Is the N47D20 a good engine?
Generally speaking, the N47 is a pretty great engine. Decent performance with loads of torque available low in the rev range. People will say that the N47 is the worst BMW engine ever due to the timing chain issue. Overall, the B47 has proven to be a dependable engine when maintained properly. By relocating the timing chain to the front of the engine, BMW made it both more durable and easier to service compared to the N47.The BMW diesel engine N47D20A (aka N47) produced during 2007, 2008 & 2009 suffers a problem affecting the timing chain. The timing chains are very weak and stretch over time, causing them to snap. This has affected models accross the 1 Series, 3 Series and 5 Series.Common Failure on N47 Engines The problem is, the chain is mounted at the back of the engine, making access impossible without removing the engine completely. It’s a poor design from BMW that turns a chain replacement into one of the most time-consuming jobs on any diesel car.Problematic BMW Engines with a Reputation for Breaking Down Some specific engine issues have been observed in the BMW 320d 2. Diesel, 520D 2. Diesel, and X5 330D 3. Diesel variants. The BMW 320d 2. Diesel engines, particularly the N47D20A and N47D20C variants, have been prone to timing chain problems.
Which N47 engine fails?
Timing Chain Failure: The N47D20C engine has been plagued by timing chain issues. Premature wear and stretching of the timing chain can occur, leading to engine misfires, rattling noises, and even engine failure. If you more than halve BMW’s original long service intervals and listen carefully for early chain noise, the N47 can actually live a fairly long life. Frequent oil changes are the most important thing you can do to save the timing chain! Heavy carbon build up and debris on returned parts.Common Signs of a Faulty Timing Chain Experiencing unusual rattling noises coming from your BMW’s engine during startup or acceleration? It could be a sign of a faulty timing chain. Over time, the timing chain can wear out or become loose, leading to issues like misfires, rough idling, and decreased power.The N47 engine (diesel) and N63 engine (petrol V8) are the most commonly reported for BMW timing chain issues. Always check your specific model’s engine code.The M47 is an older-generation engine, simpler and more reliable, with a front-mounted timing chain. It is a great choice for those who value reliability and want to avoid costly repairs. The N47 is more dynamic, more fuel-efficient, and more modern, but unfortunately less reliable due to its rear-mounted timing chain.The N47 had the timing chain placed at the rear of the engine as BMW felt that access to it would not be needed for the life of the vehicle.
Are all N47 engines the same?
The N47 comes as a 1. L; 97. D16) and 2. L; 121. D20) unit, the latter identical in capacity to the M47TU/TU2 series. Toyota also used the 1. L and 2. L in many of their European spec vehicles and refers to it as the WW Engine. Overall, the B47 has proven to be a dependable engine when maintained properly. By relocating the timing chain to the front of the engine, BMW made it both more durable and easier to service compared to the N47.The N47 engine’s technological features contributed significantly to BMW’s diesel engine development: Efficient Variable Geometry Turbocharging: Improved low-end torque and throttle response. Double-VANOS: Enhanced fuel economy and reduced emissions.There are different BMW N47 engine models, which have been tuned over the years to generate different power outputs. The engine comes in two main variants, the 1. L and 2. L. The 1.The N47TU was fitted in BMW models from 2010 to 2014, including: • BMW 1 Series (E81, E82, E87, E88) • BMW 3 Series (E90, E91, E92, E93, and early F30) • BMW 5 Series (F10, F11) • BMW X1 (E84) • BMW X3 (F25) • BMW X5 (E70 – later models) After 2014, the N47TU was replaced by the B47.The N47D20A engine has a 40 mm intake valve, while the N47D20C has a 44 mm intake valve. The N47D20A engine has a 34 mm exhaust valve, while the N47D20C has a 36 mm exhaust valve. The N47D20A engine has a maximum power output of 116 hp at 4000 rpm and a maximum torque of 260 Nm at 1750 rpm.
Do all N47 have timing chain issues?
The N47 engine, used in BMWs from 2007 to 2014, is notorious for timing chain failures due to premature wear, often necessitating a complete engine breakdown as the chain is located at the rear of the engine. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. The BMW B47 is a four-cylinder common rail diesel engine produced by BMW. It debuted in 2014 as the successor to the previous N47 engine.There’s no set time interval from bmw on when to replace, yet some enthusiasts say it should be replaced after 120k!The M54, produced from 2000 to 2006, is often hailed as one of BMW’s most reliable engines. This inline-six engine is known for its smooth operation, impressive durability, and balance between performance and efficiency.A 2014 model will be the very last N47’s, so realistically most of the early issues should have been resolved. The most important thing on these engines is to service them frequently, ignoring the BMW intervals and going for 8,000 mile intervals instead.
Which BMW has a timing chain problem?
The issue is particularly common in BMW models with N47 and N57 diesel engines, typically found in: BMW 1 Series (E81, E82, E87, E88) – 2007-2013. BMW 3 Series (E90, E91, E92, E93) – 2007-2013. BMW 5 Series (F10, F11) – 2010-2016. For BMW and MINI owners, we recommend replacing timing chains proactively after 90,000 miles or 9 years to avoid catastrophic engine failures and costly repairs.Problematic BMW Engines with a Reputation for Breaking Down Some specific engine issues have been observed in the BMW 320d 2. Diesel, 520D 2. Diesel, and X5 330D 3. Diesel variants. The BMW 320d 2. Diesel engines, particularly the N47D20A and N47D20C variants, have been prone to timing chain problems.The N47 had the timing chain placed at the rear of the engine as BMW felt that access to it would not be needed for the life of the vehicle. BMW usually consider lifetime to mean 100,000 miles. Replacement of the timing chain on the 1 series, 3 series and 5 series engines normally require removal of the engine.The average cost to replace a timing chain ranges from $1,600 to $2,000, with potential additional costs for related parts. The timing chain synchronizes the camshaft and crankshaft, ensuring valves open and close at the correct times.Repair Options for Timing Chain Stretch You can replace the entire timing chain and related components, have a professional mechanic manually adjust the tensioner, or opt for a timing chain tensioner replacement.
Why do N47 timing chains fail?
The newer link style of chain is notorious for failing in diesel engines due to soot abrasion. Another thing on the N47/57’s side is rear mounted chain gear. As with the four-cylinder N47 the N57 engine is prone to excessive timing chain wear which can lead to premature failure. Symptoms can include a rattle on start-up or a change in engine note where the chain is hitting on the guides and sometimes they give you no warning at all.
How long is the timing chain life on the N47?
There is no service schedule for replacing the timing chain, it’s ‘Lifetime’ however is on average around 100,000 miles but that will be heavily dependant on how the car has been maintained from new, we have seen instances of snapped timing chains from 50,000 miles so it is something we strongly recommend you plan to . The average lifespan of a BMW timing chain is typically between 80,000 to 120,000 miles, depending on maintenance and driving conditions. Regular servicing can significantly impact its longevity and performance.Most modern timing chains are designed to last the life of the engine. In many cases, they can go over 150,000 to 200,000 miles without issue, especially if the engine has been properly maintained.The estimated lifespan of a Bmw 5 Series is 150,000 miles, before reaching the life expectancy upper limit.