Real-world timing chain test shows the dangers of poor quality parts

BMW 1.8 diesel with 110,000 miles on the clock used to compare timing chain wear patterns

Real-world timing chain test shows the dangers of poor quality parts
The test revealed how low cost can often mean low quality.

Product brand, Bilstien has published “alarming” results following a timing chain test which it recently undertook.

Febi selected a a 1.8 turbo diesel BMW which had covered 110,000 miles on its original timing chain as the test vehicle because the Febi timing chain kit is identical to the original fitted to the engine.

A Febi spokesperson said: “The original timing gear was removed and replaced with the competitor’s timing chain kit, which comprised of a timing chain, hydraulic tensioner, tensioning rail and guide.

“An engine oil and filter change was carried out using the correct specification oil to ensure maximum lubrication.

“The vehicle was then driven under normal road conditions for 620 miles before being stripped again and the timing chain kit sent for a detailed inspection.

‘Entirely disproportionate’

“Due to the wear pattern of the timing chain, which was entirely disproportionate to the mileage, the full timing gear set was assessed as ‘critical’.

“Even though certain components were still within tolerances, and the guide rail was assessed as unremarkable, the negative diagnostics findings for the timing chain were significant.

“The chain was found to be of the technical standard of an industrial chain, and was therefore unsuitable for an OE application and certainly not of OE matching quality.”

Everything you need to know

The timing chain is an integral part of the internal combustion engine, linking the camshaft and crankshaft and keeping them precisely synchronised, whilst driving other auxiliary components.

It’s made up of pins, rollers, bushes and links to form a strong but flexible component, designed and manufactured to withstand the extreme forces that are caused by driving the engine’s valve train and crankshaft during the four stroke cycle.

The chain runs over a series of sprockets to drive the rotating engine parts and is tensioned and guided on its recirculating journey.

Unlike a timing belt, a timing chain has no recommended service intervals and is designed to last the lifetime of the engine itself.

Febi warns workshops that fitting a poor-quality timing chain kit could inadvertently end up costing thousands if it fails prematurely.

For further information about products by Febi Bilstein, visit Febi Live! or email [email protected].

Alternatively, click ‘more details’ to find out more about Bilstein Group.

3 Comments

  1. Sounds like a load of marketing BULLSH. 620 miles???

    Reply
    • You clearly don’t own a BMW or a Mini Cooper or it would all make sense.

      Reply
      • I agree he most probably has a dacia, he needs to try owning an n47 bmw engine

        Reply

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