Change Car Timing Belt Kit BMW 3-Series

Change Car Timing Belt Kit

Very technical 3h30–4h00 ~350–400£
Estimated time 3h30–4h00
Estimated labour cost ~350–400£
Difficulty Very technical
Vehicles
3-Series 1982-1995 8
  • 316i Petrol (M40B16)
  • 318i Petrol (M40B18)
  • 320i Petrol (M20B20)
  • 320i Petrol (M20B20)
  • 323i Petrol (M20B23)
  • 323i Petrol (M20B23)
  • 325e Petrol (M20B27)
  • 325i, -ix Petrol (M20B25)
3-Series 1990-2000 2
  • 316i (73/75 kW) Petrol (M40B16)
  • 318i (83/85 kW) Petrol (M40B18)
Renew the timing belt 3h30–4h00
Renew the timing belt kit 3h30–4h00
Renew the timing belt ( - 08/1987) 3h30
Renew the timing belt (09/1987 - ) 4h00
Renew the timing belt kit ( - 08/1987) 3h30
Renew the timing belt kit (09/1987 - ) 4h00

What is the function of a BMW 3-Series timing belt?

The timing belt synchronises the rotation of the camshaft(s) with the crankshaft, ensuring that the inlet and exhaust valves open and close at precisely the right moment. It may also drive other components such as the high-pressure fuel pump or the water pump.

When should you change the BMW 3-Series timing belt?

The replacement interval varies greatly between manufacturers, typically between 60,000 and 240,000 km or 4 to 10 years, whichever comes first. Always respect the time-based interval even if the mileage has not been reached.

What happens if the BMW 3-Series timing belt breaks?

On interference engines (the vast majority of modern engines), a broken timing belt causes the pistons to strike the open valves, resulting in bent valves, damaged pistons, and potentially a destroyed engine. Repair costs can reach several thousand euros. Preventive replacement is critical.

Is it difficult to change the BMW 3-Series timing belt?

Difficulty level 5/5: very technical, requiring specialist tools (crankshaft and camshaft locking tools specific to your engine, tensioner tools, torque wrench) and precise knowledge of timing marks. Incorrect installation can cause severe engine damage. Recommended for experienced mechanics only.

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7 models covered

Model Year Range Engines covered Fuel
3-Series 1975-1983 1975-1983 315 Petrol (M10B16), 316 Petrol (M10B16), 316 Petrol (M10B18), 318i Petrol (M10B18), 320 Petrol (M10B20), 320 Petrol (M20B20), 320i Petrol (M10B20) Petrol
3-Series 1982-1995 1982-1995 316 Petrol (M10B18), 316i Petrol (M10B18), 316i Petrol (M40B16), 318i Petrol (M10B18), 318i Petrol (M40B18), 318is Petrol (M42B18), 320i Petrol (M20B20), 320i Petrol (M20B20), 320is Petrol (S14B20), 323i Petrol (M20B23), 323i Petrol (M20B23), 325e Petrol (M20B27), 325i, -ix Petr… Petrol
3-Series 1990-2000 1990-2000 316g (65/75 kW) CNG,Petrol (M43B16), 316i (73/75 kW) Petrol (M40B16), 316i, -LPG LPG,Petrol (M43B16), 318i (83/85 kW) Petrol (M40B18), 318i, -LPG LPG,Petrol (M43B18), 318is Petrol (M42B18), 318is, -LPG LPG,Petrol (M44B19), 320i Petrol (M50B20), 320i, -LPG LPG,Petrol (M52B20), 32… CNG, LPG, Petrol
3-Series 1998-2007 1998-2007 316 Ci Petrol (M43B16TU), 316i, -Ci, -LPG LPG,Petrol (M43B19TU), 316i, -ti, -Ci Petrol (N40B16), 316i, -ti, -Ci Petrol (N45B16), 316i, -ti, -LPG LPG,Petrol (N42B18A), 316i, -ti, -LPG LPG,Petrol (N46B18A), 316ti Petrol (N40B16), 318 Ci Petrol (N46B20), 318d Diesel (M47D20), 318d,… Diesel, LPG, Petrol
3-Series 2005-2013 2005-2013 316d Diesel (N47D20C), 316i Petrol (N43B16A), 316i Petrol (N45B16A), 318d Diesel (M47D20TU2uL), 318d Diesel (N47D20A), 318d Diesel (N47D20C), 318i Petrol (N43B20A), 318i Petrol (N43B20A), 318i, -LPG LPG,Petrol (N46B20B), 320d Diesel (M47D20TU2OL), 320d Diesel (N47D20A), 320d Die… Diesel, LPG, Petrol
3-Series 2011-2020 2011-2020 316d Diesel (B47D20A), 316d Diesel (N47D20C), 316i Petrol (N13B16A), 318d, -xDrive Diesel (B47D20A), 318d, -xDrive Diesel (B47D20A), 318d, -xDrive Diesel (N47D20C), 318i Petrol (B38B15A), 320d EfficientDynamics Diesel (B47D20A), 320d EfficientDynamics Diesel (N47D20C), 320d, -xD… Diesel, Electricity, LPG, Petrol
3-Series 2019-2025 2019-2025 316d Diesel (B47D20B), 316d mHev 48V (MHEV),Diesel (B47D20B+JA1), 318d Diesel (B47D20B), 318d mHev 48V (MHEV),Diesel (B47D20B+JA1), 318i Petrol (B48B20A), 320d mHev, -xDrive 48V (MHEV),Diesel (B47D20B+JA1), 320d, -xDrive Diesel (B47D20B), 320e, -xDrive Electricity,Petrol (B48B20… 48V (MHEV), Diesel, Electricity, Petrol

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View the service schedule for your 3-Series →