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BMW timing chain problem

245

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 65,936 ✭✭✭✭unkel
    Chauffe, Marcel, chauffe!


    Ferris wrote: »
    So the car had the issue, you fixed it and then serviced it every 7.5k or 8k miles?

    No, I think he meant he had the car with the N47 engine. But he never had the chain issue himself (perhaps because of regular oil servicing)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,837 ✭✭✭keano25


    Ferris wrote: »
    So the car had the issue, you fixed it and then serviced it every 7.5k or 8k miles?

    Either way, fair play to you. I've just bought a 530d and i'll be doing the same as you as regards regular servicing.

    No as soon as I bought the car I started that service interval and the car never had the chain replaced prior or during my ownership.

    What year 530d? Would love one!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,290 ✭✭✭Ferris


    keano25 wrote: »
    No as soon as I bought the car I started that service interval and the car never had the chain replaced prior or during my ownership.

    What year 530d? Would love one!

    '08, its a touring too which is what I was after. Its a great car alright.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 705 ✭✭✭landmarkjohn


    So off I go to check the reliability of my 2007 730i N52 engine and found this on honestjohn:

    "15-4-2014: Worldwide recall of 489,000 BMW cars with six-cylinder 3.0 litre petrol engines of which less than 3,000 are in the UK. These are: N51 (1991-1995), N52 (from 2005) and the N55 6-cylinder petrol turbo (from 2009). The screws for the housing of the adjustment unit of the variable camshaft timing (Vanos) for the intake and exhaust camshafts could potentially become loose or break. An engine warning lamp ‘should ’ appear in such circumstances, but if drivers experience any loss of power they should contact their BMW dealer immediately"

    What are the odds that local BMW dealer has no information on this recall? Or will I be pleasantly surprised?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,660 ✭✭✭Voodoomelon


    To me, it doesn't make much sense that regular oil changes would prevent this from happening. I think you'll probably find that the vast majority of these engines, maybe 95%+ of them will be perfectly fine.

    But those who have the timing chain failure are making a lot of noise online and in the media and rightly so. You'll also hear of mechanics saying they have "several of these failures a week" in the shop. Maybe so. But there's hundreds of thousands that aren't.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,818 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    One wonders though. The Wright Brother's plane had an engine with a timing chain in 1903. You think that in over 110 years the technology would be pretty much perfected. How did BMW manage to fcuk up a century of development?

    Listen, back in the 80's Honda couldn't bbuilda timing chain bike engine to save their life, culminating in the now infamous ' chocolate cam' VF750.
    They got so scalded by it they threw resources at it and over engineered the cure: VFR750F which dumped chains and went to gears. It not only saved, but elevated Honda to the pinnacle of bike engine design and went on to enjoy the rewards of it. To this day a late 80's and onwards Honda is still brilliant. From the mother and father of adversity then, a marketing coup.

    You'd think BMW would have come out of denial by now.

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,818 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    To me, it doesn't make much sense that regular oil changes would prevent this from happening. I think you'll probably find that the vast majority of these engines, maybe 95%+ of them will be perfectly fine.

    But those who have the timing chain failure are making a lot of noise online and in the media and rightly so. You'll also hear of mechanics saying they have "several of these failures a week" in the shop. Maybe so. But there's hundreds of thousands that aren't.

    True, but can you guarantee you won't be in the 5% ?? This is not chump change you're talking about.

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,660 ✭✭✭Voodoomelon


    Nope, and i'm not defending the design in any way, the chains seem to be made from cheese. But I very much doubt an oil service at 8k miles instead of 12-15k miles will save one of these engines from crapping itself.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,818 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    Nope, and i'm not defending the design in any way, the chains seem to be made from cheese. But I very much doubt an oil service at 8k miles instead of 12-15k miles will save one of these engines from crapping itself.

    I don't think it's a chain material issue. Chain run, tensioner and sprocket design are all suspect imho. The chain just happens to be the weakest (sic) link. .. and is the part that gives up first. .

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,660 ✭✭✭Voodoomelon


    I read something similar, the chain ends up being stretched if I recall.


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 16,620 ✭✭✭✭dr.fuzzenstein


    Nice theory but have you any evidence of a successful real world example?

    http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/consumer_affairs/consumer_protection/consumer_rights/consumers_and_the_law_in_ireland.html

    It's the law, but the original purchaser would have to make the claim, the guy who bought it second hand gets nought.
    This even applies after the manufacturers warranty period, if something doesn't last as long as one should expect it to last.
    So if people who bought a Beemer where to mount an action against BMW because the engine spits out all its cogs and cylinders before 100k km, they stand a good chance of getting a favourable verdict in the courts.
    The manufacturer saying "oh sorry, warranty ran out 5 minutes ago, fcuk off" doesn't cut it when they sell shoddy, defective goods.


  • Moderators, Business & Finance Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 15,053 Mod ✭✭✭✭whiterebel


    http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/consumer_affairs/consumer_protection/consumer_rights/consumers_and_the_law_in_ireland.html

    It's the law, but the original purchaser would have to make the claim, the guy who bought it second hand gets nought.
    This even applies after the manufacturers warranty period, if something doesn't last as long as one should expect it to last.
    So if people who bought a Beemer where to mount an action against BMW because the engine spits out all its cogs and cylinders before 100k km, they stand a good chance of getting a favourable verdict in the courts.
    The manufacturer saying "oh sorry, warranty ran out 5 minutes ago, fcuk off" doesn't cut it when they sell shoddy, defective goods.

    I'm surprised people didn't take a claim through the Small Claims Court for €2000 for the Turbo issues. It might not have covered the full cost, but AFAIK, once a case is found against the defendant it becomes the standard, if you can prove its the same issue. For €25, it was surely worth a punt.......


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 65,936 ✭✭✭✭unkel
    Chauffe, Marcel, chauffe!


    It's the law, but the original purchaser would have to make the claim, the guy who bought it second hand gets nought.

    So it's not the law then for the second hand buyer ;)
    So if people who bought a Beemer where to mount an action against BMW because the engine spits out all its cogs and cylinders before 100k km, they stand a good chance of getting a favourable verdict in the courts.

    What action? The second hand buyer can only take legal action if he bought from a company. If he bought from a private person, there is no possibility of any legal action.

    Unfortunately for us here, consumer power / pressure is a lot stronger in the USA. Over there BMW owners managed to get BMW to offer an extended 6 year / 100k miles engine warranty and free engine replacement (iirc) on the Nikasil engines back in the 90s


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,541 ✭✭✭Leonard Hofstadter


    unkel wrote: »
    Unfortunately for us here, consumer power / pressure is a lot stronger in the USA. Over there BMW owners managed to get BMW to offer an extended 6 year / 100k miles engine warranty and free engine replacement (iirc) on the Nikasil engines back in the 90s

    Indeed. BMW have probably figured (rightly) that there are enough mugs out there that will still buy the cars even if some people change brands because of the problem. After all, we know what contempt BMW treats its owners with when they so openly and unashamedly say that the reason it makes sense to go wrong wheel drive with everything below the 3 series is because 80% of 1 series owners thought their car was front wheel drive.

    BMW is a marketing and financial services company that happens to make cars these days. It's full of marketing gobbledygook with "TwinPower Turbo" (whatever that's supposed to mean), "Joy", "sDrive" blah blah blah. God be with the days when they made as much effort with the engineering and the 'ultimate driving machine' and silky smooth straight six petrol engines (that never went wrong) as they now do with the marketing BS.

    The Nikasil problems only ever affected the V8s in the US, because they changed the cylinder liners for the US spec M52s (although all M52TU engines do not have the Nikasil problem even outside of the US).

    Granted BMW made c0ck ups before the N47, but they used to fix the problems very quickly (the M52 Nikasil problem was resolved after about 2 years) and they never happened again; meanwhile the N47 has had 2 sets of 'improvements' to the timing chain and even the supposedly "safe" engines (which are those built after March 2011) still get the problem.

    The new B47 engine also has the timing chain in the wrong place, but this problem is going to be even more widespread in time to come, what with the petrol and diesel engines (apart from V8s and above) all going to be from the same 'family' over the next few years. Now maybe after over seven years of making an engine that has a dodgy timing chain, they've finally sorted the problem out with the new 'B' coded engines, but I doubt it, and even if they have, knowing BMW's recent form, there will be some very expensive problem in a few years' time with the B47 (and B37, B38, B48, B57 and B58 engines) that they will claim does not exist:(.

    Hopefully BMW will suffer a Tesco like fall from grace or else cop themselves on before that; leaving aside the travesty of front wheel drive after all the years of marketing rear wheel drive as being a fundamental part of their DNA (which only bothers enthusiasts - for the vast majority of people the world is still turning despite the break with tradition), no manufacturer, no matter who they are (and especially not a premium one who makes over €5 billion in profit annually) should be allowed to get away with making engines that are ticking timebombs for so many people for such a long period of time.

    Toyota have made a massive mistake using the N47 for their diesel engines and once problems start appearing in diesel engined Toyotas over the next few years as the N47 gets rolled out, that will hurt Toyota's reputation in Ireland no doubt.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,854 ✭✭✭✭MetzgerMeister


    The Twin Power Turbo refers to engines like the N55 which has both VANOS and a turbocharger. It's got nothing to do with twin turbo since they went from 2 turbos in the N54 to a single turbo in the N55.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,480 ✭✭✭YbFocus


    Ferris wrote: »
    So the car had the issue, you fixed it and then serviced it every 7.5k or 8k miles?

    Either way, fair play to you. I've just bought a 530d and i'll be doing the same as you as regards regular servicing.

    530d's are great machines :)

    I've done 70k miles in 18 odd months with a service at 7k everytime and it's been faultless.

    MM, maybe it's different on the newer ones but my M57 definitely has the chain on the front :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,854 ✭✭✭✭MetzgerMeister


    That could just be a different design feature of the M57 3 litre. This thing mainly affects the 2 litre N47 diesel engine.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,480 ✭✭✭YbFocus


    That could just be a different design feature of the M57 3 litre. This thing mainly affects the 2 litre N47 diesel engine.

    Sorry man i got you wrong, i thought you thought they were all rear chained :)

    I thought you thought they thought. . .


  • Moderators, Business & Finance Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 15,053 Mod ✭✭✭✭whiterebel


    I thought VAG were supposed to be the ultimate billhooks for timing chains, as the whole front end etc has to come off? I recently paid €470 in an Audi dealer for my A6, why the massive difference with the UDM?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,290 ✭✭✭Ferris


    Back to the OP's current issue. If the BMW-Ireland route does not work then Bavarian Care is a specialist near Galway (Cloonfad?).

    Contact no's are on the following link:

    http://www.bmw-driver.net/forum/showthread.php?t=22272&page=4

    I don't know the guy but he has a good reputation on there.


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  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 16,620 ✭✭✭✭dr.fuzzenstein


    unkel wrote: »
    So it's not the law then for the second hand buyer ;)



    What action? The second hand buyer can only take legal action if he bought from a company. If he bought from a private person, there is no possibility of any legal action.

    Unfortunately for us here, consumer power / pressure is a lot stronger in the USA. Over there BMW owners managed to get BMW to offer an extended 6 year / 100k miles engine warranty and free engine replacement (iirc) on the Nikasil engines back in the 90s

    Yes, its not the law for the second buyer, original owners could still make a claim, though. Maybe if they did, second buyers could have a better bargaining position.
    Other than that the only thing left is to warn people not to buy BMW, due to shoddy engineering and unhelpful attitude from the manufacturer. It's sad to see, and it seems BMW have been dining out on their reputation for far too long.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,875 ✭✭✭Foxhole Norman


    According to the mechanic that sold me my car the chains are not unlike something you'd find on a push bike, he's seen so many down here now that he can hear if the chain is going on a passing 520d, I took that with a grain of salt though :pac:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,468 ✭✭✭jetfiremuck


    My take on it is that the problem starts with the timing chain tensioner not holding the tension on the chain. This then allows the chain to start to slap around increasing wear on the sprockets and chain itself. Over time the chain then lets go either jumping the sprokets or breaking. The tensioner pad is held against the chain by oil pressure and prevented from retracting by mechanical means in the tensioner housing. Extended oil changes are partly responsible with sludge and carbon particles causing reduced performance of the tensioner. If you hear noise id get the parts changed. If not you are looking at bent valves,broken cams even a destroyed head..big money then


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,784 ✭✭✭TBi


    Problem with n47 is a malformed cog on the crankshaft. Cog doesn't mate perfectly with the chain and causes damage over time.

    Mini Cooper S supposedly had a tensioner problem as you say, but the problem with them was the chain just stretched. The tensioner 'fix' just used a longer tensioner which kept the engine from failing until it was out of warranty. BMW used a different/cheaper chain than Peugeot designed for. Peugeot used the same engine and I don't see many problems with them for the chain.


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 2,083 ✭✭✭tom_tarbucket


    So off I go to check the reliability of my 2007 730i N52 engine and found this on honestjohn:

    "15-4-2014: Worldwide recall of 489,000 BMW cars with six-cylinder 3.0 litre petrol engines of which less than 3,000 are in the UK. These are: N51 (1991-1995), N52 (from 2005) and the N55 6-cylinder petrol turbo (from 2009). The screws for the housing of the adjustment unit of the variable camshaft timing (Vanos) for the intake and exhaust camshafts could potentially become loose or break. An engine warning lamp ‘should ’ appear in such circumstances, but if drivers experience any loss of power they should contact their BMW dealer immediately"

    What are the odds that local BMW dealer has no information on this recall? Or will I be pleasantly surprised?

    jaysus, this has me worried now. im not suffering from the issues listed but is it worthwhile mailing my local bmw garage tio check this any ways, just to be on the safe side.

    And this is coming from a lad that had the N47 timing chain issues that cost me a lot of money


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,679 ✭✭✭bcmf


    this thread has just sent the price of second hand Beemers thru the floor.
    Was considering a 530 touring but between this and the swirl flaps.:eek:.....no thanks


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,846 ✭✭✭Comhrá


    bcmf wrote: »
    ....this thread has just sent the price of second hand Beemers thru the floor.
    Was considering a 530 touring but between this and the swirl flaps.:eek:.....no thanks.....

    Funny, I was thinking this earlier when reading this thread. I'm not in the market for an N47 Beemer or anything, but really, would this thread on Boards.ie be widely-read enough to affect the relevant used car prices? I'd be surprised if it did but then I'm not in the trade nor do I have any knowledge of these things, just wondering.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,679 ✭✭✭bcmf


    tippman1 wrote: »
    Funny, I was thinking this earlier when reading this thread. I'm not in the market for an N47 Beemer or anything, but really, would this thread on Boards.ie be widely-read enough to affect the relevant used car prices? I'd be surprised if it did but then I'm not in the trade nor do I have any knowledge of these things, just wondering.

    really depends on how hard you search google for faults and whether it shows up.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,818 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    Just got my first ever lift in an F10 520d, so I see the attraction now. Very very nice. It would be a nice place to put miles alright, and it looks well too.

    There again he was giving me a lift to the garage to collect my Harley from being serviced. The spin home erased my memory of the 520 instantly. :) :pac:

    Seriously, how BMW could let the chain issue ruin what is an otherwise beautiful car defies comprehension. ...

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,290 ✭✭✭Ferris


    bcmf wrote: »
    this thread has just sent the price of second hand Beemers thru the floor.
    Was considering a 530 touring but between this and the swirl flaps.:eek:.....no thanks

    530d's do not seem to be affected by this unless they're at huge mileages or badly serviced. Also they're predominantly auto's which seem to suffer less from timing chain issues. A friend ran one as a taxi for 300k mls and apart from consumables and servicing all he had to do is replace a collapsed drivers seat (big guy). He changed it for a merc s class and has regretted it since. The swirl flaps issue is easily remedied if it bothers you, I'm gonna leave them I think.

    You should drive one before ruling one out.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,933 ✭✭✭keith_d99


    bcmf wrote: »
    this thread has just sent the price of second hand Beemers thru the floor.
    Was considering a 530 touring but between this and the swirl flaps.:eek:.....no thanks

    And pushed up the value of the M47 equipped - may be the old tax (and cheap swirl flaps job) but at least the chain is good!

    There are some 08s with M47 engines ... Rare to find though


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,679 ✭✭✭bcmf


    yeah the swirls are easy enough.
    The one I had my eye on is sitting in a a garage for a good while. No Tax No NCT
    If there is no service history on it then I walk away.


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 8,766 Mod ✭✭✭✭mossym


    bcmf wrote: »
    this thread has just sent the price of second hand Beemers thru the floor.
    Was considering a 530 touring but between this and the swirl flaps.:eek:.....no thanks

    why? this topic has been discussed on here, and every other car forum, many times before. it's not like this is a deeply held secret. the fact you were looking without knowing about it until now shows the effect of discussing it. it might put one or two off, but it's unlikely to have any noticable effect on the price.

    the tv show last year was much more likely to have an effect, and looking at prices, doesn't seem to have had much


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,660 ✭✭✭Voodoomelon


    galwaytt wrote: »
    Just got my first ever lift in an F10 520d, so I see the attraction now. Very very nice. It would be a nice place to put miles alright, and it looks well too.

    There again he was giving me a lift to the garage to collect my Harley from being serviced. The spin home erased my memory of the 520 instantly. :) :pac:

    Seriously, how BMW could let the chain issue ruin what is an otherwise beautiful car defies comprehension. ...

    I agree, I was in a bogo 520d about 2 years ago and I have to say I was very impressed with the standard spec and interior. Engine sounded like ass, but everything else was fantastic and it's really all the car anyone should need.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,818 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    I agree, I was in a bogo 520d about 2 years ago and I have to say I was very impressed with the standard spec and interior. Engine sounded like ass, but everything else was fantastic and it's really all the car anyone should need.

    Sound, what sound ? It was whisper quiet inside. Outside, well..........you still couldn't be sure it was diesel without a good proper listen.

    Now, for comparison sound-wise, our 05 Saab 2.2 Tid diesel.....lol :D:D

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,480 ✭✭✭YbFocus


    galwaytt wrote: »
    Sound, what sound ? It was whisper quiet inside. Outside, well..........you still couldn't be sure it was diesel without a good proper listen.

    Now, for comparison sound-wise, our 05 Saab 2.2 Tid diesel.....lol :D:D

    520d's are outrageous loud man :)
    Like almost like that old mondeo/transit sound!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,572 ✭✭✭✭mickdw


    galwaytt wrote: »
    Sound, what sound ? It was whisper quiet inside. Outside, well..........you still couldn't be sure it was diesel without a good proper listen.

    I don't find them that refined.
    A 6 cylinder is a different class


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 51,348 ✭✭✭✭bazz26


    I bought an F10 with this engine earlier this week, but thankfully I bought it with a 2 year warranty. There was no way I was buying one of these without a decent warranty. This would be my advice to anyone considering this engine, get the best warranty you can with it otherwise buy something else.

    As for the refinement of the N47 engine, they are not that refined especially for a mid size executive. The F10 is a well insulated car so you don't hear the engine that much until you are outside it. My previous VAG CR TDI was definitively quieter from outside. N47 engine is very fuel efficient however, I'm still impressed with how good it is despite the size and weight of the F10.

    BTW the N57 6 pot engine that was briefly in the F10 from 2010 to early 2012 is from the same family as the N47 engine and does suffer similar timing chain problems, however you don't hear much of it because the N57 didn't sell in the numbers as the N47.

    I wish you luck OP, terrible position to be in I'd imagine but as I stated earlier there are cheaper options around getting it fixed if you end up paying for it yourself.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 65,936 ✭✭✭✭unkel
    Chauffe, Marcel, chauffe!


    Sick of the FWD already, bazz? :p

    Anyway well wear! Smart move to get the warranty. I take it yours is auto with a fsh? Post 1/4/2011 production?


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,264 ✭✭✭Elessar


    Sorry to hear your predicament OP.

    I myself bought a beautiful used "Le Mans Blue" 3 Series MSport with a rake of options last year and it is an absolute joy to drive. I bought from a dealer with 1 year warranty which I have extended. I knew full well the issue with the chains but I knew I would have peace of mind with the warranty extensions. I've only covered about 10k kms in the year but thankfully no issues at all to report and I am more than happy with my car. I certainly wouldn't put anyone off buying one just because of this. All I would say is buy from a dealer, keep it serviced and extend the warranty as often as possible. They truly are great cars.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,245 ✭✭✭myshirt


    Do regular oil changes protect you?

    Some cars go up to 150k + with no issues, while others have failed as low as 40k!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 51,348 ✭✭✭✭bazz26


    unkel wrote: »
    Sick of the FWD already, bazz? :p

    Anyway well wear! Smart move to get the warranty. I take it yours is auto with a fsh? Post 1/4/2011 production?

    Cheers. Yeah, Sept 2011 build date with fsh and the sport auto box.

    Interesting in reading about it that the manuals seem to be higher risk that the autos. One theory is that autos of that vintage don't have stop/start technology so all the engine stop/starting in traffic is putting extra wear on the chain. I'm not buying into that though. Other manufacturers don't have the same issues.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,541 ✭✭✭Leonard Hofstadter


    bazz26 wrote: »
    I bought an F10 with this engine earlier this week, but thankfully I bought it with a 2 year warranty. There was no way I was buying one of these without a decent warranty. This would be my advice to anyone considering this engine, get the best warranty you can with it otherwise buy something else.

    As for the refinement of the N47 engine, they are not that refined especially for a mid size executive. The F10 is a well insulated car so you don't hear the engine that much until you are outside it. My previous VAG CR TDI was definitively quieter from outside. N47 engine is very fuel efficient however, I'm still impressed with how good it is despite the size and weight of the F10.

    BTW the N57 6 pot engine that was briefly in the F10 from 2010 to early 2012 is from the same family as the N47 engine and does suffer similar timing chain problems, however you don't hear much of it because the N57 didn't sell in the numbers as the N47.

    I wish you luck OP, terrible position to be in I'd imagine but as I stated earlier there are cheaper options around getting it fixed if you end up paying for it yourself.

    N57 being a six pot is a much smoother running engine than the four cylinder N47, which is the other reason it's less prone to the problem, though it is of course still affected. Also as you know, no six cylinder E60s have the problem as only the 520d got the engine with the timing chain problem after September 2007 - 525d upwards were still M57 until the F10 came along. So, even among the six cylinder cars, the timespan with the most problematic engines is much smaller, as apart from early F10s, the only cars with the N57 before 01/03/2011 were the F01 and the LCI E90 330d (and LCI 325ds from mid-2010).

    PS well wear on getting an F10:)!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,525 ✭✭✭ION08


    I'm looking at buying an e90 as my next car.

    Is the 163bhp M47 also plagued with the same timing chain issues or is it advisable to go for this as opposed to a 177bhp version?

    Thanks


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,541 ✭✭✭Leonard Hofstadter


    No. M47 (and M57) have the timing chain on the front. M47s are reliable as long as you remember to service them bang on time, and follow the manufacturer's schedule for changing some sort of oil filter every third service, can't remember what exactly it is now that needs to be changed, but make sure whatever it is that needs changing is done exactly on time, otherwise you may be needing a new turbo down the line. Oh, and get rid of the swirl flaps (although on E90s, it shouldn't be a problem).

    M57s are pretty much bullet proof once the flaps are removed.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 51,348 ✭✭✭✭bazz26


    No the M47 doesn't suffer from timing chain problems. The M47 engine has it's own problems but they are a lot easier and cheaper to manage. Main things to do on the M47 engine is change the turbo breather filter to the new vortex shaped one and replace it every 3rd oil service. Other thing to do is replace the swirl flaps in the manifold with blanks.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,435 ✭✭✭PGE1970


    Hi,

    I drive an 08 318D. I was thinking of changing it next year and moving up to a 2010 or 2011 5 series. I don't think that I'll have the budget for a current model 3 series.

    I'm bloody worried now after reading this thread!! And I'm now dreading a timing chain issue potentially presenting itself on my on my current car (that is a pleasure to drive and very well maintained).

    Thinking now of an Audi A4. Any opinions or are they also plagued with engine issues?

    I love the BMW and am loathe to switch but I don't want to have a feeling of dread every time I switch on the engine!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,480 ✭✭✭YbFocus


    PGE1970 wrote: »
    Hi,

    I drive an 08 318D. I was thinking of changing it next year and moving up to a 2010 or 2011 5 series. I don't think that I'll have the budget for a current model 3 series.

    I'm bloody worried now after reading this thread!! And I'm now dreading a timing chain issue potentially presenting itself on my on my current car (that is a pleasure to drive and very well maintained).

    Thinking now of an Audi A4. Any opinions or are they also plagued with engine issues?

    I love the BMW and am loathe to switch but I don't want to have a feeling of dread every time I switch on the engine!

    But one with the problem already sorted, new crank and chain etc. Off you go :)
    An A4 doesn't nearly cut it against a 5 series :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,525 ✭✭✭ION08


    YbFocus wrote: »
    But one with the problem already sorted, new crank and chain etc. Off you go :)
    An A4 doesn't nearly cut it against a 5 series :)

    God, whatever happened to premium German car's that are Reliable!

    ... Best ok buying a K11 micra or older Corrolla at this rate!


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 16,620 ✭✭✭✭dr.fuzzenstein


    ION08 wrote: »
    God, whatever happened to premium German car's that are Reliable!

    ... Best ok buying a K11 micra or older Corrolla at this rate!

    Better off buy Ford. Best German car you can get for the money.


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