We have an 11 year old 3 series touring with the N47, bought when two years old with 20k on the clock. The N47 and BMW in general get a lot of flack for reliability, I have to say that this has been a very reliable car, in fact the most reliable car we have ever had. Since it came off the 5 year BMW service plan, I have looked after it myself, oil and filter every 10,000 miles. The only real problem my wife had was it went into full limp mode with warning of over heating, I replaced the temp sensor @ £12 of she went again. I had to replace the glow plug controller, one plug had gone, but replaced them all. I have no idea when the glow plug problems started as it didn't cause any noticeable problems. The fuel rail pressure sensor went bad. I replaced the CC pipe you mention, it was an older design that the one you show. The wiring to the fuel line pressure/temp sensor broke away from its plug. The coolant thermostat went at about 70k, I replaced the pump at the same time. Other than regular maintenance that's been it. The timing chain issue with this engine is a concern, it seems so random some seem to go at lowish mileages others still going at 200k. Mine has had a slight tsh tsh sound at idle for some time. We missed out on the BMW "quality enhancement" but on talking to them they stated that on our vin ours wasn't listed as one that needed checking. I suspected that was crap. I did replace the top tensioner with an updated one, but it didn't make any difference to sound. The car is on 130k now and I have decided to replace all three chains, guides and tensioners anyway. It's too good a car to get rid of and wouldn't get much for it now.

I owned a 2014 BMW 2 series 220D with N47 engine. I bought the car in 2016 and owned it for 5 years. To this day, I haven't had a single engine problem. I just service regularly whenever the reminder comes up.

Have a 2009 touring for past 5 years and done 160 000 miles in it has 252 000 miles on it I change oil every 8000 castrol fully synthetic Never had any trouble with this car still returns 60 to the gallon and pulls like a train

Finally, someone who knows exactly and not talking just about a bunch of assumes and thoughts, big up for you and thank you very much for this video as it helps me now a lot, as I am currently doing general maintenance on my N47 E90 and got stuck on solving the issue with overcooling engine, loose power over 3000rpm and not working heating/cooling in the cabin. I deleted EGR and removed swirl flaps so far and wasn't sure about what to do next to make sure that everything will work properly and smooth as it should. Hope will pull and heat again after all this.

Excellent video. Keep em coming doctor

Mind boggingly comprehensive overview.

My E60 N47 LCI has 610K km on its mileage. Had to replace the timing chain at 518K km after rattling noise appeared and I don't even change the oil before it has 25K km on it Initially, I planned to drive the car up to 800K km but seems it will easily go for a million. When I hear stories about snapping chains at 120K miles without any warnings, that's either complete B.S., or I am the luckiest guy ever. But on the other hand luck may have nothing to do here because prior to the BMW I had a Ford Focus 1.6 TDCI that now has 440K km on it and people tend to bash Ford's reliability as well.

Dean can you please shed some light on the n47t the technical update version vs the original n47

Watching this before going to look at a 2007 model. Thank you for the advice bro

Great video man and great channel. I know not n47 related question but im thinking of a 2008 318i do they suffer from timing chain issues aswell and can it be a good engine. Thanks

My bmw 1 series 118d e88 convertible 12 plate still runs like a dream,never had a problem with it yet,I service it every 3000 miles. Never had a problem yet either with my bmw m3 bi turbo 16 plate.

Great video, thanks for that, even though I have 2011 f10 with N47 engine it's still pretty much the same engine in both cars. I have to replace crankcase breather pipe on it, now I haven't find it on the net specifically for f10, it's classified as for N47 breather pipe with E60 mark, just hope that I purchased a correct one, I'm still waiting for it to be delivered though so I don't know for sure will it fit. Is there anything specific and important that I have to be careful when I'm replacing breathing pipe?

What a great video! Thanks mate

This video is a gold mine.

I've been searching the whole net and NOT a single video... Until NOW Your videos are 1 of 1 - ,no other owner or supposed expert can or / has done what you have done .. Your channel is the Real Deal!!!!!! Well done 👍👍👍👍👍👍

Hello and thanks for the review. I am buying a 520d 177 with the automatic gearbox and 256k km. The chain was replaced at 180k km? When is a good idea to replace it again? And how about that "Cobra" gearbox. Are they prone to any catastrophic failure?

i'm interested by a mini R55 bond street with this engine (55000km) what do you think about it ? Does the timing chain need to be change asap (it doesnt rattle and there is a 12 month waranty) ?

Dean, thanks for posting this mate. Mine 118d is an 09 sounds and runs like new. 89k on the clock. So fast and reliable, I only use Shell V power diesel and oil service is done at less than 8k miles every time, but sounds like I might have to sell the car if that timing chain replacement is that much. 😕

Thats a mouthful! All great info, thanks man. But if I were you I will change the logo, just in case BMW wants to get a cut from your earnings in the future :) seriously

Hello i think you are a very smart man. which diesel engine 4 cylinder bmw e 60/90 is reliable after 2009 to choose and is it safe to buy if oil changed regularly- chain problems. Which year models are the Most affected? Best regards.

Great video, my engine is heating up pretty quick. The fan works while the car is on but once turned off the fan goes off. It doesn't stay on to cool down further? 09 520d lci

Hey, just watched this and appreciate the breakdown of info 👍 Have two 1 x 120d sport coupe & 1x 123d m sport stage 1 mapped which I bought today..both March 2010's Where are you in the Country, I need to get both up together (120 for sale & 123 for keeps) Both need timing chain and service & 1 Cambelt on 123, and seeing this, consider removing EGR then reversing the stage 1 Map?

Every engine has its flaws. I have N47 2007 177 bhp. Removed flaps, changed timing chain, prevention fix, never had any problems, most reliable car i ever had, 230 000 km on the clock, pulls like crazy.😁

I absolutely love it videos dude..I have a question....from what I read ...a EGR delete is illegal...If that's true ..are there any alternatives to go around it.....I'm asking cuz I have an N47 engine n it's on 121000 miles ..it runs great atm...but I don't know what to do with the EGR...

Had 3 BMW N47T engines in the house for 7 years. All oiled changed once a year, nothing else needed other than discs, pads and one battery. Knock on wood of course. Lovely cars. F20, F30 & E84

From all of you've said, a potential buyer of this car will run away... Well in all of the video it seems that this car and engine is a total disaster. Fails everywhere, everything on the engine will fail. But it is not exactly like that. Parts will fail anyway due to mileage and age. If you maitain the car corectly, it is the same as all the other car brands out there. So don't be afraid to buy one. Well ofc if you get the cheapest don't expect much anyway.

Thank you for a very interesting video. As english is not my native language i am spesially greatful for your slow speaking. As i am the owner of a 2014 320GT equipped with the N47. Is that also just a matter of time (within normal lifespan, everything will break sooner or later) before the timing belt breaks? Here in norway it is much more than "a grand" to get timing belt on the N47 fixed. They are talking about 7-8000bp with x-drive. Also i heard a higher price where the sprocket on the camshaft was broken and as it was nort replacebale so the camshaft also had to be replaced. they said close to 9000bp for that job. How can it be that a qualety auto maker maker designs her products like that? I also want to ask you about the tuning. Everybody does it, but it sounds to me like you say it is a bad idea? Will the engine not stand it? Whatabout the BMW tuning kit for 204hp where they change the intercooler and the whole mapping box? And isen`t the 325 the same engine with another turbo++? I see you have removed your egr. Can your car still pass the emissiones and how much better is it without it? Is the keeping of the egr the reason why the BMW tuning kit wich cost a lot only make 204hp while a cheap tuning can promise 222hp as they remove the egr? Or are the numbers from the tuning companys "fake news" as a certain president would put it in his modest way? Many questiones, but i really liked your video and i like these cars even i dont like to see the 3-double timing belt on my neighboers Honda fit located easy to axsess wich it proborbly never has to be. Why not like that for a premium car? finnvinn

Nice job! Can you do M47 next?

thanks im buying a 2013 320D. Are the timing chains better on them? its on like 206k km 128k miles. Is it due or can it go on? service history is excellent with it. thanks great video

2013 316d 54k on the clock I’m buying it . I’m a mechanic I do low mileage will be changing the oil every 5k is the engine the same as in this video ? Is it actually any good worth a buy

I baught a 2006 520d m sport with a m47 engine 9 years ago and i still have. I service it 1s a year and i just replaced the clutch kit on it in august and i plan on holding on to it for aslong i can its a belter of a car

I'm interested in buying a used f22 225d, produced in 2014, with the n47 engine and I couldn't find a better video to educate myself about this engine..well done my friend! I suppose it has the revised tensioner but did BMW really solve the timing chain problem or it just extended the lifetime of the timing chain and it will eventually snap?

Very informative! Lots of info! Excellent! I'm looking at a 2015 X3 Xdrive28d. N47 engine. It has 63 miles on it. Test drove the car it goes good. Seems like a lot of exhaust system vibration at idle, up forward near the engine. It has the 8 speed ZF. Any thoughts on this car? I don't want a bucket of headaches, my daughter would be driving it, not me. They want 3500 bucks for a 24month/24k extended warranty.

My lord you had some caffeine before this video. Good explanation 👏

Just got an 09 E61 20D. Chain was replaced at 250k km in 2015. Now sits at 379k, sounds good but will the revised chain last longer?

I’m really wanting to get a 2 litre pal do you think if it has a full service history and I look after it I shouldn’t have many problems?

Mate, is there a slim chance some of the late 2009 N47s had this revised timing chain issue resolved? My 120d is on 89k engine is so quiet you wouldn't even know it was running compared to some newer diesels.

If I were to buy a bm with the n47 engine and the chain showed no signs of rattling would you still replace it? They cars I’m looking at are around 100k in miles. If i was to replace it how long would you then say it is good for if I service it every 9/10k? Btw are you an ex master tech or something?

Thank you very much master!!!!

Great video. What do you think about N47T engine? And as an advice can you talk slowly, as i am not a native english talker, sometimes is hard to understand. Keep it up!

can you make a video on replacing the brake booster vacuum pump? because on my car the vacuum pump failed and now i dont have boost for the brakes

every time i watch bmw doctor reliability video i change my mind of wanting to buy that engine :))))))))

Hi Doc, Love your videos, so much in fact that im now planning on selling my dear Volvo V70 2.5T and buy myself a E90 320D EDE 2011 with 9500km on the clock. Its a one owner, well maintained vehicle. Nothing under the hood has been replaced since new. Im having my own BMW Doctor here in Sweden, whos gonna help me change the chains, pullys and tensioners. But what about the EDE-stuff. Do you know anything about that? It hard to find any good info on the internet about it. Would be very pleased if you could consider doing a E90 EDE video (N47) covering the dynamics and electronics. Best regards Robert Sweden

Saw a BMW f11 and when accelerating it would make faster rattling sound. Would that be chain or other? At idle it didn't sound rattling. Walked away from that are obviously but might be looking at others in future.

Hey I have a quick question not considering the n47 engine . I would like to know if you are able to retrofit electric power seats to my f30

Hi mate I have bmw 320d Efficient dynamics 2012 0n 85000 miles on clock - sound seems alright- do I need to worry for my make or still chance for timing chain breaking Cheers

I was told removing the EGR with the DPF still in place was an absolute no go, as it will clogg up pretty sharpish. Do you not think this is the case?

The hose you showed @ 10.13, mine is cracked and isn’t connected to the intake, where can I get a replacement

Egr valve delete.... Does this not effect dpf regeneration which is why people also get the dpf delete? I see you don't recommend dpf delete, what issues does deleting it cause?

thank you for sharing your knowledge... priceless ! I'm just left with the question ! Is the timing chain problem solved on cars manuf in 2010 or is it 2011 ?

Do i need to remove the egr or can i just block it on the ecu and make it stay on the closed position?

I honestly wonder if a Honda Accord diesel of the same era would have as many issues to watch for?

Hi mate your ok hope you can help iv got a pipe which has come off its on the bottom as I was driving I felt as tho i was losing power when I pull over I could hear air coming from the engine as I check the pipe was hanging what do you think that is or come of from please

Thanks for the video , just bought a Toyota RAV4 and in the review they said it’s a bmw n47 d20! So it’s not good as I thought?

Dr i have recently bought 520d 2012 model N47 engine. I checked the service history, the time chain was changed at 158000kms. And now the car has done 218000kms. So plz advice me when shud this time chain be changed again, like how long do they last??

I have F22 220d 2015 with an N47 t. Should I be concerned about the Timing Chain?

Hello, While reading error codes on my BMW 318d 105kw n47 11/2008 LCI, it's reporting in dde an fault code 4CA7 fuel temperature sensor, plausibility - do you maybe know what it represents, where this sensor is placed? Thanks, Daniel.

Great video. Star as always. I'm in SE London, do you service? My 520d N47!

Hi m8 just bought a 63 plate 118d with full history . It has 54000 on are they that bad , and can you tell me the must dos regardless !

Turbo failed on mine, previous owner knew it was dying but didn't disclose. It wasn't whining but about 5mm play in the shaft. There was some light oil around turbo casing (where internal seals have gone) I should of noticed. Check this before buying!

if you don´t hear any noise from timing chain do you have to change? I've got a bmw 318D from november 2010 and don't hear any noise from the timing chain , the car has 124k miles on the clock and bmw recommended me to replace the timing chain only because of the mileage. they said yes it does not make any noise but with that mileage is better to replace it... what do you think? it sounds to me that bmw dealer just want to earn money

I see a leak next to the pipes, I keep losing power from time to time. I used liqui moly spulung it fixed the issue, 2 days ago the problem came back I have high consumption and it hardly accelerates. can you help? should I remove the EGR? what pipes I can change? oil next the inlet sensor charge pipe. and next to EGR from the pipe tube.. Thanks!

i have an e91 318D (march 2009 production) 201.000km . Runs like a charm!

Had a 2013 320d and at 120,000 miles these kind of things started going wrong. Starting with a drive moderately message on the I Drive screen and then sporadic engine lights. My car was fully serviced with oil and filter changes every 10k and only motorway driving too. , The EGR was replaced and I was still getting the messages. I got the message.. time to sell, and that's what I did. My advice - be wary at this age / miles.

My dad's 520d E60 LCI had the whole timing chain set changed around 10k miles ago. We have the car for 2 years and everything is okay with it. The owner before us took good care with the car and changed everything. We are servicing it at the official dealers only also. Everything should be right you think?

I've had the egr n swirl flaps blanked is it normal to sort of get a suction noise almost similar to the turbo whistling from the engine

hi there ive just got a x3 20d xdrive on a 2013 plate will the timing chain have been updated by bmw with it being after 2010 cheers

Where did you friend get the EGR DELETE KIT

Hi mate I wanted to remove my egr but been told you shouldn’t do unless you remove dpf too as they are connected in some way or form so if you do the one you should do both

hi! thanks man! now that's a lot of good info! i also watched your b47 video, trying to decide on which one to buy. i'm looking at x3's, and can't decide between 2012 n47 with 100k km, and a 2014 b47 140k km both basically at the same price. please let me know what's your opinion, which one you think would give me less headache for the next 5-7 years. appreciate it thanks !

Are there any signs that the timing chain is going to go?

Hi mate, great video. I havw E90 318d with N47T engine. Car production date is 06.10.2010. Do you think I am safe from timing chain or shall I get it changed? Car is on 66k miles.

Hi av got a bmw 120d n47d20c its very loud and rattley ive had the timing chain kit replaced the 3 chains and all the sprockets at a cost of 1200 ive got the car back and its exactly the same. Its very loud and gets louder the hotter the engine gets,

Awesome content! I’ve got N47T 100k km should I replace the timing belt and delete the swirl flaps? Still running good

Is there anything that does not break up on this engines ?

At 110,000 had to replace: crankshaft pulley, flex pipe, glowplugs + module. Oil changed every 10k [with flushing oil used]. X1 automatic 4wd [N47D20C]. 45 Mpg on motorway but town only 30mpg. Toyota bring the corolla cross hybrid later this year which would be cheaper to run around town; I hope to keep the X1 so long as I don't have any more hefty repairs.

What about the n47's post 2014? Thanks

1999 MC.... Pass him the mic. Nice video.

What engine oil can you use on this engine? Is Castrol Edge 5W30 LL Oil 4L any good ?

You seemed to say you're not a strong believer of removing the DPF because it causes further issues? What issues are they?

So if the timing chain had been updated to newer improved version at 100k does it become non serviceable? Or would it need changing again at 200k?

I know this is a longshot, but maybe anyone had a problem with the xenons? When I start the engine mine go down like they're supposed to, but then they go up way too much and stay there, blinding other people on the road. I have no idea what could be the problem, I don't get any fault messages on the dashboard or infotainment system everything seems to be connected, also a third of the time I drive headlights work properly. There are no sounds coming from the headlights, I didn't modify the suspension and I don't have the adaptive headlights. I don't want to blind others, but I also have to drive daily to make it from work to lectures and driving on DRL is a bit dangerous. I have 1er e81 if that makes any difference.

Clever guy... did he live in the west indies - Yea man

Is there away of checking if the timing has jumped on the n47 engine, I have a 120d 2007 it has zero compression on cylinder 3 It’s had the inlet manifold replaced as there was a hole in it and some plastic had broken of and looks to have been sucked in to cylinder 3, I want to check the timing to rule out the chain jumping and so I can remove the head, but can’t find any information on timing marks, any information or links would be amazing

isn't this the engine the egr cooler leaks and the inlet manifold bursts in to flames ? great vid sir

Should the swirl flaps also be something to look out for on these engines ? Got the 2010 lci model, on removing intake manifold for cleaning , I found the rod had snapped and, swirl flaps were falling out of the manifold.

I have a 2013 F30 - 184bhp with 83k miles on the clock. Do I need to worry about the timing chain?

How often is the timing chain issues in BMWs (mostly 3 and 4 series) made in 2013. and 2014.? Also, if it's still an issue on those N47s when would be a good mileage to change it?

Any issues with the 118D 2.0L M Sport 64 reg? I'm considering this but concerned about the timing chain. It has 31k miles on the clock.

Does anybody have any idea or thoughts about the N47T and not just the regular N47? Since there isn’t much info on it anywhere on the net or KZfaq :l

I’ve got a 17 n47 220d, would love to know if many of these things happen on these too

I’ve just purchased an f30 220d approved used 2012 with 55k on clock full service history via bmw , will this have n47engine prone to issues ? If so any tips to best avoid problems ? Thanks in advance

i have a n47 that is making noise at 2000+ rpm and lacks power, mecanic is telling me its the cahin but idk, some advice please?

Isn't removing EGR an mot fail same as removing dpf?

I hope that was a bit of irony. "so angry sounding and I'm into hip hop". Lol. Smart move owning your own music score for your production. BRILLIANT SYNOPSIS! As I have a N47. Do you think replacing tensioners alone, on an example which hasn't had problems this far, would be a sufficient remedy. But I am scoping the future move to a M57.

My 520d was recalled by main dealer to check timing chain and they said it was ok and didn't need changing which they would have done for free as it's been serviced by them from new....is it ok?

Mate u got bare bmw knowledge, anyway can you help me out I’ve brought a 320d with the pre lci engine 177bhp with a new bare engine replaced (well not new done about 30,000 miles now) whole cars done 170,000 And lots of mechanics I’ve been to for repairs said that it sounds loud which it does (ticking sound that’s a bit louder when hot) And one of them said that it’s timing chain :( But I don’t really feel a power loss, pulls like a train and the ticking noise is constant. It does just kinda sound like a tractor when it’s hot Could this be anything else???????? Thanks man rate ur vids

Did I hear him correctly? They revised the N47 produced from 2010 onwards? (I know they can still cause timing chain problems but to a lesser extent)?

Got a e46 2.0d 100kw with 400k and runs like a charm

Do the N47 diesels suffer the same timing chain guide issue as the petrol N26 engines? They 'allegedly' fixed the issue starting 3/2015 with a different [yet still plastic] timing chain guide. Do the diesels N47->B47 follow the same timeline 3/2015? I'm still seeing reports of the newer petrol N26 timing systems and engines failing. You don't see timing chain issues with Toyota, Honda or even Chevy. Why can't the German manf get this sorted?