23-03-2020, 11:48 AM
And just to add to the "fun", the timing chains in modern BMW engines are at the rear (the gearbox end). There's two of them, plus a third to drive the oil pump: https://www.bimmerpost.com/goodiesforyou/B46-Engine.pdf
So far, the B-series engines have got a good reputation for reliability, but they've only been around for 5 or 6 years. They are also used by Mini, of course. The previous generation 318i got a 3-cyclinder 1.5l B38 engine, which is quite interesting for a company famous for its straight 6's... (the current 318i is a detuned B48 2l 4-pot). But from what I've read, the B series is a modular design for multiple engine sizes and configurations, meaning the R&D effort (and risk!) is effectively shared out across many engines, which should lead to good reliability.
Some of the previous N-series engines had problems with the plastic chain guides failing: https://autka.pl/serwis/bmw_akcja.pdf
The extended service intervals for these cars (19,000 or 2 years) can't be good for sensitive parts like the timing chain and the complicated variable valve timing (VANOS) and variable intake valve height (Valvetronic) which actually takes the place of the conventional throttle plate in most driving conditions. Great for the first owners (or leasees!), but not good for long-term ownership (sorry to repeat myself
)
Another unknown quantity today is particulate filters. Most sales staff are unaware of these in my recent experience. On a test drive, I always make a point of asking "what do I need to know about the particulate filter?". Most of the time, I get a look of confusion, followed by "Um, this is a petrol car". "Yes, I know. And this car has had a particulate filter since it was introduced in 2018.".
Be honest, who thought I was talking about DPFs at first?
If the salesperson decides to carry on digging after that, they usually trot out the standard advice given to diesel car owners. But petrol particulate filters are quite different, and that advice does not apply. Hopefully they will be OK, but it might be worth looking for a slightly older model if in doubt.
So far, the B-series engines have got a good reputation for reliability, but they've only been around for 5 or 6 years. They are also used by Mini, of course. The previous generation 318i got a 3-cyclinder 1.5l B38 engine, which is quite interesting for a company famous for its straight 6's... (the current 318i is a detuned B48 2l 4-pot). But from what I've read, the B series is a modular design for multiple engine sizes and configurations, meaning the R&D effort (and risk!) is effectively shared out across many engines, which should lead to good reliability.
Some of the previous N-series engines had problems with the plastic chain guides failing: https://autka.pl/serwis/bmw_akcja.pdf
The extended service intervals for these cars (19,000 or 2 years) can't be good for sensitive parts like the timing chain and the complicated variable valve timing (VANOS) and variable intake valve height (Valvetronic) which actually takes the place of the conventional throttle plate in most driving conditions. Great for the first owners (or leasees!), but not good for long-term ownership (sorry to repeat myself
)Another unknown quantity today is particulate filters. Most sales staff are unaware of these in my recent experience. On a test drive, I always make a point of asking "what do I need to know about the particulate filter?". Most of the time, I get a look of confusion, followed by "Um, this is a petrol car". "Yes, I know. And this car has had a particulate filter since it was introduced in 2018.".
Be honest, who thought I was talking about DPFs at first?
If the salesperson decides to carry on digging after that, they usually trot out the standard advice given to diesel car owners. But petrol particulate filters are quite different, and that advice does not apply. Hopefully they will be OK, but it might be worth looking for a slightly older model if in doubt.
