First BMW

[SeaWoo]

Hi guys,

Due to used car prices going through the roof, I decided to get a 2009/59 320d e90 SE manual. It's got full history from BMW and a BMW specialist and is on 61k. I am a little concerned about the old timing chain issues, but the car sounded very smooth ticking over. Just a bit of gearstick vibration at the lights.

 

How concerned should I be about the potential timing chain issues, as from what I understand it was a more prominent issue on the 2006-early 09 cars?

 

Any other advice is appreciated

[Greydog]

Morning Martin 

Welcome to the Forum

BMW 320d 2.0 Diesel N47D20A 2007 to 2009 and the BMW 320d 2.0 Diesel N47D20C 2009 to 2012 were where the main issues surfaced. As I understand the issue was with the crankshaft sprocket being defective which damaged the chain which if left then snapped. 

While the number of Engine failures was significant enough to cause the press and others to report on it which gave the impression that all BMW's were falling to bits. However when you look at the actual numbers of these engines that were produced against the failure rate while it wasn't good for BMW it was well below recall levels.

My assessment is that a defective part coupled with extended service intervals and an owner base that are not mechanically minded meant initial indicators were missed ending in rapid total failure.

Having said that a friend of our eldest son is now on his 3rd 120d all in the year group that is "at risk" his first was high miles when he brought it he had it 3 years and traded it with over 200k (I persuaded him to do regular Oil and Filter changes, every 5k) His second one he stuck to the 5k oil change routine which has made him more aware of his car (noises etc) he had lots of initial Turbo issues (sticky actuator and vanes) eventually we fitted a refurbished turbo, he traded the car with just shy of 200k and currently has a 2012 120d and so far so good. (by the way our youngest son is 40 so these aren't kids any more)

As the car you have is on 61k and running well I would adopt a frequent inspection oil and filter change policy rather than the extended BMW schedule. Unfortunately there is no way of knowing if your car has an issue but as most seem to have shown up quite early in the cars lives fingers crossed your OK

Enjoy your Beemer

Dave