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From 2007 to roughly 2014, the BMW N47 was an inline 4-cylinder diesel engine that was used in the BMW 1, 2, 3, and 5 series, as well as the X1 and X3 diesel models.
The N47 engine series is prone to early timing chain failure due to severe timing chain wear. The situation is indicated by a rattling noise coming from the engine’s rear. Failure of the timing chain may necessitate engine replacement or a costly repair. The problem affects all applications and power variations of the engine manufactured between March 1, 2007 and March 1, 2011. The most severely damaged units, which require the most substantial repairs, were manufactured between the dates of 01.03.2007 and 05.01.2009. UPDATE – It appears that a small number of engines made after the recall are having problems.
The timing chain on this engine is sandwiched between the engine and the transmission at the back of the engine. Its replacement is especially difficult because it is located in such an inaccessible location. In most cases, parts installed in such inaccessible locations are intended to survive the life of the engine, but not in this situation. The timing chain in the N47 can fail anywhere from 40 to 100k miles, causing catastrophic engine damage as its components lose synchronization.
The symptoms of a failed timing chain usually appear gradually as the chain becomes longer and more worn. As a result, you’re unlikely to detect a sudden dramatic symptom until the chain is near to break completely. Instead, think about how your vehicle is performing today and how it performed many months ago. Small issues could suggest that the chain is about to fail completely.
Here are some of the signs that your timing chain is…
