BMW's 2.0L turbo N20 (2012-2017) replaced the N52 inline-six in many models - and brought a major timing chain weakness with it. Stretched chains, worn guides, and a chain that can skip a tooth and bend valves led to the Mejia v. BMW class action settlement. Here's the symptoms, repair, and what the settlement actually covers.
Cold-start rattle on a 2012-2015 N20 is almost diagnostic. The Mejia v. BMW settlement covers many affected vehicles - check your VIN before paying out of pocket.
Plastic guides crack and shed. Chain stretches. Cold-start rattle for 1-3 seconds is the early warning. Once it skips, valves contact pistons.
View P0011 Diagnosis →The Mejia settlement covers timing chain repairs on certain 2012-2015 N20/N26 vehicles. Reimbursement for prior repairs and coverage for future repairs (within terms) is available - verify your VIN.
Get help with my BMW →If the chain skips a tooth, valves contact the pistons. Repair becomes a head rebuild on top of the chain job. This is why cold-start rattle is not optional to address.
View P0301 Diagnosis →A common N20 high-mileage seep that drips onto the alternator and serpentine belt. Often done together with a chain job because the housing is right there.
Run free diagnosis →Plastic valve cover warps and seeps oil onto the exhaust manifold. Standard high-mileage BMW seal job.
Run free diagnosis →Electric water pump and thermostat are scheduled-failure items on most BMW turbo engines. Plan for replacement before 100K.
View P0128 Diagnosis →Run a free AI diagnosis tailored to your exact BMW N20. Get the most likely cause and repair estimate in under 30 seconds.
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2012-2015 328i, 428i, 528i, X1, X3 with the N20 unless the timing chain has been done with updated parts.
2016-2017 N20 (revised chain components, fewer reports), or any 2012-2015 N20 that has documented chain replacement and is past the failure window.
Chain + guides + tensioner + timing case oil seal: $2,500-$4,500 at an independent BMW shop. Bundle the oil filter housing gasket and valve cover while you're in there. The Mejia class action may reimburse part or all on covered VINs.
If your BMW N20 is throwing a check engine light, these codes are most associated with the problems above. Click any code for full diagnosis steps and typical repair costs.
Yes - Mejia v. BMW of North America settled in 2020. It covers timing chain repairs on certain 2012-2015 N20/N26 vehicles, with reimbursement for past repairs and warranty extensions on future ones. Verify your VIN against the settlement terms.
$2,500-$4,500 at an independent BMW shop. The job includes chain, guides, tensioner, and the timing case oil seal. If valves are bent from a chain skip, expect $5,000-$8,000+.
A short metallic rattle on cold start, lasting 1-3 seconds, then quieting as oil pressure builds. It often gets longer and louder as wear progresses.
2012-2015 are the worst. 2016-2017 received revised chain components and report fewer failures.
No - by the time it rattles the guides are shedding plastic and the chain is stretched. Always do the full chain kit.