BMW N47 timing chain problems: affected models and checks
BMW N47 timing chain problems in the 1, 3 and 5 Series and X1/X3: which years are affected, how to hear a worn chain and what it costs.
· 6 min read
The BMW N47 timing chain problem affects the four-cylinder diesel BMW built from 2007 to around 2014 in the 1, 3 and 5 Series, X1, X3 and several Minis. The chain sits at the gearbox end of the engine, wears prematurely and can rattle, jump or break. Engines built between March 2007 and January 2009 are the worst affected. Repair typically costs €1,500–2,500.
Which BMW models and years have the N47 engine?
The N47 was BMW's 1.6- and 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel from March 2007 until about 2014–2015, when the B47 replaced it. It was fitted to most four-cylinder diesel BMWs of that era and to some Minis.
| Model | Generations | Typical badges |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Series | E81, E82, E87, E88; F20, F21 (early) | 116d, 118d, 120d, 123d |
| 3 Series | E90, E91, E92, E93; F30, F31 (early) | 316d, 318d, 320d |
| 5 Series | E60, E61 (late); F10, F11 (early) | 518d, 520d |
| X1 | E84 | sDrive and xDrive 16d–23d |
| X3 | E83 (late); F25 (early) | 2.0d, xDrive20d |
| Mini | R55–R61 era | Cooper D, Cooper SD and some One D models |
The engine codes are N47D16 (1.6 litres) and N47D20 (2.0 litres). Switch-over dates to the B47 differ by model, so a 2014–2015 car could have either engine. Check the engine code in the documents, on the engine itself or with a VIN decoder before you bid.
Why does the BMW N47 timing chain fail?
The N47 timing chain fails because the chain, its guides and tensioner wear prematurely, and because the chain is mounted at the back of the engine against the gearbox, which makes inspection and repair expensive. Short trips, long oil change intervals and low oil levels accelerate the wear.
Engines produced between 1 March 2007 and 5 January 2009 are reported to be the most seriously affected. BMW improved the parts over time, and later engines are less prone, but failures are reported across the whole production run. BMW ran a quality measure for some vehicles but did not issue a general recall for the chain.
The N47 also had a separate EGR issue: in 2018, BMW recalled more than 1.6 million diesel vehicles worldwide over leaking EGR coolers. Check by VIN whether that recall was carried out, too.
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Request accessHow do I recognise a stretched N47 timing chain?
You recognise a stretched N47 timing chain mainly by a metallic rattle from the rear of the engine, most audible on a cold start, at idle and when coming off the throttle. It gets louder as the wear progresses.
- Cold start. Ask for the car to be completely cold. Listen at the bulkhead side of the engine bay, not at the front. A rattle for a few seconds after start is a warning sign.
- Idle and light revs. Listen with the bonnet open at idle and around 1,500–2,000 rpm.
- Deceleration. On the test drive, lift off the throttle in a low gear. A whirring or rattling noise from the back of the engine is typical.
- Fault memory. Camshaft/crankshaft correlation faults or misfires can appear, but a worn chain often sets no fault until it is badly stretched.
- Running. Power loss, rough running or hard starting appear in advanced cases.
At remote auctions you rarely hear the engine cold. If the condition report mentions "engine noise", treat it as a chain until proven otherwise.
Was the problem fixed in later N47 or B47 engines?
The problem was reduced in later N47 engines, which received improved chain parts, and the successor B47 introduced in 2014 is generally regarded as much better. Neither is completely immune, but the risk on a B47 is far lower.
When a car has had a chain replacement, it will normally have received the revised parts. A documented replacement therefore makes an N47 car more attractive than an untouched one with the same mileage.
How to spot N47 cars in auction lists
You spot N47 cars in auction lists by the combination of model, year and diesel badge: any four-cylinder diesel 1 or 3 Series from 2007–2014, 518d and 520d from the same period, and X1 and X3 20d models. Many auction lists show the engine code or displacement; use it.
These cars are common and cheap. According to listings tracked by MyCarDealer in Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands and other EU markets in October 2026:
| Diesel BMW, years | Listings | Median asking price | Median mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Series, 2007–2014 | 869 | about €5,700 | about 210,000 km |
| 3 Series, 2007–2014 | 1,112 | about €6,950 | about 230,000 km |
| 5 Series, 2010–2014 | 954 | about €9,300 | about 235,000 km |
| X3, 2010–2014 | 444 | about €10,500 | about 197,000 km |
The figures include all diesel engines in those years, not only N47s, but most cars in the 1 and 3 Series groups are four-cylinders. At these prices, a €2,000 chain replacement is a quarter to a third of the car's value.
Should I buy an N47 BMW without chain replacement records?
You can buy an N47 BMW without chain replacement records, but only at a price that already includes the cost of the job, or with a clear inspection showing no noise and an oil service history with short intervals. Without records, assume the chain will need doing.
A practical approach:
- With invoice for a chain replacement: normal reconditioning budget.
- No record, quiet engine, good oil history: a partial reserve, because the risk remains.
- No record and rattle: deduct the full repair cost.
- Loud rattle, running problems or warnings: possible engine damage; usually a pass unless it is very cheap.
Our article on N47 timing chain replacement cost breaks down the repair price and labour time. MyCarDealer's free valuation shows the market price for the exact BMW in your country and the maximum bid after VAT, transport and costs; the chain reserve then comes off that bid. See also our used BMW buying guide and how to set a maximum bid.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an N47 timing chain last?
There is no fixed life. Some chains rattle before 100,000 km, others reach far higher mileages, especially with frequent oil changes and long journeys. Engines built from March 2007 to January 2009 are the most likely to fail early.
Does the N47 have timing chain issues?
Yes. The N47 four-cylinder diesel is well known for premature timing chain, guide and tensioner wear. Because the chain sits at the gearbox end of the engine, repairs are expensive.
What years were the N47 timing chains affected?
The N47 was built from 2007 to about 2014–2015. Engines produced between 1 March 2007 and 5 January 2009 are the most seriously affected, but failures are reported across the whole production period.
How much does it cost to replace the timing chain on an N47?
Independent workshops in Germany typically charge around €1,500–2,500 for the job, with extra for xDrive and X models. If the chain has already jumped and damaged the engine, the bill rises to several thousand euros.
Does the B47 engine have the same problem?
The B47, which replaced the N47 from 2014, is generally regarded as far less prone to timing chain failure. It is not completely immune, but it is a much safer buy.