[JaZoN_XD]

Just wondering what everyone's thoughts are on the N20 timing chain issues. I tried searching around, but found nothing concrete. Should I be worried about buying a pre-2015 production N20 car, and what can i do to prevent bad things from happening?

[morphomeman]

2014 was the first year of production of this model and general wisdom is to avoid a car from the first production run.
2014 is also past the window for optimum used-car value.
So the long and the short of it is to avoid a 2014 if you can.

[JaZoN_XD]

Originally Posted by morphomeman

2014 was the first year of production of this model and general wisdom is to avoid a car from the first production run.
2014 is also past the window for optimum used-car value.
So the long and the short of it is to avoid a 2014 if you can.

I see I see. I definitely wanted to avoid 2014, but there aren't any other ones in my area that are good prices and in Estoril Blue.

Also, i'm wondering if anyone has experience with the adaptive suspensions? How long do those usually last, compared to the M sport non-adaptive ones?

Thanks!

[morphomeman]

They are less expensive because people don't want them!
Widen your circle of travel.
Remember that this is a car that does not sell in large numbers to begin with, so your chances of finding just what you want are small.
I sympathize about the color though. Mine still gets lots of positive attention.

[FCBuff]

Timing chain issue is real. Would not purchase. Get the n55 instead. better engine all around, still great gas mileage if that is a priority.

Originally Posted by JaZoN_XD

Just wondering what everyone's thoughts are on the N20 timing chain issues. I tried searching around, but found nothing concrete. Should I be worried about buying a pre-2015 production N20 car, and what can i do to prevent bad things from happening?

[JaZoN_XD]

Originally Posted by morphomeman

They are less expensive because people don't want them!
Widen your circle of travel.
Remember that this is a car that does not sell in large numbers to begin with, so your chances of finding just what you want are small.
I sympathize about the color though. Mine still gets lots of positive attention.

Haha unfortunately it seems like the cars within 500km around me are the only ones available in the entire country! :'(

[PeanuKeeyes]

Originally Posted by JaZoN_XD

Just wondering what everyone's thoughts are on the N20 timing chain issues. I tried searching around, but found nothing concrete. Should I be worried about buying a pre-2015 production N20 car, and what can i do to prevent bad things from happening?

By 2016 production, the N20 was updated on the line to correct the timing chain issue and the faulty oil pump. I have not read about drastic issues occurring with this engine post 2016. I was skeptical going to a 4cyl after driving i6’s for the last decade but it’s been (almost) bulletproof.

The exception:

— I have had one engine stumble on fast acceleration in the damp and then a complete drivetrain malfunction full-on misfire (also in the wet) a few months later. I’m currently running an injen intake that came with the car that frankly is too cheap for this engine. I think the extra flow was bringing too much moisture in causing the intermittent misfire. The MAF with the injen might be to blame. Planning to swap out for Dinan intake soon or return to stock.

Other than that, I’ve put 20k miles on it so far this year and it’s been solid.

[Shovelman]

If you plan to keep it a few years, bite the bullet and order a new 230. Sure it costs more but you get just what you want. Go easy on the options and the price is not so bad.

[mcompact]

I have over 40k miles on the N20 in my wife's X1 M Sport. So far it's been faultless. That said, if I was getting a 228i or 230i I'd want RWD, a stick, LEDs, and the Track Handling Package at a minimum- and bonus points for no hole in he roof.

[Lucky13]

Have almost 54,000 on our N20 in our 2013 X1 MSport and its never seen a BMW shop other than oil changes and an airbag recall and another recall when brand new.

[sethwas]

Originally Posted by mmullane

Does the recall apply to the M235i as well? I just took mine to the dealer because it does the annoying rattle upon cold starting. I showed them a video with the sound because I knew they couldn't replicate it at the dealer after I drove it there. They shrugged me off and said "everything's fine." Very frustrating.

So took my 228 in for its first scheduled maintenance (to me the second owner almost 3 years after original purchase) and I informed them of the rattle and they fixed it under warranty. The service manager completed my sentence when I said small flap and he went 'by the muffler?" so they knew what was up and took care of it no charge.

Seth

[harma24]

Originally Posted by sethwas

So took my 228 in for its first scheduled maintenance (to me the second owner almost 3 years after original purchase) and I informed them of the rattle and they fixed it under warranty. The service manager completed my sentence when I said small flap and he went 'by the muffler?" so they knew what was up and took care of it no charge.

Seth

Likely the fixing bow; it connects the actuator to the exhaust valve. It's a less than $9 part and took me under 10 minutes in my driveway to replace it the first (and so far only) time that I had to.
https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f...encer/IGtl57uq

The fact that I had to at $50k miles and found plenty of advice online tells me that this is not an uncommon issue for our cars. I'm not surprised they just took care of it for you. Not worth the headache of admitting they have an issue and it kept you happy.