BMW B47 (B47D20 / B47C20)Timing chain
Timing chain wear (improved, but is it really at the front?) on the BMW B47
BMW improved the chain's tensioner, guides and oil supply compared with the N47, and failures take much longer to appear. But a specialist workshop insists the chain is still at the rear of the block, not at the front as is often claimed, so repairing it still means removing the engine or the gearbox.[1][2]
Why this rating?
High severity: Risk of a serious engine, turbo or gearbox failure.
Frequency occasional: Both a technical guide to the engine and a specialist workshop agree that the B47 fails far less often than the N47 and at much higher mileages, and we have found no campaigns or extended warranties specific to the B47 chain, unlike what happened with the EGR.[1][2]
Symptoms
- Metallic rattling in the first seconds after a cold start, the same type of warning as on the N47 although much less common.[3]Chain noise: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
- Vibrations or a less smooth idle than normal as the chain loses tension.[3]Vibrations: other faults that cause it · Monitor
- Metallic rattling in the first seconds after a cold start, the same type of warning as on the N47 although much less common.[3]Noise on start-up: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
Why it happens
BMW strengthened the chain, links, hydraulic tensioner and oil supply compared with the N47, which greatly delays wear, according to a BMW and MINI specialist workshop.[1]
Even so, that same workshop states that the B47 chain would still be located at the rear of the block, next to the gearbox —exactly the opposite of what other general guides take for granted, assuming that BMW moved it to the front—.[1]
If it is not repaired: If the chain does fail, the specialist workshop consulted points out that the repair still requires separating the engine from the gearbox, with a complexity similar to that of the N47, although the few documented cases appear at much higher mileages.[1]
Affected cars and years
It affects the whole B47D20/B47C20 production in general; the sources consulted speak of the mileage at which it appears, not of specific years of manufacture.[1]
| Version | Years | Codes |
|---|---|---|
| B47 114-150 hp, single turbo (2014-) | since 2014 | B47D20B47C20 |
| B47 168-190 hp, single turbo (2014-) | since 2014 | B47D20B47C20 |
| B47 202-228 hp, twin-turbo (2015-) | since 2015 | B47D20B47C20 |
| B47C20 (MINI Cooper D/SD and Countryman, 2014-) | since 2014 | B47C20 |
Models fitted with the affected versions
BMW
- BMW Serie 1 F202014–2019
- BMW Serie 1 F40since 2019
- BMW Serie 2 F222014–2021
- BMW Serie 2 Active Tourer F452014–2021
- BMW Serie 3 F302014–2019
- BMW Serie 3 G20since 2019
- BMW Serie 4 F322014–2020
- BMW Serie 5 F102014–2017
- BMW Serie 5 G302017–2023
- BMW X1 F482015–2022
- BMW X2 F392018–2023
- BMW X3 F252014–2017
- BMW X3 G012017–2024
- BMW X4 G022018–2024
- BMW Serie 2 Active Tourer U06since 2022
- BMW X1 U11since 2022
- BMW X3 G45since 2024
MINI
- MINI Cooper F562014–2024
- MINI Countryman F602017–2023
- MINI Cooper F552014–2024
- MINI Clubman F542015–2024
How much it costs to repair
Includes: Replacement of the chain, tensioner, guides and sprockets, with removal of the engine or the gearbox to gain access to the timing.[1]
We have not found a published and verified quote in Spain specific to the B47; the specialist workshop consulted prefers not to give a figure without first inspecting the car.
Prices in Spain, including VAT. A workshop hour costs on average €38–66 at independent garages and €77–134 at dealerships in Spain, depending on the region and the brand. How we calculate costs
How to check for it before buying a used car
Parts needed
The part or kit that fixes this fault, according to the sources.
Timing chain kit (chain, tensioner, guides and sprockets)
Replaces the timing components if wear, abnormal noise or chain stretch is detected.
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
How to prevent it
- Follow or shorten the oil change intervals: degraded oil remains the main accelerator of wear on the tensioner and guides.[1]
Recalls, campaigns and claims
As of 26 September 2026, we have no record of recalls, campaigns or extended manufacturer warranties for this fault. Check with an official dealer using the chassis (VIN) number: they will tell you whether the car has any outstanding campaign.
What owners say
Frequently asked questions
Did BMW solve the N47's timing chain problem in the B47?
In part: it improved the tensioner, guides and oil supply, which has pushed back the mileage at which the first failures appear. But, according to a BMW and MINI specialist workshop, the chain would still be at the rear of the block, so access for repairing it is still as complicated as on the N47 if it does fail.[1][2]
Is the B47 timing chain at the front or the rear of the engine?
There are contradictory accounts: several general guides claim that BMW moved it to the front with the B47, but a BMW and MINI specialist workshop consulted for this article insists that it is still at the rear, next to the gearbox. We have not been able to resolve this contradiction with a definitive technical source, so we recommend confirming it with a specialist before assuming that access is easier.[1][2]
At what mileage does the B47 chain fail?
A specialist workshop places the first documented cases above 190,000 km, far above the 112,000-145,000 km range typical of the N47.[1]
What can you do now?
We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.
Other BMW B47 faults
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequentEmissions controlEGR cooler leaks with risk of engine fireYes: the EGR valve cooler can suffer internal coolant leaks which, mixed with soot and oil, can reach combustion temperatures; BMW has launched several technical campaigns since 2018 to inspect and replace it because of the risk of engine fire.Repair (garage): €500–€1,500
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalTurboPremature turbo wear from neglected maintenanceThe B47's turbo does not have a design flaw as well documented as the N47's, but it can wear out early if oil changes are not respected, with repairs that usually run at around €1,000 to €2,000.Repair (garage): €1,000–€2,000
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlParticulate filter (DPF) clogging in urban useYes: as on most modern diesels, the B47's particulate filter can clog with soot in cars used in town on short journeys, with cleaning or replacement costing from €500 to €1,800 depending on the condition of the filter.Repair (garage): €500–€1,800
More faults with the timing chain on other engines and cars
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequent1.5 BlueHDiWear and breakage of the 7 mm chain between the camshaftsIn 1.5 BlueHDi engines built between October 2017 and January 2023, the 7 mm chain linking the camshafts can stretch and break, causing serious engine damage. Stellantis has recalled them and covers the fault for 10 years or 240,000 km.Repair (garage): €730–€820
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequent1.2 and 1.4 TSITiming chain stretch and tensioner failure (EA111)On the 1.2 and 1.4 TSI EA111 (2006-2015) the chain can stretch and the tensioner fall short; if the chain jumps a tooth, the valves hit the pistons. Volkswagen admitted the defect in 2012 and revised the chain and tensioner between 2010 and 2011.Repair (garage): €700–€1,400Appears at around 30,000 km
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequentBMW N47Rear timing chain stretch and breakageYes: the N47 has its timing chain at the rear of the engine, next to the gearbox, and on a very high proportion of units, especially those built between 2007 and 2009, it stretches or breaks prematurely because of an inadequate tensioner, with a risk of destroying the engine.Repair (garage): €1,590–€3,000Appears at around 50,000 km
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequentOM651Timing chain stretch and tensioner failureYes: the OM651 timing chain can stretch prematurely, above all on units built up to 2013, and in 2014-2015 Mercedes-Benz recalled around 114,000 vehicles in Germany over a defective sealing ring in the tensioner. A metallic rattle on a cold start is the first sign.Repair (garage): €2,000–€3,500Appears at around 120,000 km
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequent2.0 Ingenium diéselTiming chain stretchYes: the timing chain on the 2.0 Ingenium diesel can slip or stretch prematurely and put the engine out of time, with a risk of serious failure. It is documented on the Evoque, Discovery Sport, XE, E-Pace and F-Pace, with engine failures between 90,000 and 130,000 km in several owner reports.Repair (garage): €4,000–€7,000Appears at around 90,000 km
- Critical severityFrequency: Common1.3 MultijetTiming chain stretch and tensioner failureYes: the timing chain's hydraulic tensioner can lose pressure and let the chain slacken; if it skips teeth or breaks, it can destroy the engine. It is a documented problem on Fiat, Opel, Suzuki and Ford cars with this engine, mainly linked to long oil change intervals.Repair (garage): €350–€550Appears at around 70,000 km
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Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Motor BMW B47 - Reparación EspecializadaDasercars · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
- BMW B47 Engine Guide: Reliability, Efficiency, Tuning, Pros and ConsBMW BLOG · Other source · published August 2025 · consulted 26 September 2026
- Motor BMW B47: problemas, modelos y qué revisarCarexam · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish