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116d / 118d / 120d (N47, 2007–2011)

2007–2013 · diesel · 1995cc · 177hp

Engine codes: M47, N47

Avoid

Reliability, common problems and owner reviews for the Bmw 3 Series E90 116d / 118d / 120d (N47, 2007–2011). Check this before you buy used.

The 2.0d is the volume X3 engine, but which one matters enormously. The earlier M47 is the tougher unit (front timing chain, robust) — its main issue is intake swirl flaps. The later N47 (from ~2007) is the one to fear: it has a rear-mounted timing chain that is notorious for stretching and snapping, often between 100,000–200,000 km, and because it's at the back of the engine (gearbox end) the repair is engine-out and very expensive — a failure usually destroys the engine. On an N47, a documented chain replacement and any cold-start rattle are make-or-break. Swirl flaps, EGR and DPF affect both.

Same engine, other cars

This is the same physical engine (M47) 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 → engine destruction; rattle from the bulkhead on cold start is the warning. Rear location = very expensive repair.

Fix / Workaround: Only buy with documented chain replacement (uprated parts); short oil intervals; any rear rattle = walk away.

Repair cost: €1500–€3500

Typically appears after: 100,000 km

Swirl flap failurecritical

Intake swirl flaps degrade and can be ingested.

Fix / Workaround: Swirl-flap delete / blanking.

Repair cost: €150–€600

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

Timing chain (M47 from 180k / N47 rear-chain)critical

M47 chain weakens from ~180,000 km; N47 has the rear-mounted chain prone to catastrophic failure (rattle from bulkhead).

Fix / Workaround: Short oil intervals; on N47 only buy with documented chain work; act on any rattle.

Repair cost: €1200–€3500

Typically appears after: 150,000 km

N47 timing-chain failure (rear)critical

N47 rear timing chain stretches/snaps (~100–200k km); rattle from the bellhousing end. Failure is catastrophic and the job is engine-out.

Fix / Workaround: On N47: listen for rear rattle on cold start; demand chain-replacement history; budget heavily.

Repair cost: €1200–€3500

Typically appears after: 100,000 km

Swirl-flap failurecritical

Intake swirl flaps can break off and be ingested → engine damage (both M47/N47).

Fix / Workaround: Inspect/replace or delete swirl flaps.

Repair cost: €150–€2000

Typically appears after: 130,000 km

EGR / DPFrecurring

EGR cooler and DPF issues, worse on short trips.

Fix / Workaround: Clean/replace EGR; motorway regens.

Repair cost: €250–€1100

Year Cutoffs

2009: Before — 1 Mar 2007–5 Jan 2009 builds worst affected. After — Improved but failures still reported to ~2015.
2007: Before — M47 — chain weak from 180k, swirl flaps from 120k. After — N47 — rear timing-chain catastrophic-failure risk.

Mileage Thresholds

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

After 120,000 km: Swirl flap / chain attention.

Pre-Purchase Checklist

  • ☐Cold-start: listen at the REAR for chain rattle
  • ☐Demand documented chain replacement
  • ☐Swirl flap delete done?
  • ☐Best avoided without full proof
  • ☐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
  • ☐Identify M47 vs N47 (year)
  • ☐N47: documented chain work + listen at bulkhead
  • ☐Strongly prefer the six-cylinder M57
  • ☐Identify M47 vs N47 — N47 has the chain risk
  • ☐N47: rear cold-start rattle + chain history
  • ☐Swirl-flap + EGR/DPF history

Frequently asked questions

Is the Bmw 3 Series E90 116d / 118d / 120d (N47, 2007–2011) reliable?

Avoid — The 2.0d is the volume X3 engine, but which one matters enormously. The earlier M47 is the tougher unit (front timing chain, robust) — its main issue is intake swirl flaps. The later N47 (from ~2007) is the one to fear: it has a rear-mounted timing chain that is notorious for stretching and snapping, often between 100,000–200,000 km, and because it's at the back of the engine (gearbox end) the repair is engine-out and very expensive — a failure usually destroys the engine. On an N47, a documented chain replacement and any cold-start rattle are make-or-break. Swirl flaps, EGR and DPF affect both.

What are the common problems and reviews for the Bmw 3 Series E90 116d / 118d / 120d (N47, 2007–2011)?

The most commonly reported problems: Timing chain failure (rear-mounted), Swirl flap failure, Swirl flaps / EGR / turbo, Timing chain (M47 from 180k / N47 rear-chain), N47 timing-chain failure (rear), Swirl-flap failure, EGR / DPF.

Is a used Bmw 3 Series E90 116d / 118d / 120d (N47, 2007–2011) worth buying?

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