BMW 318i (E36) Timing Cover Costs
The average cost for a BMW 318i (E36) Timing Cover Replacement is between $81 - $151. Get an instant quote with our AI repair estimator.
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What is a timing cover?
The timing cover is a protective case that encloses the timing chain or timing belt of an internal combustion engine. It serves an essential role in safeguarding the timing components from debris, dirt, and external contaminants that might interfere with their operation. Additionally, the timing cover often plays a part in maintaining the proper function of the engine’s lubrication system, as it is designed to keep oil within the system for lubricating the chain or belt and other critical components. On some engines, the timing cover also helps maintain alignment of the timing components, and sometimes even the oil pump is mounted to it or inside it.
Symptoms of a faulty timing cover
When the timing cover begins to fail or becomes damaged, several symptoms can arise. A common sign of a problematic timing cover is an oil leak. Since it serves as a seal for the timing components, any cracks or poor seals can lead to oil dripping under the car, specifically near the front of the engine. Another symptom is unusual noises emanating from the timing cover area, such as rattling or grinding sounds, which might indicate loose or damaged components beneath the cover. Additionally, a noticeable drop in engine performance can occur if the cover is seriously compromised, as issues with timing can disrupt engine efficiency. In extreme cases, damage or significant wear can expose the timing chain or belt to contamination or mechanical interference, potentially leading to further engine damage.
How urgent is timing cover replacement?
Timing cover replacement should be considered urgent, especially if there is evidence of an oil leak or unusual engine noises. Ignoring these issues could lead to more severe engine damage, as leaking oil can cause further lubricant loss, potentially harming engine components. Additionally, if the cover is compromised, it could lead to timing issues, which affect engine performance and reliability. Prompt attention can prevent further costly repairs and maintain vehicle safety and efficiency.
How much does timing cover replacement cost?
The cost of timing cover replacement can vary significantly depending on the make and model of the vehicle and the complexity of the job. On average, you might expect to pay anywhere between $300 to $1,000 for parts and labor. Some vehicles require extensive labor to access the timing cover, which can increase costs. It is always recommended to obtain quotes from multiple mechanics and ensure that they include both the components' prices and labor charges.
4 FAQs about timing covers
- Can I drive with a leaking timing cover?
It is not advisable to drive with a leaking timing cover for extended periods. Oil leaks can lead to engine oil starvation, risking severe engine damage. Addressing the issue promptly is crucial to avoid increased repair costs and potential safety hazards. - What causes a timing cover to leak?
Timing cover leaks are often caused by worn gaskets, seals due to age, vibration, or improper installation. Physical damage to the cover, such as cracks from impact or corrosion, can also result in leaks. - How long does it take to replace a timing cover?
The time required to replace a timing cover can vary depending on the vehicle's design and engine configuration. Typically, it can take several hours, ranging from 4 to 8 hours of labor, subject to whether the cover is easily accessible or if many components need to be removed. - Do timing covers require regular maintenance?
Timing covers themselves usually do not require regular maintenance. However, during scheduled maintenance, such as oil changes or timing belt/chain replacements, inspecting the timing cover and seals for wear or damage is a good practice to ensure everything remains in good condition.
Dev Output
1998 BMW 318i (E36) L4-1895cc 1.9L DOHC (M44) - Timing Cover Costs
Parts: $10.00Labor: $70.00{ "partPrice": 10, "laborPrice": 70, "alldata_id": 32342, "alldata_vehicle_id": 32342, "title": "Timing Cover", "parts": { "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Lower Cover", "part": [ { "name": "27 - Timing Cover, Lower", "price": "374.58", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "11141439646" } ] }, { "name": "Inner Cover", "part": [ { "name": "44 - Timing Cover, Lower", "price": "381.08", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "11141739800" } ] }, { "name": "Upper Cover", "part": [ { "name": "26 - Timing Cover, Upper", "price": "1006.79", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "11141432232" } ] } ] }, "labors": { "operations": [ { "operation": "Replace", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Front Cover", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Both", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "5.9", "warrantytime": "4.3" }, "qualifiers": [] }, { "name": "Lower", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "3.3", "warrantytime": "2.2" }, "qualifiers": [] }, { "name": "Upper", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "4.1", "warrantytime": "2.9" }, "qualifiers": [] } ] }, { "name": "Inner Cover", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "11.8", "warrantytime": "8.6" }, "qualifiers": [] } ] } ] }, "year": 1998, "make": "BMW", "model": "318i (E36)", "engine": "L4-1895cc 1.9L DOHC (M44)" }1997 BMW 318i (E36) L4-1895cc 1.9L DOHC (M44) - Timing Cover Costs
Parts: $60.00Labor: $32.00{ "partPrice": 60, "laborPrice": 32, "alldata_id": 31003, "alldata_vehicle_id": 31003, "title": "Timing Cover", "parts": { "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Lower Cover", "part": [ { "name": "27 - Timing Cover, Lower", "price": "374.58", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "11141439646" } ] }, { "name": "Inner Cover", "part": [ { "name": "44 - Timing Cover, Lower", "price": "381.08", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "11141739800" } ] }, { "name": "Upper Cover", "part": [ { "name": "26 - Timing Cover, Upper", "price": "1006.79", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "11141432232" } ] } ] }, "labors": { "operations": [ { "operation": "Replace", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Front Cover", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Both", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "5.9", "warrantytime": "4.3" }, "qualifiers": [] }, { "name": "Inner Cover", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "11.8", "warrantytime": "8.6" }, "qualifiers": [] }, { "name": "Lower", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "3.3", "warrantytime": "2.2" }, "qualifiers": [] }, { "name": "Upper", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "4.1", "warrantytime": "2.9" }, "qualifiers": [] } ] }, { "name": "Front Cover Seal", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "2.1", "warrantytime": "1.5" }, "qualifiers": [] } ] } ] }, "year": 1997, "make": "BMW", "model": "318i (E36)", "engine": "L4-1895cc 1.9L DOHC (M44)" }1996 BMW 318i (E36) L4-1895cc 1.9L DOHC (M44) - Timing Cover Costs
Parts: $87.00Labor: $72.00{ "partPrice": 87, "laborPrice": 72, "alldata_id": 23854, "alldata_vehicle_id": 23854, "title": "Timing Cover", "parts": { "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Lower Cover", "part": [ { "name": "27 - Timing Cover, Lower", "price": "374.58", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "11141439646" } ] }, { "name": "Inner Cover", "part": [ { "name": "44 - Timing Cover, Lower", "price": "381.08", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "11141739800" } ] }, { "name": "Upper Cover", "part": [ { "name": "26 - Timing Cover, Upper", "price": "1006.79", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "11141432232" } ] } ] }, "labors": { "operations": [ { "operation": "Replace", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Front Cover", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Both", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "5.9", "warrantytime": "4.3" }, "qualifiers": [] }, { "name": "Inner Cover", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "11.8", "warrantytime": "8.6" }, "qualifiers": [] }, { "name": "Lower", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "3.3", "warrantytime": "2.2" }, "qualifiers": [] }, { "name": "Upper", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "4.1", "warrantytime": "2.9" }, "qualifiers": [] } ] }, { "name": "Front Cover Seal", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "2.1", "warrantytime": "1.5" }, "qualifiers": [] } ] } ] }, "year": 1996, "make": "BMW", "model": "318i (E36)", "engine": "L4-1895cc 1.9L DOHC (M44)" }1994 BMW 318i (E36) L4-1796cc 1.8L DOHC (M42) - Timing Cover Costs
Parts: $81.00Labor: $32.00{ "partPrice": 81, "laborPrice": 32, "alldata_id": 19238, "alldata_vehicle_id": 19238, "title": "Timing Cover", "parts": { "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Lower Timing Cover", "part": [ { "name": "46 - Lower Timing Cover", "price": "499.85", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "11141739699" } ] } ] }, "labors": { "operations": [ { "operation": "Replace", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Both", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "4.1", "warrantytime": "2.9" }, "qualifiers": [ { "name": "NOTE", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "With AC, Add", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "0.5", "warrantytime": "0.3" }, "qualifiers": [] } ] } ] }, { "name": "Lower", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "2.1", "warrantytime": "1.5" }, "qualifiers": [ { "name": "NOTE", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "With AC, Add", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "0.5", "warrantytime": "0.3" }, "qualifiers": [] } ] } ] }, { "name": "Upper", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "2.7", "warrantytime": "1.9" }, "qualifiers": [ { "name": "NOTE", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "With AC, Add", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "0.5", "warrantytime": "0.3" }, "qualifiers": [] } ] } ] } ] } ] }, "year": 1994, "make": "BMW", "model": "318i (E36)", "engine": "L4-1796cc 1.8L DOHC (M42)" }1993 BMW 318i (E36) L4-1796cc 1.8L DOHC (M42) - Timing Cover Costs
Parts: $44.00Labor: $72.00{ "partPrice": 44, "laborPrice": 72, "alldata_id": 7913, "alldata_vehicle_id": 7913, "title": "Timing Cover", "parts": { "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Chain Case Lower", "part": [ { "name": "1 - Chain Case Lower", "price": "450.52", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "11141727191" } ] }, { "name": "Lower", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Chain Case Lower", "part": [ { "name": "1 - Chain Case Lower", "price": "450.52", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "11141727191" } ] }, { "name": "Chain Cover Lower", "part": [ { "name": "11 - Chain Over Lower", "price": "374.58", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "11141439646" } ] } ] }, { "name": "Upper", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Chain Cover Upper", "part": [ { "name": "19 - Chain Over Upper", "price": "142.00", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "11141727174" } ] } ] }, { "name": "Dowel D=8.5mm", "part": [ { "name": "3 - Dowel D=8.5mm", "price": "1.31", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "11121726242" } ] }, { "name": "Fillister Head M8X20-Z1", "part": [ { "name": "6 - Fillister Head N8x20-z1", "price": "0.78", "pricecode": "Contact Dealer for most current part and price information", "partnumber": "07119920078" } ] }, { "name": "Guide", "part": [ { "name": "25 - Guide", "price": "16.56", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "12141721670" } ] }, { "name": "Hex Bolt M8X80-Z1", "part": [ { "name": "13 - Hex Bolt M8x80-z1", "price": "2.30", "pricecode": "Contact Dealer for most current part and price information", "partnumber": "07119901675" } ] }, { "name": "Hex Bolt With Washer M10X25-Z1", "part": [ { "name": "10 - Hex Bolt With Washer M10x25-z1", "price": "1.60", "pricecode": "Contact Dealer for most current part and price information", "partnumber": "07119900497" } ] }, { "name": "Hex Bolt With Washer M6X18-Z1", "part": [ { "name": "9 - Hex Bolt With Washer M6x18-z1", "price": "0.60", "pricecode": "Contact Dealer for most current part and price information", "partnumber": "07119913215" } ] }, { "name": "Hex Bolt With Washer M6X20-Z1", "part": [ { "name": "16 - Hex Bolt With Washer M6x20-z1", "price": "0.26", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "07119915190" } ] }, { "name": "Hex Bolt With Washer M6X30-Z1", "part": [ { "name": "8 - Hex Bolt With Washer M6x30-z1", "price": "0.37", "pricecode": "Contact Dealer for most current part and price information", "partnumber": "07119901943" } ] }, { "name": "Hex Bolt With Washer M6X35-Z1", "part": [ { "name": "20 - Hex Bolt With Washer M6x35-z1", "price": "0.40", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "07119901973" } ] }, { "name": "Hex Bolt With Washer M6X50-Z1", "part": [ { "name": "7 - Hex Bolt With Washer M6x50-z1", "price": "0.80", "pricecode": "Contact Dealer for most current part and price information", "partnumber": "07119913339" } ] }, { "name": "Hex Bolt With Washer M8X30-Z1", "part": [ { "name": "14 - Hex Bolt With Washer M8x30-z1", "price": "0.96", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "07119915117" } ] }, { "name": "Hex Bolt With Washer M8X60-Z1", "part": [ { "name": "5 - Hex Bolt With Washer M8x60-z1", "price": "2.93", "pricecode": "Contact Dealer for most current part and price information", "partnumber": "07119902176" } ] }, { "name": "Holder", "part": [ { "name": "26 - Holder", "price": "17.38", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "12141727766" } ] }, { "name": "Oil Spraying Nozzle", "part": [ { "name": "2 - Oil Spraying Nozzle", "price": "0.00", "pricecode": "Contact Dealer for most current part and price information", "partnumber": "11141727192" } ] }, { "name": "Set Bolt 10 M8X80-Z1", "part": [ { "name": "13 - Set Bolt 10 M8x80-z1", "price": "0.00", "pricecode": "Contact Dealer for most current part and price information", "partnumber": "07509063207" } ] }, { "name": "Set Bolt 25 M6X20-Z1", "part": [ { "name": "16 - Set Bolt 25 M6x20-z1", "price": "0.00", "pricecode": "Contact Dealer for most current part and price information", "partnumber": "07509063219" } ] }, { "name": "Set Fillister Head 10 M6X16-Z1", "part": [ { "name": "24 - Set Fillister Head 10 M6x16-z1", "price": "0.00", "pricecode": "Contact Dealer for most current part and price information", "partnumber": "07509064041" } ] }, { "name": "Set Fillister Head 10 M8X20-Z1", "part": [ { "name": "6 - Set Fillister Head 10 M8x20-z1", "price": "0.00", "pricecode": "Contact Dealer for most current part and price information", "partnumber": "07509063201" } ] } ] }, "labors": { "operations": [ { "operation": "Replace", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Both", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "4.1", "warrantytime": "2.9" }, "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Note", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "With AC, Add", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "0.5", "warrantytime": "0.3" }, "qualifiers": [] } ] } ] }, { "name": "Lower", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "2.1", "warrantytime": "1.5" }, "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Note", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "With AC, Add", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "0.5", "warrantytime": "0.3" }, "qualifiers": [] } ] } ] }, { "name": "Upper", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "2.7", "warrantytime": "1.9" }, "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Note", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "With AC, Add", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "0.5", "warrantytime": "0.3" }, "qualifiers": [] } ] } ] } ] } ] }, "year": 1993, "make": "BMW", "model": "318i (E36)", "engine": "L4-1796cc 1.8L DOHC (M42)" }1992 BMW 318i (E36) L4-1796cc 1.8L DOHC (M42) - Timing Cover Costs
Parts: $81.00Labor: $44.00{ "partPrice": 81, "laborPrice": 44, "alldata_id": 7952, "alldata_vehicle_id": 7952, "title": "Timing Cover", "parts": { "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Chain Case Lower", "part": [ { "name": "1 - Chain Case Lower", "price": "450.52", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "11141727191" } ] }, { "name": "Lower", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Chain Case Lower", "part": [ { "name": "1 - Chain Case Lower", "price": "450.52", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "11141727191" } ] }, { "name": "Chain Cover Lower", "part": [ { "name": "11 - Chain Over Lower", "price": "374.58", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "11141439646" } ] } ] }, { "name": "Upper", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Chain Cover Upper", "part": [ { "name": "19 - Chain Over Upper", "price": "142.00", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "11141727174" } ] } ] }, { "name": "Dowel D=8.5mm", "part": [ { "name": "3 - Dowel D=8.5mm", "price": "1.31", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "11121726242" } ] }, { "name": "Fillister Head M8X20-Z1", "part": [ { "name": "6 - Fillister Head N8x20-z1", "price": "0.78", "pricecode": "Contact Dealer for most current part and price information", "partnumber": "07119920078" } ] }, { "name": "Guide", "part": [ { "name": "25 - Guide", "price": "16.56", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "12141721670" } ] }, { "name": "Hex Bolt M8X80-Z1", "part": [ { "name": "13 - Hex Bolt M8x80-z1", "price": "2.30", "pricecode": "Contact Dealer for most current part and price information", "partnumber": "07119901675" } ] }, { "name": "Hex Bolt With Washer M10X25-Z1", "part": [ { "name": "10 - Hex Bolt With Washer M10x25-z1", "price": "1.60", "pricecode": "Contact Dealer for most current part and price information", "partnumber": "07119900497" } ] }, { "name": "Hex Bolt With Washer M6X18-Z1", "part": [ { "name": "9 - Hex Bolt With Washer M6x18-z1", "price": "0.60", "pricecode": "Contact Dealer for most current part and price information", "partnumber": "07119913215" } ] }, { "name": "Hex Bolt With Washer M6X20-Z1", "part": [ { "name": "16 - Hex Bolt With Washer M6x20-z1", "price": "0.26", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "07119915190" } ] }, { "name": "Hex Bolt With Washer M6X30-Z1", "part": [ { "name": "8 - Hex Bolt With Washer M6x30-z1", "price": "0.37", "pricecode": "Contact Dealer for most current part and price information", "partnumber": "07119901943" } ] }, { "name": "Hex Bolt With Washer M6X35-Z1", "part": [ { "name": "20 - Hex Bolt With Washer M6x35-z1", "price": "0.40", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "07119901973" } ] }, { "name": "Hex Bolt With Washer M6X50-Z1", "part": [ { "name": "7 - Hex Bolt With Washer M6x50-z1", "price": "0.80", "pricecode": "Contact Dealer for most current part and price information", "partnumber": "07119913339" } ] }, { "name": "Hex Bolt With Washer M8X30-Z1", "part": [ { "name": "14 - Hex Bolt With Washer M8x30-z1", "price": "0.96", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "07119915117" } ] }, { "name": "Hex Bolt With Washer M8X60-Z1", "part": [ { "name": "5 - Hex Bolt With Washer M8x60-z1", "price": "2.93", "pricecode": "Contact Dealer for most current part and price information", "partnumber": "07119902176" } ] }, { "name": "Holder", "part": [ { "name": "26 - Holder", "price": "17.38", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "12141727766" } ] }, { "name": "Oil Spraying Nozzle", "part": [ { "name": "2 - Oil Spraying Nozzle", "price": "0.00", "pricecode": "Contact Dealer for most current part and price information", "partnumber": "11141727192" } ] }, { "name": "Set Bolt 10 M8X80-Z1", "part": [ { "name": "13 - Set Bolt 10 M8x80-z1", "price": "0.00", "pricecode": "Contact Dealer for most current part and price information", "partnumber": "07509063207" } ] }, { "name": "Set Bolt 25 M6X20-Z1", "part": [ { "name": "16 - Set Bolt 25 M6x20-z1", "price": "0.00", "pricecode": "Contact Dealer for most current part and price information", "partnumber": "07509063219" } ] }, { "name": "Set Fillister Head 10 M6X16-Z1", "part": [ { "name": "24 - Set Fillister Head 10 M6x16-z1", "price": "0.00", "pricecode": "Contact Dealer for most current part and price information", "partnumber": "07509064041" } ] }, { "name": "Set Fillister Head 10 M8X20-Z1", "part": [ { "name": "6 - Set Fillister Head 10 M8x20-z1", "price": "0.00", "pricecode": "Contact Dealer for most current part and price information", "partnumber": "07509063201" } ] } ] }, "labors": { "operations": [ { "operation": "Replace", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Both", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "4.1", "warrantytime": "2.9" }, "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Note", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "With AC, Add", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "0.5", "warrantytime": "0.3" }, "qualifiers": [] } ] } ] }, { "name": "Lower", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "2.1", "warrantytime": "1.5" }, "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Note", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "With AC, Add", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "0.5", "warrantytime": "0.3" }, "qualifiers": [] } ] } ] }, { "name": "Upper", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "2.7", "warrantytime": "1.9" }, "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Note", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "With AC, Add", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "0.5", "warrantytime": "0.3" }, "qualifiers": [] } ] } ] } ] } ] }, "year": 1992, "make": "BMW", "model": "318i (E36)", "engine": "L4-1796cc 1.8L DOHC (M42)" }