BMW N47 Engine Timing Chain Issue

[JAS21]

This will be of interest to whoever has a BMW fitted with this engine ... think it was late 2007 when this engine started to be fitted ... it's the 2Ltr Diesel. It was fitted to my 2007 520d that I bought when I came to live here full time if I recall correctly.

Anyway, my son who lives in England has a 320d 2008 and his Turbo failed the other day, it hadn't done a huge amount of miles. When he took it to the dealers they said that there was a recall notice on the engine, bit fortunate in a way. They said that as they had to remove the engine to do the timing chain recall work (timing gear is at the rear of this engine) they said labour for changing the turbo would be minimal . But unfortunately they didn't have the parts in stock and it would be off the road for about three weeks. No car loan as they were snowed under with doing the same job on other BMWS.

The recall notice could be N47-QEP.

Now this problem is well documented and up to now BMW have refused to admit liability. Google if you want more info. SO if you own a BMW, with this engine, here is a heads up and maybe you should research and then contact your BMW dealer to confirm that you have the N47 engine and enquire as to whether they have the recall notice and that the recall notice is applicable to you.

As an aside the garage said that they didn't find the reason for failure of the turbo.

[ktm jeff]

BMW are calling this ( the latest in a long list of problems concerning thier failing quality control ) a " quality enhancement " rather than the recall which it realy is . This is for legal reasons , Cars with less than 75,000 KM will not have the faulty chains - there are two - replaced , only the tensioner , with a modified one . Other cars MAY ( also ) have the top chain replaced , without removing the engine , or , if your lucky , both chains , with engine removal . Its an issue known for some years by many people ( BMW and independant ) and the complete job should be carried out ( both upper and lower chains and the tensioner ) regaurdless of whether you are the origional owner , or the cars mileage or service history . Its a faulty design of several parts that are NOT affected by any service sheduals , or by who did the services , or where . If you have any problems , i suggest owners get together and issue a legal challenge against BMW . That may sound bold , but the resultant publicity normally works faster . And next time buy a Mercedes !! .