[muffking]

I'm off to look at a '63 plate 520D this Friday which was registered in September 2013. What I want to know is how to tell if it's got the later B47 engine as I'm concerned about timing chains going on the N47 ?

Other than that it's got decent spec, HK sound, reversing camera, Bluetooth audio, although it does have the smaller Nav screen.

[Johnny Grabble]

I'll bet that's one with the N47 engine. They only started building B47 in the F10/F11 from May 2014 according to realoem.com with the earliest UK registrations around August. Get the VIN and use an online VIN checker to confirm.

[muffking]

The seller thinks it's an N47T, the late N47 181bhp version.
Do we know if this is exempt from the timing chain problem in many 5 series?

[Apples12]

I have the n47t in mine and BMW reckon it's had the fix and should be fault free

Id advise going for the LCI but hold out for one with pro nav, you won't regret it

Also If under 60k or 100k miles go for the extended BMW warranty

[muffking]

Thanks. Fingers crossed.
It's an Lci with 115k and an impressive spec list, although not Pro Nav, not a deal breaker though.

[en1gma]

Originally Posted by Johnny Grabble

I'll bet that's one with the N47 engine. They only started building B47 in the F10/F11 from May 2014 according to realoem.com with the earliest UK registrations around August. Get the VIN and use an online VIN checker to confirm.

Checking the VIN online is probably the easiest way to confirm. Something like "bimmer.work" (sorry cannot remember 100% offhand - but I'm sure if you type that, the correct one will show I your browser) is simple and will also show the full list of factory-fitted options.

[muffking]

Thanks. I'll try that on Friday slog with https://www.bmwvin.com/
What I really need to know is if the N47T suffers from the timing chain problem.

[mrashton]

Originally Posted by muffking

Thanks. I'll try that on Friday slog with https://www.bmwvin.com/
What I really need to know is if the N47T suffers from the timing chain problem.

It was said that BMW fixed the issue on the N47 early in 2009 but we know that hasn't been the case. Personally I'd be wary of any N47 iteration and my wariness will probably attract comments from people who haven't had issues at all. I have a car with the N57 6 cylinder which is so far quite bomb proof. Can you stretch to a 530d?

[muffking]

That's the million dollar question. This 520D has come up at the right price, the right time, and with more spec than I would have gone looking for (other than missing Pro Nav). I just want to make sure I don't buy a ticking time bomb.

[5557223]

Bit of a late response but BMW fixed the timing belt issue with the launch of F10. However, that claim was not 100% true as cars continued to have timing belt premature wear in F10. BMW then applied another fix for cars built post Mar 2011, which significantly reduced timing belt related issues.

[muffking]

Thanks. Any help will go a long way towards me choosing the right car for me.
I missed out on this car as they sold it before the day we had previously agreed that I was going to view the car, but after reading much info and some your responses I may avoid the 2.0D all together.

The hunt for my next car continues...

[5557223]

Look the fact is they have built so many n47 that some are bound to have issues. These issues should not put you off buying one because the 6 pots will have their own inherent issues. In the end it will be down to the whole package, like service history, owners, mileage, warranty, oil change etc.

If it were up to this forum, noone would buy a 4 pot lol

[Apples12]

Mine is a 2013/63 LCI 520d, sitting at 97k-ish miles, has servicing by BMW as per idrive and an interim oil change in-between, something I've done with all my car's.

I have a relative who has a 2011 520d, his chain started rattling, low power and needed replacing at a cost of £900, his mileage when all this happened? 215k miles, this car was serviced on the cheap, barely having it's oil changes done on the reccomended intervals and all done by an independent, is a manual and needed a new gearbox around 180k miles...

If I could go to 200k+ miles without the chain snapping (which I think is feasible) then I'm onto a winner!

Add into the mix the great fuel economy I get (64+mpg sitting at 70, 69+ sitting at 60-65) and it's a keeper!

I too looked at the 525/530/535d when I was buying and tbh the 520d was plenty of car for my needs (30k+ miles a year) , my requirements were small (dark colour, black interior, pro nav, xenon's and Bluetooth) and I found one quite quickly