BMW Z3: Timing Belt Or Timing Chain? (1996 - 2002)

All BMW Z3 engines have a timing chain and are interference.

Scroll down to see detailed timing belt data for your particular model year of the BMW Z3.

BMW Z3 Timing Belt Or Chain

Year	Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference
1996 - 2002	All	Timing Chain	Interference

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

2002 BMW Z3 - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2002 BMW Z3 has a timing chain and an interference engine.

2002 BMW Z3 Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
3.2L	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
3.0L	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
2.5L	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

2001 BMW Z3 - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2001 BMW Z3 has a timing chain and an interference engine.

2001 BMW Z3 Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
3.2L	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
3.0L	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
2.5L	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

2000 BMW Z3 - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2000 BMW Z3 has a timing chain and an interference engine.

2000 BMW Z3 Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
3.2L	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
2.8L	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
2.5L	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

1999 BMW Z3 - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 1999 BMW Z3 has a timing chain and an interference engine.

1999 BMW Z3 Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
3.2L	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
2.8L	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
2.5L	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

1998 BMW Z3 - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 1998 BMW Z3 has a timing chain and an interference engine.

1998 BMW Z3 Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
3.2L	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
2.8L	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
1.9L	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

1997 BMW Z3 - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 1997 BMW Z3 has a timing chain and an interference engine.

1997 BMW Z3 Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
2.8L	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime
1.9L	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

1996 BMW Z3 - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 1996 BMW Z3 has a timing chain and an interference engine.

1996 BMW Z3 Timing Belt Or Chain

Engine	Belt Or Chain	Interference or Non-Interference	Replacement Interval (miles)
1.9L	Timing Chain	Interference	Lifetime

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.