Watchdog - BMW engine problem

[LincsX5]

Just caught the end of Watchdog and they are doing an item next week on a BMW engine problem. Any ideas? Swirl flaps maybe?

[X5Sport]

A report on BMW Land refers to it being a timing chain issue on the N47 series of engines.  2.0D engine fitted to the 1, 3, 5, X1, X3 and Mini Countryman SD (b*gger that means us!!) models. 

Supposedly pre-2011 builds, but that may be because they haven't got enough miles on them yet.  Some owners have had chains snap - and that's definitely not supposed to happen with chains!!

Richard

[LincsX5]

I wasn't aware of that issue. Having had a couple of CVH engines chuck a belt, fortunately at idle and a long time ago, I have always preferred chains. That must be a serious issue if chains are going, not to mention the ensuing cost if not under warranty. BMW have taken a few hits on Watchdog over the years so will be interested in watching this one even if it doesn't personally effect me, at the moment anyway.

[IanP]

BMW do not have a good history with camchains/guides

[X5Sport]

[quote="LincsX5"]
I wasn't aware of that issue. Having had a couple of CVH engines chuck a belt, fortunately at idle and a long time ago, I have always preferred chains.
[/quote]

Ah those were the days - they broke so often on Police Escort 1600's that they changed the belts at 6,000 mile intervals.  Happened to me once in an Escort van - and the damage was impressive!!

Richard

[LincsX5]

It was a couple of Orion 1.6i Ghias in the mid 80s that did it. Luckily only a few bent valves and guides and an easy DIY job. Had mainly Land Rovers and Saabs since. Rather have a bit of extra noise than have a rubber band give up the ghost.

[jason@bwchiptune]

This is what happens

[X5Sport]

    That's not good!!  I thought duplex chains were in use these days.

Richard

[snipez999]

Looks like an Audi interior!


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[gmc15]

Had a chain snap on a 3.0l 24v Senator many years ago - wrecked the top end of the engine

[Finglonga]

There must be thousands of these engines fitted but only three cases on Watchdog. I remember the 19" wheel cracking problem at the end of the show there were loads of calls with people having the same issue. Hopefully that is a good sign that there were no more phone calls with others that have had the same failure. ....... That's what the wife is hoping for anyway.

[LincsX5]

So it was the N47 engine between 2007 and 2009. Hopefully it is only a few isolated incidents. Not sure how many reports Watchdog need to run these stories.

[Chompers]

My Freindly sevice guy rang last night to say not to worry. He had over 100 calls about the program  :blink: