BMW N47 diesel: timing chain problems and what to do

The N47 is fitted to almost every BMW model below the 7 Series built between 2007 and 2015. That is what the German trade magazine auto motor und sport writes. The engine has a capacity of 1.6 or 2.0 litres and produces 95 to 218 hp.

Parts manufacturer febi (Bilstein Group) lists the N47 in various BMW and MINI models. As an example of a failed chain, febi describes a BMW 520d from the 5 Series (E61). According to febi, the N47 is an engine with known faults.

According to auto motor und sport, the later four-cylinder diesel that replaced the N47 does not have this problem. Not sure which engine your BMW has? The engine code is often in the service history, or we can look it up for you from your registration number (kenteken). Whether your engine has a chain or a belt is also explained in timing belt or timing chain: which does your car have?

The best-known sign is a metallic rattle from the back of the engine, at first only on a cold start. A timing chain is the chain that connects the crankshaft to the camshafts. This makes the valves open and close at the right moment.

The general signs are covered in our article on timing chain stretch symptoms.

The chain wears out too quickly because of a combination of design, position and lubrication. The sources mention these points:

The N47 parts have been improved over the years. According to febi, the current chain kits for the N47 contain the latest version of the chain tensioner. It is longer, 94 instead of 86 mm, and has a stronger spring. Febi advises replacing the engine oil and the oil filter as well when fitting a new kit.

According to auto motor und sport, the successor to the N47 does not have this problem. Cars with an N47 are now around ten years old or older. Whether BMW still reimburses anything for your car is up to BMW. Ask a BMW dealer. You can check whether there is an open recall for your car with your registration number in the RDW recall lookup (in Dutch). The RDW is the Dutch vehicle authority.

We start by listening and reading out the engine computer, without opening the engine. Only when that gives a clear picture do we recommend a repair.

1. We start the engine from cold and listen to where the noise comes from. A rattling heat shield or a loose exhaust bracket can also rattle.
2. We read out the fault memory of the engine computer and look for messages about the camshaft and crankshaft positions.
3. We look at the service history: how often was the oil changed, and with which oil?
4. We then discuss with you whether further investigation or replacement is needed. We tell you the price in advance and we only carry out repairs with your approval.

An engine warning light can have many causes. Read more in our article on what an engine warning light means.

When a chain has failed, all parts of the timing drive are replaced. Febi lists the upper and lower chain, the guides, the tensioners and the sprockets. Because the chain sits at the back of the engine, this is a lot of work. Auto motor und sport describes replacing the chain as time-consuming and costly.

If the chain has already broken, the damage is much greater. According to auto motor und sport, the engine can then fail completely. In febi’s example of a 520d, five rocker arms had broken, among other damage. Repair is then often no longer worth it. That is why it pays to have the car checked at the first signs.

The cost depends on the model and on what is found when the engine is opened. We tell you the price in advance and we only carry out repairs with your approval. What timing work generally costs is explained in timing belt replacement cost. If your car has a timing belt, see our page on timing belt replacement in Rotterdam.

Good oil maintenance, on time, is the most important thing you can do. The chain depends heavily on clean oil of the correct specification.

We carry out the service for your BMW according to BMW’s schedule and reset the service reminder afterwards. If your BMW also needs its APK (MOT), the compulsory Dutch vehicle inspection, you can have it done in the same appointment.

Yes. A stretched chain can jump a tooth or break. The valves can then hit the pistons and cause severe engine damage. So drive as little as possible and have the car checked soon.

No, not if the chain has already stretched. A new tensioner alone is then not enough. According to febi, the current chain kits contain the latest, longer tensioner together with the other parts. We discuss what your car needs with you after the check.

According to auto motor und sport, BMW used the N47 from 2007 to 2015. After that came a new four-cylinder diesel. Around the changeover it can differ by model, so check the engine code of your car.

Yes. A stretched chain can shift the camshaft position in relation to the crankshaft. If the engine computer detects this, it stores a fault code and the engine warning light can come on. Have the fault code read out, because the same light can also have other causes.

No. Timing chain noise is not a separate inspection item. At the APK only the exhaust noise is assessed. If the fault does turn on the engine warning light, read our article on the engine warning light and the APK to see what that means for the test.

Yes. You can also go to an independent garage, as long as the service follows BMW’s schedule. Keep the invoices, so you can show which oil was used and when. For a warranty question, read your manufacturer’s terms.

• auto motor und sport: Steuerkettenprobleme beim BMW N47: Ursachen und Lösungen (in German)
• febi (Bilstein Group): BMW N47 timing chain failure (technical information FTEC015)
• febi (Bilstein Group): Timing chain kits BMW and MINI N47/N57 (technical information 30349)
• RDW: Terugroepacties opzoeken (recall lookup, in Dutch)
• RDW: APK manual for passenger cars: noise and environment (in Dutch)