First major repair

villey18 · 02-02-2023, 02:19 PM

My 2011 128i recently had rough idle and loud whistle almost like a screech coming from the engine bay(CEL was on). First thought was that it could be the PCV or something to do with the VANOS system.(Did research on forums). Changed sparks and coils less than a year ago. Got towed to my house, started it up again there and didn't have rough idle or whistling, however, there was a very faint clicking sound and now the "service engine soon" light was on. Didn't rev the engine or attempt to drive it as I was afraid it would only further damage the vehicle. Got it towed to local Euro shop who I have just recently started going to. They diagnosed the car and gave me a quote which totaled north of $4000. Just wanted to know if the diagnosis makes sense before I pull the trigger and spend that much.

spidertri · 02-02-2023, 03:05 PM

If they are talking about replacing the vanos adjusters then you should ask why they have diagnosed that as the problem.

There was a recall several years ago for the vanos adjusters because the bolts were known to back out and break. Check out this thread for more information.

https://www.1addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=1747891

The link I put in post #8 in that thread is the procedure for the recall. I don't think there is any reason to replace the timing chain as part of the replacement of the vanos adjusters. Seems like the cars may no longer be covered under the recall but it's possible you could get BMW to goodwill the repair if you do have broken bolts.

villey18 · 02-02-2023, 03:28 PM

I don't work on my car as often as I probably should but I've been trying to make sense of what parts I would need based off of this diagnosis. If it is indeed the vanos adjuster bolts(If you get a bolt that has snapped wouldnt they need to open the engine up to fish it out?) then youre right the timing chain shouldnt need replaced. On the other hand it wouldnt be bad to have a new timing chain. The vehicle does have 114,000 miles on it, for peace of minds sake it might be better just to have it done anyway.

Blau · 02-02-2023, 03:52 PM

Maybe it's just me, but if I was quoted at $4k for a motor repair I'd just drop in a replacement motor. They're not expensive used and if you buy from a reputable place they usually test the engines before they sell them.

02-02-2023, 02:19 PM	#1
villey18 Registered 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: BMW128i Join Date: Feb 2023 Location: Myrtle Beach iTrader: (0)	First major repair My 2011 128i recently had rough idle and loud whistle almost like a screech coming from the engine bay(CEL was on). First thought was that it could be the PCV or something to do with the VANOS system.(Did research on forums). Changed sparks and coils less than a year ago. Got towed to my house, started it up again there and didn't have rough idle or whistling, however, there was a very faint clicking sound and now the "service engine soon" light was on. Didn't rev the engine or attempt to drive it as I was afraid it would only further damage the vehicle. Got it towed to local Euro shop who I have just recently started going to. They diagnosed the car and gave me a quote which totaled north of $4000. Just wanted to know if the diagnosis makes sense before I pull the trigger and spend that much. Attached Images Last edited by villey18; 02-02-2023 at 02:45 PM.. Reason: more details
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

02-02-2023, 03:05 PM	#2
spidertri Lieutenant 398 Rep 464 Posts Drives: 11 128i 6MT Sport Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Rock Hill, SC iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 BMW 128i [0.00]	If they are talking about replacing the vanos adjusters then you should ask why they have diagnosed that as the problem. There was a recall several years ago for the vanos adjusters because the bolts were known to back out and break. Check out this thread for more information. https://www.1addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=1747891 The link I put in post #8 in that thread is the procedure for the recall. I don't think there is any reason to replace the timing chain as part of the replacement of the vanos adjusters. Seems like the cars may no longer be covered under the recall but it's possible you could get BMW to goodwill the repair if you do have broken bolts. __________________ 11 128i slicktop 13 WK2 19 Alltrack S
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-02-2023, 03:28 PM	#3
villey18 Registered 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: BMW128i Join Date: Feb 2023 Location: Myrtle Beach iTrader: (0)	I don't work on my car as often as I probably should but I've been trying to make sense of what parts I would need based off of this diagnosis. If it is indeed the vanos adjuster bolts(If you get a bolt that has snapped wouldnt they need to open the engine up to fish it out?) then youre right the timing chain shouldnt need replaced. On the other hand it wouldnt be bad to have a new timing chain. The vehicle does have 114,000 miles on it, for peace of minds sake it might be better just to have it done anyway. Last edited by villey18; 02-02-2023 at 03:30 PM.. Reason: .
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-02-2023, 03:52 PM	#4
Blau J 367 Rep 697 Posts Drives: BMW 128i Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Connecticut iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 128i [6.00] 2013 BMW X3 28i [0.00]	Maybe it's just me, but if I was quoted at $4k for a motor repair I'd just drop in a replacement motor. They're not expensive used and if you buy from a reputable place they usually test the engines before they sell them.
	Appreciate 0 Quote