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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > BMW E90/E92/E93 3-series General Forums > Regional Forums > UK > UK Technical Forum > Different engines query?



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      08-29-2021, 02:35 AM   #1
Processing61
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Different engines query?

I currently have a 2006 E90 330D with the M57 engine. In the future I’m going to need something a bit bigger with a useable boot. I find the saloon boot a bit awkward. It will be mainly used for my dogs.

So I’m looking at getting a 2006/07 E91, the touring/estate. I’ve also been looking at getting a slightly smaller engine. I love the 3.0 straight 6 but wouldn’t mind something where the running costs are a little less.

So I’ve been doing some research but it seems the 2.0 4 cylinder turbo engine which I think is the M47 has timing chain problems.

If I was looking for a 2.0 diesel turbo 2006/2007 E91 would this be the M47 engine and would it suffer with the timing chain problems?

If yes, when did the problem start? And when did the problem get rectified?

Thanks.
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      08-29-2021, 02:48 AM   #2
ValSolo
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It`s N47 that suffered from chain issues. You can try finding the latest LCI e91, 2010 onwards, as they`re less likely to fail. Also some of the cars were recalled by BMW, you can also check on that.
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      08-29-2021, 03:22 AM   #3
therealdb1
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I'd stick with a 6 pot.
They drive differently and the reduction in running costs are not significant enough to accept just 4 cylinders as the engine is working harder to provide similar performance.
Just my personal opinion, of course!
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      08-29-2021, 07:33 AM   #4
BMW33
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Personally I would stick with a 6 cylinder, but dont believe the N57s dont have problems they do to some extent even worse. Timing chains are still a problem & they are also known for main bearing failure which results in a bottom end engine knock so a new engine or a rebuild is required. I have just been down that route so I know all about it. If you search N57 bearing failure you can read all about it.

The M57 is relaiable but have also done a timing chain on that due to failure but at that time that particular car had nearly 180k on clock.

Also done a timing chain on a N47 at 100k due to failure.

Maybe I have just been unlucky but that's my take on it, I'd still rather be in a BMW

Last edited by BMW33; 08-29-2021 at 07:43 AM..
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      08-29-2021, 08:11 AM   #5
0l0dom0l0
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Considered a 325i, or 330i touring instead?

Either way I would stick with a 6 pot in petrol or diesel form.... but the 6 pot N57 diesels are starting to show signs of some similar problems sinilar to the N47 with timing chain issues. The M47 & M57 looks the most reliable of the bunch in my opinion.

The best thing is to look at the CO2 emissions for all the different engines, then when looking online you can just do a vehicle info check and see what engine it has.

Used that trick when looking for my E92. Wanted an N52, but given some cars were late registered etc it wasn't particularly reliable to go off the registration date. Ended up with an N53, which once I'd don't a few bits has been solid.... despite what the forums tell you.
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      08-29-2021, 08:13 AM   #6
Silver Streek
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I went from an E46 touring 320d to a E91 M57 6 cylinder, and to be honest my running costs have not really gone up at all. The tax was the same due to newer engine and the insurance pretty much remained the same. I am and old fart tho in my 40's lol. I guess some parts such as smaller brake discs etc may be a little cheaper, but not enough to make down grading to a 4 pot worthwhile. Fuel economy is the same as my E46 too. With the exception of sitting in a que of traffic, I guess the 4 pot would be better here.

I would never go back to a 4 pot diesel. Maybe a turbo 4 pot petrol.
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      08-29-2021, 01:16 PM   #7
nomiS330d
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I personally would never consider a 320d considering how fantastic the 330d engines are as an all rounder. There surely can’t be enough in the running cost differences to make you happy you down graded can there?
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      08-29-2021, 02:18 PM   #8
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If running costs are really key to your next choice, to actually cut cost buy a worth while chunk maybe a non German car might be a wise choice??

You would miss the BM though.
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      08-30-2021, 02:42 AM   #9
Processing61
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Thanks for the input guys.

I have to admit the only saving would be maybe £170 on tax a year and £200 on insurance per year. Economy a little better but maybe wouldn’t be that noticeable. Seems to quote around a 5-10mpg mpg difference in the 3 different environments. Dependant on how many miles you drive, so roughly £200 a year saving in fuel, at a guess. So at a real rough guess maybe £400-£600 saving a year in total. All dependant on which version of the 2.0l engine I would go for. Is it worth it for how different the car will perform? I’m not sure.

I have been thinking about going away from BM to another car but feel I may be disappointed.

I will have a look into the 325i and 330i.

If I’m honest I’d like to keep mine and stick the e91 body/boot on it as I’ve got it how I like and know about this individual car now. It’s just as I know I can’t do that, I need a different car and was thinking “every little helps” in terms of savings lol.

I will update if/when I make any decisions. Won’t be for a while anyway
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      08-30-2021, 03:28 AM   #10
nomiS330d
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The other thing is when changing cars for something cheaper to run most of us usually look at something newer and better equipped etc so any running cost savings are wiped out by spending more on the new car than our current car is worth. I’m not saying this is what you’re looking to do but it’s happened to me for sure lol.
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      08-30-2021, 05:34 AM   #11
therealdb1
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Processing61 View Post
Thanks for the input guys.

I have to admit the only saving would be maybe £170 on tax a year and £200 on insurance per year. Economy a little better but maybe wouldn’t be that noticeable. Seems to quote around a 5-10mpg mpg difference in the 3 different environments. Dependant on how many miles you drive, so roughly £200 a year saving in fuel, at a guess. So at a real rough guess maybe £400-£600 saving a year in total. All dependant on which version of the 2.0l engine I would go for. Is it worth it for how different the car will perform? I’m not sure.
Before even looking to replace your car I would gather some actual figures for the 2 or 3 litre variants rather than simply guestimating them.
You may find that there is less than £170 difference in road tax, for example. My N54 35i was £555 last time I taxed it and I recently looked at a 6.75 litre twin turbo Bentley and the tax for that was £270! The N55 variant is about the same as the Bentley i.e. half the price of the car I have!
Also shop around online for the insurance. My wife's 1 litre Smart car is £10 per year MORE expensive to insure than my 35i. Both 2007 cars, same mileage limit, same company, only difference is the BMW is in a garage and her car is on the drive in front of the garage! .com!
You may also find that the fuel used is not significant either since the larger, more torquey engine will be lolloping along whereas the little 4 cylinder will have to work harder to give you the same acceleration etc.
As most on here are saying you'll regret downsizing so unless the numbers really do show a significant saving (which I doubt they will) the decision is made for you!
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      08-30-2021, 05:51 AM   #12
Processing61
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Quote:
Originally Posted by therealdb1 View Post
Before even looking to replace your car I would gather some actual figures for the 2 or 3 litre variants rather than simply guestimating them.
You may find that there is less than £170 difference in road tax, for example. My N54 35i was £555 last time I taxed it and I recently looked at a 6.75 litre twin turbo Bentley and the tax for that was £270! The N55 variant is about the same as the Bentley i.e. half the price of the car I have!
Also shop around online for the insurance. My wife's 1 litre Smart car is £10 per year MORE expensive to insure than my 35i. Both 2007 cars, same mileage limit, same company, only difference is the BMW is in a garage and her car is on the drive in front of the garage! .com!
You may also find that the fuel used is not significant either since the larger, more torquey engine will be lolloping along whereas the little 4 cylinder will have to work harder to give you the same acceleration etc.
As most on here are saying you'll regret downsizing so unless the numbers really do show a significant saving (which I doubt they will) the decision is made for you!
That's some very good points!

Thank you
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      08-30-2021, 06:17 AM   #13
dave330
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i average about 40 mpg in my mapped 330d and my daily commute is half motorway and half city driving at peak times ,i wouldn't think you would get an awful lot more from a 2 litre.
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