N47 timing chain

[MilesP 13]

My wife and I are looking at moving back to NZ shortly and have found an E90 320D which we think might be the perfect starter car. 

My only real concern apart from some minor equipment details (reverse camera, only has base stereo and base seats) is that it has the N47 engine which seems to receive a LOT of online commentary about timing chain issues. From what I have read the issues are much more common on cars with poor service history; the car I am looking at has perhaps the best service history of any 320D I have ever seen. 

I wanted to know if anyone on here has experience with this particular engine and the liklihood of getting one that expereicnes the timing chain issues in NZ with our specific car market. I am also hoping that somebody on here has an idea of the cost involved to replace the chain, guides and tensioner etc in the event that it needs to be done as it will factor into my offer. 

 

The car I am looking at:
- 2012 LCI E90
- Less than 100,000kms
- NZ New
- Full documented service history at a BMW authorised agent
- Services have been completed annually at less than 10,000kms each time 

Aside from the timing chain issues, if anyone else has any comment about the E90 I would appreciate input. 

I was originally looking at the F30 however if the right E90 LCI came up I would be open to it as it has the newer CIC Idrive and the styling is much nicer than the pre-facelift cars in my opinion. 

Edited February 14, 2022 by MilesP

[balancerider 758]

N47TU as seen in LCI E9x/ PFL F3x 320d is a solid engine, I would say on balance better than most of BMW's petrols for reliability. Certainly better than the 4cyl non turbos. Problems with chains could be a result of the 32k/2 yr service interval - so not an issue for the car you mention. Timing chain is on the back of the engine and I don't think it can be changed with engine in place - so suspect you'd be comfortably north of 2k for replacement.

Dad's E91 320d is now at 265k km on standard service intervals. They like hot running and it sounds as though the one you're looking at may not have done much of that with consequent potential for carbon build up / EGR valve issues - PPI and interrogation of any codes likely to be worthwhile.

 

 

[MilesP 13]

31 minutes ago, balancerider said:

N47TU as seen in LCI E9x/ PFL F3x 320d is a solid engine, I would say on balance better than most of BMW's petrols for reliability. Certainly better than the 4cyl non turbos. Problems with chains could be a result of the 32k/2 yr service interval - so not an issue for the car you mention. Timing chain is on the back of the engine and I don't think it can be changed with engine in place - so suspect you'd be comfortably north of 2k for replacement.

Dad's E91 320d is now at 265k km on standard service intervals. They like hot running and it sounds as though the one you're looking at may not have done much of that with consequent potential for carbon build up / EGR valve issues - PPI and interrogation of any codes likely to be worthwhile.

 

 

Thank you for the brilliant and quick response! 

At the same time as posting here I emailed a BMW specialist in Christchurch and he basically said exactly what you have said. 

I will take a look into those EGR and carbon issues that you mentioned to see what is involved if they need addressing. I would say that the car hasn't done a huge amount of long hot KMs but need to speak to the owners to see as they know the full history. 

[promo 93]

Just done mine myself N57 Diesel, had 176km on engine previous owner did not do any regular servicing. Done walnut blast while I had it apart as well. I bought timing tool kit and timing chain from ebay

Fyi - you can fit timing chain in place (removing trans only), but way easier dropping whole engine out.

Edited February 14, 2022 by promo

[MilesP 13]

On 2/14/2022 at 2:40 PM, promo said:

Interesting stuff. Thanks mate!

Curious to know if you have deleted your EGR? What about your DPF? 

Edited February 15, 2022 by E30 325i Rag-Top
Superfluous quote removed

[balancerider 758]

@MilesP risk is that WOF will start checking/enforcing emissions - if your car isn't stock you're gonna have a big bill to get a pass. Also the performance benefits in a 320d are likely to be marginal

[MilesP 13]

1 hour ago, balancerider said:

@MilesP risk is that WOF will start checking/enforcing emissions - if your car isn't stock you're gonna have a big bill to get a pass. Also the performance benefits in a 320d are likely to be marginal

Do you know if this is something which is being discussed as part of a WOF check?

[E30 325i Rag-Top 2958]

@MilesP all emissions equipment fitted to a vehicle is already part of the WoF check, it should not be removed. Currently this is often missed due to the multitude of different items. Going forwards the legislation will only get tighter so hopefully one day there will be proper emissions checks.

[MilesP 13]

3 hours ago, E30 325i Rag-Top said:

@MilesP all emissions equipment fitted to a vehicle is already part of the WoF check, it should not be removed. Currently this is often missed due to the multitude of different items. Going forwards the legislation will only get tighter so hopefully one day there will be proper emissions checks.

Thanks 🙂 

So in terms of the EGR (which seems online to cause lots of problems) what is the best plan of attack? Replace with a new part or service them? 

Also curious to hear what people think about the DPF in terms of replacement/costs to replace them. 

[E30 325i Rag-Top 2958]

From my experience the main issue with EGRs is they get gummed up with a combination of oil and soot. Nothing a good clean an a scrub can’t fix. Apply a vacuum to check it’s opening and should be all good.

Regular maintenance combined with a high quality oil - and a good long hot run now and again to blow the cobwebs out. Pretty much the same for DPF.

[MilesP 13]

Pulled the pin and picked it up. 

Really excited to get my hands on it now. 

Spec sheet for anyone who is curious is attached. 

 

Vin decoded.pdf