Car Model Guide/ Issues/ Rear timing chain failure

Rear timing chain failure

Attaches to N47 at engine level · Engine · carried by 18 variants across 8 chassis

Overview

Rear timing chain failure is a common fault recorded against N47 at engine level, typically from 100–200k km. It shows up as rattle from the bulkhead end of the engine on start-up and on the overrun, then chain jump and catastrophic valve damage. Where it is documented, the repair runs €1,500–€2,500 (engine or gearbox out at an independent; more if valves are damaged, costs dated 2026-07), and it can be checked before you buy. 18 variants across 8 chassis in this database inherit it.

€1,500 – €2,500

engine or gearbox out at an independent; more if valves are damaged · costs dated 2026-07

Likelihoodcommon

Typical onset100–200k km

Detectableyes

Walk awayyes, without proof

Evidencemanufacturer

What happens

Symptom. Rattle from the bulkhead end of the engine on start-up and on the overrun, then chain jump and catastrophic valve damage.

Cause. The timing chain sits at the rear of the block against the bulkhead. The chain and its guides wear early, and the repair requires the engine or gearbox out.

Later parts. Revised chain and sprockets phased in from roughly 2011; coverage was inconsistent, so verify by part number and receipt rather than by build year.

Sources. Revised part numbers; extensive goodwill claims across EU markets

How to check it

Cold start

Stand at the rear of the engine bay at a genuinely cold start and listen for rattle. Then demand documentation: a chain replacement with current part numbers, or walk. The repair costs a meaningful fraction of the car's value.

You get one. If the engine is warm when you arrive, come back another day.

EnginecommonDetectable at viewingwalk away without proofevidence: manufacturer100–200k km

Every variant that carries this

Variant	Chassis	Body	Years	Risk	Good buy	Cost as % of good buy
316d N47	E90	sedan	2009–2011	R5	€4,200	48%
316d N47	E91	wagon	2009–2011	R5	€4,450	45%
318d N47	E90	sedan	2007–2011	R5	€4,100	49%
318d N47	E91	wagon	2007–2011	R5	€4,350	46%
320d N47	E90	sedan	2007–2011	R5	€4,400	45%
320d N47	E91	wagon	2007–2012	R5	€4,650	43%
320d N47	E92	coupe	2007–2013	R5	€5,050	40%
320d N47	E93	convertible	2007–2013	R5	€4,950	40%
116d N47	E87	hatchback	2009–2011	R4	€4,050	49%
116d N47	E81	hatchback	2009–2011	R4	€3,600	56%
118d N47	E87	hatchback	2007–2011	R4	€4,600	43%
118d N47	E81	hatchback	2007–2012	R4	€4,100	49%
118d N47	E82	coupe	2007–2013	R4	€4,700	43%
118d N47	E88	convertible	2008–2013	R4	€4,950	40%
120d N47	E87	hatchback	2007–2011	R4	€5,150	39%
120d N47	E81	hatchback	2007–2012	R4	€4,600	43%
120d N47	E82	coupe	2007–2013	R4	€5,250	38%
120d N47	E88	convertible	2008–2013	R4	€5,550	36%

The last column is the point: the same repair is an inconvenience on one variant and a reason to scrap the car on another. A failure costing a quarter of the vehicle's value changes the purchase decision regardless of how rare it is.