BMW Diesel engine in Avensis?

[Smint]

Looking at replacements for one car.

Later 2016 on versions of Avensis (and Auris apparently) come with a 1.6 Diesel engine, is this a BMW engine and is it one with the timing chain of doom at the rear of the engine.
Given Toyotas are FWD is the rear of engine more accessible for preventative timing chain replacement?

Is it an engine thats working out ok or one to avoid at all costs?...i ask because an aquaintance has just had the timing chain go on his BMW, which means engine and gearbox out and separated before the damage can even be assessed.

[Liamjrhodes]

Yes it uses a variant of the N47 BMW engine but with a few alterations. The FWD layout isn't unique to Toyota, the N47 is used in other FWD applications such as the mini and 1 series.

I generally think the chain issue has pretty much been resolved for this generation of engine and regular servicing seems to help, overall it has been used in a vast quantity of cars and we only get to hear about the bad ones

[Smint]

Liamjrhodes said:

Yes it uses a variant of the N47 BMW engine but with a few alterations. The FWD layout isn't unique to Toyota, the N47 is used in other FWD applications such as the mini and 1 series.

I generally think the chain issue has pretty much been resolved for this generation of engine and regular servicing seems to help, overall it has been used in a vast quantity of cars and we only get to hear about the bad ones

Thanks, i was hoping that a Toyota would have more regular oil change intervals than a BMW fitted with the same engine, obviously we'd try and find a lowish mileage one private owner car who's kept to the annual deal service regime to keep Toyota's warranty and renowned goodwill active.