Which 3 Series is affected by timing chain issues?

Which 3 Series is affected by timing chain issues?

Does the BMW 3 Series 2008 - ? Cause alot of trouble with diesel leaking into the oil and therfore that causes trouble with timing chain? What year does this engine run to. I think it started in 2008 and maybe finished in 2011? Is this engine the N47 engine? When was this engine introduced? Was it late 2008 It's just I'm thinking about buying a BMW 3 Series in the 2008-2011 region and I want to be sure. Thanks in advance for your help

Our answer:

Hi Shane,

Yeah, the timing chain problem affects N47 engines built between 2007 and 2009, generally speaking. It’s not caused  by an oil or diesel leak per se, but is more of a basic engineering and manufacturing fault – the chain simply wasn’t strong enough and being mounted at the back of the engine, it’s a bugger to replace. It’s not all bad news though – if the car you’re looking at has been regularly and properly serviced (check for a full and uninterrupted BMW main dealer service history) then it may well be fine. Probably best to work out some sort of warranty arrangement with the dealer you’re buying it from, to makes sure you’re covered for any timing chain issues though.

Shane O'Donoghue

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