Auto 320d 2014 twin turbo - timing chain

JJJJNR

Looking at tons of cars at the moment and had a look at a nice 320d auto.

I would have thought that the timing chain would have been sorted by then, it's a twin turbo version anyone any experiance with them, are they reliable and is there any tips on maintenance. Should I stay away.

GustavoFring

They are a single turbo on 320ds. It says twin power or some crap on the engine cover on all the diesels.

Would still be in the dodgy chain period but it’s not the end of the world if the car ticks the boxes otherwise.

jmreire

JJJJNR wrote: »

Looking at tons of cars at the moment and had a look at a nice 320d auto.

I would have thought that the timing chain would have been sorted by then, it's a twin turbo version anyone any experiance with them, are they reliable and is there any tips on maintenance. Should I stay away.

All the 20's( 320, 520 etc) used the same block and timing chain set up, but by 2014 the nrs of timing chain issues presenting, ( while still happening ) was nothing like on the same scale as in the previous years,,,,,from 2011 onwards, the nrs started to drop. So while I would not take a chance on a pre 2011 BMW ( unless it had receipts for chain replacement) The post 2014 models would be a better bet.

JJJJNR

Thanks. Beautiful car it's an auto if that makes any difference.

jmreire

JJJJNR wrote: »

Thanks. Beautiful car it's an auto if that makes any difference.

Icing on the cake......;)

GustavoFring

That box is excellent, really makes a big difference to them.

If it’s for ferrying kids though like a recent thread you had they aren’t huge inside.

Stallingrad

N47t engines had a modified chain over the n47. B47 replaced the n47t late 2014. There have been reports of failures even in the new engine.

The consensus is the best way to mitigate against chain failure is annual oil changes, and not BMWs 2 years.

JJJJNR

GustavoFring wrote: »

That box is excellent, really makes a big difference to them.

If it’s for ferrying kids though like a recent thread you had they aren’t huge inside.

Have the family bus sorted.

JJJJNR

Stallingrad wrote: »

N47t engines had a modified chain over the n47. B47 replaced the n47t late 2014. There have been reports of failures even in the new engine.

The consensus is the best way to mitigate against chain failure is annual oil changes, and not BMWs 2 years.

What about the gearbox. It's a Zf box so would it need an oil change.

It's a 141..

jmreire

Stallingrad wrote: »

N47t engines had a modified chain over the n47. B47 replaced the n47t late 2014. There have been reports of failures even in the new engine.

The consensus is the best way to mitigate against chain failure is annual oil changes, and not BMWs 2 years.

Really?? even in the new B47 Engine? I know that they are still using the same chain configuration at the rear of the engine between the clutch and the engine, but I would have thought that they would have changed the set-up at least....Because even with BMW main dealership servicing " By The Book",, these chains failed because of mechanical / design flaws ( did not matter if you changed the oil twice a week ) At first, BMW would only accept warranty claims on BMW serviced vehicles, but that changed after a BBC program showed exactly what caused the failure. They refused to accept responsibility for a long time. Then followed a long list of "Final Fixes".....and now...seems that another "Final Fix" is on the way......Bad job from a Marque like BMW.
With oil changes, the more the merrier....Skoda advertised 30'000 Kms service oil changes back in 2012,,,latsed about 6 mths, then reverted to 15'000 klms. My own personal oil / filter change ( even with long life oil ) is 10'000 Klms. or 1 year max.

bazz26

There was no twin turbo 320d, it's a single turbo with a twin scroll setup. The only twin turbo 3 Series diesels would be the 325d and 335d. The 3 Series didn't get the newer B47 engine until the facelift model arrived in mid 2015 also. And auto is definitely the way to go imo.

Stallingrad

JJJJNR wrote: »

What about the gearbox. It's a Zf box so would it need an oil change.

It's a 141..

BMW say no, ZF say every 60,000 miles. If the car has done big mileage best leave it alone and hope for the best. If low mileage it is worth changing the oil if you intend to own the car for some time. Finding someone here who knows how to do it properly is the challenge.

It is a superb box though, and is very reliable.

JJJJNR

Yeah that's what I'm thinking it's hitting 60k now so it would be nice to have a good maintenance plan in place if I buy which I think I will, I'll be hodling on to it for at least 10 years, How often does the diff oil need changing. I used Miller's oils in my last car is there a preferred oil manufacturer.

The only thing I'm struggling with is it has a full dealer service history from the UK, then one dealer here then one non bmw service, which isn't recorded on the car. I've no problem with doing the oil changes every second time ie. I do one at 10k bmw do one at 20k that covers timing chain issues, and keeps BMW happy in the event of a 50% claim on the TC. would they know there has been an oil service done on it due to oil sensors picking up the 10k service I do.

sunnysoutheast

JJJJNR wrote: »

Yeah that's what I'm thinking it's hitting 60k now so it would be nice to have a good maintenance plan in place if I buy which I think I will, I'll be hodling on to it for at least 10 years, How often does the diff oil need changing. I used Miller's oils in my last car is there a preferred oil manufacturer.

The only thing I'm struggling with is it has a full dealer service history from the UK, then one dealer here then one non bmw service, which isn't recorded on the car. I've no problem with doing the oil changes every second time ie. I do one at 10k bmw do one at 20k that covers timing chain issues, and keeps BMW happy in the event of a 50% claim on the TC. would they know there has been an oil service done on it due to oil sensors picking up the 10k service I do.

We had our 8HP serviced at 140k km by a very good Indy down here in the SE. Pm me if that's an option for you.

We do oil services at 20k km intervals.

EGRs can go on these too. We might need replacement at next service if the error code is still there.

Stallingrad

Main dealer won't know if you changed the oil or not, just use genuine BMW oil filters, nothing to worry about there.

Op, have you had a good test drive in one? Just sold my F10, one of the reasons was the engine was a real let down in terms of refinement, lovely at cruise, but rowdy and unrefined getting there. Ride on RF tyres was also a let down.

JJJJNR

I had a run in one, and thought it was nice. I'm still at two minds tbh, head is saying wait till March and see what happens with brexit, heart says buy now but maybe drop a year for the 3.0.. I'm not under pressure to buy at all.

GustavoFring

JJJJNR wrote: »

I had a run in one, and thought it was nice. I'm still at two minds tbh, head is saying wait till March and see what happens with brexit, heart says buy now but maybe drop a year for the 3.0.. I'm not under pressure to buy at all.

If you can at all get the 330 do. There's a big difference in the drive. Even aside from the extra poke the 6 is much smoother and quieter on the go and slips through the cogs seamlessly. Bar caning it fuel economy isn't that far off either.

Both sound like a diesel when cold though and the 3 litre takes a long time to warm up.

Behind you Joey

Folks, currently driving a 2008 320d coupé with 80k miles on the clock. Love the drive so much thinking of upgrading to a 2013 with around 40k miles or less on it. Will probably head over to the UK in the next few months for it. Something like this by way of example:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201809240824070?make=BMW&maximum-mileage=80000&postcode=bt480nx&model=3%20SERIES&sort=sponsored&transmission=Manual&advertising-location=at_cars&year-from=2013&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&radius=1500&fuel-type=Diesel&body-type=Coupe&page=2

Question: is a 2013 320d still affected by the dreaded timing chain issue? And if so, would I be better off upgrading to a 325/330d and taking the hit on a slightly older car? Drove a 2015 330d saloon at the weekend, Christ they have some poke for a diesel and also, like the poster above mentions, the engine is much more refined than that of the 320d which can be tractor-like at times.

Any advice appreciated.

Stallingrad

N47 any year is potentially at risk, B47 is not immune either. If you have done the 320d thing you owe it to yourself to upgrade to 6 cylinders, better in every way.

Behind you Joey

Stallingrad wrote: »

N47 any year is potentially at risk, B47 is not immune either. If you have done the 320d thing you owe it to yourself to upgrade to 6 cylinders, better in every way.

Would you recommend the auto or manual gearbox out of interest?

GustavoFring

330d is auto only anyway on the F series.

Stallingrad

Personal preference really.

I'd go auto and look for one with paddles, the ZF8 speed is a fantastic unit. Will be worth more and easier to sell when the time comes.

Behind you Joey

Stallingrad wrote: »

Personal preference really.

I'd go auto and look for one with paddles, the ZF8 speed is a fantastic unit. Will be worth more and easier to sell when the time comes.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201812093119849?make=BMW&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&model=3%20SERIES&keywords=330d&year-from=2013&price-to=15000&advertising-location=at_cars&body-type=Coupe&fuel-type=Diesel&sort=sponsored&postcode=bt480nx&radius=1500&page=1

This is a nice example, miles are slightly too high for my liking mind.

GustavoFring

E92 has aged really well imo but your money would probably to further on a newer model saloon or touring. You won't have the looks but it's a more modern car and would be a change to your current one.

bazz26

Miles too high. What mileage are you expecting on a 6 year old diesel car? 67000 is even very low for that age, these cars tend to be driven.

bazz26

Not sure how firm your budget is OP but for 4k more the 4 Series feels more modern and this one is 2 years younger:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201901314466511?make=BMW&model=4%20SERIES&radius=1500&sort=price-asc&advertising-location=at_cars&postcode=bt480nx&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&aggregatedTrim=430d&page=1

Behind you Joey

GustavoFring wrote: »

E92 has aged really well imo but your money would probably to further on a newer model saloon or touring. You won't have the looks but it's a more modern car and would be a change to your current one.

I think practically and for resale value you're spot on. I play in a band most weekends and a touring car would be ideal really, however, you'd be amazed at the size of an E92's boot when both seats are folded down. There's something about the look of the E92 I love, but I might consider those options yet. I'm in no rush to buy but would like to scout several models soon.

bazz26 wrote: »

Miles too high. What mileage are you expecting on a 6 year old diesel car? 67000 is even very low for that age, these cars tend to be driven.

I suppose I'm of the old fashioned Irish adage of less miles is better but I understand these cars are driven and are mainly motorway miles, especially in the UK. I bought my '08 last July with 70k miles on it and it's given me no bother whatsoever bar the wheel speed sensor. Less is more at times. It's grey, with a beautiful interior: cream leather with the wood trim, very classy looking (my personal favourite).

bazz26 wrote: »

Not sure how firm your budget is OP but for 4k more the 4 Series feels more modern and this one is 2 years younger:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201901314466511?make=BMW&model=4%20SERIES&radius=1500&sort=price-asc&advertising-location=at_cars&postcode=bt480nx&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&aggregatedTrim=430d&page=1

That's beautiful. My only issue with the 4 series is the sheer size of it, like look at the arse on it! In an age where car manufacturers are building their vehicles, quicker and more economical they're also making them much bigger. The great thing about the E92 is that it is relatively small and light in comparison to the 4 series and even it's rivals. That's why I'm more inclined to a well-spec'd late 2013 model and perhaps the 330/335d in order to avoid the timing chain paranoia and also boast the extra power and fun.

I could also just stop being a teenager and grow up and buy a saloon. Boring.

bazz26

Not sure there is much of a different in dimensions between a 3 Series and 4 Series coupe to be honest. The 4 Series coupe replaced the 3 Series coupe in the BMW range.

Behind you Joey

bazz26 wrote: »

Not sure there is much of a different in dimensions between a 3 Series and 4 Series coupe to be honest. The 4 Series coupe replaced the 3 Series coupe in the BMW range.

The 3 series coupé is 100mm shorter in length, 200mm skinnier in terms of width and the wheelbase is around 50mm less. It is slightly taller than the 4 series mind. The width and wheelbase differential has the most drastic impact aesthetically in my opinion.

Stallingrad

Good for you Joey taking a stand against overweight, over sized German sausages. Smaller and lighter is always best.

GustavoFring

F32 4 series is lighter than the E92, not much in it but lighter all the same.

I'd get over the slightly larger size for more modern tech and transmissions.

Behind you Joey

GustavoFring wrote: »

F32 4 series is lighter than the E92, not much in it but lighter all the same.

I'd get over the slightly larger size for more modern tech and transmissions.

Perhaps this is a suitable alternative gentlemen?

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/2013-bmw-330d-sport-258bhp/20938611

Stallingrad

Very nice. Some tasty options too.

GustavoFring

Behind you Joey wrote: »

Perhaps this is a suitable alternative gentlemen?

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/2013-bmw-330d-sport-258bhp/20938611

If it has folding rear seats it should be similar to your E92 for loading it up. Otherwise it might be awkward. I have a very similar car but a touring version and the boot, while still a little small, is a more usable shape.

Behind you Joey

GustavoFring wrote: »

If it has folding rear seats it should be similar to your E92 for loading it up. Otherwise it might be awkward. I have a very similar car but a touring version and the boot, while still a little small, is a more usable shape.

Just checked with him there, has the folding split seats. Also said he'd gimme €5.5k for my coupé as a trade in. Very tempting.

GustavoFring

Behind you Joey wrote: »

Just checked with him there, has the folding split seats. Also said he'd gimme €5.5k for my coups a trade in. Very tempting.

They're great all rounders. Fuel economy is decent, only really takes a hit when caning it or stuck in traffic. On the open road mid-40s is easily possible without trying. Plenty of useful poke, effortless overtaking and very smooth box.