Popular executive diesel sedan known for strong fuel economy and highway comfort. The N47 engine (pre-2015) has well-documented timing chain issues requiring replacement around 80,000-120,000 km. Post-2015 B47 engine is significantly more reliable. Main concerns: timing chain tensioner wear, EGR valve failures (recall issued for 1.6M vehicles), electric steering rack knock, DPF clogging on short-trip usage. Flywheel premature wear common on manual transmission. Service history critical - verify timing chain replacement on N47 engines and EGR recall completion.
The N47 engine (2012-2015 models) has a poorly positioned timing chain at the rear of the engine, making it prone to stretching. The tensioner release valve weakens over time, allowing oil pressure to bleed off overnight. This causes a distinctive rattle for 1-30 seconds on cold start. Typically occurs between 60,000-120,000 km. BMW implemented several revisions between 2010-2013, but the issue persisted. The chain, guides, tensioner, and sprockets all need replacing. This is a major job requiring engine removal. If ignored, chain skip can cause catastrophic valve-to-piston contact. The 2015+ B47 engine largely resolved this issue. Independent specialist cost: €1,200-1,800. BMW dealership: €1,800-2,200+.
EGR valve and cooler failure€400 - €700
EGR cooler bypass valve vacuum hose damage causes carbon buildup and boost leaks · more· less
BMW issued a massive recall in 2018 affecting over 1.6 million vehicles for EGR system faults. The vacuum hose linked to the EGR cooler bypass valve can deteriorate, preventing proper bypass during engine warm-up. This causes excessive soot and carbon buildup inside the cooler. In severe cases, hardened deposits break loose and obstruct the intake system, causing boost leaks and hesitation while driving at around 1,500 rpm. Symptoms include judder/hesitation on cold starts for about a mile, rough running, and EPC warning light. EGR valve replacement: parts €75-350 (OEM vs aftermarket), labor €200-350. Total: €400-700 at independent specialist. Verify recall completion before purchase.
Electric steering rack failure/knock€40 - €2,200
Pre-greased rack dries out causing knocking noise; serious failures around 49,000 km · more· less
Common issue with the electric steering rack in F30 models from 2011 onwards. Two types of failure: (1) Knocking noise when turning the steering wheel with engine off - caused by factory pre-grease drying out. BMW offers repair kit (part 32106891974) for €40-60 which fixes acoustic abnormalities. (2) Electrical failure of the motor control unit causing "power steering assist malfunction" warning, intermittent or total loss of power steering. The securing bolts can shear off completely. Some owners report failures around 49,000 km with replacement racks failing again at similar mileage. Full steering rack replacement: €1,800-2,200 fitted. Vehicles produced before January 2013 may experience vibration between 60-130 km/h requiring new EPS unit.
Filter clogs on short-trip usage patterns; typically needs attention 120,000-170,000 km · more· less
The DPF is located just behind the turbocharger at the top of the exhaust system. BMW's planned lifespan is 250,000 km, but real-world failures occur around 130,000 km. The filter can become clogged if the car is driven mainly in heavy traffic without regular highway runs for regeneration. BMW's system automatically raises exhaust temperature to clear the DPF when needed. Symptoms include loss of power, increased fuel consumption, and warning lights. Professional cleaning costs around €150-200 in Europe. Full DPF replacement: parts €400-1,100 depending on manufacturer, labor approximately 3 hours. Total: €1,200-3,000 at dealership. Prevention: Give the car a spirited run at 2,000+ rpm for 20-30 minutes every 6-8 weeks.
Swirl flaps failure€50 - €3,000
Poorly designed flaps can break and fall into engine causing catastrophic damage · more· less
Swirl flaps are prone to failure due to design errors or metal fatigue. When a swirl flap fails, debris drops into the engine. The debris may stick in the valve port jamming it open, causing the piston to collide with the valve. Alternatively, debris falls into the cylinder damaging valves and piston. Symptoms include car going in/out of limp mode, fault code 2C3200 for swirl flaps. Prevention: swirl flap delete (blanking plates). Parts cost: €50, labor: €180-250 at specialist (€175-230 total). This eliminates the problem. If swirl flaps have been ingested by the engine: full engine rebuild required at €3,000+ including parts. Many owners proactively delete swirl flaps on B47 engines as well with no error codes reported.
High pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure€1,500 - €10,000
HPFP failure contaminates entire fuel system with metal debris requiring complete replacement · more· less
The N47 diesel HPFP is known to fail, particularly on cars with poor maintenance (non-OEM oil, extended service intervals). When the pump fails, metal debris contaminates the entire fuel system: injectors, fuel lines, and fuel tank all need replacement. Symptoms: engine misfires, rough running, stumbling during acceleration, prolonged cranking, difficulty starting, fault code P0087 (fuel rail pressure too low). One owner reported 320,000 km before HPFP failure. BMW dealers quote €10,000-12,000 for complete fuel system replacement due to contamination. Some coverage available under 7-year/112,000 km emissions warranty. HPFP-only replacement: €1,500-2,500 if caught early before contamination. Prevention: use manufacturer-recommended oil, maintain proper service intervals, avoid running low on fuel.
Turbo actuator sticking€500 - €2,500
Actuator sticks from gentle driving patterns causing limp mode and EPC warning · more· less
The turbo wastegate actuator tends to stick if the car is driven too gently or only for short trips, as carbon builds up. The return spring on the turbo wastegate was not originally lubricated or covered, resulting in early failure causing the wastegate to remain partially or fully open. With the subsequent loss in boost, fuel consumption can increase by 30-50%. BMW engineers described this as a "known fault." Symptoms include sudden severe power loss (feels like half horsepower lost), EPC light, limp mode activation, fault codes P334B/P334C. Turning engine off and waiting temporarily resolves it but fault returns and worsens. BMW won't sell actuator separately. Actuator-only repair at specialist: €500-600. Full turbo replacement if internals damaged: €1,200-2,500. Prevention: use premium fuel, regular spirited driving prevents carbon buildup.
Dual-mass flywheel often fails before 100,000 km on N47 manual transmission models · more· less
For 320d models with 2.0 N47 diesel engines combined with manual transmissions, there is early failure of the dual-mass flywheel, sometimes not even lasting 100,000 km. This is a known weak point on the N47 diesel paired with manual gearbox. Symptoms include rattling noise at idle, difficulty shifting gears, vibration through clutch pedal, juddering during acceleration. The complete clutch set must be replaced to eliminate this issue. Repair includes: flywheel replacement, clutch disc, pressure plate, release bearing, and labor (approximately 8-10 hours as gearbox must be removed). Independent specialist: €800-1,200. BMW dealership: €1,400-1,800. Automatic transmission models do not have this issue. Consider complete clutch and flywheel replacement as preventive maintenance around 80,000 km on manual transmission cars.
Injector failures€600 - €2,400
High-pressure injectors fail causing misfires and rough running; coding required · more· less
High-pressure injectors may fail causing misfires, rough running, black smoke, and poor fuel economy. This is a known issue with the N47 diesel engine. Injector failures can be caused by contamination from HPFP failure or simply age-related wear. When replacing injectors, each must be coded with an OBD diagnostic unit - the IMA (injector quantity offset) code must be saved in the ECU. The copper sealing ring on each injector must be replaced. Injectors should be lightly lubricated with heat-resistant grease before installation. Cost per injector: €150-300 for aftermarket, €300-400 for OEM Bosch. Four injectors: €600-1,600 (parts). Labor approximately 4-5 hours: €400-800. Total for all four injectors: €1,000-2,400. Single injector replacement: €300-600. Many suppliers sell on exchange basis with core charge €50-90 (refunded when old part returned).
Pre-2015 N47 requires careful inspection; 2015+ B47 much more reliable
The F30 320d's reliability depends heavily on the engine generation and maintenance history. Pre-2015 models with N47 engine have well-documented timing chain and EGR issues requiring proactive replacement/repair. Post-2015 models with B47 engine are significantly improved with minimal timing chain problems reported. With proper maintenance (frequent oil changes, highway driving for DPF regeneration), these can be reliable high-mileage vehicles. However, deferred maintenance or short-trip usage patterns lead to expensive failures. Complete service history is essential - verify timing chain replacement on N47 engines over 80,000 km.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete BMW dealer or specialist records essential. Verify 19,000 km service intervals maintained. Check oil change frequency - every 15,000 km maximum, ideally 10,000 km.
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes on sidewall), uneven wear patterns. Typical size: 225/50R17. Budget €270-760 for set of 4.
Cold start
MUST start engine completely cold. Listen carefully for rattling/chain noise in first 30-60 seconds. This is the single most important check for N47 engines.
Test drive
Minimum 20 minutes including highway speeds. Check for EPC light, hesitation, power loss. Test steering for knocking noise.
Body condition
Check for rust, accident damage, paint mismatch. F30 generally rust-resistant but check wheel arches and underbody.
Specific for this vehicle
Listen for timing chain rattle on cold start (N47 engine)
Start engine completely cold and listen for rattling from rear of engine for first 30-60 seconds. Any rattle indicates chain/tensioner wear requiring immediate replacement. This is THE critical check for pre-2015 N47 models.
Verify engine generation: N47 (2012-2015) vs B47 (2015-2019)
Check VIN or engine code. LCI (facelift) models from September 2015 onwards have B47 engine which is much more reliable. N47 engines require careful inspection and likely timing chain replacement if not already done.
Check for EGR recall completion
BMW issued major recall affecting 1.6M vehicles in 2018 for EGR system faults. Contact BMW dealer with VIN to verify recall completion. Look for hesitation/judder at 1,500 rpm during test drive.
Test electric steering rack for knocking noise
With engine off, rock steering wheel left and right. Listen for knocking. With engine running, check for "power steering assist malfunction" warning. Check for vibration between 60-130 km/h on pre-2013 models.
Verify timing chain replacement history (N47 engines over 80,000 km)
If N47 engine has over 80,000 km and no timing chain replacement documented, budget €1,200-2,200 for this work immediately. Chain should be replaced preventively by 120,000 km maximum.
Check DPF status and driving pattern history
Ask seller about typical driving pattern. Cars used only for short trips (under 15 km) will have DPF problems. Check for warning lights or regeneration messages. Highway driving essential for DPF health.
Test for power loss and EPC warning light
Drive for 15+ minutes with varying speeds. Any sudden power loss, EPC light, or limp mode activation indicates turbo actuator or boost system issues. Floor the accelerator on highway to check full turbo boost.
Check flywheel and clutch operation (manual transmission)
Listen for rattling at idle with clutch released. Test clutch engagement smoothness. Check for juddering during acceleration. Flywheel failures common on N47 manual before 100,000 km.
Inspect for oil leaks and hose condition
Check engine bay for deteriorating hoses (N47 known for hose failures). Look for oil leaks around turbo, injectors, valve cover. Check coolant level and condition.
Verify AdBlue/DEF system operation (2018+ models)
Check AdBlue tank level. Look for "X km to no start" warnings. AdBlue system became standard on all F30 diesel models from spring 2018.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
EGR system fault (2018 recall - 1.6M vehicles affected)VERIFY COMPLETED
Transfer case output flange damage (2013-2016 xDrive models, N47T engine)Recall 20V-185 - verify
Electric power steering vibration (pre-January 2013 production)TSB - check with dealer
Map thermostat jamming open (fault code 1D2008)TSB available
Multiple critical recalls and TSBs - verification essential
Contact BMW dealer with VIN to verify all recalls completed, particularly the 2018 EGR recall affecting 1.6 million vehicles and the 2020 transfer case recall for xDrive models. The N47 timing chain issue was addressed through a Quality Enhancement program (now ended), so out-of-warranty repairs are owner's responsibility. Check complete TSB history as several bulletins address common F30 issues.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (4 years / 80,000 km)Expired on all 2012-2015 models
BMW extended warranty (Platinum/Gold/Powertrain Plus)€1,500-3,200/year depending on coverage
Emissions warranty (7 years / 112,000 km in some regions)May cover HPFP - check eligibility
Extended warranty recommended for N47 engines
All 2012-2015 F30 320d models are outside factory warranty. BMW's N47 timing chain Quality Enhancement program has ended, so any timing chain work is owner's expense. Extended warranty strongly recommended for N47-equipped cars (2012-2015), particularly Platinum or Gold level which covers timing chain, EGR, turbo, and injectors. Powertrain Plus covers engine/transmission basics. Budget €1,900-2,800 per year for 6-7 year extended coverage. Some HPFP failures may qualify for emissions warranty coverage in certain regions - verify eligibility with BMW dealer.
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.