Hi Paul,

The N47 engine certainly had its troubles, with self-destructing timing chains (which had been supposed to be zero-maintenance, like them all) destroying many an engine, usually out of warranty. By 2014, the problem was supposed to have been long since sold, but we’d still advise a modicum of caution. You’re best to buy from a franchised BMW dealer (and they do offer a very good two-year used car warranty, which helps) and make sure that you keep the car main-dealer serviced. That way, if there are any issues, you’ll have some comeback.