Introduction

From 2007 to roughly 2014, the BMW N47 was an inline 4-cylinder diesel engine that was used in the BMW 1, 2, 3, and 5 series, as well as the X1 and X3 diesel models.

The N47 engine series is prone to early timing chain failure due to severe timing chain wear. The situation is indicated by a rattling noise coming from the engine’s rear. Failure of the timing chain may necessitate engine replacement or a costly repair. The problem affects all applications and power variations of the engine manufactured between March 1, 2007 and March 1, 2011. The most severely damaged units, which require the most substantial repairs, were manufactured between the dates of 01.03.2007 and 05.01.2009. UPDATE – It appears that a small number of engines made after the recall are having problems.

Timing chain

The timing chain on this engine is sandwiched between the engine and the transmission at the back of the engine. Its replacement is especially difficult because it is located in such an inaccessible location. In most cases, parts installed in such inaccessible locations are intended to survive the life of the engine, but not in this situation. The timing chain in the N47 can fail anywhere from 40 to 100k miles, causing catastrophic engine damage as its components lose synchronization.

Diagnosis – Symptoms of a Failing Timing Chain

The symptoms of a failed timing chain usually appear gradually as the chain becomes longer and more worn. As a result, you’re unlikely to detect a sudden dramatic symptom until the chain is near to break completely. Instead, think about how your vehicle is performing today and how it performed many months ago. Small issues could suggest that the chain is about to fail completely.

Here are some of the signs that your timing chain is failing:

• Rough idling: Start your automobile and walk away. It’s possible that the timing chain is wearing out if it shakes or vibrates more than usual. Of course, there are other issues that could result in harsh idling, but the issue is always worth investigating because it tends to worsen over time.

• Strange noises: You might hear your N47 engine rattle, especially when it’s idling, but not only when it’s idling. The issue could be that the timing chain is loose and rattling against anything else if the sound is persistent and rough. 

• Metal shavings in the oil: Over time, the timing chain will wear down. When it reaches the end of its useful life, it may emit metal shavings. If it does, it will end up in your engine oil, perhaps causing further issues.  However, any worn-out portion of your car can produce metal shavings, so it’s worth looking into before merely replacing the chain.

• Engine failures: If your BMW would not start, the chai may be damaged and not supplying enough pressure to start the engine. If the chain breaks while you’re driving, it’s possible that the timing chain has broken as well. If this occurs, the pistons may be broken, and the belt problem may cause more damage to your car.

• Engine misfires: Your N47 engine may misfire before the chain has completely snapped. The cam and the crankshaft are linked by a chain. The chain might cause the vehicle to skip a gear on either the crankshaft or the camshaft if it is overly stretched out. It will become more stressed as a result of this, and it will eventually break.

• Check engine light is on: Of course, the check engine light could signal a large variety of things have gone wrong with your BMW. However, it’s possible that the timing chain has failed or is soon to fail.

Replacement and Repairs

Because the timing chain is in such an inaccessible location, the mechanic must totally remove the engine from its bay to gain access to it. Taking the engine out is a massive and difficult undertaking in and of itself. Following that, another lengthy disassembly is required to gain access to the chains themselves.

Three timing chains are included in the timing chain replacement kit: one for the oil pump, one for the camshaft, and one for the high-pressure fuel pump. You’ll also need the looking tool kit to keep the crankshaft and camshaft synchronized while you’re working on them. These are the primary tasks that must be completed after removing the engine from the bay in order to replace the timing chains.

To begin, make sure that cylinders 1 and 4 are at top dead center in order to retain the point for synchronizing the points.

With the tools you have, lock your crank shafts at this location.

Remove the camshaft chain tensioner to loosen the chain a little, and loosen the three bolts on the camshaft sprocket.

It will be easier to remove the fuel pump sprocket if the high-pressure fuel pump is turned off.

Remove the flywheel from the crankshaft by removing the bolts that hold it in place.

Remove the starter motor’s bolts to gain access to the oil sump.

By undoing the necessary bolts, you can remove the oil sump.

Remove the timing cover by loosening the nuts that hold it in place. It will take some prying and a few mild taps with the hammer. You can now access all of the chains and sprockets.

By loosening the bolts, you may now remove the oil pump sprocket and the oil pump guides. Remove the oil pump’s chain as well.

Similarly, remove the camshaft sprocket’s guides and tensioner, as well as the sprocket and belt.

After TDC, twist the crankshaft 45 degrees and remove the high-pressure fuel pump tensioner, guides, and sprockets. Take off the belt and the sprockets as well.

The last item is your oil sprayer, which you may remove for replacement if necessary.

Then, in reverse order, install the replacement belts, ensuring that all components are in sync until the conclusion.

Conclusion

This timing chain issue is a design flaw in the engine, and the only method to remedy it is to avoid cars with this N47 engine or, if possible, get rid of it in working order. Because of the emission control equipment put in it, such as the EGR and DPF, this engine also has a lot of issues.

About Post Author

Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post BMW N47 Engine Problems – How to Fix Timing Chain Failure! appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

Are you a car enthusiast looking for the best ways to upgrade the speed of your car? As you head to a BMW performance shop for car parts, look to options that add efficiency and durability. By making these factors a priority, your BMW will be able to perform at a high level.

As they say at CarBahn Autoworks, “With the best car parts, your car will gain power and be more mobile.” When you strive for top-quality upgrades, you can customize your car to meet your exact needs.

Today, we’ll discuss some of the best ways you can make your BMW go faster.

Set Up A Large Diameter Throttle Body

One of the best things you can do for your BMW is to set up a large diameter throttle body. A throttle body helps to regulate the airflow going into your car’s engine. The LDTB is a central part of your car since its engine needs air to ignite more efficiently.

When you install an LDTB with large flaps, it allows more air to flow into your engine. With throttle bodies that deliver air at a higher rate, your car will be able to speed up faster.

Before you head to a BMW performance shop, think about making installing an LDTB part of your plans. You’ll stand to be on track to increase the overall performance of your BMW.

Look To Upgrade Your Air Intake System

Air intake systems contain a pipe with an air filter at the end. What this system does is that it allows your car’s engine to bring in more air. BMW engines run on a mixture of air and fuel. These elements allow for your car to breathe easier and run more efficiently.

As you enhance your car’s air intake system, you’ll want to ensure that your engine receives cold air. By helping your car take in more cold air, you can increase its power. With more power comes a faster speed for your BMW.

Work To Upgrade The Fuel System Of Your Car

While at a BMW performance shop, you can complement your car’s air intake system by upgrading its fuel system. Below is a list of high-flow fuel system parts you’ll need to help enhance the performance of your BMW:

• Filters
• Injectors
• Pumps

You’ll also need a sizable gas line to help your car consume more fuel in each cylinder. These parts help provide your BMW with the appropriate air/fuel ratio it needs for a faster speed. With the latest fuel system, you’ll be able to enhance your BMW’s performance.

Look To Upgrade Your Exhaust System

You can also enhance your car’s speed by upgrading its exhaust system. The exhaust system is another prime component that helps determine the overall performance of your BMW.

With a new or aftermarket BMW performance exhaust, you can ease the flow of the exhaust. What this measure does is that it helps reduce the amount of engine restriction. It also frees up some of the power in your car’s engine. With these efforts, your BMW stands to gain a faster speed and reach its potential.

Invest In New Electric Fans For Your Car

Each BMW car has a fan that pulls air through the radiator. It works to keep the engine at a cool and functioning temperature. Some older BMW cars have mechanical fans that draw power away from the engine.

If you have an older BMW model, replacing your old fan with an electric one can help benefit you. A new electric fan will help free up some of your BMW’s horsepower. Taking measures like these can help you gain more speed while on the road.

Tune The ECU System Of Your Car

ECU tuning is a software update that removes factory restraints on a car to improve its performance. Below are two ways you can tune a BMW engine:

Tuning Box

A tuning box works by changing the signal between the software and the fuel injection system. These efforts help increase the amount of fuel injection and enable the engine to boost pressure.

Full Engine Management System

A FEMS can serve you well if you have highly tuned cars or require maximum tunability measures. Here are some ways a FEMS helps boost performance:

• Ensures the right engine fuel amount
• Inspects your engine speed and load
• Provides ignition spark
• Tracks engine temperature

Either measure helps your BMW gain fuel efficiency and speed in the process.

Choose A BMW Performance Shop That Will Enhance The Potential Of Your Car

As you seek parts at a BMW performance shop, look to make productiveness a priority. Like CarBahn Autoworks recommends, “Upgrades that focus on efficiency will help maximize your car’s speed and power.” With the best upgrades, your BMW will perform at a high level.

About Post Author

Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post The Best Ways To Make Your BMW Go Faster appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

BMW is one of the most popular car brands worldwide for good reasons. For starters, BMW cars are by far more comfortable than most cars. They have powerful engines, and their performance is outstanding. When it comes to quality, BMW cars are the best. They have high durability, so you can expect them to serve you longer. Also, BMW cars are the safest and most reliable cars in the market.

There’s only one problem with BMW cars, cost. BMW cars are a little bit more expensive than most cars in the market. But again, these are luxury cars, so that makes a lot of sense, and the cost is well worth the price.

Another concern is the maintenance cost. Some people believe that BMW cars are also expensive to maintain. Well, that’s true only up to a point. It all depends on how you handle your machine. If you, do it well, you are good to go; if you don’t, then you have to pay the price.

When you buy a BMW car, you want to get value for your money. You can achieve that by keeping it in good condition at all times. And to do so, here are a few tips to guide you.

1. Service your Car Regularly

Car servicing is a series of mechanical maintenance procedures performed after a certain period of time or distance covered by the car.

Many people ignore servicing their cars, saying that the process is too demanding and time-consuming. Others blame it on the cost saying that it is too expensive. Some others say that they are just way too busy and have little or no time to take their car for service. What these people forget: the same way we need to go for a regular checkup to improve our health is the same way cars need car servicing. And as much as we may think that taking them for service is expensive, not doing it will always cost us more. That applies whether you own a BMW or any other type of car.

To be on the safe side, make sure you service your car regularly, preferably at least once per month. Doing so will save you money, improve your safety, protect your engine from wearing out prematurely and extend your car’s life span. Other benefits include

• Detecting potential problems and fixing them before they happen
• Improved fuel economy
• Minimize air pollution
• Increase the resale value of your car and so much more

2. Change the Oil Regularly

Regularly changing the oil of your car is essential to keep it running. As for your BMW, make sure you do it at least after every 12,000 and 15,000 miles. But this is just a general recommendation and may not work for everyone. You might want to consider your personal usage of the car to determine the best time to change your oil. Also, remember to change your filter regularly while at it.

3. Inspect the Brake Fluid

Make sure you change the brake fluid of your BMW regularly. Failure to that your car will end up developing major mechanical issues, putting your family and any other driver you meet at risk.

4. Inspect Your Tires

Tires have a high impact on how your car operates. They determine your car’s fuel efficiency and your safety while driving. Be sure to keep your tires in good condition to get the maximum advantage.

There are several routines checks you should perform on your tires. These include,

• The tire pressure: inspect the tires at least once per month and ensure your tires have the recommended tire pressure levels.
• Inspect the treads: ensure your tires are intact; otherwise, replace them
• Rotate your tires at least twice a year or after every 3,000 to 6,000 miles. Doing so will help slow down the wear on your tires.

5. Inspect Your Engine

Your car cannot run without an engine, so this is the one thing you cannot afford to neglect at any cost. Furthermore, engine problems are always complicated. They escalate so quickly and dealing with them always comes at a very high price. If you want to avoid all that and keep your car running at its best, make sure you inspect your engine at least once per year. Do not wait for the light on your dashboard to pop as most people do.

6. Keep Your Car Clean

A clean car looks better. It also runs better. Any form of dirt can cause damage to the delicate systems of your BMW car. Be sure to wash and vacuum your car every so often to keep it clean. Remember to wax it too, to prevent rusting and keep it shining.

7. Say No to Reckless Driving

Your driving practices play a huge role in determining the condition of your car over time. Careless driving leads to excessive wear and tear, which means more visits to the mechanic and high maintenance costs. Just be a careful driver for your own good.

8. Work with Professional BMW Service and Maintenance Providers

In everything you do, working with professionals is always a good idea. In this case, you are better off trusting your car to a BMW specialist and not any other car service providers. A BMW specialist deals with BMW cars only. They have the training and the experience to handle any issues with your BMW car and give you the best possible advice.

Look for the best BMW service providers and work with them for as long as you can without changing hands.

9. Conclusion

BMW is a luxury car. People buy it to get leisure, pleasure, comfort, and prestige. You can never get all that if you are always in the garage for one repair or another.

With these tips, you can keep your BMW in good condition and enjoy all that it has to offer.

About Post Author

Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post BMW CAR – How to keep it in Good Condition appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

BMW is known worldwide for its excellence in automotive engineering and for manufacturing one of the best luxury cars that money can buy. Having said that, a BMW can cost a fortune if you intend to buy one new, but what is stopping you from getting your hands on a pre-owned BMW? These cars are very reliable and can last a lifetime if they are looked after correctly. If you can find a used BMW that is in perfect working condition, then waste no time purchasing it.

Safety

Modern cars are all about passenger safety, and BMW believes that to be of utmost importance. The BMW X5, for example, recently scored highest on a safety test conducted by the IIHS setting the goal for other manufacturers. However, it is not just structural safety but driver-assist features that play a significant role in BMW’s safety philosophy. Hill Assist, lane departure warning system, adaptive cruise control, and parking sensors, etc. have all added to the idea of safety in the modern automotive world.

Performance

When it comes to performance, there are only a few competitors that stand against BMW. The German auto manufacturing giant has had a budding presence in the motorsport world and that has allowed it to transfer technology and experience into their machines that rule the streets. The 2017 BMW X5 is a prime example of a vehicle that embodies performance and luxury.

Spare Parts Availability

BMW has a global presence with a big fleet of vehicles that they sell worldwide. If you are looking to buy a used BMW, you won’t have to worry about repairs or searching for spare parts in some other corner of the world. Parts are easily available, and the local mechanics have had enough experience working with BMW cars that fixing them is no issue either.

Why a BMW is a good idea?

A BMW for sale is hard to find as these vehicles are practically very long-lasting. The people who sell them do so because they want to upgrade to a newer model. In any case, you are the beneficiary. It is not easy to find a used BMW X5, a used BMW 4 Series, or a BMW 3 series for sale, so if you see an advertisement you should capitalize it as soon as possible.

Furthermore, BMWs are great at withholding value. They do not depreciate as quickly as vehicles from other brands. You can keep them with you and sell them later at practically the same price that you bought them for.

Conclusion

BMW is one of the finest German automotive brands out there. If there is any company you want to trust in terms of performance, luxury, and safety, it is BMW.

About Post Author

Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post How To Buy a Used BMW appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

Installing a GPS system is the most effective way to monitor your car in the course of its journey. The GPS system not only makes it easier to navigate the unknown places, but it also serves as a defense mechanism against misuses, when you hand over your car to any 3rd party for taking it to a drive. Installing the GPS system in very simple, and this will enable you to track your car, right from your mobile devices, no matter wherever you car is. Tracking the can from the mobile device becomes so simple that you would be able to do it, in the course of exploring the fair promo codes with the top web casinos, simultaneously from the same device itself.

The GPS works on the virtue of the GNSS network

The GPS tracking mechanism works on the basis of GNSS framework that incorporates an array of satellites, using microwave signals, transmitted to the device on which the tracking system has been installed. This will enable you to monitor the information like the location of the car and its speed, time of the journey, as well as its direction. Thus, the tracking system is capable to fetch the real-time as well as historic data related to the car, across all kinds of journey.

The GPS tracking mechanism is capable to compute 3D views

One of the most impressive aspect of the GPS tracking system is that it can compute the views in 3D style. Thus, you will not only get the real-time location of the car, but, its time and velocity as well. The GPS receiver actually makes use of the 24 operational as well as the 3 additional satellites that keeps revolving around the earth and fetches radio signals from the space in real-time.

The mechanism makes use of different tracking stations, located around the globe

The GNSS framework different tracking stations, poisoned around the globe, and the GPS system actually relies on these tracking stations to produce the real time and historic navigation data. The GS receiver installed on the device will convert the signals received from the satellites, revolving across the earth.

How GPS tracking system benefits the users?

The GPS tracking systems usually perform in various ways. From commercial aspects, these trackers find applications to record the location of the cars in the course of a journey. In some cases, there are provisions for passive tracking, wherein the tracking system will record all the history of the journey, and can be retrieved back at any time, simply using a Modem. Usually, such records are stored, inside the internal memory card of the device.

The introduction of the GPS tracking system has ensured a complete safety of the cars in the course of the journey, as well as made it easier to monitor the movement and activities with the fleet. This way, commercial fleet operators can now manage and monitor the vehicles with the maximum efficiency. Likewise, even if you get you car driven by a driver, the tracking system enables you to monitor the activities of the driver at all times.

The post How to Track Your Car Using a GPS System? (DIY) appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

The ownership of a BMW car definitely speaks about your affluence and your fine taste and choices. However, as a passionate owner of a BMW car, you have responsibilities to take care of your vehicle. When it comes to the aspect of taking care of the car, one of the major areas involved is that of the paint. You need to take adequate measures to ensure that the paint on the BMW car is in the right form. So, how to accomplish that objective? Here come some simple yet effective tips in that context.

Refrain from the mistake of neglecting about the paint of the vehicle

The biggest blunder that you can ever make with the appearance of your BMW car is neglecting about the paint. Understand, the car will catch scratches and strains from time to time. So, applying a new coat of paint on the car is not a matter of choice, but should be a regular and periodic process. Ideally, you should take your vehicle for paint in intervals of a year or two. This will retain the car paint in the perfect state.

Ensure that your car stays safe from plant droppings and animal excretions

Though apparently seems to be innocent, animal excretion is one of the major challenges to retain the texture of the paint. It contains certain chemicals that comes extremely corrosive and causes irreversible damages to the paint. Likewise, especially the dropping from the like trees during the spring is another stringent challenge to the paint. It deposits as a thick film that can burn, when exposed to sunlight.

You should prefer the use of soft cloths over using sandpapers for polishing the car

Who does not want that his/her car produce a wonderful shine? There is nothing bad in this thought. However, you would make a blunder, if you use sandpaper to polish the car. It is because it will cause severe damage to the paint on the car. Rather, in the opinion of the experts, you should always use smooth and plain cloth to polish the car. This might require you putting more energy to complete the process, but will produce impressive shine, without damaging the paint.

You may consider waxing the car body

Another gallant trick to protect the paint of the BMW car is to apply a layer of wax on the car body. Especially if you find that the raindrops are not dripping off the surface normally, you should opt for waxing on an immediate basis. This will help you to protect the paint from the adverse effects of water.

Most importantly, try your best to protect the car from exposure to sunlight for long hours. Likewise, you should ensure that your car is protected from direct exposure to rain. You should also ensure that you take the car to authorized service centers for repairs and for applying a new layer of paint on the car body.

Adopt safe and conservative driving practices and try to avoid scratches and straining on the car to the extent possible.

The post Tips on How to Maintain Your BMW’s Paint appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

Step-by-step guide in changing the EGR thermostat on E46 BMW 3 series

EGR is specifically designed in order to recirculate the exhaust gas into the fuel/air mixture, thereby diluting the fuel/air mixture enough to keep NOx compounds within the breathable limits. This is done by letting a specific amount of the inert gas to pass from exhaust manifold into intake manifold through EGR valve. The EGR thermostat, on the other hand, is used in order to cool down the exhaust has before entering the intake manifold because of the fact that it’s made of plastic and would melt if exposed to the 600⁰C exhaust gas. The amount of needed cooling varies with the EGR usage, so the thermostat prevents the overcooling in certain conditions. With EGR bypassed, the thermostat is still needed to keep the cooling system intact. In this connection, with your EGR Thermostat damaged, how can you possible change it by yourself? Here’s a step-by-step guide in changing the EGR thermostat on E46 BMW 3 series.

We have made this tutorial on a 2004 320D E46 BMW 3 Series facelift (150hp).
This process would only take you about 5 minutes or more depending on how your move. Also, before starting you need to prepare the entire necessary tools for the job.

Tools needed: 10 size spanner, two screwdrivers or a diagonal cutter (we used the screwdrivers), 5 size hex key and a T15 torx driver.

Follow these steps in order to make the necessary changes in your car:

Step 1:
First off, you need to remove the plastic engine covers shown in the first picture below. In some cases, you might experience some differences in your car parts, but you can still use this DIY process to change your EGR thermostat – for example, the screw holding your car’s vacuum pipe might have a torx head, the hose on EGR thermostat’s right hand side might be held by a fancy clip, and not the jubilee-type one, there might be an engine lifting bracker behind your EGR thermostat, the hose that is connected to the vacuum pipe leads into the solid pipe, which could not be lift out the way it is used to be.

Step 2:
Remove all bolts shown in the picture below in order to release/remove the thermostat. When removing the bolts, use a T15 torx driver, 10 size spanner and one screwdriver. Firstly, you need to remove the bolt with the T15 torx driver, then lift up the vacuum pipe to get into a good position so you can remove the two bolts with the 10 size spanner. Finally,
untighten the bolt with one screwdriver so you can remove the hose from the EGR thermostat.

Step 3:
Remove and replace the yellow “o-ring” that is fitted onto the thermostat. Try smearing the tiniest amount a Hylomar around its shoulder and this should be done before the refitting.

Step 4:
Remove and replace the thermostat immediately in order to avoid getting anything in engine water/block pump through its open hole where thermostat sits.

Step 5:
With everything back together, mix your coolant with distilled and antifreeze water (we recommend 1:1 ratio). Before you fill up the system, remove the two bleeding screws: one right next to expansion tank and the other is below the EGR.

Step 6:
Place a rag next to the bleed screw hole below the EGR to prevent the antifreeze from getting on the new water pump belt. Ensure to replace the entire drain plugs. Start filling by pouring into the expansion tank at a constant rate. Keep on filling until a steady steam comes out of bleed screw which is below the EGR. Immediately stop and replace both the bleed screws.

You’re done! 🙂

How to Change the EGR Thermostat on E46 BMW 3 Series – Full Photo Gallery

The post How to Change the EGR Thermostat on E46 BMW 3 Series (DIY) appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.