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BMW N47 timing chain replacement
The N47 diesel is known for timing chain wear. The chain sits at the gearbox end of the engine, so a rattle there needs taking seriously. We confirm the cause and replace the chain, guides and tensioner before it fails. Call us to book.
Why book with us
BMW N47 timing chain replacement with clear advice.
BMW fitted the 2.0 litre N47 four-cylinder diesel from 2007 until it was replaced by the B47 around 2014 to 2015. It powered the 116d, 118d, 120d, 318d, 320d, 520d and X1 and X3 20d, which makes it one of the most common engines on British roads. It is economical and strong, but its timing chain system is its weak point.
The chains and their plastic guides wear, the tensioner loses its grip and the chain begins to slap. Because BMW placed the timing chain at the back of the engine, next to the gearbox, the noise is often mistaken for something else. Typical signs are a whirring or rattling at idle, a rattle when you lift off the accelerator and a noise that gets worse once the engine is warm.
If a worn chain is left, it can jump a tooth or snap. On the N47 that usually means the pistons hit the valves, and the repair becomes a replacement engine rather than a chain kit. Catching it at the noisy stage keeps the bill to a known, planned job.
Access means the engine normally has to come out to replace the chain properly. We replace the chains, guides, tensioner and sprockets as a set, fit new seals while it is apart and refill with oil to the correct BMW specification. We will also tell you if the car is not worth the investment, because on a very high-mileage car that is sometimes the honest answer.
Noise diagnosed properly
We confirm the rattle is the chain, not a heat shield, pulley or flywheel.
Complete kit fitted
Chains, guides, tensioner and sprockets replaced together.
Correct BMW oil
Refilled with oil to the approval your engine needs.
BMW N47 timing chain replacement
Our N47 timing chain work covers
Clear expectations, no surprises. If anything extra is needed, we explain it first.
- Listening test and fault code check to confirm chain wear.
- Engine removal where needed for proper access.
- Replacement of timing chains, guides, tensioner and sprockets.
- New seals and gaskets disturbed during the job.
- Oil and filter change to BMW specification.
- Run-up, fault code clear and road test before handover.
BMW N47 timing chain replacement
Common questions
- Which BMWs have the N47 engine?
- Most four-cylinder diesel BMWs from 2007 to around 2015, including the 116d, 118d, 120d, 318d, 320d, 520d, X1 and X3 20d. Later cars use the B47. Send us your registration and we will confirm.
- How do I know if the rattle is the timing chain?
- An N47 chain rattle comes from the gearbox end of the engine, is most noticeable at idle and when lifting off, and often gets louder as the engine warms. We listen with the right tools and check the fault memory to confirm.
- Can I keep driving with a noisy chain?
- We would not recommend it. If the chain fails the engine is usually badly damaged. Book a check as soon as you notice the noise.
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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 Walsall, West Midlands and surrounding areas towns. Message or call and we will outline likely costs before we book you in.