1.5 BlueHDi timing chain - how urgent?!

[+CS+]

So the next issue re getting the timing chain upgraded on our Peugeot 5008 1.5 BlueHDi (DV5 engine) is that the parts are on back order, with a lead time of around 1 month. That means we can't get it done before our holiday, in which we plan to do around 1k miles.

I'd much rather take the 5008 with us on holiday as it's far more spacious than our other car (Nissan Pulsar, mid size hatch). And with 3 older kids in the back, it would be far more comfortable for them (and therefore more pleasant for us) in the Peugeot. Hiring would cost the best part of £1k, so not an option.

The only reason we're even planning to upgrade the timing chain is because the Peugeot dealer did their new test when the car was in for another issue. I'm told they now (as of May '25) have to use a phone app that analyses the engine sound and returns an 'ok' or 'replace' result. (I believe a similar tool was being developed to detect the covid cough). Without that new test, we'd be blissfully unaware!

So I'm now trying to understand how urgent it is! (Queue me searching for audio clips on google)
Does anyone have any advice on assessing this? I realise driving another 1k miles would be a risk whatever.

It's a 2019 model and has done around 67k miles. It's had full dealer service history but did have a couple of late services by previous owner.

Thanks very much!

[mickthemaverick]

I'd hate to make any comment on that without hearing it myself, whereabouts in Hertfordshire are you? Secondly for me it would depend on where the 1000 miles are going to take you in terms of rescue options should a problem occur?

[PaulC5]

Why not ask the dealer, they should be the experts whereas people on here are not professionals and may not have the experience or want to advise on something so important.

Edit 25/7/2025.
Apologies to those I have upset with this post, it would have been better if I had put 'I suspect many people on here are not professionals'.

[mickthemaverick]

How many of the 'people on here' have you met personally Paul, in order to make that statement?

[Steve Walsh]

Mine was done under warranty at 90500 KM / 56200 Miles. Not very noisy but convinced the dealer it needed changing, It took 2 weeks from their inspection and they said there is no problem using it until the parts arrived and they could do the job.... It is a gamble if you use it, but if it is covered under warranty I would ask the dealers advice as to wether it is useable. I did 1500 km in the 2 weeks waiting for parts and no noticable deteriation of the engine.

[ozfrog]

How many of the 'people on here' have you met personally Paul, in order to make that statement?

I don’t think that’s a fair comment, given

I'd hate to make any comment on that without hearing it myself,

[mickthemaverick]

Sorry Ozfrog, I fail to see the connection between those two statements which are referring to different things?

[ozfrog]

I beg to differ, Mick.

But I don’t want to take the thread off topic. You can pick me up from Heathrow, Terminal 4 on Friday morning next week if you want to discuss it with me in person!

[mickthemaverick]

Sounds like a plan, let me know the flight number

[+CS+]

Thanks for all the responses on the topic. Apologies for late reply, I forgot to tick the subscribe button.

I'd hate to make any comment on that without hearing it myself, whereabouts in Hertfordshire are you? Secondly for me it would depend on where the 1000 miles are going to take you in terms of rescue options should a problem occur?

I'm in Hatfield, and we're off to northern France. Not planning to travel too far in case we we do have to cram into the Pulsar. But thats a helpful point. Will look at the breakdown cover.

I did ask the dealer but they wouldn't give a clear response, and to be honest I don't blame them for erring on the side of caution.

On the basis that the noise should be worse on startup, my plan is to take a few short audio recordings (one at startup, one after a few mins, then drive around 15 mins and take another one). Then I'll see if I can hear the difference and compare them with some clips I've found online.

(Side note: I remember watching an airport immigration program years ago and learnt that the better way to check if someone matches their ID photo is to take a new photo of them and then compare the photos. That way you are comparing like for like, or not as the case may be.)

My hunch is that it's fine for now, because it's been picked up on the app and not by ear. I just want to be more confident about it.

[mickthemaverick]

Chris you are only a few miles from me in Hertford so happy to meet and have a listen, not that it will necessarily help but can't do any harm. When do you leave for France? :
In fact I've just had an even better idea. Why not run it up to WGC and ask John at BL Autos, possibly the most expert Citroen independent garage in the Uk?

[+CS+]

Thanks mickthemaverick. I tried popping in on John at BL Autos earlier but it was all shut up. Have sent an email. Its very helpful to know there's an independent Peugeot garage nearby though.

I've taken the 3 recordings. If anything the last one sounds worse, after 20mins driving. But perhaps the weather is not cold enough at the moment. They sound a lot better than one I found online.

Unfortunately I can't attach the recordings at the moment. It's saying invalid extension (.m4a).

[mickthemaverick]

I may have misled you slightly there Chris, BL are actually an independent Citroen garage but they will of course know the engine.

[+CS+]

Thanks mickthemaverick. I've found they say both Citroën and Peugeot on their building and their website. But yes, its a common engine.