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BMW 318i: Timing Belt Or Timing Chain? (1983 - 1998)

Researched By AutoPadre Research Team


All BMW 318i engines have a timing chain and are interference.

Scroll down to see detailed timing belt data for your particular model year of the BMW 318i.

BMW 318i Timing Belt Or Chain
YearEngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-Interference
1991 - 1998, 1983 - 19851.8L, 1.9LTiming ChainInterference

Note: Replacement intervals are broad recommendations and can be affected by age, weather conditions, running conditions etc. Check with the owner's manual/ manufacturer/ dealership.

Check out the Belt Or Chain specifications for other makes and models.

BMW 318i Belt Or Chain

Jump To Model Year

1998 BMW 318i - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 1998 BMW 318i has a timing chain and an interference engine.

1998 BMW 318i Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
1.9LTiming ChainInterferenceLifetime

1997 BMW 318i - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 1997 BMW 318i has a timing chain and an interference engine.

1997 BMW 318i Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
1.9LTiming ChainInterferenceLifetime

1996 BMW 318i - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 1996 BMW 318i has a timing chain and an interference engine.

1996 BMW 318i Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
1.9LTiming ChainInterferenceLifetime

1995 BMW 318i - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 1995 BMW 318i has a timing chain and an interference engine.

1995 BMW 318i Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
1.8LTiming ChainInterferenceLifetime

1994 BMW 318i - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 1994 BMW 318i has a timing chain and an interference engine.

1994 BMW 318i Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
1.8LTiming ChainInterferenceLifetime

1993 BMW 318i - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 1993 BMW 318i has a timing chain and an interference engine.

1993 BMW 318i Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
1.8LTiming ChainInterferenceLifetime

1992 BMW 318i - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 1992 BMW 318i has a timing chain and an interference engine.

1992 BMW 318i Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
1.8LTiming ChainInterferenceLifetime

1991 BMW 318i - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 1991 BMW 318i has a timing chain and an interference engine.

1991 BMW 318i Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
1.8LTiming ChainInterferenceLifetime

1985 BMW 318i - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 1985 BMW 318i has a timing chain and an interference engine.

1985 BMW 318i Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
1.8LTiming ChainInterferenceLifetime

1984 BMW 318i - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 1984 BMW 318i has a timing chain and an interference engine.

1984 BMW 318i Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
1.8LTiming ChainInterferenceLifetime

1983 BMW 318i - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 1983 BMW 318i has a timing chain and an interference engine.

1983 BMW 318i Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
1.8LTiming ChainInterferenceLifetime
BMW 318i Timing Belt Data Brought To You By AutoPadre
BMW 318i Timing Belt Data Brought To You By AutoPadre

Timing Belt Basics

The primary purpose of the timing belt or timing chain is to maintain the timing (syncronization) between the crankshaft and the camshaft(s).

A timing belt is made of a rubber compound while a timing chain is made of chain similiar to a bicycle chain.

A timing belt wears out over time and must be replaced at the manufacturer's specified interval. Timing belt failure can result in serious engine damage.

Although a timing chain will wear over time it is usually good for the lifetime of the engine but it should be routinely inspected.

Side-By-Side Comparisons

BMW 318i Belt Or Chain By Year