N47 timing chain failure

[Splintster]

Hi there Guys,

I've been browsing the e90post forum in the uk, and apparently the n47 power plant is prone to timing chain failure due to poorly designed timing chain guides.

Just want to check if anyone is SA has had issues with timing chains or is the local e90 power plant built in SA as opposed to the ones in Europe?

Thanks


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[Dippies]

Not that i am aware off. :fencelook:

I hope not

 

[Splintster]

Lol it's a little concerning o_0


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[daxiet]

Been wondering the same thing since I found out I have the "infamous" N47 engine in my 320d. My car is on 142 000kms and no sign of timing chain noise. I did speak with a BMW mechanic a while ago about the overall reliabilty of the E90, he mentioned that the N47 is prone to timing chain issues, at that stage I wasn't aware I had an N47 and as such never probed further.

From what I have read it seems the timing chain is at the back of the engine and requires that the entire engine be removed to replace it. Also seems it's not just the chain, it is the sprockets that wear and that also need replacing, sounds like a piggy bank breaker.

 

[DrBob737]

Is it possible that South African built N47 320D E90 2008 to 2011 series had the stronger chain as there were manufacture changes to the timing chain, sprocket gear re engineered and wider guides late 2008.

It was a Jan 2007 to March 2008 initial concern then they realized issues in Europe and UK and upgraded the chain.(There is a newer P/N but BMW refuse to admit there is a problem in Europe.) When was manufacture time in South Africa and is there a common thread here?

 

[Bayn46]

When I was looking to buy a 320d, I also bought evaluation reading that at some point in 2008 the chain was upgraded on new builds.

 

[Oooompie]

I have spoken to the workshop foreman at one of the BMW dealers in Cape Town and he mentioned it is not a problem in SA and has rarely seen it.

Here is a similar previous thread on the same topic.
http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=54546

 

[SMRTARSX1]

It is a problem in SA, and it costs a fortune to repair, and lunches the entire motor.

115 000km, BMW X1 23d Xdrive, timing chain snapped.

 

[NikN47]

Hi All,

I've just purchased an e90 320d (not sure if i'm regretting this decision), and reading up on the timing chain issues has me a little worried. To my knowledge the timing chain on the car has not been replaced. What would be an estimate of the costs involved including parts and labour? I'd rather do preventative maintenance than have to deal with a blown engine.

Thanks