2008 520d touring engine - N47?

bmcg

Hoping someone could clarify; does the 2008 bmw 520d touring have the same N47 engine as the saloon 520d? Had made my mind up on getting the touring but started reading about the timing chain fault with the N47 and its definitely put me off. The touring doesn't have the M47 engine? Any feedback welcome.

mullingar

Yes, exact same engine, same chassis etc, just a different rear end (and different codes E60 /E61).

Be very careful with that chain!

robbie99

I think BMW may be doing a silent recall of sorts about the timing chain, although it will still cost.

I've 08 320d and last month while in for brake pad service/replacement, I was told my timing chain was a 'making a noise' and that that it and the crankshaft needed replacing. To me, the engine sounded no different as to when it was new and now since it has been repaired, still sounds the same so I'm not sure if really was urgent to get the job done. My car was a UK import, 62k miles and with full BMW service history. I bought it as a three month old ex-demo. The dealer applied for goodwill and came back with BMW covering 100% of labour and 50% of parts for a total cost €1,024. I'm not sure if the dealer was just pulling a fast one and looking for the extra work but I was glad to get the job done as it now gives me 2 years warranty on an engine nobody has confidence with. Or maybe this is BMW doing a recall but wanting to share the cost?

bmcg

Thanks for that mullingar. I think I'll steer clear, if you'll pardon the pun.

mullingar wrote: »

Yes, exact same engine, same chassis etc, just a different rear end (and different codes E60 /E61).

Be very careful with that chain!

Paddy@CIRL

If you're considering 2008, why not a 525D or 530D?

bmcg

Yeah, that's an option. 525d touring seems pretty rare on the classifieds sites.

Paddy@CIRL wrote: »

If you're considering 2008, why not a 525D or 530D?

bmcg

Thanks for the info robbie. It does seem recouping the cost from bmw is possible but depends on dealers willingness to chase it.

robbie99 wrote: »

I think BMW may be doing a silent recall of sorts about the timing chain, although it will still cost.

I've 08 320d and last month while in for brake pad service/replacement, I was told my timing chain was a 'making a noise' and that that it and the crankshaft needed replacing. To me, the engine sounded no different as to when it was new and now since it has been repaired, still sounds the same so I'm not sure if really was urgent to get the job done. My car was a UK import, 62k miles and with full BMW service history. I bought it as a three month old ex-demo. The dealer applied for goodwill and came back with BMW covering 100% of labour and 50% of parts for a total cost €1,024. I'm not sure if the dealer was just pulling a fast one and looking for the extra work but I was glad to get the job done as it now gives me 2 years warranty on an engine nobody has confidence with. Or maybe this is BMW doing a recall but wanting to share the cost?

bazz26

E60 with the N47 engine is 177bhp, the older M47 engine has 163bhp. The M47 was available upto late 2007 and worth looking at.

veetwin

Just wondering what drivers like myself (2009 520d Touring) can do to avert a possible large bill in the future? Is replacing the timing chain an option/good idea?

Surely if BMW know about this problem it would be in their interest to change the chain before a problem arises rather than deal with the consequences of a stretched chain?

bazz26

veetwin wrote: »

Just wondering what drivers like myself (2009 520d Touring) can do to avert a possible large bill in the future? Is replacing the timing chain an option/good idea?

Replacing the timing chain will only temporarily fix the issue. The problem is with a poorly designed crank shaft fitted engines from a certain date. The crank shaft damages the timing chain which can eventually cause it to snap. To change the timing chain and crank shaft requires the engine and gearbox to be removed because some genius in Munich decided to place the timing chain at the rear of the engine (because it is designed to last the life of the engine) which is right up against the engine bay/cabin bulk head. It is very labour intensive which is where the bills build up.

Not sure how many of these engines it effects as it doesn't effect them all problems have been experienced on low mileage cars as well as high mileage ones but getting the oil changed more frequently than the lengthy 20k/30k mile intervals that BMW recommend can only help your chances of not having problems or at least slow it down.

veetwin wrote: »

Surely if BMW know about this problem it would be in their interest to change the chain before a problem arises rather than deal with the consequences of a stretched chain?

The effected engines were produced from late 2007 to early 2010, BMW offically deny it is a design flaw and will not issue a recall as it would cost them a fortune in money as well as PR. However they are fixing the problem on a case by case basis on cars still under warranty on the qt. They will also contribute goodwill towards the cost on cars with a FBMWSH but that depends on how hard the dealer fights your case with them and from reading stories alot of dealers here in Ireland don't seem to want to fight them too hard.

selfdiy

bazz26 wrote: »

Replacing the timing chain will only temporarily fix the issue.

Hi bazz,
Have you seen any that had a replaced chain fail or the symptoms start again, how long did it last tell the chain needed to be done again.

I'm very curious to know how many miles people are getting from replacement chains.

Cheers...

bazz26

No idea but if the chain is only replaced and not the crank shaft then I'd guess that you will be back to square one where it could happen at any time or mileage. They have been known to go at mileage as low as 40k miles and on other cars still running fine at 100k miles plus so it is a lottery really.

Looks like another one gone pop here:

http://www.bmw-driver.net/forum/showthread.php?t=42689

I would think that just replacing the chain is the cheapest option for people who plan to sell them on maybe within a year or two.