BMW MINI N47 Diesel – Camchain Replacement (Part 1 of 4)
Video Title: BMW MINI N47 Diesel – Camchain, Guides & Tensioner replacement (Part 1 of 4)
Camchain Failure – A Known N47 Problem
The BMW MINI N47 diesel engine (used in many 1 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series, X1, X3 and MINI Cooper D/SD models) is well known for premature timing chain failure. The chain is mounted at the rear of the engine, and often fails without warning — sometimes taking the engine with it.
What’s Covered in This Video
- Symptoms of camchain wear or failure
- Initial engine teardown and inspection
- Removing front end and preparing for engine removal
- Highlighting weak points in the N47 setup
Tools Used
- Engine crane or support beam
- N47 timing kit (locking tools)
- Torx and E-socket set
- Comprehensive set of engine removal tools
Is It Worth Repairing?
We’ve rebuilt dozens of these engines. If caught early, a chain kit and labour will resolve the issue without the need for a replacement engine. However, if ignored, it can cause catastrophic failure — pistons striking valves or broken tensioners jamming the crank.
FAQs
How do I know if my N47 chain is going?
Common signs include a metallic rattle on startup, especially from cold, hesitation under load, or fault codes related to timing correlation.
Do you remove the engine for this job?
Yes – due to the chain’s location at the rear of the engine, the safest and most effective method is engine removal. This also allows inspection of crank seals, flywheel, and clutch.
Is this the same engine used in MINIs and BMWs?
Yes. The N47 was used in the MINI Cooper D (R56/R55/R57) as well as many BMW 116d, 118d, 120d, 318d, 320d models between 2007 and 2014.
Can I drive with a noisy camchain?
We don’t recommend it. If your timing chain tensioner is collapsing or the guide is cracked, it can fail completely — which could mean an engine rebuild.