Watchdog 12/06/2013 - feature on N47 BMW engine

[Adrian W]

ndj said:

Shells and gaskets are sacrificial parts, with failure typically caused by poor maintenance or abuse. A timing chain isn't.

Edited by ndj on Thursday 13th June 10:26

So let's talk real numbers, how many have been produced? How many have failed? Have they published their MTBF's FMEA's for that engine.

Edited by Adrian W on Thursday 13th June 11:53

[ndj]

Adrian W said:

ndj said:

Shells and gaskets are sacrificial parts, with failure typically caused by poor maintenance or abuse. A timing chain isn't.

Edited by ndj on Thursday 13th June 10:26

So let's talk real numbers, how many have been produced? How many have failed? Have they published their MTBF's FMEA's for that engine.

Edited by Adrian W on Thursday 13th June 11:53

Can't help sir, my comments were generic.

[speedking31]

Hope Subaru were watching

[LaMamba]

118d at 35,000 miles chain failed.
BMW paid 40% towards repair cost me £4k sold it week after repairs.
IMO avoid any car with the N47 at any price.
Bought a petrol 335i to replace too many potential diesel issues down the line.
But even then had recalls on injectors and coil packs.

[Gazzas86]

I have a 2006 120d with i pressume the M47 engine, would you consider mentioning it as a selling point etc compared to the N47 and its recent issues it has.

[LaMamba]

Gazzas86 said:

I have a 2006 120d with i pressume the M47 engine, would you consider mentioning it as a selling point etc compared to the N47 and its recent issues it has.

I would

[Gazzas86]

LaMamba said:

Gazzas86 said:

I have a 2006 120d with i pressume the M47 engine, would you consider mentioning it as a selling point etc compared to the N47 and its recent issues it has.

I would if it does have the M47

but I thought the 2006 120d had the N47 ?

Thats what i thought, But it was 2004-2007 Models had the M47, and then 2007-2013 had N47 gaining an extra 10hp but with all the extra problems.

[LaMamba]

Gazzas86 said:

Thats what i thought, But it was 2004-2007 Models had the M47, and then 2007-2013 had N47 gaining an extra 10hp but with all the extra problems.

Yes correct 2007 onwards was the n47
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_N47

[iSore]

It's an ongoing problem with the N47. BMW know there is a manufacturing defect with the first year or so of crankshafts - on these, the timing chain sprocket is machined directly onto the crank and BMW's tech bulletins acknowledge that there is a problem - a pity Watchdog didn't get to see these and really go to town. They didn't get to talk to owners of 5000 mile old cars with broken engines, a not uncommon problem.
The crank/sprocket issue has been resolved, but the chains and tensioners still haven't. Timing chaions aren't what they used to be and these are cheap and nasty and suffer such an amount of stretch that the tensioner runs out of travel. Whilst the number of failures (as in 'my engine is buggered') is small compared to the number of engines built, dealer workshops are seeing rattly problem engines on a daily basis and it shouldn't be happening at all - the engine should be good for 200'000 miles. You know, like BMW engines used to.

[garos]

iSore said:

It's an ongoing problem with the N47. BMW know there is a manufacturing defect with the first year or so of crankshafts - on these, the timing chain sprocket is machined directly onto the crank and BMW's tech bulletins acknowledge that there is a problem - a pity Watchdog didn't get to see these and really go to town. They didn't get to talk to owners of 5000 mile old cars with broken engines, a not uncommon problem.
The crank/sprocket issue has been resolved, but the chains and tensioners still haven't. Timing chaions aren't what they used to be and these are cheap and nasty and suffer such an amount of stretch that the tensioner runs out of travel. Whilst the number of failures (as in 'my engine is buggered') is small compared to the number of engines built, dealer workshops are seeing rattly problem engines on a daily basis and it shouldn't be happening at all - the engine should be good for 200'000 miles. You know, like BMW engines used to.

Yep, i agree fully with you.
However, It can,t be down to servicing or oil grade so why does this design fault not break all n47 engines, this puzzles me.

[iSore]

garos said:

Yep, i agree fully with you.
However, It can,t be down to servicing or oil grade so why does this design fault not break all n47 engines, this puzzles me.

I'm convinced that stop start (efficient dynamics crap) has a lot to do with it. Four cylinder engines are just harder on timing chains than sixes - going back to the eighties, M10 engines used to absolutely shag the cam sprockets and ther M30 sixes didn't - same part number for chain and sprocket.

It's a combination of poor manufacturing, a chain that isn't up to the job and stupid long service intervals. Either way, it's an engine worth avoiding. You can't need 45 mpg that badly.

[musu]

Wikipaedia says "The issue applies to all applications and power variants, from 2007 to 2009 models."

What did BMW do in 2009 to 'cure' the problem. I've got a 2011 E84 Twin Turbo - am I immune?

[AdeTuono]

musu said:

Wikipaedia says "The issue applies to all applications and power variants, from 2007 to 2009 models."

What did BMW do in 2009 to 'cure' the problem. I've got a 2011 E84 Twin Turbo - am I immune?

I suspect "The issue applies to all applications and power variants, from 2007 to 2009 models." is bit of a clue.

[blackberry]

Unfortunately, my Bmw N47 engine failed yesterday, The CAM belt is broken!!

I would appreciate any advice on where to find replacement 2l diesol engine. I have a 2007 2l touring M Sport that was in perfect condition for the year!

I've even considered selling it as it is as a mechanic may find it more economic to repair and resell?

Would appreciate any comments

[gtidriver]

Does it not have full BMW service history? whats the mileage of the car? have you phoned BMW and asked for good will?

[gtidriver]

I have a 2008 E91 with this engine, what signs should i be looking out for or is it just bang,dead. Mine is under the rolling month comprehensive BMW warranty, hopefully this covers this if mine went pop.