BMW Serie 3 E90 (2005–2012)Faults with the timing chain
Timing chain of the BMW Serie 3 E90: problems and faults
In the BMW Serie 3 E90 there are 3 documented faults with the timing chain: rear timing chain stretch and breakage (BMW N47 engine), rear timing chain wear (BMW N57 engine) and wear and breakage of the timing chain guides (BMW N43/N46 engine).
- Critical severity: Rear timing chain stretch and breakage · BMW N47 engine
- Critical severity: Rear timing chain wear · BMW N57 engine
- Critical severity: Wear and breakage of the timing chain guides · BMW N43/N46 engine
Most serious fault: Critical severity
Faults by engine
From most to least important. Check the affected years and versions on each page.
Symptoms these faults cause
How much the repair costs
Frequently asked questions
What faults with the timing chain does the BMW Serie 3 E90 have?
In the BMW Serie 3 E90 there are 3 documented faults with the timing chain: rear timing chain stretch and breakage (BMW N47 engine), rear timing chain wear (BMW N57 engine) and wear and breakage of the timing chain guides (BMW N43/N46 engine). Each fault has its own page with the affected years and versions, the symptoms and how to check for it.
Timing chain of the BMW Serie 3 E90: how much does the repair cost?
Depending on the fault, at an independent garage it ranges from €1,590 (rear timing chain stretch and breakage) to €3,000 (rear timing chain stretch and breakage), including VAT.
Which engines of the BMW Serie 3 E90 have faults with the timing chain?
The documented faults affect the BMW N47, BMW N57 and BMW N43/N46 engines. Check the years and versions on each page: they do not always affect every unit.
Have you had a fault with the timing chain on your BMW Serie 3 E90? Tell us at what mileage and how much you paid. Report your fault.
Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Motor N47 - precio cambio cadena BMWTaller Barcelona (Dasercars) · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
- Precio sustitución cadenas motor N47 BMW MINIArroyo Auto, Especialista BMW MINI · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
- Motor BMW N47 - Reparación EspecializadaDasercars · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
- Rotura cadena distribución y rotura motor N47OCU · Consumer association · published 2 September 2021 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
- Problema cadena BMW motor N47, qué hacer y solucionesRecomotor Blog · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
- Motor BMW N57 - Reparación EspecializadaDasercars · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
- BMW N43: Bei diesem Benziner ist Ärger vorprogrammiertGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German