BMW N47 Engine Problems – How to Fix Timing Chain Failure!

Introduction

From 2007 to around 2014, the BMW N47 was an inline 4-cylinder diesel engine that was made use of in the BMW 1, 2, 3, and 5 sequence, as well as the X1 and X3 diesel models.

The N47 motor series is prone to early timing chain failure because of to severe timing chain have on. The circumstance is indicated by a rattling sounds coming from the engine’s rear. Failure of the timing chain could necessitate engine substitution or a costly repair. The problem has an effect on all programs and electrical power variants of the engine created amongst March 1, 2007 and March 1, 2011. The most severely ruined models, which demand the most considerable repairs, were being created among the dates of 01.03.2007 and 05.01.2009. UPDATE – It seems that a compact variety of engines created right after the recall are possessing issues.

Timing chain

The timing chain on this motor is sandwiched in between the engine and the transmission at the back of the motor. Its replacement is in particular tricky since it is situated in these an inaccessible locale. In most instances, areas mounted in these types of inaccessible spots are intended to endure the lifetime of the motor, but not in this condition. The timing chain in the N47 can are unsuccessful everywhere from 40 to 100k miles, leading to catastrophic engine hurt as its components shed synchronization.

Prognosis – Signs of a Failing Timing Chain

The indicators of a failed timing chain ordinarily look steadily as the chain turns into more time and more worn. As a consequence, you are unlikely to detect a sudden remarkable symptom until finally the chain is in the vicinity of to split wholly. In its place, think about how your car or truck is undertaking now and how it executed many months in the past. Modest issues could advise that the chain is about to fall short totally.

Right here are some of the signs that your timing chain is failing:

• Rough idling: Get started your car and wander away. It is achievable that the timing chain is putting on out if it shakes or vibrates additional than normal. Of study course, there are other issues that could outcome in severe idling, but the issue is usually worth investigating because it tends to worsen over time.

• Peculiar noises: You could hear your N47 motor rattle, especially when it is idling, but not only when it’s idling. The issue could be that the timing chain is loose and rattling against nearly anything else if the seem is persistent and rough. 

• Metallic shavings in the oil: About time, the timing chain will wear down. When it reaches the close of its handy lifetime, it may perhaps emit steel shavings. If it does, it will conclude up in your engine oil, most likely creating further concerns.  Nonetheless, any worn-out part of your auto can deliver steel shavings, so it is worthy of hunting into ahead of just changing the chain.

• Engine failures: If your BMW would not start off, the chai may possibly be broken and not providing plenty of strain to start out the motor. If the chain breaks although you’re driving, it is doable that the timing chain has damaged as properly. If this happens, the pistons might be damaged, and the belt challenge could induce more injury to your motor vehicle.

• Engine misfires: Your N47 engine could misfire prior to the chain has fully snapped. The cam and the crankshaft are connected by a chain. The chain could bring about the car or truck to skip a equipment on possibly the crankshaft or the camshaft if it is overly stretched out. It will turn into more stressed as a result of this, and it will finally crack.

• Verify engine gentle is on: Of class, the examine engine mild could sign a significant variety of matters have long gone completely wrong with your BMW. On the other hand, it is feasible that the timing chain has failed or is before long to fall short.

Replacement and Repairs

Simply because the timing chain is in this kind of an inaccessible place, the mechanic must absolutely take out the motor from its bay to gain entry to it. Taking the motor out is a huge and complicated endeavor in and of alone. Pursuing that, another lengthy disassembly is demanded to achieve obtain to the chains them selves.

Three timing chains are included in the timing chain alternative kit: one for the oil pump, one particular for the camshaft, and just one for the substantial-pressure gas pump. You will also need the searching device kit to maintain the crankshaft and camshaft synchronized although you’re doing work on them. These are the main tasks that have to be concluded after removing the engine from the bay in buy to exchange the timing chains.

To start, make sure that cylinders 1 and 4 are at prime dead heart in buy to retain the level for synchronizing the details.

With the resources you have, lock your crank shafts at this spot.

Remove the camshaft chain tensioner to loosen the chain a small, and loosen the 3 bolts on the camshaft sprocket.

It will be much easier to eliminate the gasoline pump sprocket if the large-tension fuel pump is turned off.

Remove the flywheel from the crankshaft by eradicating the bolts that maintain it in position.

Get rid of the starter motor’s bolts to get obtain to the oil sump.

By undoing the vital bolts, you can get rid of the oil sump.

Take away the timing cover by loosening the nuts that keep it in put. It will acquire some prying and a handful of mild taps with the hammer. You can now entry all of the chains and sprockets.

By loosening the bolts, you may possibly now clear away the oil pump sprocket and the oil pump guides. Take out the oil pump’s chain as properly.

Equally, clear away the camshaft sprocket’s guides and tensioner, as properly as the sprocket and belt.

Soon after TDC, twist the crankshaft 45 degrees and get rid of the superior-stress fuel pump tensioner, guides, and sprockets. Consider off the belt and the sprockets as properly.

The last product is your oil sprayer, which you could take out for substitution if vital.

Then, in reverse order, install the alternative belts, ensuring that all parts are in sync until the conclusion.

Conclusion

This timing chain concern is a style and design flaw in the motor, and the only technique to cure it is to prevent automobiles with this N47 engine or, if attainable, get rid of it in working buy. Because of the emission management gear place in it, these types of as the EGR and DPF, this motor also has a large amount of challenges.

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