This 2012 BMW X3 2.0 Diesel rolled into the Car Edition garage for a full engine-out timing chain replacement — and, as expected, the infamous N47 gremlins were waiting.

Car Edition’s mechanic Gytis took on the task head-on, stripping the engine down to replace the stretched timing chain, a known weak spot on BMW’s N47 engines.

For owners who’ve been warned, this isn’t a quick fix — proper repair almost always means pulling the engine.

While he was getting on with the job, Gytis didn’t stop at the chain. He found a few other common N47 problems demanded attention:

Turbocharger – showing its age and due for replacement.
Crank pulley – another diesel engine classic, prone to wear and wobble.
Cam cover – leaking oil, as many N47s do after a few years.

By the end of the job, the X3 was back to proper running order, but it’s a reminder: if you own an N47-powered BMW, timing chain issues are just the tip of the iceberg.

Regular checks and early intervention can save a lot of headaches — and your wallet.