · in Spanish
- Motor BMW N57: diferencias con el B57Dasercars · Motoring press · consulted 4 October 2026 · in Spanish