BMW N20 Teardown After Engine Failure - Rod Knock
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- Опубліковано 29 вер 2024
- In this video I teardown my BMW n20 engine to find the cause of the knock. This engine had a very serious rod knock when running and after putting it a way for a while, I finally decided to take it all apart and see what was causing it to run so poorly. This N20 had a little over 110,000 miles on it when this happened; however, I do not know the history of the engine or how it happened. Oil was changed about every 10k miles according to the CarFax. I also go over some of the common issues on a BMW n20 engine as I'm taking it apart. BMW N20 Rod Knock.
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Please rebuild, I think you have a great with your teaching continue with the build, make it forge.
Are you saying out beefier components and make it a tuner engine? That could be really cool, but a looooot to learn along the way.
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I have a white 2014 Z4 28i with this engine. So far timing is still good. BUT the car has always smelled like burning oil after I drive it. I took it in so many times. I replaced the oil filler cap, I had the valve cover gaskets replaced. Nothing fixed it. Eventually a GREAT mechanic found a teensy weensy little crack in the valve cover. It was so small it was almost undetectable. But when oil would leak, it would drip down onto the cat. So there's the burning oil. After I got the valve cover replaced it was gorgeous. I adore this car. But I wish I had gotten the blue like you have.
Performance build! Let's see what it can do!
Almost done with my N55 rebuild and hopefully will get to this one soon!
@@SimpleCarGuy Nice! Im considering buying an old n20 to build and swap into my, new to me, 328i. But I have finish my 67 c10 build first... Good luck! Looking forward to seeing your results!
of course rebuilding if we have free time as it will be better than the OEM! tnx. why oil pump chain brake is common on this engine?
I think you should rebuild it would be very interesting especially on in n20 engine 👍🏼
Still looking into the total cost as I don't want to spend more than the engine will be worth at the end, but I would definitely learn a lot in the process. Decisions are hard!
WOW , I am suprised. My 2006 1.8L Nissan Sentra had a triple thicker timing chain
than this engine. It only had 126 Horsepower , vs 240. People would put turbos on them and they ran just fine. My car , had it not been for the accident , had 149,000 miles
and it ran like a dream. Still miss my sentra.
I think it's called a "spun rod bearing"
What could you hope to sell it for as it is? What could you sell it for after a repair?
Rebuilding it might help your knowledge base but wouldn't be of much other use after that..
Well, I could probably sell it for $600-800 as is or a little more if I sell part by part. On the other hand, a rebuilt one could probably go for $3500 ish but I’d have to spend about $2000 fixing it. Financial it isn’t worth the time and afford, it’s more weather the knowledge I get from it is worth it. Appreciate you always watching!
Rebuild it
Hello to change the chain tensioner you have to set the engine to TDC or not?
I checked the TIS on chain tensioner only and it is not necessary to put the engine in TDC.
R E B U I L D !
Build it
Same issue on my old one , and same cylinder too lol
I wonder if it's a common issue, maybe that cylinder gets starved of oil more than the rest.
Rebuild it and sell it.
BMW doesn’t make good engines anymore like they used to
Seems like once they started putting turbos on their engines, the reliability went out of the window.
Agree with you they only focus on power but forgetting the reliability
Go for the re- build, you are half way there already
That's true, I'm thinking of calling a couple machine shops and figure out the total cost. Don't want to spend more than it's worth after.
Why do you need a machine shop? I’d just get a new (to you) crankshaft and rod, new main and Conrad bearing shells to match the new crank, hone the cylinders and install the new rings. I take it you already have replaced the chain before in your old videos, so I’d reuse that
@@fastboatster You know that's what I was thinking of doing initially, but people kept telling me that I need to resurface the mating areas etc. Also, wouldn't I need to have the cylinder re-honed at a shop? Appreciate you comment, sounds like you know more about this!
@@SimpleCarGuy you actually can't get the cylinders honed because the aluminium cylinder walls are coated. The coat is 0.2mm thin, so you basically can't hone them.
I would love to see you rebuild this engine as I’m also looking to forge and build my n20 motor in my current stage 2 set up. I’m definitely subbing
Got a couple projects in the process, but if the tracks are open this year, I might build it up to take my Z4 on the track.
Where did you find the forged pistons?!
Rebuild you would be the first on UA-cam
That’s a good point!
My bmw n20 lost compression on cylinder 1-4 do you have a good place to buy a used motor or should it be rebuilt? What do you think?
I'd buy a used one unless you can do the work yourself to rebuilt it. I used car-part website to find a local junk yard and bough the engine there.
@@SimpleCarGuy what’s the deal with the cylinder blocks? Can you honed those or you can’t
Hi! Simple Car Guy, could you help me out as to how do you tell if you my car has the upgraded turbo waste gate vs the old design that would rattle, can we tell from the part no etc., looking forward to you reply, thks!
What was engine milage? U got me scared a bit
How can I contact you? I‘m an engine supplier from China.
I’m actually looking to buy a rebuilt n20 send me a message if it’s available
I'll keep you in mind. I've been working on another project for now and will be getting to this engine soon enough!
I’d say you should get forged pistons and rods get the block worked on since it still looks to be in really good condition
Use it for a forged build and tune it. It would be a unique build
That would be pretty cool! Will most likely be my project once I'm done with the 335i engine swap.
Rebuild, but the crank is probably scrap. Even with a regrind, these cranks go out of shape. You need to find out what caused oil starvation to that journal.
I finished rebuilding an N55 engine recently and it's definitely a lot more expensive than I expected at first. If I find a car with a blow engine to slap this into, I would def go for it and get a good used crank if this one can't be resurfaced.
Rebuild it and sell it. Must have been the timing/oil pump chain causing the oil starvation problem.
My 228i has the updated chains and a 7 yr. 70k mile warranty.
This engine already has new timing chain/guides/oil pump chain, so if i rebuild it, it should at least last a long time.
Hi buddy. In this case what would be the solution/fix for the worn out journal? Would it need machining with a thicker rod bearing fitted? I too have a n20 2013 328i f30 56k miles So far no issues thankfully!
Hi! If the journal isn’t too damaged it can be ground and machined to fit oversized bearings. I’ve seen oversized bearings in sizes 0.25, 0.50 and 0.75.
@@SimpleCarGuy thanks for the reply and info bud! Appreciate it
REBUILD PLEASE !! I have an F30 320i, not a lot of n20 build content out there.
I'm working on my 335i at the moment and then will get back to rebuilding this engine! Stay tuned!
@@SimpleCarGuy Good stuff
When you compare a silly K series Honda design to these BMW N series, the Japanese are light years ahead, on the Honda you have a cradle design bearing carrier, the oil pump is a gear driven multi chamber, that's just the bottom end, N20 is just garbage design
Id like to see a rebuild but for the $$ most people I think would just part it out and replace it.
That's what I've learned after posting the video, it's not really worth rebuilding it unless I start taking my Z4 racing or something and need a spare built engine ready to go. Otherwise, makes sense to sell it for parts.
THANK YOU so much for this i love learning about this fantastic engine, i think you should absolutely do a rebuild because id like to do the same as well when mine fails
Seems like most people are suggesting rebuild! I better do some research!!
SimpleCarGuy just strengthen some of the internals, use billet!
How many miles were on the engine?.. what oil brand and weight were you using at what oil change interval ?? Just for reference thanks?
Sell the block oil pump, oil pan. You're lucky the block was not damaged. I would keep the upper engine parts for spares.
What is the reason behind this issue? Bad oil? Too long service intervals?
BR
Could be many reasons, hard to tell for sure on this engine as I got the car with the problem. The records showed routine oil changes but based on BMW's schedule of 10-15k miles, which might have been the culprit.
Hello, my friend, I am facing the same problem. I checked all the engine parts and did not find any malfunctions in them and I still hear a sound in them, so what is the problem in your opinion?
My 328i F30 is also making this noise (knock). What can it be?
Rebuild please it is just what I was looking for. I have N20 engine and that is what I want to do too.
Hi.Thanks for the video you share about the sound clicking and here is coming from .its help a lot. to figure out if i fix it or not.Quick question; can i eliminate the clicking sound by changing the oil to a heavy one instead of synthetic oil?Any idea ? Thanks
Do you know what are the differences between 184hp and 240hp version of N20? Not just only the software right?
The mechanical difference is only piston head which change the compression ratio from 11:1 on the 184hp version to 10.3:1 on the 240 version.
Exactly, it's not just software, there are physical differences.
@@SimpleCarGuy If you could rebuild and upgrade that defect N20 engine to output more power, would you do that? That would be interesting.
@@CartubeCoIl But same cylinder size? If so, that means that the displacement volume inside the combustion chamber would be smaller. in 240hp engine. right?.
The engine size is the same. The only one that is 1.6 is n20b16 which was available only in turkey but that one makes only 168 bhp
Have a 2013 328i with 81,000km on it. All services have been done as per BMW. Had the extended warranty on that expired 4 months ago. Never used it . Just las t week a block from home the motor made some knocking. Took it to BMW and they said the rod bearings are gone and I need to replace the engine at a cost of $28,000 CND!! the engine alone is $18,000. They will not help me out at all. They know this is an issue with this engine as well as the Timing Chain which costs $6500 CND, now Im stuck with a car thats no good. I am very sad that The Ultimate Driving Experience turned into the Ultimate pain in The Ass...Would I buy another one? NO WAY.. not after knowing this is how they back their product.
Unfortunately this has been the case with a lot of people. I would definitely call the corporate number to see if they can do anything and worst comes to worst, get a used engine (should be $3-4k USD and pay someone $1500 to put it in.
I got my Z4 with the rod bearing at the auction because of the crazy dealer prices for replacement.
Rebuild
Rebuild it
Here you go includes videos 1 and 2 in The description: ua-cam.com/video/zTfY0XM1f3M/v-deo.html
Is a 2016 328i n20 with 60k miles reliable?
Rebuild
Great video
You can rebuild and replace the affected conrod. A machinist could also check possibility of cutting undersize by 0.50mm (0.20) for the big ends and you find the bearings from kings bearings. That's what I did
How much would a fix to replace the main bearings and connecting rods cost?
Rebuild
ibati kapati
Hi Mate had you found what actually happen in your n20 engine. I have a f30 328i with N20 engine too. I had a lean issue had changed a lot parts but the lean issue still there. I had gave up for keeping in and out from workshop in these 1 year time. Can share your experiences? Thanks
Hi there. You can see in this video that the rod bearing was spun and that's why it was knocking. Unfortunately, I do not know WHY it happened as I got the car with the issue already there. Spun bearing could be from lack of oil, overheating, poor oil circulation, over revving etc.
Thanks for watching!
Rebuild time
rebuild when you need it, not now. Don't make costs for something you are not sure of that you need. But of course, store the engine after oiling all moving parts
That's what pretty much did. It's sitting in the corner lightly coated in oil. Looking for a nice X1 or something like that for my fiance with a blown engine or something like that. Would make a fun project.
Interesting, thanks for posting 👍
Rebuild it for me! I have a 328i with a knocking N20 sitting in my carport right now! 😆
That project is on hold for now! Would love to rebuild it, though :)
Rebuild it!
Do a rebuild! Definitely be a first to do it on UA-cam!
I've been looking for a 28i car with a blown engine to give me a reason to rebuild it. Something like an X1 or X2 for my girlfriend, but nothing yet!
@@SimpleCarGuy i have the same problem on mine is 135i convertible twin turbo m3 package 2011 do you wana by it .its supper clean 57k miles on it ,new top
I had face same problem with n20..
It caused by oil filter replacement mistake during servicing.
Paper filter compressed and not properly works.
Buying used good condition block from scrap yard 1300 dollars cheapest way for me. Because these metal flankes dancing everywhere in engine..
Sucks that an oil filter change led to something like this! Hope you can rebuild yours and get it back on the road soon.
Can you give me some more details on this because I feel the same may have happened 😊
Give it a go man.
Stop going around and around the engine already!
I'll stick to driving, polishing and waxing. ........interesting video though.
I find it fun to take things apart, see how they work, but rebuilding might be sliiightly over my skill level. Decisions, decisions!
What was the source of the issue? Why did the bearing started to go out like that. Oiling issues?
Don't know what was the source of the issue as I got the car with the issue already present, but I would have to guess either oil starvation, over revving or something of that nature.
Interesting teardown. I especially like to see the oil pump chain removal.
Remake it because new that engine cost 20.000dollars
I wish it did! I can get a working engine with about 40000 miles for about $3500.
That crank is trashed..... the color on the bad rod side shows high heat.
You're right! Too bad the crank is so expensive!
A failing fuel injector also puts out this similar noise
It does, but not nearly as loud. Sometimes hard to tell, for sure!
I rebuilt mine my one half of my rod bearing actually fused itself with the other. It rolled on itself. It was a leaking injector I kept getting a lean code and once in a blue moon a misfire code
That's what happened on my N55 engine, crazy how that happens!
We're you able to locate undersize bearings or did you get a new crank?
@@sadiqrehman947can you answer this question for me ?😊
Excellent video ... I have a later N20 with apparently no issues but your video is very helpful in understanding the components and also maintenance that can be done diy
Thanks for watching! The great thing about n20 engine is that there is a lot of space in the engine compartment, so maintenance isn't too bad.
Rebuild!
Thanks for the vote! Looks like the majority agrees.
Rebuild it please do
Have exact same problem, did you find the cause?
Rod bearing failing was the cause of the engine knock, but unfortunately, I do not know why that happened as I bought the car with a bad engine as a project.
@@SimpleCarGuy Please what is Rob bearing? Where is it on the engine? I have this same "Knock" and the mechanic doesn't know where it is.

Good video. Do you know if there is a way to get the oil pump assembly out of the way so the bearings can be changed without removing the oil pump chain assembly?
Think I might have bottom end knock on the way! Got a video up if you fancy a listen
Watched the video, hard to tell, but it does sound like a light case of the knock I had as well. You'd have to take the sprocket out at the very least as you wont' be able to take the oil pump assembly out otherwise. I don't see how you can do that without removing the tensioner and the rest of the assembly, though.
@@SimpleCarGuy yeah that’s what I’m thinking. Non stop trouble with this N20. Strange the noise is only there when hot. I might try a thicker oil -0-40 before changing the bearings.
Watched your video again and I’ll release the chain tensioner, remove the sprocket and hopefully pull the unit out with the chain assembly in place. Thanks 🙏🏻
@@TS-ji1me Good luck! These n20s can be troublemakers, that's for sure! Hope thicker oil can help, at least for now.
Yes, please rebuild if cylinders are okay.
Thanks for you input, I believe the cylinder is scored, so it's a little more complicated.
How many miles/kilometers was on this engine?
About 110k if I remember correctly.
@@SimpleCarGuy interesting, didn't know n20 had issues with rod bearings on what i consider decently low miles.
I'll buy the timing kit if you decide to sell it
I'll keep that in mind! Thanks.
Great work I recently saw a video about replacing the bearings it is a bit time consuming and have specific measurements but it can be done. The video I saw was with the engine still in the vehicle. 3 part video. I'll see if I can find it and provide.
Replacing the bearings wouldn't be hard at all at this point, the problem is the cost. The crankshaft alone is almost $1000 and it'd be another $500 for bearings and then gaskets on top etc. If I hadn't put another engine in my Z4, I would totally rebuild it, but at this point I'm not sure if I'd get my money back rebuilding it.
@@SimpleCarGuy 😯
@@SimpleCarGuy wow it would cost over 2k in parts just to change the crankshaft, bearings and rods ?
Thanks for the video. My recommendation would be to sell the engine and use the money to purchase performance or aesthetic parts/mods for your Z4 ! :) Then, you can have more content for your channel installing the mods.
I like that idea. I'll see if I can get any decent money for the parts and go from there! Thanks for watching.
How many miles was on this engine ?
It had 115000 miles
@@SimpleCarGuy wow !. Like your channel keep doing your thing
Please rebuild.
Thanks for your vote!
German Cars Shitt its fact only JAPANESE CARS BEST AND ENGLAND AND USA
My car production date 06/15 had chain failure. So that rules out any doubt of it just being earlier models. I'd like to clarify it was babied, 3-5k mile oil changes, engine was pristine inside when opened.
Oh wow, that's sad! This can happen to any N20 engine, but the early models were just MUCH more prone to this. Talk to BMW, they might be able to help there was some extended warranty etc for newer cars.
@@SimpleCarGuy I noticed a month after my warranty finished, they used the BMW Goodwill program, it was a 90/10 split I paid like $500 for the entire job
You got a good deal there! At least they are taking care of people.
Bro, my opinion if you think you can get a profits by rebuilding the engine and tuning it to higher level please do so, even the parts I believe it’s valuable,
FYI the N20 will last for many years to come as china and SEA has many of these, also N20 is considered new in the Vinfast LUX produced at 2019
I owned a F10 528i N20 M Sport in Malaysia, expensive to fix, but worth it as the driving experience is superb, the engine is was ahead of its time built to last 15 to 20 years
why does something like that happen, you haven't changed the oil in a long time
I bought the car with the problem already, so I don't know why it happened exactly. Most likely it ran low on oil, was over revved or overheated.
@@SimpleCarGuy I also drive the N20 engine when the engine is cold I let you warm up for 5 minutes and then I drive off is it good for the engine or bad
@@FatiFati-oo4rs I heard that warming it up for too long isn't any more beneficial then warming it up until the RPMs drop. You want to start driving right after the RPM drops to normal 750-900 to get the oil moving around.
@@SimpleCarGuy what can happen if I let it warm up for five minutes because the engine runs quieter and very quietly when I let the engine warm up 🤔
Nothing bad will happen if you do, but the engine is best lubricated when it’s under load. After a minute, you can start driving, but don’t push too hard until the temp needle has moved off the bottom.