2000 BMW 323I was working fine, then the left cam positioning sensor went out. Replaced it 2 times and the light came back on. Before I could replace it a third time I drove home, parked the car and it never started again.

Car was running under powered, the start would be sluggish and then it would have power. This was happening before it quit. Another thing, when I tried to start it it sounded like a normal engine turning over, now it sounds like a sewing machine. The car has sat for about 3 months.

The mechanic said MINIMUM $4K for a new timing belt/chain.:eek:

Any help is greatly appreciated! I bought a beater until I can get this one fixed.

2000 BMW 323I was working fine, then the left cam positioning sensor went out. Replaced it 2 times and the light came back on. Before I could replace it a third time I drove home, parked the car and it never started again.

Car was running under powered, the start would be sluggish and then it would have power. This was happening before it quit. Another thing, when I tried to start it it sounded like a normal engine turning over, now it sounds like a sewing machine. The car has sat for about 3 months.

The mechanic said MINIMUM $4K for a new timing belt/chain.:eek:

Any help is greatly appreciated!! I bought a beater until I can get this one fixed.
Sound like you better start shopping for a new tech! That price is abusive, in my opinion.
The price for both chains is about $100 and the labor is approximately 12 to 15 hours. Even at $125 per flat rate hour, the labor is only $1875. Unless there is additional damage to the engine... Has your mechanic even looked at your car?
Let us know.

It's my understanding that he did a compression check, that was after the car already didn't run and was sounding like a sewing machine when you turn it over.

Outside of the abusive amount, does the problem sound right? I've had the car towed back to my home and am wondering what to do now. I'm in the Atlanta area if anyone has any suggestions for a mechanic.

Thank you for your help! I really appreciate it!!

How many miles/ kilometers? It is very unusual for a timing chain to break - if it did, it would be a major rebuild because I suspect this engine has an interference fit and your valves and pistons would have hit each other.

Loss of compression could be a red herring. I am not sure about your particular engine, but some of the 3 series engines have problems with the seals in the VANOS system. This is easily fixed using a kit from http://www.beisansystems.com

Good luck

How many miles/ kilometers? It is very unusual for a timing chain to break - if it did, it would be a major rebuild because I suspect this engine has an interference fit and your valves and pistons would have hit each other.

Loss of compression could be a red herring. I am not sure about your particular engine, but some of the 3 series engines have problems with the seals in the VANOS system. This is easily fixed using a kit from Beisan Systems (http://www.beisansystems.com)

Good luck


It has about 140,000 miles. Thanks! I will check out the Vanos system.

Actually, I'd also recommend posting the same question on the appropriate forum at Bimmerfest: BMW Forum, BMW Research, BMW European Delivery, 335, M3 (http://www.bimmerfest.com) . I have not seen any BMW related questions on this board. (I own a '98 540)