318d / 320d 2.0d (N47)

2007–2013 · diesel · 1995cc · 177hp

Engine codes: N47

Avoid

Reliability, common problems and owner reviews for the Bmw 3 Series E90 318d / 320d 2.0d (N47). Check this before you buy used.

Notorious. The N47's timing chain sits at the REAR of the engine (against the bulkhead) and is prone to catastrophic failure — when it goes, the engine is usually destroyed, and access makes repair extremely expensive (often more than the car). Worst for units built 1 Mar 2007–5 Jan 2009, but failures reported across the range. The defining 'avoid' diesel of this era.

Same engine, other cars

This is the same physical engine (N47) sold under different names across brands. Reliability is broadly shared — cross-check these:

Known Issues

Timing chain failure (rear-mounted)critical

Rear timing chain stretches/snaps → valves hit pistons → engine destroyed. Rattle like 'marbles in a tin' from the rear/bulkhead on cold start is the warning. Rear location makes repair labour-heavy.

Fix / Workaround: If buying at all: only with documented chain replacement (uprated parts). Change oil every ~13,000 km (8k miles), never the 30k BMW interval. ANY rear rattle = walk away.

Repair cost: €1500–€4000

Typically appears after: 100,000 km

Swirl flaps / EGR / turborecurring

Swirl flaps, EGR and turbo issues on top of the chain.

Fix / Workaround: Delete swirl flaps; clean EGR.

Repair cost: €200–€1200

Year Cutoffs

2009: Before — 1 Mar 2007–5 Jan 2009 builds worst affected. After — Improved but failures still reported to ~2015.

Mileage Thresholds

After 100,000 km: Timing chain failure risk significant from here.

Pre-Purchase Checklist

☐Cold-start: listen at the REAR of the engine for chain rattle
☐Demand documented chain replacement with uprated parts
☐Confirm short oil-change intervals (~8k miles)
☐Strongly consider the 325d/330d straight-six instead

Frequently asked questions

Is the Bmw 3 Series E90 318d / 320d 2.0d (N47) reliable?

Avoid — Notorious. The N47's timing chain sits at the REAR of the engine (against the bulkhead) and is prone to catastrophic failure — when it goes, the engine is usually destroyed, and access makes repair extremely expensive (often more than the car). Worst for units built 1 Mar 2007–5 Jan 2009, but failures reported across the range. The defining 'avoid' diesel of this era.

What are the common problems and reviews for the Bmw 3 Series E90 318d / 320d 2.0d (N47)?

The most commonly reported problems: Timing chain failure (rear-mounted), Swirl flaps / EGR / turbo.

Is a used Bmw 3 Series E90 318d / 320d 2.0d (N47) worth buying?

A design flaw with no reliable fix, or a catastrophic-failure risk. Not worth the gamble at any price.