Discussion
Gents, this can’t be right. My 2011 320D has just broken down. Been told by RAC and my BMW specialist that It’s most likely the timing chain has snapped. It’s a common thing, and it’s 2k to fix? That’s can’t be right on a modern car? That they just snap and that’s it? It’s on 112k with full S/H (Bmw to 80k)?regular oil changes etc
Assuming N47 engine, unfortunately it's a rather common occurrence. Similar issue with N20 2.0 turbo petrol engines from that era (I think it's the guides that let go, but the outcome is much the same).
You'll find plenty of information if you do a search.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
In years gone by you could be pretty confident that the timing chain would outlast the engine in your BMW, but that no longer applies to a lot of the more recent stuff.
You'll find plenty of information if you do a search.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
In years gone by you could be pretty confident that the timing chain would outlast the engine in your BMW, but that no longer applies to a lot of the more recent stuff.
Have a look here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_N47
Timing chain problems have a dedicated section.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_N47
Timing chain problems have a dedicated section.
Mattiebmw said:
Yea I’ve been reading up. What an absolute joke. Been told to contact my local Bmw dealer see if they can help with some form of good will. Not very happy as they’ve had fortunes off me over the years.
BMW would take another fortune from you to fix this, thousands more than an independent. Don't even go there to ask the goodwill question unless your service history is full BMW without fault. In any case they'll want to see the car, charge you for the privilege, and present you with a huge bill (a lot more than £2k) to fix it - even with goodwill. Find an independent near you and ask them for a quote. They'll have experience of doing them. But it won't be cheap either way. The PH independent dealer guide is here: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...Sorry for your trouble OP, I’ve an E61 520d that’s seemingly missed all that and run to over 200k. However I’m looking for an F11 now and not at all interested in running that gauntlet again - can anyone advise if it was 2014 the engine changed and how to make sure I don’t have it in a 2014 car?
popegregory said:
Sorry for your trouble OP, I’ve an E61 520d that’s seemingly missed all that and run to over 200k. However I’m looking for an F11 now and not at all interested in running that gauntlet again - can anyone advise if it was 2014 the engine changed and how to make sure I don’t have it in a 2014 car?
The B47 and N47 are closely related. No guarantee that you're going to dodge any bullets with the B47 either.I have a 2013 525D with the N47; currently on 144k miles and no issues. They are not all bad as you also know.
Mattiebmw said:
Aye, we’ll it’s outside Bmw now so I’ll see if I can get some good will off them. Bloody anoyed
If it was a couple of years out of warranty possibly. But 9 years old and 112k miles? I doubt you will get any goodwill given the use you, or someone, has had out of the car. Sadly.
t really, shouldn’t happen. Discombobulate said:
Mattiebmw said:
Aye, we’ll it’s outside Bmw now so I’ll see if I can get some good will off them. Bloody anoyed
If it was a couple of years out of warranty possibly. But 9 years old and 112k miles? I doubt you will get any goodwill given the use you, or someone, has had out of the car. Sadly.Edit, here https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Edited by _Hoppers on Thursday 13th August 08:29
This is why I got shot of my 2011 320d once it hit 60k. Although BMW applied some fixes to later N47s (as found in the 2011/12 320d's) I'd still heard enough horror stories for me to get rid.
I checked all the cars I was looking at for potentially terminal engine issues like this when buying a new car, the B58 motor in my current car seems to be pretty reliable from what I've read and it's existed long enough for me to make a judgement before getting one.
I checked all the cars I was looking at for potentially terminal engine issues like this when buying a new car, the B58 motor in my current car seems to be pretty reliable from what I've read and it's existed long enough for me to make a judgement before getting one.
It's cheaper to do the chain before it breaks. That's around £1300 with a new flywheel and clutch if still on the original.
Hopefully it hasn't done too much damage but is dependent on the engine speed when it happened. It's quite common for the cams to be damaged (bends the pressed on lobes around) when the valve is clobbered by a piston but there are enough good used cams and carriers about now. I have some. Also insist on the clobbered valves being replaced on the affected cylinder. Even if they look okay, they go ever so slightly out of shape and it's not unknown for the head to drop off, thus destroying the engine once and for all. New valves are 20 quid each.
Hopefully it hasn't done too much damage but is dependent on the engine speed when it happened. It's quite common for the cams to be damaged (bends the pressed on lobes around) when the valve is clobbered by a piston but there are enough good used cams and carriers about now. I have some. Also insist on the clobbered valves being replaced on the affected cylinder. Even if they look okay, they go ever so slightly out of shape and it's not unknown for the head to drop off, thus destroying the engine once and for all. New valves are 20 quid each.
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