[shortie]

Originally Posted by makkan00

Shortie
I have been v lucky as my 320i has developed only one fault. And that was a sensor.
Other than that, I have changed few O rings,CCV and coolant for maintenance purposes.
I thought to buy 330d at some stage but clearly that is not as good as I thought.
335d comes with its own issues....

So really, what engine does not have inherent problems??

[AdrianSi]

Pre LCi 330d's have the 'bulletproof' engine. The M57 with the revised swirl flaps... I don't think there has been a reported swirl flap failure in a E90. That's pretty much the only thing that killed the engines in E46 330ds.

This said, mine was a very early N57 engine so possibly they 'revised' the design of the guides. When I check the part numbers fitted on the online catalogues I don't remember the being any superceeded parts.

It is still a great car and great engine but definately not a characteristic that should be present in such an engine. I would rather have a front mounted serviceable Cambelt that you expect to renew at specified intervals. Timing chains shouldn't require any servicing, certainly not within 150K...maybe at higher miles 200-300K which will only account for a small percentage of E90s in the future.

[shortie]

Originally Posted by AdrianSi

Pre LCi 330d's have the 'bulletproof' engine. The M57 with the revised swirl flaps... I don't think there has been a reported swirl flap failure in a E90. That's pretty much the only thing that killed the engines in E46 330ds.

This said, mine was a very early N57 engine so possibly they 'revised' the design of the guides. When I check the part numbers fitted on the online catalogues I don't remember the being any superceeded parts.

It is still a great car and great engine but definately not a characteristic that should be present in such an engine. I would rather have a front mounted serviceable Cambelt that you expect to renew at specified intervals. Timing chains shouldn't require any servicing, certainly not within 150K...maybe at higher miles 200-300K which will only account for a small percentage of E90s in the future.

So 2007 / early 2008 330d sounds the best bet?

With correct servicing you expect a BMW of being capable of doing 500k, you expect a quality product that is capable of lasting if you do that mileage!
As you said, front access cambelt would be so much easier, changed at the right times there are far far fewer failures.

[Dr Dave]

Cheers Adrian......I'm feeling rather smug with my pre-lci 330d

That'll be the kiss of death then!

[philmots]

Originally Posted by makkan00

Shortie
I have been v lucky as my 320i has developed only one fault. And that was a sensor.
Other than that, I have changed few O rings,CCV and coolant for maintenance purposes.
I thought to buy 330d at some stage but clearly that is not as good as I thought.
335d comes with its own issues....

The M57 330d is fine.. (Up to 2008ish) It's the LCI 330d with the issues.

The 335d is ok right through as it's still an M57 even in the LCI

[Dr Dave]

Originally Posted by PhilM

The M57 330d is fine.. (Up to 2008ish) It's the LCI 330d with the issues.

I shan't feel so bad about not having an LCI now..............

[johngg]

Sorry guys - I lost this thread and posted query on other threads . This forum has saved me £1200 so far on another problem - I need some opinions on my noisy engine please - much appreciated
(Cheers chris the ticking noise really gets going half way through)

E90. - nov 2009. 320d

[320dchris]

mine sounded nothing like that i was just getting a tick when the car was idling i cant really hear any ticking.

an update to my first post:
i got the car fixed all it need was new chains nothing else was damaged by it breaking

[chrisbmwcy]

Originally Posted by 320dchris

mine sounded nothing like that i was just getting a tick when the car was idling i cant really hear any ticking.

an update to my first post:
i got the car fixed all it need was new chains nothing else was damaged by it breaking

You got lucky then! How much it cost?

[320dchris]

Originally Posted by chrisbmwcy

You got lucky then! How much it cost?

I really did! It cost €2200 I was originally quoted €4500 to fix it but that guy hadn't a clue what he was talking about. He told me I need a new engine.

[Gyrro]

Originally Posted by 320dchris

mine sounded nothing like that i was just getting a tick when the car was idling i cant really hear any ticking.

an update to my first post:
i got the car fixed all it need was new chains nothing else was damaged by it breaking

Hi Chris,

Have the same issue myself... how long did it take for fitting the new parts? 2-3 days? No sprockets and guides changed? Crankshaft?

Your feedback will be appreciated!

[kevtherev]

Hi
Please sign the petiton at the link below it is to try to get BMW to recall all N47 engines up to marck 2011 regarding the timing chain problems

http://www.avaaz.org/en/petition/BMW_N47_engine_recall

[kevtherev]

HI RE N47 Timing chain failure please sign petition at below link its to get BMW to do a recal regarding this.

http://www.avaaz.org/en/petition/BMW_N47_engine_recall

[q_jonblaze]

well funny that....this was also on watchdog this week! bmw just said that they are not obliged to repair the cars.

pah!

[chriz1]

Originally Posted by kevtherev

HI RE N47 Timing chain failure please sign petition at below link its to get BMW to do a recal regarding this.

http://www.avaaz.org/en/petition/BMW_N47_engine_recall

Worth making this a sticky?

[desibeema]

hi guys,im new to this forum. I just wanted to clarify which models are possibly affected?
i have a 03/2011 320d msport coupe. what kind of noise do i need to listen out for?
thanks