Timing chain tensioner rattle
Attaches to N43 at engine level · Engine · carried by 12 variants across 8 chassis
Overview
Timing chain tensioner rattle is a common fault recorded against N43 at engine level, typically from 100–180k km. It shows up as rattle for one to three seconds on cold start, worst after the car has stood overnight. Where it's documented, the repair runs €300–€1,400 (tensioner at the low end, chain and guides at the high end, costs dated 2026-07), and it can be checked before you buy. 12 variants across 8 chassis in this database inherit it.
What happens
Symptom. Rattle for one to three seconds on cold start, worst after the car has stood overnight.
Cause. The hydraulic tensioner bleeds down. Caught early it's a tensioner; ignored it becomes chain and guides.
How to check it
Cold start
The car must be stone cold. Stand outside it at start-up and listen for a rattle from the front of the engine.
You get one. If the engine is warm when you arrive, come back another day.
Every variant that carries this
| Variant | Chassis | Body | Years | Risk | Good buy | Cost as % of good buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 320i N43 | E90 | sedan | 2007–2011 | R4 | €3,950 | 22% |
| 320i N43 | E91 | wagon | 2007–2011 | R4 | €4,200 | 20% |
| 320i N43 | E92 | coupe | 2007–2011 | R4 | €4,550 | 19% |
| 320i N43 | E93 | convertible | 2007–2011 | R4 | €4,450 | 19% |
| 118i N43 | E87 | hatchback | 2007–2011 | R3 | €3,900 | 22% |
| 118i N43 | E81 | hatchback | 2007–2011 | R3 | €3,450 | 25% |
| 118i N43 | E82 | coupe | 2007–2011 | R3 | €4,000 | 21% |
| 118i N43 | E88 | convertible | 2008–2011 | R3 | €4,200 | 20% |
| 120i N43 | E87 | hatchback | 2007–2011 | R3 | €4,250 | 20% |
| 120i N43 | E81 | hatchback | 2007–2011 | R3 | €3,800 | 22% |
| 120i N43 | E82 | coupe | 2007–2011 | R3 | €4,400 | 19% |
| 120i N43 | E88 | convertible | 2008–2011 | R3 | €4,650 | 18% |
The last column is the point. The same repair is an inconvenience on one variant and a reason to scrap the car on another. A failure costing a quarter of the vehicle's value changes the purchase decision regardless of how rare it is.