2009 E82 120d reliability

[Draculaw]

Any big issues with these engines in terms of reliability? I've heard that it's the same engine as in the Mini Cooper D of that era and that had timing chain issues, but if it's been routinely serviced and had enough oil put in, does that mitigate (by and large) the issues? Anything in particular at about 90k miles that I should look for in the history/service invoices on a manual? I'm assuming a new clutch somewhere around 80k would be reasonable.

I know some on here consider them being "gutless" etc., but I'll make that determination on a test drive compared to my current car.

Edit: alternatively the 118/120i engine of the same era.

Edited by Draculaw on Friday 29th March 16:32

[ZX10R NIN]

The short answer is no these engines have timing chain issues even car with FSH are affected , I'll be honest & say they're best avoided or find one that's had the work already done.

[Mr Tidy]

A 2009 120d will have the same N47 engine my 57 plate 123d had - just google N47 engine issues before you go any further!

I bailed out of mine before it reached 7 years old and suffered cam-chain issues - it had done 81K miles.

But to be fair I certainly wouldn't describe it as gutless - more of a ticking time-bomb.

Then again if you can find one that has the cam-chain issue sorted fairly recently (BMW were doing a "Quality Enhancement" a few years ago, albeit after I sold mine - as in fixing them under warranty like they should have done in the first place) I'd go for it.

[Draculaw]

I've found 1 which is interesting. £5k, 90k miles, not sure on whether it's had a timing chain replacement. MOT check shows an outstanding safety recall on the car - is that timing chain or was that related to the electrical issue there was a few years back?

[ZX10R NIN]

The timing chain was never a recall item BMW carried out work as & when a customer kicked up a stink, if you're prepared to take the risk then they're a decent car you know about the main potential bork issues so now you have to decide if it's worth the risk.

[DailyHack]

On my 2nd N47, all been fine. Yes you are correct, regular oil changes do mitigate the issue somewhat.

I had a 2008/58 118d - took this up to 170k, bought at 50k oil changed every 8/10k no issues just DMF and EGR valve.

Running a 2012/12 318d - Currently on 110k, bought an 50k, oil changed every 8/10k, only a broken flexi in exhaust around 89k'ish, lovely engine for m'way work even as a 4-cylinder.

I would only buy one around these miles and double the oil intervals hereafter, full BMW service means naff all as it means every 20k the cars get fresh oil, which is mental on a cam-chain vehicle, check out honest John websites and others...

There may have been an issue early on 2007/08 cars, but this certainly didn't help matters.

Up to you on the risk, but thet drive bloody good very linear power delivery and lots of torque.

Edited by DailyHack on Monday 1st April 22:33

[Mr Tidy]

I got over my N47 engine issues by getting N52 petrols!

I'm on number 3 and 4 at present.

[Draculaw]

Mr Tidy said:

I got over my N47 engine issues by getting N52 petrols!

I'm on number 3 and 4 at present.

I'd considered the 125i, but fuel economy and tax make it unappealing, as much as I would love one. I'd be fine with the tax if the economy were up at the 38-40 mark real world (my current car), but hovering down around 30-32 would make my weekly commute 25% pricier.

What is the cost of replacing a timing chain if it starts to rattle? <£800 or looking at lots more? The 120d would save me £600 a year in fuel which would very quickly cover the increased oil changes and could form the slush for exploding chains.

[DailyHack]

Draculaw said:

I'd considered the 125i, but fuel economy and tax make it unappealing, as much as I would love one. I'd be fine with the tax if the economy were up at the 38-40 mark real world (my current car), but hovering down around 30-32 would make my weekly commute 25% pricier.

What is the cost of replacing a timing chain if it starts to rattle? <£800 or looking at lots more? The 120d would save me £600 a year in fuel which would very quickly cover the increased oil changes and could form the slush for exploding chains.

Timing chain replacement is around £800/1000, think more labour involved on the 1ers as it's quite tight in there, but easier access on the 3er/5ers...

Yup, I have had a slush fund for around 6 years now for the chain replacement, not had to use it yet one either vehicles - looking to change my chain and tensioners on my 3er around 200k (so 3 years time'ish) as a precaution..I do circa 25k in my cars annually roughly.

My cars have always got fed the cheapest LL04 spec oil, usually Asda 5w40 or RAC 5w30 oil from B&M, £16 for 5L usually - so oil services are very cheap every 8k best warranty you can give a car imo.