Comline’s new range of timing chain kits

Comline has revealed a new range of timing chain kits, engineered to deliver OE-matching quality, robust reliability, and backed by a four-year/100,000km warranty. The company says the launch marks a “significant development” in its engine parts portfolio.

Comline says timing chains were once considered a lifetime solution, but it claims some independent workshops report that this reputation no longer consistently holds true. It states that across a growing number of modern engines, technicians are seeing timing chain failures at lower-than-expected mileages.

These failures can result in high-value, labour-intensive repairs, often requiring engine or gearbox removal, with extended labour times and an increased risk of costly comebacks. According to Comline, on certain modern engines, timing chain work is becoming a more regular feature in the workshop.

A familiar encounter

Modern engine designs can place increased stress on timing systems. Higher operating temperatures, extended service intervals, and compact packaging may all contribute to accelerated wear, while early warning signs can be easy to overlook.

Comline says workshops have reported:

• Cold start rattles that worsen over time
• Chain stretch, causing timing issues before fault codes appear
• Partial repairs increasing the likelihood of repeat failures
• Once a chain issue escalates, the consequences can be significant, not just for the vehicle, but for workshop efficiency, customer confidence, and reputation.

Comline’s response 

These trends have driven Comline’s launch of its new timing chain kits. Developed by its engine parts team, drawing on more than 40 years of specialist experience, the kits are manufactured in OE factories and tested to meet the demands of modern engines.

The range launches with over 300 SKUs, covering many commonly serviced applications, including JLR Ingenium, VAG 1.4 TSI, and BMW N47.

Workshops can choose between basic kits – containing the timing chain, guides, tensioner, and pre-lube – or full kits, supplying all components required for a complete timing system replacement.

Key features include:

• OXICOAT chain pin coating for wear resistance
• 360-degree full load chain pin staking for consistent strength and durability
• Laser-marked tensioner torque settings, helping technicians install components correctly and quickly

All Comline timing chain kits are backed by a four-year/100,000 km warranty.

Efficiency a priority

For workshops, timing chain repairs are among the highest risk jobs on the ramp, says Comline. The company is confident its timing chain kits help reduce that risk by supporting complete, first-time-right repairs; benefits include reducing comeback risk through full system replacement rather than partial repairs, building confidence on commonly reported problem applications, and enabling faster, more straightforward installation thanks to technician-friendly features that reduce guesswork on complex jobs.

Real world validation through the car edition

Comline has partnered with UK-based workshop and YouTube channel sensation The Car Edition, using real repairs to demonstrate results. Instead of staged demonstrations, the collaboration documents genuine diagnosis and installation work carried out in the Cambridgeshire workshop.

The first video in the series follows a timing chain replacement on a 2020 Land Rover Defender Ingenium engine using a Comline kit. The technician explains the cause of failure, early warning signs, and why a complete system replacement is often considered best practice. The video can be viewed here.