N47 Timing Chain Kit Upgrade Advice

N47 Timing Chain Kit Upgrade Advice

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Discussion

11esprit

Original Poster:

20 posts

125 months

Monday 3rd April 2017
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I am thinking of upgrading the complete timing chain on my 2011 F10 520d. Currently have no issues with chain noise but have been advised by a mechanic friend that as I am approaching 100k miles and would like to keep the car it is recommended to upgrade to the last modified part from 2013. Having done some research there are a few different brands available such as FEBI, FAI and some other generic options. I believe the original BMW kits are also FEBI but have also been told the FAI kits are of slightly better quality. I was hoping anyone with experience of this can shed some light on the best option as they are similary priced.

F10RRSVR

43 posts

101 months

Monday 3rd April 2017
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I have a 2011 520d as well still on its original chain, but just ticked over 147,000..
If I was you, I wouldn't worry about it, my tip is fresh oil changes every 6 months.

BMW sold a lot of these 520d's, so these N47 engines are dime a dozen, so more stories of chain failures would of course pop up on forums over time, but if you want. for peace of mind, by all means , get it upgraded.

helix402

7,913 posts

189 months

Monday 3rd April 2017
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I know Febi make a lot of timing chain parts for BMWs, they are better than FAI.

iSore

4,011 posts

151 months

Tuesday 4th April 2017
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It may not go wrong, but if it does, it'll cost a lot more than the £1000 needed to pull the engine out and replace the chain and guides. I saw one recently where the oil pump chain guide had broken up, got tangled in the lower chain and caused a £3500 engine rebuild. Ouch.


Is it worth the risk?

Chains are all made by Jwis. They come in BMW, Febi and FAI boxes but they're all made by JWIS. You'll find the guides all have the BMW logos ground off them as well.

Humour

297 posts

158 months

Sunday 29th May 2022
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iSore said:
It may not go wrong, but if it does, it'll cost a lot more than the 1000 needed to pull the engine out and replace the chain and guides. Is it worth the risk?

Chains are all made by Jwis. They come in BMW, Febi and FAI boxes but they're all made by JWIS. You'll find the guides all have the BMW logos ground off them as well.
Resurrecting an old thread, I know, but needs a must smile

I just bought into a 520D N47 so looking into this area as a consequence.

In answer to your question, imo it isn't worth the risk if you rely on the car on a daily basis or plan to traverse long distances (e.g. trips to Europe, etc.).

You said that all chains are made by JWIS, but I doubt that now as I think that the Chinese have entered the market and I doubt they are buying their chains from JIWS. I'm currently in the process of trying to navigate this minefield and pick a kit to source to get this job done.

Jonesy-Iain

2 posts

240 months

Wednesday 3rd May 2023
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Humour said:
Resurrecting an old thread, I know, but needs a must smile

I just bought into a 520D N47 so looking into this area as a consequence.

In answer to your question, imo it isn't worth the risk if you rely on the car on a daily basis or plan to traverse long distances (e.g. trips to Europe, etc.).

You said that all chains are made by JWIS, but I doubt that now as I think that the Chinese have entered the market and I doubt they are buying their chains from JIWS. I'm currently in the process of trying to navigate this minefield and pick a kit to source to get this job done.
Hi Humour, I currently thinking about buying a 2012 f11 520d and want to do the same. Did you manage to get to the bottom of which chain is the best to fit?

I-am-the-reverend

925 posts

42 months

Friday 5th May 2023
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Febi chain kits use JWIS chains.

I'm a bit dubious about BGA stuff though.

Jonesy-Iain

2 posts

240 months

Monday 8th May 2023
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I ended up going with a FAI kit which I’ve seen a few people use

PaulCireland

1 posts

14 months

Saturday 23rd September 2023
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Hi, I just purchased a 2008 e91, I was able to track down some service history from main dealer chain was done in 2017, would that mean it was fitted with better chain/ components,
Thanks Paul, Ireland 🇮🇪.