How do I know if my timing belt is broken on my Luxury Vehicle engine?

The worst thing that we can think of is not being able to drive that beautiful BWM that you own because of a mechanical issue. Have you recently purchased a luxury brand vehicle new or used? And you don’t know when you should have your timing belt replaced, especially to those who purchased a used BWM. Most drivers don’t know when you should have your timing belt replaced. That is why we are here to answer that question!

Timing belts started to replace engine chains in the late 70’s and early 80’s as auto manufacturers were researching ways to produce lighter and less expensive vehicles. Lighter weight meant increased mileage. Be sure to keep in mind that not all cars have a timing belt, though most of them do. Timing chains are starting to make a comeback due to the durability of chains so be sure to check your vehicle’s manufacturer guide to determine if you have a belt or chain.

There was an old mechanic’s “rule of thumb” that you should have your belt replaced every 60,000 miles. But with the improvement of technology and overall optimizing of car engines timing belts are lasting longer and longer. Now a days many vehicles manufacture say that your belt can last up to 100,000 miles. Luxury vehicles has a standard maximum mileage for timing belts which is 105,000 miles. A faulty timing belt can cause loss of power, fuel economy, engine misfiring and vibrations. Needless to say, the breaking of a timing belt is both very costly but also very unsafe for the driver of the vehicle.

For peace of mind we suggest after your car has reached over 75,000 miles you should just ask the mechanic who is preforming your oil change or scheduled maintenance to inspect your belt to see if it is getting close to the time when you should have your belt replaced or not. Being able to ask a simple question like that can save you a major headache and a huge loss on your pocket book.

If you have more questions about maintenance for your timing belt feel free to reach out to us at The German Auto Doctor, we want to ensure that you and your vehicle are both safe on the road.