German Car Timing Belt Guide: VW, Audi, BMW, Mercedes

German Car Timing Belt Guide: VW, Audi, BMW, Mercedes

It was a Tuesday morning in February when a 2010 Audi A4 rolled into my bay on a flatbed. The owner—a software engineer who’d bought it used six months earlier—stood there looking like someone just told him his dog died. “It just stopped running on the highway,” he said. I popped the hood, pulled the … Read more

BMW Timing Chain Problems & Replacement Guide

BMW Timing Chain Problems & Replacement Guide

    Quick Answer: Most modern BMW engines use a timing chain designed to last the life of the engine—but on certain models, especially early BMW N20 timing chain setups, design flaws and oiling issues cause premature wear. If you hear a cold-start rattle or see timing-related fault codes, stop driving and inspect the chain … Read more