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BMW N47 timing chain replacement
The N47 diesel's timing chain sits at the back of the engine against the gearbox. When the chain and its guides wear it rattles, and if it snaps the engine is badly damaged. Book a rattle check with us before it gets that far.
Why book with us
BMW N47 timing chain replacement with clear advice.
BMW's N47 2.0 four-cylinder diesel was fitted to the 1 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series, X1 and X3 from around 2007 until it was replaced by the B47 from 2014 onwards. It has a well-documented weakness: the timing chain and its plastic guides wear prematurely, and because the chain sits at the back of the engine, the job usually means removing the engine or gearbox to reach it.
The early warning is a rattle or whine from the back of the engine, often most noticeable at idle, on start-up or when you lift off the throttle. Some owners notice a change in the engine note that slowly gets worse. There may be no warning light at all until the chain has stretched a long way.
If the chain breaks, the pistons hit the valves and the engine is usually beyond economic repair. That is why we treat any rattle from an N47 seriously. Catching it while it is still a chain and guide replacement is far cheaper than a replacement engine, and it puts a known-good chain in a car that could otherwise run for many more miles.
We listen to the engine, check live data for camshaft and crankshaft correlation where the system allows, and review your history for any previous chain work. If replacement is needed, we fit a full kit of chains, guides, tensioner and sprockets rather than just the chain, and we check the oil pump drive while the engine is apart. We explain what we find and quote before any work starts.
Rattle checks
We listen and check the data to judge chain wear before you commit to anything.
Full kit fitted
Chains, guides, tensioner and sprockets replaced together so the fix lasts.
Book early
Call 07494 990846 as soon as you hear a rattle. It is far cheaper than a new engine.
BMW N47 timing chain replacement
N47 timing chain replacement includes
Clear expectations, no surprises. If anything extra is needed, we explain it first.
- Noise check and live data review to confirm chain wear.
- Engine or gearbox removal to reach the rear-mounted chain.
- Replacement timing chains, guides, tensioner and sprockets.
- Oil pump drive inspection while the engine is apart.
- Fresh oil and filter to BMW Longlife specification.
- Fault code clear and road test before handover.
BMW N47 timing chain replacement
Common questions
- Which BMWs have the N47 engine?
- Most four-cylinder BMW diesels from around 2007 to 2014, including the 116d, 118d, 120d, 318d, 320d, 520d, X1 and X3 20d. Give us your registration and we will confirm.
- How long can I drive with a timing chain rattle?
- There is no safe answer. Some last months, others fail soon after the noise starts. We recommend booking a check as soon as you hear it.
- Was the problem fixed on later engines?
- The B47 that replaced the N47 has a revised design and is far less affected. Later N47 engines also had updated parts, but we still see worn chains on higher-mileage cars.
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Serving drivers across the local area
We provide bmw n47 timing chain replacement for customers from across the region — book online or call us.
Experts in bmw n47 timing chain replacement
Tell us your car and symptoms, we will advise honestly.
Serving Brierley Hill and surrounding West Midlands areas towns. Message or call and we will outline likely costs before we book you in.