Looking for advice!

[Paul345]

The N52 is rock solid. You can expect the DISA and VANOS solenoids to require a bit of attention, but there’s no reason normally for the timing chain to need replacing. You should find out why, as it might be a sign of other problems.

Also, get in behind the seats and feel through the gap in the carpet for any signs of wetness in the underlay/insulation. This causes failure of the yaw sensor under the drivers seat and general condensation issues; normally as a result of failed door membranes or poorly fitting roof to window interface. On the invoice it said that they carried out a code scan and found a code for crank and correlation fault. Strip engine and check timing. Timing out and chain stretched. If this normal wear and tear?

[Paul345]

The N52 is rock solid. You can expect the DISA and VANOS solenoids to require a bit of attention, but there’s no reason normally for the timing chain to need replacing. You should find out why, as it might be a sign of other problems.

Also, get in behind the seats and feel through the gap in the carpet for any signs of wetness in the underlay/insulation. This causes failure of the yaw sensor under the drivers seat and general condensation issues; normally as a result of failed door membranes or poorly fitting roof to window interface.

On the invoice it's said that they carried out a code scan and found a crank and correlation fault. Strip engine and check timing. Timing out and chain stretched. Is this normal wear and tear for a car that has a full service history?

[Mr Tidy]

On the invoice it's said that they carried out a code scan and found a crank and correlation fault. Strip engine and check timing. Timing out and chain stretched. Is this normal wear and tear for a car that has a full service history?

That sounds unusual for the N52 engine, although I have seen a couple of E9* 325is for sale as Spares or Repairs with cam-chain problems.

My personal experiences with four N52s haven't identified any cam-chain issues, but having had it replaced must surely be a good thing for that one?

[Paul345]

On the invoice it's said that they carried out a code scan and found a crank and correlation fault. Strip engine and check timing. Timing out and chain stretched. Is this normal wear and tear for a car that has a full service history?

That sounds unusual for the N52 engine, although I have seen a couple of E9* 325is for sale as Spares or Repairs with cam-chain problems.

My personal experiences with four N52s haven't identified any cam-chain issues, but having had it replaced must surely be a good thing for that one?

I agree with you! The whole job cost £2400.00. All main dealer parts.

[Paul345]

On the invoice it's said that they carried out a code scan and found a crank and correlation fault. Strip engine and check timing. Timing out and chain stretched. Is this normal wear and tear for a car that has a full service history?

That sounds unusual for the N52 engine, although I have seen a couple of E9* 325is for sale as Spares or Repairs with cam-chain problems.

My personal experiences with four N52s haven't identified any cam-chain issues, but having had it replaced must surely be a good thing for that one?

And it was only done 6000 miles ago.

[Zedebee]

Is this normal wear and tear for a car that has a full service history?

No. If it was normal, then everyone on the forum would be enquiring whether the timing chain has been replaced when purchasing a car of this mileage (as they do with rod bearings on the “M” models). In this case, it wasn’t preventative maintenance, but fixing a problem. It could be a thrashed engine, or it could just be a statistic.

[Paul345]

Is this normal wear and tear for a car that has a full service history?

No. If it was normal, then everyone on the forum would be enquiring whether the timing chain has been replaced when purchasing a car of this mileage (as they do with rod bearings on the “M” models). In this case, it wasn’t preventative maintenance, but fixing a problem. It could be a thrashed engine, or it could just be a statistic.

With your experience, do you think that i should i walk away from this one? And keep looking.

[Zedebee]

I can only speak personally, in that I avoid cars with a history of trouble, but others may be reassured by the corrective maintenance done on this one.

If you like the car, trust the seller, the price is right, and you are comfortable with the history, then go for it. If you are worried, walk away, there are plenty out there. Not many 2.5Si, to be fair, but plenty of others.

[Paul345]

I can only speak personally, in that I avoid cars with a history of trouble, but others may be reassured by the corrective maintenance done on this one.

If you like the car, trust the seller, the price is right, and you are comfortable with the history, then go for it. If you are worried, walk away, there are plenty out there. Not many 2.5Si, to be fair, but plenty of others.

Cheers for the advice m8!