On Autobutler, we have researched the average price of having the timing belt replaced on a BMW. The price includes all quotes that were given to BMW owners and is also an average price for all BMW models.
| Average price* | Compare and save* | You save on average* | |
|---|---|---|---|
| £1,158 | £589 | 36 % |
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The garages associated with our garage portal send written offers exclusively when you create a job and request the quotes. This means you can easily compare prices and descriptions on the scope of the task.
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Have the timing belt changed at your local garage
The timing belt in your BMW runs the camshaft, which ensures the pistons are operated in the right order.
The timing belt looks almost like a large thick rubber band. It is made of a strong rubber material and is covered with teeth on the inside. The teeth or serrations ensure that the belt is held on the gear.
It is important the timing belt is not worn since this can cause it to snap, and at worst it will damage the pistons and valves.
The belt wears each time the engine starts and therefore the belt should be replaced at a certain mileage. It is stated in your BMW's service book how often the belt must be replaced.
How often should the timing belt on a BMW be replaced?
With the advent of newer and more durable timing belts, several car makers have extended the recommendation for how much mileage the belt can withstand, which also counts for BMW. Normally it is between 100,000 and 200,000 km.
At the same time, the lifetime of the belt is limited to a certain number of years (typically 5 years) and therefore you may find that the belt must be replaced, even if the car did not drive the maximum number of kilometers.
It is possible to replace the timing belt yourself, but it is one of the tasks that is not recommended to get started on, unless you are 100 percent certain of how the job needs to be done. The job is messy and if mistakes are made, you may run the risk of having to pay for a new engine.
Because a replacement of the timing belt requires that parts of the engine need to be taken apart, the garages will provide various estimates on how long it takes.
Therefore it is also a good idea to check the individual offers and see how many hours it will take the mechanic before the new belt is in place.
Newly purchased used car - make sure to have the timing belt replaced
It is important that from time to time to keep an eye on the car's timing belt or at least make sure that your mechanic does it. Once the timing belt snaps, it can cause serious damage to the engine.
If you consider to purchase a used car, make sure to have the seller state when the timing belt was last replaced.
The best thing in connection with the purchase is to have the previous owner replace the timing belt. This way you avoid ending up in a sad dispute if the belt should snap shortly after you have acquired the car.
Timing belt: 3 things you should be aware of
It can be difficult to assess when the timing belt is so worn out that it needs replacing. You have been able to read above the amount of kilometers the car may maximally be driven, but it is not only the ordinary wear and tear that has an impact on when the belt should be replaced.
- Temperature fluctuations
The timing belt as mentioned is made of a strong rubber material, which at major temperature fluctuations can either expand and contract.
When the belt expands due to heat and later contracts, it can cause the surface of the belt to crack. If this happens, it is a definite sign the belt is almost tender and should be replaced. Therefore, you should keep an eye on that the rubber always looks intact and in good shape.
- Oil spray in the engine compartment
If the engine compartment of your BMW is tarnished in oil, you run the risk that the oil will sip between the belt and gears. If you do not ensure to keep the engine compartment clean and make sure that there are no leaks which give oil spills, you risk the timing belt sliding of the gear. If this occurs, it can damage both the pistons and valves in the engine. A timing belt, which is covered in oil should therefore be replaced.
- An older model
If there is an older timing belt on your car, it may be a trapezoidal and far from being as flexible as the new timing belts, which are currently found on the market. Check your timing belt and have it replaced. New timing belts last much longer and don’t snap as often.
