The entry-level diesel in the E90 3 Series, introduced as part of the LCI facelift in 2009. The 116 hp N47D20 engine is the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel used in the 318d and 320d, just in its lowest state of tune. It shares all of the N47 engine family's strengths (good fuel economy, adequate torque for daily driving) and weaknesses (rear-mounted timing chain, EGR issues, DPF sensitivity). Despite its modest power output, the 316d remains a genuine rear-wheel-drive BMW with a composed chassis and predictable handling.· more· less
Good fuel economy (4.5 L/100 km)Low insurance and tax costs
N47 timing chain at rear of engineDPF issues on short-trip driving
Buy if: You want an affordable, fuel-efficient rear-wheel-drive diesel saloon and can find one with no cold-start rattle and documented short oil change intervals.
Avoid if: The car has cold-start chain rattle, was used mainly for short urban trips (DPF risk), or has no service history.
Price & maintenance
Used price
€4,900
median asking price, typically 205,000 km
Typical range€3,300 – €6,000
Kilometres drivenAll
Maintenance cost
€700 – €1,450/year
at 15,000 km/year
Fixed costsservice, tyres, brakes€400 – €700 /yr
Risk bufferunplanned repairs€300 – €750 /yr
Price estimates are based on German asking prices. Prices and costs vary by vehicle condition and location.
Ownership costs
Maintenance assumes 15,000 km a year. Price estimates are based on German asking prices. Prices and costs vary by vehicle condition and location.
Used price
€4,900
Typically €3,300 – €6,000, at around 205,000 km.
Kilometres driven
Maintenance
€700 – €1,450per year
€400 – €700
service, tyres, brakes
€300 – €750
repair buffer
Price & maintenance
Used price
€6,000
median asking price, typically 210,000 km
Typical range€5,000 – €7,600
Kilometres drivenAll
Maintenance cost
€700 – €1,450/year
at 15,000 km/year
Fixed costsservice, tyres, brakes€400 – €700 /yr
Risk bufferunplanned repairs€300 – €750 /yr
Price estimates are based on French asking prices. Prices and costs vary by vehicle condition and location.
Ownership costs
Maintenance assumes 15,000 km a year. Price estimates are based on French asking prices. Prices and costs vary by vehicle condition and location.
Rear-mounted timing chain stretches and tensioner bleeds pressure overnight, causing cold-start rattle and risk of catastrophic engine damage · more· less
The N47D20 engine has its timing chain mounted at the rear, between the engine and gearbox. The chain tensioner loses oil pressure overnight, allowing the chain to rattle on cold start. Cars built before approximately mid-2010 are at highest risk due to a weaker crankshaft sprocket design. A distinctive metallic rattling noise lasting 1-30 seconds on cold start is the earliest warning sign. If ignored, the chain can skip teeth and cause catastrophic valve-to-piston contact, destroying the engine. Replacement requires significant disassembly and typically 12-18 hours of labor. Independent specialists charge €1,500-2,500, while BMW dealers charge €2,500-3,500. BMW revised the tensioner and crankshaft sprocket around mid-2010 through a quality enhancement programme, but the fundamental rear-mounted design remains. Frequent oil changes (every 10,000 km maximum with BMW-approved LL-04 oil) are the best preventive measure. Claims data suggests that 68% of catastrophic N47 chain failures occur within a short period after owners first notice symptoms but postpone repair.
DPF clogging and regeneration failure
up to €2,0002 of 7
Diesel particulate filter clogs on cars driven primarily on short trips, preventing passive regeneration · more· less
The DPF requires sustained highway driving with exhaust temperatures above 240 degrees Celsius to regenerate. Successful regeneration needs coolant temperature above 75 degrees, at least 10 litres of fuel in the tank, and 20+ minutes at 60-80 km/h. Short urban trips prevent this, causing soot to accumulate until the filter blocks. A stuck-open EGR valve or faulty thermostat (not reaching operating temperature) can also prevent regeneration. The 316d is particularly susceptible because its lower power output (116 hp vs 177 hp in the 320d) generates lower exhaust temperatures. Warning signs include reduced performance, increased fuel consumption, and a DPF warning light. Professional cleaning costs €300-500, while replacement with an aftermarket DPF runs €600-1,000 and an OEM filter costs €1,200-2,000. Regular motorway runs of 30+ minutes help prevent clogging.
Swirl flap failure in intake manifold
up to €3,0003 of 7
Carbon-coated swirl flaps can seize or break, risking fragments entering the combustion chamber · more· less
The N47 intake manifold contains plastic swirl flaps that control airflow into each cylinder. Over time, carbon deposits from the EGR system coat these flaps, causing them to stick or seize. The retaining screws can loosen, and the spindle can wear, allowing flap fragments to enter the engine. This is most common on higher-mileage engines (typically above 120,000 km). Preventive swirl flap removal with blanking plugs costs €200-300 at a specialist and is the safest long-term solution. If fragments have already entered the engine, repair costs can reach €2,500-3,000 depending on the extent of piston and valve damage. Many N47 specialists recommend blanking the swirl flaps as standard procedure during any major service.
EGR valve and cooler carbon buildup
up to €8004 of 7
Carbon deposits restrict the EGR valve, causing rough running, loss of power, and potential coolant leaks from the cooler · more· less
The exhaust gas recirculation system on the N47 recirculates exhaust gases to reduce emissions, but carbon deposits accumulate heavily in the valve and cooler. This is particularly common on cars doing short trips where the engine rarely reaches full operating temperature. A clogged EGR valve causes rough idle, reduced power, and increased smoke. The EGR cooler can also develop internal coolant leaks. On the N47, removing the EGR requires first removing the EGR cooler, followed by coolant system bleeding, making this a more labor-intensive job than on some competitors. EGR valve cleaning costs €150-250, while replacement of the valve runs €300-500. If the cooler has failed and is leaking coolant, the combined repair costs €500-800.
Turbocharger wastegate actuator sticking
up to €2,0005 of 7
Electronic wastegate actuator seizes from soot buildup, causing power loss and limp mode · more· less
The turbo wastegate actuator can stick due to soot buildup on the wastegate mechanism or failure of the electronic actuator motor itself. This is a common fault on E90 diesels built between 2005 and 2010. Symptoms include intermittent or permanent loss of boost pressure and the engine entering limp mode. The actuator's small tin linkage to the wastegate is susceptible to sticking, and the return spring was not originally lubricated. BMW does not sell the actuator separately, so dealers quote for a complete turbocharger replacement at €1,500-2,000. Specialist repair shops can often repair or replace just the actuator for €400-600. In some cases, turbo failure is a secondary consequence of timing chain wear, as plastic chain guide debris can block the oil supply to the turbo bearings.
Dual mass flywheel and clutch wear
up to €1,6006 of 7
DMF absorbs diesel torque pulses but wears over time, causing vibration at idle · more· less
The dual mass flywheel absorbs the torque pulses inherent to diesel engines. On the N47, the DMF typically wears between 100,000 and 180,000 km, producing a noticeable rattle or vibration at idle that disappears when the clutch pedal is pressed. When the DMF needs replacement, the clutch disc, pressure plate, and release bearing should be replaced at the same time. Parts cost €400-700 (DMF + clutch kit), with labor adding €500-900 depending on whether the work is done at an independent shop or BMW dealer. This applies only to manual transmission cars. The E90's second gear synchro is also known to wear on later cars with stop-start systems, causing a crunchy engagement.
Footwell module (FRM) failure
up to €5007 of 7
Electronic module controlling lights, wipers, and central locking fails intermittently · more· less
The FRM (Footwell Module) is located in the driver's footwell and controls headlights, tail lights, indicators, wipers, and central locking. Failure symptoms include flickering or non-functioning lights, wipers not working, or central locking malfunctions. This is a well-known E90 issue regardless of engine variant. BMW extended the warranty on this component to 10 years via a service information bulletin. Specialist repair (reflow or component-level repair) costs €150-250 and is a plug-and-play solution without additional programming. A new module from BMW costs €400-500 plus coding. Water ingress from a blocked cabin drain is a common trigger for FRM failure, so ensure drains are clear.
N47 timing chain is the defining reliability concern
The 316d shares all N47 engine weaknesses with the 318d and 320d. The timing chain is the most critical issue: cars built before mid-2010 carry the highest risk, though all N47 engines are susceptible. With disciplined maintenance (oil changes every 10,000 km, regular motorway driving, preventive swirl flap blanking), the engine can reach 200,000+ km. However, timing chain replacement alone can exceed the car's market value, making pre-purchase inspection of cold-start behavior essential. Cars that have been used primarily for short urban trips are at significantly higher risk for both chain and DPF problems.
Service history
Complete BMW dealer or specialist records essential. Verify oil changes every 15,000 km or less. Longer BMW CBS intervals are risky for the N47.
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes on sidewall), and uneven wear patterns indicating suspension issues.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Listen carefully for rattling noises from the rear of the engine bay in the first 30 seconds.
Test drive
Minimum 30 minutes including motorway speeds to check DPF regeneration behavior and turbo response.
Specific for this vehicle
Cold-start timing chain rattle
Start the engine stone cold after sitting overnight. Listen for metallic rattling from the rear of the engine bay (near the windscreen) lasting 1-30 seconds. Any rattle indicates chain tensioner wear. This is the single most important check.
DPF soot level via diagnostics
Use BMW-specific diagnostics (ISTA) to read DPF soot loading percentage and regeneration history. High soot levels or frequent failed regeneration attempts indicate imminent DPF problems.
Turbo response and boost pressure
During the test drive, accelerate firmly from 1,500 rpm in third gear. The turbo should spool smoothly without hesitation, surging, or warning lights. Any limp mode or loss of power suggests actuator problems.
+ 3 more checksShow less
Coolant level and condition
Check expansion tank level and color. Low coolant or brown/milky appearance indicates serious problems. The N47 can lose coolant through the EGR cooler or thermostat housing.
All lights, wipers, and central locking
Cycle through all lights, test wiper speeds, and operate central locking from key and interior buttons. Erratic behavior points to FRM failure.
Blower motor recall verification
The E90 is subject to a fire-risk recall affecting the blower motor regulator wiring. Contact BMW with the VIN to verify this has been completed.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Blower motor regulator fire risk (2004-2011 production)Critical - verify completed
Takata airbag inflator (selected E90 models)Verify with VIN
Contact BMW with the VIN to verify all recall work has been completed. The blower motor regulator recall is particularly important as it addresses a fire risk even when the car is parked. The N47 timing chain quality enhancement programme is not a formal recall but should be verified, as BMW offered revised components for affected engines.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (2 years)Expired on all 316d E90 models
Extended warranty availabilityVery limited for cars this age; check with third-party providers
Rust perforation warranty (12 years)Expired or expiring on all 316d E90 models
All BMW 316d E90 models are well outside their original 2-year factory warranty. The 12-year rust perforation warranty has also expired on most examples. Third-party warranty providers may offer limited coverage, but expect exclusions on known weak points like the timing chain and turbo.
Sources: Research draws on model-specific owner forums and owner communities, recall information from official authorities, German automotive press, and multiple workshop cost references cross-checked against each other.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.
