Welcome to Tech Talk, where our resident BMW tech Nick Owen answers all your pressing BMW technical questions, frustrations, and issues. Have a question for Nick? Email him at techtalk@roundel.org. Let’s get into it.
The N20
I have a 2013 BMW X3 28i with 78,000 miles. Oil has been changed every 6000 miles. Timing chain is whining; there’s no plastic in the oil, no loose chain, and oil level and measurement work. I am looking to have it changed. One place says to change oil, chain, and gears. What do you think? I have had the car for 10 years and it is in great shape.
Joe Nunamaker
If the timing chain is whining, you need to have the guide piece replaced. The oil pan and valve cover need to come off, and the entire timing chain assembly is replaced. I guarantee there is plastic somewhere in the oil pan, it’s just stuck. Do not drive this car far. This job is around 14 hours in labor, plus parts.
Towing with an X5?
I’m a longtime BMW owner needing an SUV, and am considering an X5 as a more interesting alternative to the usual American and Japanese models. One consideration is that I occasionally need to tow a 2002-size vintage car on an open flatbed trailer. Online sources say the E53 and E70 generation X5s I’ve been looking at are rated to tow 6000 pounds, regardless of engine. So far, so good: my car and trailer rig weighs less than 4500 pounds. However, not many X5s seem to have trailer hitches installed.
My question is whether it’s ok to add an aftermarket Class III hitch, or is it necessary to find an X5 with a factory towing package, if that even exists.
Dana Loomis
Graeagle, California
You can do aftermarket for the X5 tow hitch. I have installed factory ones in the past and they tend to fit the best, especially with the wiring part. That part is installed post factory so it can be retrofitted anytime down the road.
E46 Suspension Question
I am trying to determine if my 2004 325Ci has the sport suspension. Unfortunately, I have gone down the internet rabbit hole regarding this matter and have not arrived at a definite answer. This morning while changing oil I took a picture of the left side strut and the following numbers are on the strut tube: top row 31 31 6 750 43 02, 2nd row 105413 15 16-12-03 and 3rd row V3470WD. When I put the numbers from the top row in the search box on a parts supplier, it comes back with no match.
Don Ford
The part number you have is: 31 30 6 757 043 which indicates non-sport suspension.
Sport Suspension would have part number: 31 31 2 282 459. It’s possible you have superseded part numbers so this is based on what factory shows, but my gut says you most likely do not have sport suspension.
Long Term Woes
I have a 2017 G30 (540i xDrive) with an 8-speed auto and 106,000 miles on the odometer. I am the car’s second patron but first owner (originally leased), and it has been a fantastic daily driver and long trip car. In my ownership of just over four years I have put 70,000 miles on it, and in that time, I have had to replace the front half shaft boots, turbo coolant reservoir, radiator, upper and lower radiator hoses and most recently the oil filter housing and associated hoses.
The question I have is whether the cooling and oil filter parts that are made of plastic have given anyone else trouble? This seems counterintuitive to me as given they go through extreme temperature cycles, they obviously become brittle and compromised over time. For a higher end manufacturer this does not speak well of reliability or longevity. Has anyone else experienced similar wear issues with similar models in the given time frame / mileage?
Rick Sanford, III
Prince George, Virginia
The short answer is yes. Others have dealt with this, and it is a common issue with this particular engine at this kind of mileage. I would agree that plastic pieces that need to house oil and coolant do not wear well over time. Especially with extreme temperatures and pressures. However, this was the hand of cards we were dealt and we have to make do with it. Luckily other aspects of that engine prove that it is still well-made.
This is also a good example of why an extended warranty can be beneficial if it is available for your particular model.