So you have to remember the N47 was only introduced in March 2007 on E60's and E90's. The original problem was with a manufacturing fault on the crankshaft sprocket that drove the chain to the high pressure pump and on to the camshafts. It caused the chain to wear out and either snap or jump causing considerable engine damage.

BMW recognised it as a fault and fixed the sprocket issue in roughly March 2008 (some older engines were still installed at a later date) but later model have since failed, the mechanics on the site have seen mainly jumped chains on manual cars that have been been ragged, auto's don't do the same harsh gear changes and so are less prone to failure.

The big issue is that BMW in a moment of madness put the chain at the back of the engine and so the only way to change the lower chain is remove the sump.

Just as a point of reference the CBS oil changes are just daft and there to satisfy the fleet buyers, you should do an oil service every 10-12k if you want the turbo to last. National Tyres do an oil change for £60 on a 520d using Castrol Edge oil which is what BMW recommend

 

As I understand it, according to a puma release from BMW, the chains and crankshaft were affected on the N47 right up to March 2011.

I agree with you on changing the oil at 10k intervals and I will be booking my car into National Tyres next week for an oil and filter change.

The question still remains why some N47s manage to reach high mileage whilst others have failed at 70k. It would be good to find out what influencing factors, if any, there are.

 

The question still remains why some N47s manage to reach high mileage whilst others have failed at 70k. It would be good to find out what influencing factors, if any, there are.

General concensus seems to be that cars that driven hard are more to fail sooner, hard acceration up and down the gears jolts the chain and exacerabates wear

 

I'm all ears on this one... Nearest and most trusted BMW service centre is close to my work, despite my car being a May 08 built sub 30k auto I'm still planning on making full use of my years approved used warranty for precautionary expert inspection. Mrs reckons I'm mad but I reckon you'd be a mug not to.

 

I agree Miner, you would be wise to have the car checked by BMW whilst you have the extended warranty.

Mine, like yours, is a May 08 build but with 50k more miles on. lets hope that the ones built after March 08 are indeed more robust than the earlier N47s, although this is questionable in light of later cars having snapped their chains and the PUMA report stating that cars up to March 11 can have their chains and crank replaced under warranty if noisy.

 

My 520D has an N47 engine, build Feb 2008, it has done 128,000 miles and upto a few months ago it was a fleet car with full BMW service and 20K miles oil changes, I replaced the engine oil+filter+air filter.

When I brought it I had no idea about the timing belt issue (even though before I purchased it I did post a topic on a couple of BMW forums about any problems with these types of cars !!!).

Shortly after purchasing the car I noticed a slight ticking sound which was not coming from the injectors etc, after taking it to an independant garage the front serpentine aux drivebelt was making that ticking sound so I replaced that using a genuine BMW part which was £49 for a new belt. currently there are no ticking noises.

Although at the time I did look into this problem, I contacted lots of BMW inde specialists, they are aware of the problem, I had quotes from £1600 to replace the chain and followers not including the crankshaft, and about £3600 with the crankshaft replacement, most are aware of the problems and cars are coming in the get replaced when the chain rattle's very loud, some have come in when snapped and normally require a new engine, or complete rebuild, one told me BMW did give all parts for free as that car was low mileage.

Not sure what else I can do to prevent this, as my car has got 128k miles the BMW extended warranty is £68 per month, drivetrain cover only with an excess of £250 per every claim and no emergency assistance, abit steep I thought and as I don't do alot of miles and plan to have it for only a couple of years.

Good Thread, good to get some sort of knowledge base on this problem.

 

My 520D has an N47 engine, build Feb 2008, it has done 128,000 miles and upto a few months ago it was a fleet car with full BMW service and 20K miles oil changes, I replaced the engine oil+filter+air filter.

It's good to see you've got to 128k. Have you checked with the servicing dealer whether any warranty work has been carried out?

The other issue I'm curious about is the noise oweners report hearing from inside the car which is described as a swooshing sound which increases with engine speed. I've seen some owners report that this has been present on their car from new. Could this be a normal noise of a chain driven engine?

The ticking or rattling noises on the other hand certainly sounds like cause for concern.

How many N47 owners hear a swooshing noise once the engine is warm?

 

BMW: 520d E60 N47 Premature failure of timing chain : BMW 5 series Forum • BMWLand

Link to a translated version of the PuMA on BMWland I copied and sent to the BMW garage I bought my car from to ask them up front about the issues.

 

mine is at 112k 2009 march build date 320d

called up bmw they checked and said mine has the top updated sprocket of the chain drive

im gonna service every 10k

i have no noise

 

premature timing chain replacement

hi
bit late to this thread i know but relevant to my problems..... bought a 2009 59 plate approved used 318D in October last year with 32k. ive done a further 5k in it and after having it serviced and complaining of a few issues the dealer have now kept my car in for up to a week to:
1. replace the clutch, (the car was jolting when pulling off the line. ok chainging all other gears)
2. replace a belt tensioner and
3. apprantly the timing chain needs replacing...... i complained of a "rasping" noise when revving the engine above 1500 rpm but from cold it sounded ok.
thank god for the 1 year warranty that came with the car..... my only question, after looking at this now apparant common problem, when they replace my timing chain, i assume its replaced with an updated chain so to not happen again?? i also assume the complaints i've had with the car are all related. i have a manual gearbox, its my first BMW and so far its worrying me to the build quality of what i thought was one of the best cars on the road....

reassurance needed! thanks

 

hi
bit late to this thread i know but relevant to my problems..... bought a 2009 59 plate approved used 318D in October last year with 32k. ive done a further 5k in it and after having it serviced and complaining of a few issues the dealer have now kept my car in for up to a week to:
1. replace the clutch, (the car was jolting when pulling off the line. ok chainging all other gears)
2. replace a belt tensioner and
3. apprantly the timing chain needs replacing...... i complained of a "rasping" noise when revving the engine above 1500 rpm but from cold it sounded ok. thank god for the 1 year warranty that came with the car..... my only question, after looking at this now apparant common problem, when they replace my timing chain, i assume its replaced with an updated chain so to not happen again?? i also assume the complaints i've had with the car are all related. i have a manual gearbox, its my first BMW and so far its worrying me to the build quality of what i thought was one of the best cars on the road....

reassurance needed! thanks

Sounds just like you I say that ...the one highlightened above... still can not decide if it is worth changing the crankshaft as according to the PuMA for this N47 issue the cars produced between 01.03.2007 and 05.01.2009 must change the crank as well...(bil goes to over 3000EUR)

Still mad at myself, how could purchase this car to just discover 2 days later it suffers this MEGA issue...

 

Hi
You're best checking with your garage as to what you're replacing the chain with. I'm in the market for a 120d and the N47 issue is making me consider the pre-facelift model. My own extensive perusal of a multitude of forums leads me to think that in many cases, there are no warning signs/noises etc before the chains break and many of the affected cars have low miles and FSH. If it's any consolation, there are a host of reliability issues with many of the 'performance' diesels including the VAGs. Having tried some of these, I'd agree that the BMW is the best to drive and feels well put together but for reliability, go Japanese - and petrol!

 

timing chain issue

Hi,

I got same problem on mine I bought the car over 2 years ago (98k) and after couple months I noticed the timing chain noise.
Currently it has 133k and the noise is getting worst.
I have decided just to replace the chains which will cost approx £800 which apparently is engine out job. There is no point in changing the crank shaft.

 

Hi,

I got same problem on mine I bought the car over 2 years ago (98k) and after couple months I noticed the timing chain noise.
Currently it has 133k and the noise is getting worst.
I have decided just to replace the chains which will cost approx £800 which apparently is engine out job. There is no point in changing the crank shaft.

Is it the swooshing noise getting worse or are you now getting the ticking noise at idle?

Id be quite happy to get to 133k without the chain snapping. Ive known non BMW cars not to make it that far, for a N47 thats pretty good.

like you I would just change the chains and guides.

what is the production date of your car?

 

I am about to buy my self a 2011 July made 320d. According to you guys' knowledge am I immune from this type of timing chain failures?
Furthermore do 320d's made after 2011 March have more power too? (184 ps vs 177 ps)

 

BBC Watchdog covered this issue today BBC One - Watchdog, Series 31, Episode 7, BMW deny engine failures are due to manufacturing fault

 

Hi ALL N47 engine owners please sign the petition at the below link .It is an attempt to get BMW to do a recall on all the timing chain faulty engines up to march/2011

BMW N47 engine recall

 

N47S - 123d

Does anyone know where you stand with a 123d which according to realoem has the "N47S" not just an N47!?

I am going to try that watchdog number and see what I can find out! Puts you on edge a bit knowing that your expensive car could just die!

 

Does anyone know where you stand with a 123d which according to realoem has the "N47S" not just an N47!?

I am going to try that watchdog number and see what I can find out! Puts you on edge a bit knowing that your expensive car could just die!

N47S engine is affected...
In fact more likely to stretch the chains as it has more power...

Kind Regards,
Eddie.
www.bmwcare.com

 

Timing chain worries

I'm wondering how much the auto start stop system has contributed to the chain failures. I always switch it off when I start up. Maybe doing this with regular oil changes could help. I don't really see how harsh gear changes could cause issues except in the dual mass flywheel (another potential issue) or the gearbox. I had mine at 1 year old with 7000 miles now on 30000 miles. I've had 4 oil changes since i've owned it. The only issue that I've had which was settled under warranty was the clutch and flywheel replaced due to juddering. So basically I'm keeping my fingers crossed with regards to the chain. In the meantime, I'll just keep taking the tablets.

 

Thats interesting about the clutch as I hate the clutch on my 123d. It's a bit juddery on lower gears. I am still within warranty you reckon they'll do anything?

 

Clutch issues

Hi, I would certainly take it to bmw, I played up a bit as the car was only just over a year old. I was experiencing severe judder in first especially if you had to ride the clutch a bit at a junction. It's well worth you taking it in as its under warranty, it is a known issue and would cost in excess of £1200 to get it fixed.i don't know if you read Total BMW magazine, as last month it highlighted issues with the dual mass flywheel, fitted to most decent powered cars. I think its over engineering just for the sake of it.it's the same with the timing chain, who else but bmw stick a chain on the back of the engine?, especially with bmw labour costs. I've never know bmw put their hands up to any issues unless its highlighted by the media. I also took he car in for the antitheft system to be updated due to the watchdog programme on bmw theft. they were reluctant but gave in, outside the warranty period. Theresno doubt that its probably one of the best cars to drive, but peace of mind must mean something. dont take no for answer. Anyway, All the best with that.

 

Hey guys,
As most of you noticed the chain snaps in cars with different millage - sometimes it is 17000, another time it's 100 000. That shows that the millage does not matter much in this problem, neither the driving style (what driving style it would be to snap the chain after 17k?!).
What's more, I've replaced tens of belts in my life and 98 out of 100 break in the moment of engine start. What does it mean? It means that the moment of starting the engine is the biggest effort for a timing belt/chain. This is quite obvious as the chain is jerked with huge force of diesel engine torque. This leads to the final conclusion that if you want to keep your engine healthy simply turn off the start/stop function!

It is easy to understand that one car may have 160k millage and 10k starts of the engine and the other car can have the same amount of starts with only 30k miles (driving in the city). This engine should indicate the number of starts more than millage etc

Whole timing gear is designed to survive limited number of starts and normally this number would exceed after 500 000 km but with start/stop system it happens much more quicker...

I hope that this explanation makes sens and it will help your engine live longer.

 

Hi,

I have posted the below this morning under the 3 series thread - apologies if this should have been under the N47 in the first place. Reading some more threads on this, I am not sure the newer cars are immune (technically mine was only registered Oct 2011, but I am not sure of the actual build date.

Hi,

I know lots has been written about the above and thank you to all those who have posted on this. I have done some research prior to registering on the forum, which has been helpful. As you may guess from the title thread, I am one of many to have the same issue with a timing chain on their N47 2.0 diesel.

A brief history: 320d Touring SE Auto car was delivered to my father in (it is a 61 plate) in October 2011. (This was a like for like replacement for a manual version of the same car, bought 18 months before, that had continual clutch judder issues that never got sorted. BMW replaced this as a goodwill gesture.) At less than 6,500 miles, the timing chain was replaced under warranty on the newer auto car, as my father in law had discovered the dreaded 'rattle'. My father in law then decided his mileage was too low to warrant having the car (trying to avoid dpf issues etc) and as my wife and I were looking for a car at the time, we bought the car from him in December of 2012. I think he had also lost confidence in the brand. We had been thinking about a 3 series touring anyway. The car had done 8,500 miles or so. We thought it would be a good buy as (a) we knew the previous owner and (b) this major potential problem had been addressed, (although at the time I did not realize how common this was) and (c) it was inside warranty.

Recently the rattle has returned, the car having done 21,500 miles. (Apart from this issue, it has been relatively good - alternator & wiring loom has been replaced as the battery was not charging, although we had to push to get the issue sorted. In the end this was a forced repair as the car just broke down). Apart from that the only other issues are a door seal (driver side replaced under warranty) and a squeeky steering wheel , so nothing major.

When I took the car into the garage earlier this week for a service, I pre-warned the garage that there was a potential issue with the timing chain. My father in law has confirmed it is as bad now as when we he had it replaced at 6,500ish miles. The service representative at BMW has said that 'at this time BMW will not be replacing any parts as this work has been done previously' and 'this may change at some point in the future'. When I asked what would happen when the car falls outside warranty, she simply said it would be my liability as the owner. The service invoice slip simply notes (next to the timing chain entry): 'timing chain replacement required - parts not available'.

So my questions are:

(1) at what time would BMW consider the noise bad enough to replace the timing chain?
(2) what happens if this is outside warranty re: goodwill?
(3) why won't BMW repair an item under warranty?
(4) should I have done more research before buying a nearly new car?!
(5) I am now at the stage where I feel I should sell the car - is this irrational, or am I best to try and avoid a potentially large bill later and sell the car while it has warranty left and before it depreciates further?

I can't expect anyone to accurately answer questions 1-3, as I know this lies with BMW, but I feel the need to vent my frustration. I am now at the stage where I feel I would be better off selling the car, as I think it would be crazy to have a car that is worth say £10k in a year or 18 months and have to replace a part that may cost near £5k. I may get some goodwill from BMW, but there is no guarantee of that.

I know I am a new forum member, but please don't think I am here to slag off BMW - I think they make awesome driver's cars and I love the Mini brand, but I just wanted to get some advice from people who are in the know.

Chris

 

Hi Chris,

Basically I am in similar position. I really love this car, it drives great and although I can hear the chain already I don't want to sell the car. Instead I bought extended warranty and have peace of mind. I know that it means a bit like paying BMW twice though..
On the other hand if you don't want to pay extra for extended warranty then sell the car until the chain noise is not too loud yet.... and buy Toyota

 

Thanks Kazuar. My concern is that BMW won't replace the timing chain/guides or whatever is needed, even if it is inside warranty. They refused earlier this week to make any changes at the moment. I had planned to keep the car 5+ years at least, as a car should be good for 100k miles no problem these days and we payed a fair amount for it, as it was only 1 yr old when we bought it.

Sadly my thinking is perhaps a basic Subaru/Toyota/Honda would be the boring, but safer option. Each time you buy and sell a car, money is usually lost, so I want to buy a car that we can keep with no concerns. Maybe I am too simplistic, but when you have a car that is only 1 1/2 years old, I would not expect these kinds of problems.

 

520d

Hello everyone!
I am a new forum member, but I am watching everything around here for a long time
I know this is an old post, I hope people is still answering.

I own a 520d 09 plate with 137k miles on the clock. A mechanic told me about this problem and I am worried...
the car was bought 1 year ago with 75k miles so I have done about 60.000 miles.
My question is how exactly find out when the chain will die? I always changing the oil and all the filters between 8-10k miles. The only difference I noticed is the consumption is slightly higher despite the fact the temperature is good (88-93).
I also changed all the things of fanbelt. What you guys reccommand?
the car does not have the start stop activated and half of the mileage is motorway.
thank you and sorry for my bad english.

 

Hi, I totally agree with Kazuar that the start stop system is more than likely to blame. It was just a gimmick to exploit mpg figures, when the figure are senttovarious governments. Anyway, does anyone know of a, way to permanent way to disable it, rather than remembering to swich it off after starting the car? Any info would be appreciated.

 

Did/ Do the N46's have a history of documented chain / guide failures? Looks like mine is on its way out and ive spoken to both a main dealer and independent and both are apparently doing several chains a week on N46's although I cant seem to find many / any on the forums, Just seems odd.

Thanks

 

I'm not sure if the n46 had the chain on the front or the rear of the engine. If its on the front, it's not too hard to replace. The n47 does have the chain on the back of the engine, and I think that's what all the issues are about, just the massive amount of work to replace it. I think should the chain have been on the front, there would not have been the fuss as it could have been easily checked/rectified. Regards

 

The N46 chain is at the front. I guess its a lot less of an issue as you say, But just odd that despite BMW saying they should last the life of the car, there seems to be a trend (according to dealers and inde's) of these being changed at an alarming rate! there cant be that many N46's in my part of the world to justify upwards of 20/month over just 2 garages.