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BMW X1 E84 (2009–2015)Faults with the timing chain

Timing chain of the BMW X1 E84: problems and faults

In the BMW X1 E84 there are 3 documented faults with the timing chain: rear timing chain stretch and breakage (BMW N47 engine), timing chain guide and tensioner wear (2011-2015) (BMW N20 engine) and wear and breakage of the timing chain guides (BMW N43/N46 engine).

Most serious fault: Critical severity

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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

Depending on the fault, at an independent garage it ranges from €1,590[1][2][3][4][5] (rear timing chain stretch and breakage) to €3,000[1][2][3][4][5] (rear timing chain stretch and breakage), including VAT. If the fault is caught in time, the repair is usually much cheaper.

Parts for the BMW X1 E84 for faults with the timing chain

The same search across several shops so you can compare prices. The part number varies with the engine and year: confirm it with the registration plate or VIN.

Affiliate links: if you buy from these shops, MotorFiable may receive a commission at no cost to you. Check compatibility against the registration plate or VIN before ordering. Affiliate links

Frequently asked questions

What faults with the timing chain does the BMW X1 E84 have?

In the BMW X1 E84 there are 3 documented faults with the timing chain: rear timing chain stretch and breakage (BMW N47 engine), timing chain guide and tensioner wear (2011-2015) (BMW N20 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 X1 E84: 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 X1 E84 have faults with the timing chain?

The documented faults affect the BMW N47, BMW N20 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 X1 E84? 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.

  1. Motor N47 - precio cambio cadena BMWTaller Barcelona (Dasercars) · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  2. Precio sustitución cadenas motor N47 BMW MINIArroyo Auto, Especialista BMW MINI · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  3. Motor BMW N47 - Reparación EspecializadaDasercars · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  4. Rotura cadena distribución y rotura motor N47OCU · Consumer association · published 2 September 2021 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  5. Problema cadena BMW motor N47, qué hacer y solucionesRecomotor Blog · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  6. BMW N20 Engine: Pros, Cons, Reliability, Tuning, and Maintenance GuideBMW BLOG · Motoring press · published 8 June 2025 · consulted 27 September 2026
  7. BMW N43: Bei diesem Benziner ist Ärger vorprogrammiertGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German