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BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum (F30 / F32) | F30POST > Technical Forums > N47 and N57 Turbodiesel Engine / Drivetrain / Exhaust Modifications > Tips on making the N47T run forever
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      07-13-2020, 11:36 PM   #1
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Tips on making the N47T run forever

Hey all,

I now it's kind of a generic question, but I've decided to keep my 14' 328d for the long haul (150k+ miles) and I need to know all tips on keeping these diesels happy year round and avoiding major catastrophic failure. I've always done premature oil changes (every 4-5k thousand) at the dealer, along with completing all the recalls and recently having a new EGR valve and cooler installed. I'm currently sitting at 96k now and I'm about to embark on a 2,000 mile trip out west, what are some tips specific to diesel engines as this is my first diesel car, as I was used to the longevity and simplicity of my E90 328i which was at 195k miles before it started having costly repairs.

Thanks in advance
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      07-14-2020, 07:15 AM   #2
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Avoid shady fuel stations that don't do maintenance on their diesel storage and don't filter out condensation water. It's not always easy to tell which those are.

Changing your oil that early is a big waste. 8-9k miles has been shown to be completely fine guided by oil samples sent to lab.

Then for the rest follow the one maintenance thread, there is good advice there.
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      08-07-2020, 11:51 AM   #3
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Buy the diesel nozzle adapter from Audi/ vw. It’s half the price of the same thing from bmw.

You will need it because lots of gas stations out here in the west that sell diesel just use regular smaller gas nozzles on diesel pumps. The only one I’ve consistently found using the right size nozzles is circle k.

Also out west, you might not find a station for 200 miles that has diesel, except a truck stop. They use larger nozzles, so if you had to you could use the adapter for them.


I use 2-3 oz additive every tank to add lubricity because of the pump. It may not wind up doing any good in the next 140k miles, but I know it shall do no harm.
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      08-08-2020, 04:46 PM   #4
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If it's any consolation I have a 2013 520d which has the n47t lump up front.

I've had it since 33k miles, currently at 163k miles 4.5yrs later.

It has only ever had bp fuel, 10k oil changes and that's it

Just drive it!
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      08-12-2020, 12:45 PM   #5
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Last fall, I picked a 2015 328d Touring as my next "long term" test car. My other ride is a 2002 F350 with a 7.3L diesel. I traded a 2002 Mini Cooper to get the BMW. I had put over 100K miles on it and was getting wary of the fragility of a lot of the parts.

Diesel engines are meant to run a long time. I know it's a truck, but the Ford has 230K miles on it and it runs beautifully. Clean fuel, oil changes and addressing any other issues as they arise helps you get longevity out of your vehicles. I think being able to garage or at least have the vehicle under cover really helps, too.

I like to service my vehicles myself. Having a clean engine compartment lets me know when something is leaking. Leaks don't correct themselves! If I have to take a vehicle to a garage/dealership, I always try to make sure it's clean, inside and out. Nobody likes to work on a dirty vehicle and I've had more than one mechanic approach me afterwards who said, "if you ever want to get rid of that car, let me know, first!"
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      08-21-2020, 12:30 PM   #6
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I think quality engine oil also goes a long way. I'm using Liqui Moly at the moment. It has a low ash content.

I also run Liqui Moly Super Diesel Additive every 2km or so in a tank. There are many alternatives.

An oil catch can might be an idea too. I have all the parts but haven't got around to fitting it yet. Time!

What else? Good you had the EGR recall.

Quality fuel. Some gas stations don't switch to winter additive early. So in colder climates make sure you have a winter additive to avoid diesel gumming up the engine. I used STP last year and it lasted about 5k miles.

Keep an eye on induction hoses. Inlet/vacuum/charge pipes. I haven't heard of any failings around 100k but expect some preventive measures can be taken. Get a boost gauge if you want as it's easier to spot a boost leak that way.

Taking care of the DPF is also important. Avoid short runs and always allow a regeneration to complete.

A bit more on DPF's here:


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      08-23-2020, 08:20 PM   #7
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When I had my 335d this was my choice of additives. At the time (2010) ULSD didn't meet the same standards as Euro diesel with regards to cetane and lubricity. I don't know if that's still the case today.

https://www.amalgamatedinc.com/
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      09-16-2020, 02:56 PM   #8
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Did 150,000 miles in my N47T before I sold it.

Oil change every 8,000KM, Fuel filter every 15,000KM and then usual air filters as required

Ran like a dream, never an ounce of trouble, no noise and chain issues whatsoever.
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      11-13-2020, 08:17 AM   #9
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- Good quality oil
- When you have an issue with the EGR, change it. A leaking EGR can cause additional soot in your oil which can damage the internal engine. It isnt hard to change out and is minimal. There is also a recall on the EGR cooler, not the valve though.
- I add hotshots additive each time I fill up, this has reduced mis fires on the cylinders
- Changing out the diesel pump, while it does take time it isn't too bad, located under the driver's door.
- When sensors go, do research prior to the exchange, recently I learned the hard way and have damaged the threads on the DPF Particle Sensor bung.
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      11-13-2020, 08:58 AM   #10
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You have misfires? Your engine shouldn't require additives to prevent misfires
The item under the driver's door area is not a diesel pump, you may be referring to the fuel filter?
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      11-30-2020, 04:33 PM   #11
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3 things

Regular oil changes with good oil (10k/annual interval max)

Good fuel

Drive the thing - it's meant to be driven, and drive it hard. Don't baby it, don't be gentle. Be firm and drive it. That's what it's meant to do.
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      12-02-2020, 07:53 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DieselEstorilF30 View Post
Hey all,

I now it's kind of a generic question, but I've decided to keep my 14' 328d for the long haul (150k+ miles) and I need to know all tips on keeping these diesels happy year round and avoiding major catastrophic failure. I've always done premature oil changes (every 4-5k thousand) at the dealer, along with completing all the recalls and recently having a new EGR valve and cooler installed. I'm currently sitting at 96k now and I'm about to embark on a 2,000 mile trip out west, what are some tips specific to diesel engines as this is my first diesel car, as I was used to the longevity and simplicity of my E90 328i which was at 195k miles before it started having costly repairs.

Thanks in advance
Hi, any updates to your post? Any points on the driving options : Sport/Sport Plus/EcoPro? Hope there are no steering rack noise issues.

Regards
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