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BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum (F30 / F32) | F30POST > Technical Forums > N47 and N57 Turbodiesel Engine / Drivetrain / Exhaust Modifications > N47 Timing Chain
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      06-03-2017, 12:15 PM   #23
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mortlock7 View Post
Yes well it should be! Never in my life have I heard of timing chain components needing replacing - BMW really got it wrong there!

That is a good idea, I'm sure they've seen a few before so they might be able to identify any noises and how severe (any) issues might be!
Replacement of timing chains is not unheard of but you should never have to do it before at least 200k miles

I've owned high mileage toyota's in the past where we've replaced the timing chain/sprockets on high mileage engines while doing the head gasket......you're already most of the way there and its a small piece of insurance.

The wear on sprockets is obvious once you compare to new replacements.

I'll take a timing chain engine over timing belt every day of the week
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      01-14-2019, 03:39 PM   #24
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I have f30 2013 and now I am having the noise comming from the engine and the cause is the timing chain.
I always serviced my car every year - 6000miles max.
The issue goes up to 2015/16 models.
By the way the major issue is mainly with the N47 engines.
The interesting fact is that bmw did some tests, so they ran an engine for a 1million km and they didn't notice any issues, so they claiming that the timing chain is for a lifetime of the car.
I am about to do the timing chain myself as I am not going to pay £2000 to a dealer...
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      02-18-2020, 03:53 PM   #25
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Timing chain out of warranty claims

I have a f30 32d ed n47
75k

Bought approved used 2 years ago.
Specifically asked Did the timing chain have to be replaced at the time they said no.

Now the approved used warranty is long gone Im getting the tell-tail signs of louder engine noises coming from the back of the engine.

Got it in BMW over next few days to be looked at.

My frustration is that BMW have issued a 'Campaign' for this issue and offered a 'Extended limited warranty' to 70k or 7 years.
But don't believe this is a safety issue when it blows and destroys your engine and you loose all power down the motorway. - Thats another gripe altogether.

Will see what they come back with but at £100h inspection I suspect they will need a day @£800 to make an assessment lol.

There is also a clear engine related whirring noise coming through the vents inside the cabin that was previously diagnosed by them as being related to a failed exhaust clamp and small hole that had appear in the exhaust after the dpf. This has since been fixed and the noise is still there

Are the noise coming through the vents and the and the louder suspected timing belt noises related ? Has anyone experienced this before

I have never had to have a car back to a manufacturer before so many times
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      06-29-2020, 04:10 AM   #26
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Great Info

Quote:
Originally Posted by GTony View Post
Sorry for late reply.
Go to australiancar.reviews/bmw_N47.php
Hope that helps.
Hello Tony thanks for this as I'm a recent purchaser of an June 2013 F34 Build so keen to remove any doubts regarding N47N timing chain issues
Regards Parma
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      06-29-2020, 04:44 AM   #27
parmap
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Hello Guys,
I recently purchased a June build 2013 320d GT F34 and reading the above posts I'm still no clearer if I have potential ticking time bomb regarding the N47 timing chain issue. The Car has covered 71K miles BMW service till 48K and the remainder with an Independent specialist. The car appears to be "healthy" as far as I can tell.
Did BMW resolve this issue on June 2013 models any advice to reassure me would be greatly appreciated
Regards Parmap
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      06-30-2020, 04:51 AM   #28
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Quote:
Originally Posted by parmap View Post
Hello Guys,
I recently purchased a June build 2013 320d GT F34 and reading the above posts I'm still no clearer if I have potential ticking time bomb regarding the N47 timing chain issue. The Car has covered 71K miles BMW service till 48K and the remainder with an Independent specialist. The car appears to be "healthy" as far as I can tell.
Did BMW resolve this issue on June 2013 models any advice to reassure me would be greatly appreciated
Regards Parmap
Is the independent specialist a BMW specialist ? If so, they should be able to advise you and also help you in terms of indications to be aware of.

On the N57 units the timing chain can usually be heard amongst the many sounds emanating from a running engine. Under normal wear conditions the sound from the timing chain running over the chain tensioner is a continuous "sh". Apparently when the chain starts to wear (stretch) this sound changes to a pulsing sh sh sh sh as the loose chain is pulled over the tensioner in 'waves'.

N57 chains are known to stretch but they rarely snap, so there's typically plenty of time to spot the indications and take action.

The chains in N47 units, as I understand it, have a tendency to suddenly snap. It may be worth considering a BMW Extended Warranty (which may also require BMW dealer servicing as a condition of the warranty) which you ca purchase for BMWs which have done up to 100K miles at the start date of each annual period. Obviously you'd need to assess the additional outlay to BMW, versus the risk/cost of indy maintenance and 'fingers crossed' nothing happens to the chain, versus the cost of preventative maintenance of an elective chain replacement at a mileage to be agreed with your choice of service agent.
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      07-03-2020, 03:03 PM   #29
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Hello guys,

I have recently purchased a f30 316d 2012 and i think i have a problem with the chain(i might be just paranoid to be honest).
I recorded a video with the sound the engine makes.
Do you guys hear anything weird?



Thank you
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      07-05-2020, 10:08 AM   #30
parmap
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Watsey View Post
Is the independent specialist a BMW specialist ? If so, they should be able to advise you and also help you in terms of indications to be aware of.

On the N57 units the timing chain can usually be heard amongst the many sounds emanating from a running engine. Under normal wear conditions the sound from the timing chain running over the chain tensioner is a continuous "sh". Apparently when the chain starts to wear (stretch) this sound changes to a pulsing sh sh sh sh as the loose chain is pulled over the tensioner in 'waves'.

N57 chains are known to stretch but they rarely snap, so there's typically plenty of time to spot the indications and take action.

The chains in N47 units, as I understand it, have a tendency to suddenly snap. It may be worth considering a BMW Extended Warranty (which may also require BMW dealer servicing as a condition of the warranty) which you ca purchase for BMWs which have done up to 100K miles at the start date of each annual period. Obviously you'd need to assess the additional outlay to BMW, versus the risk/cost of indy maintenance and 'fingers crossed' nothing happens to the chain, versus the cost of preventative maintenance of an elective chain replacement at a mileage to be agreed with your choice of service agent.
Hello Watsey
Thanks for your reply. I don't know the history of the car as its been recently purchased. I'll book it in to a Indy BMW who has "stated chains can snap between 75 to 120K mark." even on the lmodels which have had modifications to them. The Independent dealer has quoted £75 to inspect and provide feedback so I may take this route unless someone can advise otherwise.
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      08-26-2020, 12:48 PM   #31
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What's the best way to convince the dealer service department that my timing chain appears to be worn or defective and requires a warranty replacement?

What noticeable noises or symptoms can you describe to your mechanic to get this chain replaced under my extended warranty? Thanks
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      01-19-2021, 10:58 AM   #32
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dante4444 View Post
Hello guys,

I have recently purchased a f30 316d 2012 and i think i have a problem with the chain(i might be just paranoid to be honest).
I recorded a video with the sound the engine makes.
Do you guys hear anything weird?

Thank you
It sounds a bit like the chain.

What are the circumstances? Cold or warm engine?
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      01-19-2021, 01:30 PM   #33
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 335icandy View Post
What's the best way to convince the dealer service department that my timing chain appears to be worn or defective and requires a warranty replacement?

What noticeable noises or symptoms can you describe to your mechanic to get this chain replaced under my extended warranty? Thanks
The North American N47 hasn't had any chain problems since it was updated before the N47 made it here. There are abundant high mileage ones around without issues at all. I'd assume it would be a hard convince, and especially on a 2016 without apparent issues.
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      02-04-2021, 10:52 AM   #34
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Good to know:
Preventively, I changed the chains at 165,000 km and compared to the new ones, there is no difference (it did not stretch at all)

BMW 3 GT (2013) - N47T - Automatic ZF-8
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      11-15-2021, 08:02 AM   #35
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150,000 miles and still going.

This has been a very useful thread to read. I was wondering whether I should change my chain or not but having read this probably not. My F31 N47T has done 150k miles, still purrs like diesel. I do high miles, low revs, low wear so have stuck to the 15-18k service schedule (noooo, I hear some of you say!) although I will be doing fewer miles per year from now on so will reduce my service intervals to account for this.

So far, so good, no noises and no problems.

If anyone thinks I crazy not to change the chain let me know! I'm always open to discussion.
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      11-16-2021, 06:22 AM   #36
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dravp View Post
This has been a very useful thread to read. I was wondering whether I should change my chain or not but having read this probably not. My F31 N47T has done 150k miles, still purrs like diesel. I do high miles, low revs, low wear so have stuck to the 15-18k service schedule (noooo, I hear some of you say!) although I will be doing fewer miles per year from now on so will reduce my service intervals to account for this.

So far, so good, no noises and no problems.

If anyone thinks I crazy not to change the chain let me know! I'm always open to discussion.
My understanding, from talking with an independent BMW specialist is that whereas the 6-cyl timing chains tend to stretch but rarely break, the chains in the 4-cyl units have a much higher incidence of breaking with little warning.

It comes down to your attitude to risk. Preventative maintenance may feel like you are spending money before you have to (if ever), whereas a chain failure can result in a far higher bill for repairs or even terminal damage.

As with many things in life, pay or roll the dice.
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Last edited by Watsey; 11-16-2021 at 04:22 PM..
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      11-16-2021, 09:07 AM   #37
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Life itself is a risk, as is owning and driving ANY vehicle.

The chances of a timing chain breaking for no reason is remote. I would say drive more, worry less, do your preventive maintenance on time and you should be fine.

But if not, that's life and there's no magic bullet to avoid the random failure. In the meantime, I'd rather drive a car that's engaging instead of an appliance.

YMMV
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      11-23-2021, 03:27 AM   #38
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I've just had this done on my own car. Chains weren't that bad but the top one was fairly slack, replaced as more of a preventative measure.

Have a look...some good photo's. https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1877384
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