2013 BMW 520d chain's safe?

dmcsweeney · 19-03-2017 9:10pm #1

Hi all,

I've recently bought a January 2013 BMW 520d SE ED auto. There is now 50k miles on the clock and I'm wondering if the N47 engine still suffered timing chain issues by the time my car would have been built? Also, how obvious is the rattle? My plan is to give it an oil service every 10k miles from now on to give the chain a fighting chance.

Thanks,
Dave

CalamariFritti · 19-03-2017 9:17pm

These chain stories stay alive on the net even though they're safe for years now. Easy to get spooked with all the stories, happened to me too. You'll be fine.

dmcsweeney · 19-03-2017 9:22pm

CalamariFritti wrote: »

These chain stories stay alive on the net even though they're safe for years now. Easy to get spooked with all the stories, happened to me too. You'll be fine.

Thanks, I've got a pain in my back from leaning over the front wing listening to the engine and I think I've burnt more diesel than on the road doing so

. I still pan on reducing the oil change interval as I think it's far too long and I'll do it myself. I'll sleep better tonight!

Cheers,
Dave

nosilver · 19-03-2017 10:16pm

If its of any comfort, mine (late 2012)is on 300k km, have had suspension issues under warranty, recent high pressure fuel pump replacement (295k) and have been warned that turbo may need replacing soon.

It gets "abused" in terms of load carry, - I really should have a van!

Service every 30k km with indo specialist, hoping for it to see 400k before changing.

Most annoying issue was lock nut breaking causing an overnight stay before being sorted. - Fault of previous tyre place rather than the car.

myshirt · 19-03-2017 10:20pm

Onto the 5th BMW issued timing kit solution now, so if it does suffer from excessive wear or jumps a tooth then hopefully getting it fixed will have you sorted for life of engine!

dmcsweeney · 20-03-2017 7:42am

nosilver wrote: »

If its of any comfort, mine (late 2012)is on 300k km, have had suspension issues under warranty, recent high pressure fuel pump replacement (295k) and have been warned that turbo may need replacing soon.

It gets "abused" in terms of load carry, - I really should have a van!

Service every 30k km with indo specialist, hoping for it to see 400k before changing.

Most annoying issue was lock nut breaking causing an overnight stay before being sorted. - Fault of previous tyre place rather than the car.

That is of comfort! To be fair the issues you have had could effect any car at that mileage.

Regards,
Dave

dmcsweeney · 20-03-2017 7:44am

myshirt wrote: »

Onto the 5th BMW issued timing kit solution now, so if it does suffer from excessive wear or jumps a tooth then hopefully getting it fixed will have you sorted for life of engine!

Does that mean they still considered it an issue in 2013?
Regards,
Dave

nosilver · 20-03-2017 8:17am

dmcsweeney wrote: »

That is of comfort! To be fair the issues you have had could effect any car at that mileage.

Regards,
Dave

absolutely - and fairly surprised (pleasantly) that the first issue I needed to pay for apart from servicing came at almost 300k.

millington · 20-03-2017 9:07am

To be honest it seems any N47 is a liability

testicles · 20-03-2017 9:30am

This post has been deleted.

millington · 20-03-2017 10:23am

testicles wrote: »

This post has been deleted.

Thats what BMW said but I've seen 2011 build date cars have issues.

pa990 · 20-03-2017 12:00pm

30k km is far too long for an oil change, and for drivers doing small mileage, intervals could be 2yrs apart.

Best to have the oil and filter changed at 15k km or yearly, whichever comes first.

Some will say that its overkill, but i'd much prefer to play it safe rather than have a hefty bill for a Timing chain.

If you plan on keeping the warranty intact, and want to save a few bob, i suggest that for the oil change at 15k , you use a genuine oil filter, (the correct oil) and use an indy. (and dont record it in the service book)

rabbitinlights · 21-03-2017 3:12pm

Build dates after march 2011 are labeled as N47T or N47TU which stands for Technical Update and have updated tension guides for the chain and have a much, much lower failure rate.

mikeecho · 21-03-2017 5:06pm

rabbitinlights wrote: »

Build dates after march 2011 are labeled as N47T or N47TU which stands for Technical Update and have updated tension guides for the chain and have a much, much lower failure rate.

Lower risk, but not eliminated.

Frequent oil and filter changes will lessen the chance of problems.

I can't say it enough.. Frequent oil and filter changes.
Don't scrimp on the oil. There are plenty of times that halfords and the like have oil sales. Stock up when it's on offer.

I have enough for 2 or 3 changes at hand at all times... overkill.. yes

dmcsweeney · 22-03-2017 3:25pm

mikeecho wrote: »

Lower risk, but not eliminated.

Frequent oil and filter changes will lessen the chance of problems.

I can't say it enough.. Frequent oil and filter changes.
Don't scrimp on the oil. There are plenty of times that halfords and the like have oil sales. Stock up when it's on offer.

I have enough for 2 or 3 changes at hand at all times... overkill.. yes

What brand of oil are you using and what is the sump capacity?

Thanks,
Dave

mikeecho · 22-03-2017 3:37pm

dmcsweeney wrote: »

What brand of oil are you using and what is the sump capacity?

Thanks,
Dave

I think it's 5.2L

I use, Castrol EDGE Titanium FST 0w30 Fully Synthetic Engine Oil

This is the stuff I use, and use every 15k km.
http://www.micksgarage.com/proddetails.aspx?pid=4227341

Best to buy when it's on special offer, or when a coupon is available.

Luckily, last time I ordered 8L , they didn't have the 4L in stock, so I got 8 x 1L bottles (at the same price, with an oil promotion and a coupon)

It's more convenient to use 1x4L and top up with the small bottles.

dmcsweeney · 23-03-2017 12:42pm

mikeecho wrote: »

I think it's 5.2L

I use, Castrol EDGE Titanium FST 0w30 Fully Synthetic Engine Oil

This is the stuff I use, and use every 15k km.
http://www.micksgarage.com/proddetails.aspx?pid=4227341

Best to buy when it's on special offer, or when a coupon is available.

Luckily, last time I ordered 8L , they didn't have the 4L in stock, so I got 8 x 1L bottles (at the same price, with an oil promotion and a coupon)

It's more convenient to use 1x4L and top up with the small bottles.

Excellent, thanks for that. Just watched a video on youtube of a service. It actually looks easier than on my old X-type. I like the fact that there are no large under trays to come off to access the sump plug. The fuel filter location looks a pain though! Is there much of a difference between Edge Titanium and Edge? I've found 20l of castrol edge 0W-30 online for €195 and I'm pretty sure I could get it for less from my local factors when my trade discount is taken into account. It says in the description that it was developed in conjunction with BMW. It also says 'Castrol EDGE 0W-30 is equally suitable for petrol and diesel vehicles where performance specifications BMW LL04 and MB229.31 / 229.51 are demanded.'
Regards,
Dave

tweaf1 · 23-03-2017 4:31pm

Long life oil change is not the problem, the chain stretching is the issue.
By the way 2013 N47TU engine code 1.8d with 40k miles having it done as I type!

BraveDonut · 23-03-2017 4:36pm

mikeecho wrote: »

Lower risk, but not eliminated.

Frequent oil and filter changes will lessen the chance of problems.

I can't say it enough.. Frequent oil and filter changes.
Don't scrimp on the oil. There are plenty of times that halfords and the like have oil sales. Stock up when it's on offer.

I have enough for 2 or 3 changes at hand at all times... overkill.. yes

How often is recommended?
KM and/or time interval?
Thanks

mikeecho · 23-03-2017 4:48pm

BraveDonut wrote: »

How often is recommended?
KM and/or time interval?
Thanks

30k km,

Theboinkmaster · 23-03-2017 5:37pm

mikeecho wrote: »

30k km,

Isn't that BMW intervals which have since decreased?

Think 15km/every year is proper interval for 520d.

Gumbo · 23-03-2017 5:59pm

BraveDonut wrote: »

How often is recommended?
KM and/or time interval?
Thanks

Bmw recommend a long distance, I do nun 08 E60 20d every year as it would do about 10k per annum.

I had complete timing chain replacement by BMW for free under goodwill 2 years ago. Left it in for. Take fluid and they listened to it and said it had the tell tail signs of beginning to loosen.

mikeecho · 23-03-2017 6:28pm

Theboinkmaster wrote: »

Isn't that BMW intervals which have since decreased?

Think 15km/every year is proper interval for 520d.

30k is what is still reccomended for my f10.

I on the other hand, stick to 15k.

What about the lifetime transmission fluid...
160k is when I'll be changing mine.

mikeecho · 25-03-2017 12:13am

dmcsweeney wrote: »

Excellent, thanks for that. Just watched a video on youtube of a service. It actually looks easier than on my old X-type. I like the fact that there are no large under trays to come off to access the sump plug. The fuel filter location looks a pain though! Is there much of a difference between Edge Titanium and Edge? I've found 20l of castrol edge 0W-30 online for €195 and I'm pretty sure I could get it for less from my local factors when my trade discount is taken into account. It says in the description that it was developed in conjunction with BMW. It also says 'Castrol EDGE 0W-30 is equally suitable for petrol and diesel vehicles where performance specifications BMW LL04 and MB229.31 / 229.51 are demanded.'
Regards,
Dave

I'm not sure what the difference between Edge & Titanium.

Without checking the specs, I'm guessing that it might be Ash content. Maybe, maybe not.

Best check the specs

2013 BMW 520d chain's safe?

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