Worried about new (to me) N47T Countryman, opinions?

[minimads]

Hi! I have a new (to me) Mini Countryman SD 2.0 Diesel Automatic, it is the N47T engine not the OG N47. It is at 68k miles, with service history and oil changes in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2026. I paid £6999, however since purchasing I’ve been advised by a few people that I should replace the timing chain. I was aware this was a risk, but I was told it was significantly less of a risk on an N47T engine as opposed to the OG, and I’d likely be ok to 100k+ miles, and there will be warning signs if it starts to go, it won’t just go. I’m reading the opposite on the Facebook groups and now it feels like a bit of a ticking time bomb. I love the car, she’s in great condition and has clearly been well cared for, and whilst it is a negative in a way none of the major works have been completed, it is also a positive that it hasn’t needed them?! Realistically if I get enough warning and need to replace timing chain in next 3/4 years, that’s fine! My fear is that I need to do it now (can’t afford, just spent all my money 🤣) or that it will fail, destroy my engine and I’ll have basically flushed 7K down the drain. I thought I might get more useful advice on here as opposed to the alarmist comments on Facebook. Could anyone advise?

[21TonyK]

I wouldnt be losing sleep until it either makes a noise or shows codes. Keep on top of the oil levels and it should last longer then you need. I've got an N47N in a cooper D which is on 118K and its only just starting to show signes of a slight chain stretch.

[scrw.]

Do oil/filter change every 5-6k miles, Mini intervals are too long on the diesels

[CarsOrBikes]

what year car?

[CarsOrBikes]

waiting for noise on an N47 in regard to it being a guide on when to renew the chains, is just crazy, it's not good advice at all

[21TonyK]

^^^ is there a reliable "home" test for chain wear?

[scrw.]

don't go by Mini service intervals, do oil changes every 6k miles and don't stress about it.

[CarsOrBikes]

21TonyK said:

^^^ is there a reliable "home" test for chain wear?

well they can be scoped but most people don't have that kit, personally I'd just check cam timing, it's a fair amount of work but tells you enough



this one had a spun bearing, valve witness marks on corresponding piston, tool shows timing error, expensive chain of events

[E-bmw]

CarsOrBikes said:

expensive chain of events

Arf! Arf!

I see what you did there.