Book a Timing Chain Repair for your BMW

Why choose the RAC for a timing chain replacement?

At the RAC, we've got over 125 years' experience helping UK drivers. We have the skills and knowledge to keep your vehicle running. We'll give you results you can rely on at a price you can afford.

Close up of an RAC Mobile Mechanic underneath a car

Book a timing chain repair

A timing chain keeps your engine running smoothly and avoids serious damage. If you're hearing unusual noises or experiencing performance issues, it could be a sign of a worn timing chain and it’s time to get it replaced.

Quality work

Any work done will meet the high standards set by the RAC.

Exceptional customer service

We’re friendly, straightforward and jargon-free

A mechanic inspecting the underside of a vehicle.

Book a diagnostic

A mechanic will check your car for faults and talk you through any repairs you might need. There are various ways to check for faults, which could include a physical examination or plugging in to check your car’s onboard engine management system.

Diagnostic check

We’ll look for any mechanical or electrical problems. If we need to, we’ll also check your car’s onboard engine management system. Depending on your car and issue, this will usually include: – Engine – Power steering – Brakes – Transmission – Exhaust system – Fuel injection system – Cooling system and air flow – Sensors

And it’s not just timing chain repairs we can do for your BMW

RAC Approved Garages offer MOTs and services. Our professional mechanics have the expertise and experience to make sure your vehicle is operating safely and efficiently – results you can rely on at a price you can afford.

A close up of an RAC mobile mechanic looking under the hood of a car

Try one of our RAC Approved Garages

View all garages

Heath Mill Garage

5.0/5

A real alternative to the Main Dealers offering Servicing, Tyres, Exhausts, 4 Wheel Alignment, Air Con and much more. Conveniently located on Heath Mill Road, Wombourne, close to Sainsbury's we offer a full range of facilities with a reception and waiting room, we also have courtesy cars available. We use top quality parts such as Brembo Braking and Shell Oils to ensure your vehicle is running at it's best. We also update Electronic Service Records for modern vehicles without a service book.

Heath Mill Road, Wombourne, Wolverhampton, WV58AP

M & M Garages LTD

4.4/5

M and M Garages Ltd has been established since 1981 and with its present owner for over 16 years. The owner is vastly experienced at working on a huge range of cars and personally oversees the work carried out. M and M Garages Ltd prides its self on being able to offer 'The Complete Garage Service' at realistic prices. The work carried out will be thorough and reliable. We do not carry out unnecessary work on vehicles. You will find the staff, and the owner, friendly and helpful. Many of our customers return year after year and refer others to us. If planned in advance we can often arrange a courtesy car for customers if required. Most major credit and debit cards accepted.

The Old And Skin Warehouse, Snowdon Road, Middlesbrough, TS2 1DB

Bolton Tyre & Exhaust Ltd (OPEN 7 DAYS)

4.0/5

Bolton Tyre & Exhaust Ltd. Is a reputable vehicle servicing and repair centre based in Bolton, Lancashire. Being an established vehicle service and repair centre we specialise in all aspects of vehicle repairs, incl exhausts shock absorbers, vehicle diagnostics, vehicle air conditioning systems, MOT Testing, and vehicle servicing and repairs to all makes and models of cars and vans. We focus on providing excellent vehicle services to all customers throughout Bolton and the surrounding areas of Bury, Walkden, Leigh, Wigan, Chorley and Blackburn.

Topping Street Off Brownlow Way, Halliwell, Bolton, BL1 3UP

A1 Tyres and Exhausts

5.0/5

With over 30 years experience of automotive repairs in Coventry, A1 Tyres and Exhausts is a name that you can rely on to deliver a professional, high quality, and reliable service, that will meet all of your car needs. And above all, we are a name you can trust again and again.

Unit 12-13, Relton Mews, Coventry, CV65HE

Ian Bright Motor Engineer

4.7/5

Ian Bright Motor Engineers is a friendly independent garage situated in a beautiful countryside location in Halnaker, Chichester. Established since 2013, our small team are dedicated to delivering you the highest levels of customer service. Our workshop is fully equipped and we cater for all makes and models of vehicles, offering our customers a comprehensive range of repairs, maintenance work, servicing and MOT’s. Owner Ian has over 47 years of experience, having started his 5 year City & Guilds apprenticeship back in the 70’s. City and Guilds qualifications are a lot more intense and labour intensive compared to the more modern qualifications available to mechanics nowadays, and we were taught how to fix and repair parts as opposed to simply replacing them, which is standard practice in most places today. I have experience working with older classic cars, alongside newer more modern ones too, and no job is too big or too small for us to take on! Most of my customers have been with me for years and know that by choosing my company to undertake works on their pride and joy, they will receive fantastic workmanship alongside a personalised service. We would never advise you doing anything to your vehicle which was unnecessary as some garages do purely for profit, priding ourselves on our honest core values. My son, who was trained in-house alongside me, has branched out into classic and vintage race cars and is fast gaining a fantastic reputation for his first-class trimming, and my eldest grandson Lewis is now working with me and is undergoing his apprenticeship too. Three more grandsons are also looking to come on board and keep this garage running with a strong family presence.

Unit 2 The Workshops, Thicket Lane, Halnaker, PO180QS

Frequently asked questions about a timing chain repair

What does a timing chain do?

The timing chain links the crankshaft and camshaft to open and close the engine valves at the right times.

How complex is a timing chain repair?

Fixing a timing chain is complicated and means taking apart engine parts. It's not a good DIY project because it needs special tools and know-how. Let a skilled mechanic handle it.

What will happen if my timing chain breaks or is damaged?

If a timing chain breaks or is badly damaged, it can cause serious engine problems like bent valves and damaged pistons. The car may stop running and need major repairs.

Is it worth replacing a timing chain?

Yes, replacing a timing chain is worth it, especially if it's worn or due for replacement. It can prevent costly engine damage.

When should a timing chain be replaced?

A timing chain usually needs replacing between 60,000 to 100,000 miles. If you hear engine noise or misfires, think about replacing it sooner.

What are the symptoms of a timing chain going bad?

Signs of a bad timing chain include engine rattling, misfires, poor performance, metal shavings found in oil, and the engine light coming on. These signs show that the timing chain may need checked or replaced.

What can I do to prevent timing chain problems?

Regular maintenance prevents timing chain issues. Change oil regularly, use good quality oil, and check the engine for wear signs. Keep the engine lubricated and avoid rough driving to make the timing chain last longer.

What is the average cost to replace a timing chain?

Replacing a timing chain varies in cost based on your vehicle's make, model and its complexity. Prices range from hundreds to over a thousand pounds. Get an estimate from your service provider for a clear idea of the cost.