Chain failure is most common on n47 2006-11 engines,after 11 they upgraded the tensioners HOWEVER these chains may still stretch and rattle on all 20.d engines upto 2018!!! Very few snap but it’s not unheard of. N57 which is in 30d/40d cars are ALOT less prone the timing chain failure. I will say this tho, over the course of 12 years I’ve owned 7 different cars will n47/n57 engine and serviced them all ever 10k or 6-8 months and NEVER had 1 issue with a chain or turbo etc. I know 3 people who have stuck to BMW’s 2 year or 18/20k service intervals and 2 of them needed chains replacing. Il leave the math to anyone reading this

The following models have the problem: - E81/E82/E87/E88 116d/118d/120d - LCI cars built before 01/03/2011 only - E90/E91/E92/E93 316d/318d/320d built between September 2007 and 01/03/2011 (anything with Efficient Dynamics could have the problem if it's built before 01/03/2011) - E60/E61 LCI 520d built after September 2007 (models with Efficient Dynamcs, LCI 520ds built before September 2007 do not have this problem as they didn't change the engine until a few months after the LCI model was introduced) - F10/F11 520d with a build date of before 01/03/2011 - E84 X1 18d/20d/23d with a build date of before 01/03/2011 - E83 X3 2.0d built after September 2007 - F25 X3 xDrive20d with a build date of before 01/03/2011 Models built between 05/01/2009 and 01/03/2011 do not require as many parts to be changed as those built before those dates. There is no problem with N47 engines built after 01/03/2011 (for now). More via this link: www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showt...php?p=82905489

E46 6 cylinder crew checking in with 0 problems ever. Lol

Ważne! W dniu 15 stycznia 2015 r. w Polsce BMW ogłosiło akcję serwisową dla samochodów z silnikiem 2.0 diesel z początku produkcji: N47D20A (2007 i cześć 2008 r.). Naprawa polega na wymianie napinacza łańcucha i innych części w razie potrzeby.

German cars are long gone in terms of reliability. All top brands had a lot of serious problems, but ppl still buys them like crazy. 👍🚘

I've 2009 E60 520D , it has full BMW dealer service history ... last service done 17 days ago. Last evening while going on a road the engine came to sudden halt and finally today came to know from BMW workshop that ... timming chain has been snapped and crankshaft broke .. needs engine replacement. The cost is around £10K. BMW provided me with nothing but the conventional sympathies.

The timing chain actually is a serviceable item at 100000km . Even the vw golf gtis experience this problem. Diesel oil should also be changed in less than 15k km. It is the dealers fault for giving service intervals that is incorrect but economically viable for them when the car is under their care. I fix bmws for a living to ans with the proper pre 15k km services and pre failure replacements of parts. The cars work perfectly. Same can be said for all cars . Just some more expensive than others.

My timing chain went on my 3 series last year, a 2013 model with 84k miles, thankfully after a month of arguing they agreed to put a brand new engine in if I paid the labour costs. Massive relief from the £11k they originally wanted to replace the engine.

"Timing Chain, no Expensive timing belt changes" I love it when I see adverts for cars with this in the description........

I bought a 2006 118i BMW at 60000km timing chain failed, jumped out of rails. No anti skipping brackets apparently like in later model. Despite 2 requests to BMW they are ignoring my issue, no answer from them. It's going to cost me over $3000 to fix it, $600 just to diagnose the fault. It seems BMW will guarantee repair for 2 years but all services have to be done at an official agent. So disappointed on the car and the brand. After 2 years I will resell it and go and buy Japanese. BMW is crap and their customer services the poorest I have seen. Edited to add 2 new faults found, accelerator and hose failure. Total of repairs over NZ$6000 now

I had a bmw and nothing but problems even the dealer couldn't fix the issues after 7 visits finally sold it and bought a honda which I had for 8 years and never seen a dealer for repairs at all only went in for services each year just sold that car and got a toyota and yes I know then have had lots of recalls but at least they had the bloody guts to recall and fix the cars free bmw just showed 2 fingers as shown in the video let the customer pay the £4000 they couldnt give a toss German engineering yes may be good but when something goes wrong it's time to remortgage your house to pay for there ridiculous charges. Always said it Japanese cars are the most reliable cars in the world

It might help if I could actually hear the goddam video!

I am in shock ! I have this car and problem as well already !!!

I never thought that BMW can fail so bad. I was so proud of this company and all the awards that BMW engines won till now. The worst thing of this situation is taking no responsibility and handling the situation as the company like this is supposed to. Shame. Fell so sorry for the customers of N47 engines. The engines been recalled, but anyway, brand felt down

Just happened to my 520d 2010 model, car stopped in the middle of the road. The car has a mileage of less than 70k, and full service history. BMW agreed to pay partial cost of repair but still costed me over £1200 to repair. Gutted that such failure should happen at all!!

You got what you paid for ! diesel, four-cylinder with turbo is not true bmw engine, its downsize shit for EU and her co2 limits politics

Its a fully known common problem on all BMW owners forums, you'll google and see hundreds of the same cases. Some 50k miles some 150k miles. Some 3 years old some 6 years..etc.Its not just 1 series but all bmw's with the N47 engine. My first bmw i owned and it failed in 1 month of owning it. I am put off of BMW for life, i will never ever buy a BMW vehicle ever again whether has n47 engine or not. POOR QUALITY.

There is a decent reason to put the cam drive chain at the rear of the engine. By taking the chain from the load end of the crankshaft the torsional vibration load is reduced, giving more accurate valve timing. But a stronger design might help.

Sorry to say this as a Bimmer tech, i fix bimmers for living but will not buy one for my self anymore. Most car makers make one mistake, maybe engine mistake or trans mistake etc, bimmer have problems in engine, trans sucks, timing sucks, cross over pipes sucks, valve seals are sucks and sooooo many other problems, stay away from BMW less you are doctor or lawyer.

Okay guys my bmw f10 2011 timing chain snapped and bmw paid 8k and I paid 2k towards repair, I had 130k on clock, happy with the result running nice and smooth.

I have 2 BMWs, and just bought another one (didn't arrive yet). First has the n47 engine, it runs fine so far but only 50k km, and the other is a 2008 z4 3.0 265ps n52 160k km . Oil filter gasket slightly leaking now, scheduled for replacement for 110$(equivalent). They are for sale now, first because of the n47 and the z because I want something built racetrack only like i.e. Westfield xtr2 although the z is very good.

BMW has dropped the ball on so many models. Have a google at N52 engine issues. This was my first and last BMW. Would never trust or recommend the brand to anyone again.

Wait, why was Dan driving to work with his children in the car?

the new models (2013 until today) have the same problem... :(

BMW are now doing a free recall on these engines. So next time your car needs servicing take it to a BMW dealership and they'll fix the timing chain free of charge (provided it hasn't already failed of course). This is for 2.0 diesels N47 engine from 2007-2011 models (1, 3 and 5 series). This has been the case since April 2015. If it's too late and engine has already failed, go onto the bimmer forums to find a reputable Independent BMW garage that rebuilds these engines. The cost can range from £1800 to £2500, if someone offers to fix it for less or more, stay away. The parts alone are £1200 before labour and VAT. If you need any more advice let me know, had the same problem and took 6 months to resolve. If you're planning to buy one, get a reputable warranty with BMW or warranty direct and do your homework before signing up.

Honda all the way, best cars on the road for bulid quality and reliability

On n47 motor , you must change timing chain every 100k km and that's it , problem solved ! The engine have some problems from the factory but you can avoid that changing it every 100k km.

I have got 2011 320d suffers from the same issue hopefully its getting done under warranty

All BMW's with 2.0 Diesel engines have this problem. BMW knows it but they don't recall free these cars. My new car will not be a BMW anymore.

Important! From 15 of January 2015 in Poland BMW announced product recall for cars with early 2.0 diesel engine: N47D20A (2007 and some 2008 cars). They are replacing chain tensioner and other parts if required.

BMW`s M57T2 must be one of the best engines they ever made!!!? (fully aluminium, front mounted timing chain, variable vane turbo, piezo injectors, common rail,etc.) in the case of the x25d no swirl-flaps so this engine has no apparent weakness.

The anti skipping guides have failed in my 2010 118i and I am told there is now swarf in my engine oil. I am awaiting advice from BMW on the likely repair cost. Given that my 2005 model 320td experienced a swirl flap failure (causing the car to be written off) I will never purchase another BMW.

trusted BMWs for long time, Since had exact same issue recently with a 2010 320D. no warnings, no indication. Sudden break down into engine seizure.

There is no need to remove the engine to replace the timing chain, it´s done from underneath the car. The issue happens mostly with series 1 cars up to 2009. In 2009 BMW introduced modifications to the chain and parts, but still the chain needs to be replaced at about 100K miles or before if the car is not maintained well. Anyway, all timing chains should be replaced eventually in all cars.

Good video, Apart from the expensive and common timing chain problem on the N47 engine, of which I sadly now have personal experience of, BMW also has the oil leakage problem on almost all N47 engines I have seen, the oil consumption is up the wall, and BMW representatives just say " it's normal for this type of engine". BMW doesn't seem to be too concerned about this. My personal opinion is to avoid 4 cylinder BMW's. And what says that newer engines should be any better than the N47?

This type of mechanical issue is NOT a BMW problem, its a business problem repeating itself throughout the automotive environment. Ford, Chevy, Nissan, ect all have serious issues that creep up AFTER warranty. Parts materials are being skimped upon and the result is "its not a warranty problem." Way to many specific and repeatable examples to list. There is a lot of shame going around in the business world and its often mistaken for cleverness and penny pinching.

Ex-BMW customer from the UK. Car with the N53 engine had failures, spent nearly £ 1,000 on two trips to the garage to be told neither worked and they believed it needed another £ 3,500 worth of work. Discovered that in the USA this would have been covered even though it was out of standard warranty because the parts are notoriously unreliable. BMW UK don't care for customers who have religiously had their cars serviced at their dealerships. Searching the internet I have discovered many of their engines have inherent problems, not just the N47 or N53 but many. Bimmerboost claim BMW just try to ensure the engines in the M3 / M4 last long enough to get out of warranty then leave the owners without support! I will never buy BMW again.

The same happened with my 118i (2007, 120k km, no garantee). No warning lights, neither before and after. Although a day before I heard some light metallic noise from the front, but I though maybe something around the brakes hitting that metal shield around it. (it was winter, and I was 400km from home in a motel, so I haven't investigated it further) But next day, the engine was at least -60PS weaker, the consumption was sky high (40l/100km), I barely could make it to the work (3-4km distance). Then came ADAC (german "yellow angel"). I told him the symptoms and he known it right away it is the timing chain. He removed the oil cap to make it sure, and it was. He said it will be €€€ to replace the chain. Few days after I have a call from the BMW service, that it can't be replaced and complete new engine is needed, as the lose chain damaged the engine. I read about it, that a new engine will be around €€€€€€ not to mention in Germany in an official BMW service it would be even higher. But after I imagined how I going to smashed the car with a huge hammer and lit it on fire, the service guy continued that the BMW admits this design failure and they will replace it free with a new factory 0km engine. I don't know if this is because I was in Bayern or in Germany, but I'm afraid if this would happened in a not so lucky country I would be doomed, big time. Nevertheless, I'm not a fond of gambling, so 1 year or so, and I will replace it with a Toyota.

The earlier m47 engine never had this problem and was featured in the 2005 - 2006 e90 models I own a 2006 e90 320d and I would consider it to be bulletproof

woah extremely specific channel 😲

Dude my march 2011 built 320d had this issue. from my research they half assed fixed it in 2009 and then properly fixed it in march 2011. i caught mine before it failed because i heard the chain rattling. managed to get the Dell-Boy dealer to pay for it, plus a new flywheel for my troubles.

“Sudden loss of power” lol More like complete destruction of engine and valves and metal shreds flying out of exhaust and seen rattling along the road.

i just suffered an engine failure on 2010 740il petrol, with 101500 km. if bmw do not cover the repair it is cheaper to sell the car for scarab (cost estimate is 20,000 usd). i knew about their reliability issues from repetition, but never found solid evidence such as this during my search. i now will make it my mission to let people know their design philosophy. you better light your money on fire instead of buying a bmw. for compassion i have a Lexus ls 460 2007 with 250,000 km and the engine is in perfect condition. the biggest maintenance i did were injector cleaning.

Going to look at a 2006 reg 320d soon. Would all 05 and 06 e90s have had the older M47 from the e46? Did the n47 just appear in early 2007?

Timing chain failure is common on M62 blocks as well, at least the chain is at the front.

I love how everyone gives up on the Bmw brand, only the true enthusiasts survive in this game.😉

My 2006 Honda Civic Petrol automatic has done 211,000 miles I’m now on my third Battery and I’ve replaced the i-Shift clutch at 160,000 miles service at Honda main dealer for £450 and replaced the front suspension once I’ve been all around Europe in it and I’ve never broken down except a failed battery, I even started the car in Norway in -31 without an issue The Vtec engine on my car is running like new

I build these in the factory, I only build a N47 engine 2 or 3 times out of every 100 cars. Its by far the least popular of the 5 different engines we put together

I've got a 123d 2008 and had a chain replacement couple years back, but it ran dry a little few month back after a oil leak now that's sorted I have a little rattle from the chain, been told might be worth trying to change the tensioner bolt that accessible from the outside, what do you think and where is it? Thanks mate good video

I own e38 735 IL from 1999, never had engine problem , 400000 km

Mic on Point!!!!😤😤

note: the tech at 2:45 says the timing chain is designed to last the life time of the engine. he is correct. the entire car is designed to fail before 100k. I am a shop owner, I see it every day. I have worked as a dealer technician for a few brands. it is all brands, not just bmw

Wow that is bad, putting the timing chain at the back of the engine is incredibly bad design! Who's idea was that? That a rival for VWs emissions cheat software in terms of stupid car design! Older BMWs seem to last longer and be much better made and easier to work on too!

same happened to me with my bmw 320d 2012 with 133000 mileage chain belt snapped on m6 at 12:30 at night with my wife and kida on board it was terrible i will never trust bmw again i am moving to Japanese cars

I've got a 2000 model 328se. I was going to upgrade this year, and get a newer model. Not now, I'll stick with my old girl, 155000 miles on the clock, still going strong, can't believe she's only worth about £500 !!

Nowadays you can have the chain replaced for 900 euro parts, labour and VAT included :-) I had the chain on my 118D with N47 engine replaced on 160000km because i started to hear something. Now the car has done 310000 km and still works excellent. Apart from oil, filters, 1 clutch and 1 waterpump nothing was replaced on this engine!

Same for us! No help. Full service. 149 000km. 2008. Never bmw again.

i have a bmw 520 d 177 and today my timming chain failed ....66 000 km .... thank you bmw

accordingly to BMW maintenance data, the timing chain should not be replaced unless there is a problem in the system like a rattle. BMW always had some sort of issues with its engines. like the seals in the vanos system of the m54 engines, they were not design to withstand that kind of heat and would fail.

The error is due to contamination of the engine oil with fuel on the post injection time. Solution is remuved diesel particulate filter !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I've been driving and servicing my BMWs for over 12 years now had over dozen of them. Currently have 4 in my possession. Not one of them have given me an engine failure where it is catastrophic. Yes parts are designed to time out and preventative maintenance is crucial and expensive but never catastrophic like example above. However engine sizes are critical when choosing to own a BMW. Never own a small engined european car like BMW, audi or Mercedes. Yes they make engines as small as 1.5L 3 cyl engine but I never buy BMWs with engine capacity below 2.5L I6 because any engine size below is gutless, engine can have strain due to chassis weight and BMWs especially are known for their inline 6 technology. Not 4 cylinder! 4 of my BMWs vary from 2.5L, 2.7L, 3.0L and 3.2L not one of them in 10 years of ownership has given me headaches like what you see in the video. People buy entry model products thinking they will run like the premium versions but they won't. Hence why it's cheaper than the premium versions like 3, 5 and 7 series. Same with audi or mercedes. Never buy entry models and go for proper versions and you'll be okay. If you don't have the money to look after it, don't own one and buy a Toyota. Simple. Ps: the known issue above is rectified in MY11+

Their previous Diesel engine was the M47, I've got a Rover 75 with the M47R, a Rover re-engineered version. I've had 7 of these cars without any problem and my latest 75 has the M47R with 225,000 miles on it. A shame they upgraded it. Why diss a good thing?

I was going down the highway a few years ago in my old 94 Mazda pick-up. All of the sudden my engine died. I turns out my timing belt broke. My little 2.3l four cylinder was a non-interference engine as opposed to an interference engine. I was lucky. It was a few hundred dollars to have the belt replaced. If you have an interference engine and the timing chain literally breaks while running, the engine is pretty much toast. You need to be "religious" about regular oil / filter changes and don't abuse the engine. Here's a good definition from Wiki. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interference_engine

bmw x1. 53000.miles,one morning orange light,in two seconds red one and seized engine...amazing cars!!!

Never had this issue with any of my GM cars, Jeep is great too.

I have a 1.6 BMW/Mini engine in my Peugeot 208, hope I don't have issues like this!

It happened to me middle of motorway it was v scary I was lucky it was 1am and motorway was very quite else it could be v dangerous as I was on first lane 80 miles an hour

How is E90 straight six petrol engine? I hear always it is bulletproof. Is that the case?

Iv been driving my 2008 118D now for nearly 100k and i only just heard about this failure today! Why don't garages say anything about this? This makes me frightened even driving my car now...

What's more amazing is that BMW haven't had to rectify this.

Yesterday was driving on motorway 70mph, suddenly engine cut out, when stopped at the curb tried to start it, the sound was like starter just spins and no any noises from the engine, on the dash no engine management light etc, is it timing chain???? Its 2008 e91 320d

I have a question, this problem appears on n47 motor 2010?

BMW: - Bring Me Women :) - Bring More Worries :( - Break My Wallet :(

E87 116i has similar problems. Avoid the 1,6L engine unless engine have been properly rebuilt. A NOK 50.000/GBP 5.000 rebuild.

Should it matter if the vehicle has been serviced by a non BMW approved garage ? So long as no parts are not BMW for example if its just oil change filters then I see no reason a filter can affect the timing chain weakness. BMW are using this as an easy excuse.Come on #BMW accept that you go this part wrong. Be the bigger respectable car manufacturer you say you are. Even if you do have everything done by BMW it seems they have decided to no longer offer a recall and that is quite shocking.

Timing chains are preferred over timing belts because they should never need replacing and therefore last the duration of the vehicle. Timing gears are far better but are more expensive to mass produce, although Honda employed this idea on many of its motorcycles. If I was a BMW engineer, I would design the engine to have the timing chain at the front regardless, as my way of thinking would be," what if". I would be thinking of ever possible eventuality. Don't make them like they use to. :(

I own a 520d with N47 engine, my timing chain snap on the way to home... The cost to fix it is 1200-1500 pounds, depends of mechanic

I drive BMW 520 d (N47). the same thing happened to my car. Repairs cost me 4200 €. I was only at the BMW three days before for an inspection

how about the 2014 + 116d engine? Toyotas have now installed them in their Auris, Verso and Avensis engines!

colleague at work suffered this expensive failure; well over £2k to fix; poor fellah's stuck with it cos he can't afford another car for the time being; he hates that car!

Does the updated 2010 and onward N47 engine with 184hp still has this problem or is it solved?

Mine is a 2012 but I'm getting it changed just in case because I've heard of later model chains snapping

Got a 2nd hand bmw 116d(ed)/4cylinder and the timing chain is worn i think, because the engine maled rattling noises. It has now 130k km on it.

thank gawd for my 2002 s54 motor:)

I have a 2010 F10 520d and this has just happened to mine on 100k, still owe £6k on the car and dealerships not getting back to me. I thought BMW rectified this issue in 2009, obviously not as mine was September 2010 and it has not got the uprated tensioners which I will get on my reconditioned engine. I have loved BMW for years, owned a few but this is my last now. I NEVER expecteed this to happen to a well maintained car this new. What a F****** joke.

The problem is bmw’s service interval is designed to delay all problems until just after the warranty period expires. 15k mike oil changes are ridiculous

Oh shit, well I was looking at getting a '08/'09 123d next year as an upgrade. So what does everybody suggest instead? Has to be at least a 2.0 diesel (for economy) have at least 170bhp, roughly 250-300 ftlb of torque, 5 door, fun to drive, preferably cruise control or the option to fit as well, and lastly... reliable....... Fire away :) I considered the same year Audi A3 2.0 tdi, a lot less power, but quality interior, bit less fun to drive but still good enough. Might get hate for this as well... but I kinda like the look of the Skoda Octavia Vrs 2.0 diesel, so yeah that sort of car that won't break down

Hi I just bought the Same ,and has the same issue.please someone help me ,to fix this ,somewhere in London. Any address or phone number? Thanks.

repaired loads of n47 chains no internal damage just snap the rockers and I normally take gearbox out leave engine in

One can say BMW has improved the chain since many years 🤔... but it's not good enough for engine life cycle. 520d prod.date 2011.9 and 170tkm now I have that problem too. For an engine life about 150tkm it's actually perfect timed time chain. 😉

part of the problem is the "long-life" oil. so they make the car difficult to repair by putting the chain at the back, tell you only change the oil every 2 years and then when it fails slightly out of warranty expect you to pay for it all. They're scamming people, nothing more to say.

Love my 120d had it 5 years

kind of lucky as i have the m47r in my mg zt and it's awesome.

It's a safety issue if this had of happened on a steep hill or sharp bend they could of all been killed or ended up killing other road users , all of these car's need to be recalled and repaired with an upgraded cam chain , or take the car's of the road and compensate the owners in full.

I paid 500 for my e36 which is still in running condition(drift car ) m50 going strong ready for boost hopefully

N46 engine here. Apart from a VVT motor fault at one point, flawless engine even at 240,000kms

Basta eseguire lavaggio (flush oil) del circuito lubrificazione ogni 40.000 km. Con olio 0w30 e additivo bardahl long life treatment.

Is this engine still in production

I have a 2008 BMW 520d and had to replace the engine 2 years ago. I dont trust BMW anymore.

Astonish99, did u fix it ? Hi I just bought the Same ,and has the same issue.please someone help me ,to fix this ,somewhere in London. Any address or phone number? Thanks.