BMW N47 and N20 timing chain rattle and failure

Which BMWs are affected?

This page covers two BMW engines. For other BMW and MINI work, see our BMW and MINI specialist page.

N47 2.0 diesel, built from March 2007 to 2014, in these models:

• 1 Series (E81, E82, E87, E88, F20)
• 3 Series (E90, E91, E92, E93, F30)
• 5 Series (E60, E61, F10, F11)
• X1 (E84)
• X3

One BMW specialist reports that a revised chain introduced in mid-2009 reduced failures, and that failures are less common on engines built after 2011.

N20 petrol. We also inspect N20 petrol engines for timing chain wear. If you are not sure which engine your BMW has, put the registration in the enquiry form and we will check.

What are the symptoms?

On the N47, the sign to listen for is a rattling or metallic noise from the back of the engine, the end nearest the windscreen.

If you hear a noise like this, book an inspection. When you do, tell us:

• when the noise happens, for example from a cold start
• how long it lasts
• whether any warning lights are on

What causes it?

On the N47, the timing chain is mounted at the rear of the engine, and the fault is excessive wear of that chain. One BMW specialist links the wear to carbonised oil blocking the small nozzles that feed oil to the chain.

On the N20, we confirm at inspection which parts have worn before we quote.

How do you confirm it is the timing chain before fitting parts?

A fault code is not a repair, and a rattle is not a diagnosis. Before we quote for any parts, we:

• listen to the engine at a cold start, at the rear of the engine
• read the fault data stored in the engine’s control unit
• inspect the timing parts to confirm the wear

We then show you what we found and send a written price. No part is fitted until you approve it in writing.

What does the repair involve?

We replace the chains, guides, tensioners and sprockets as a set, not just the chain.

On the N47, the engine normally has to come out of the car to reach the chain at the rear. Once the work is done, we check that the noise has gone and verify the repair, including a road test where appropriate.

How long does a timing chain replacement take?

It depends on the engine and on what the inspection finds. The N47 is a large job because the chain is at the rear of the engine and the engine normally has to come out.

Before any work starts, you get a written price and a promised time for your next update. If the car needs to stay with us, ask about a courtesy car when you book.

Is there a recall for this fault?

Whether a recall applies depends on the individual car, so check your registration on gov.uk. Recall work is done by BMW’s network, not by us.