Should I worry about a 171 diesel BMW?

Hi,

I need some help with a decision please. I’m thinking of buying a 2.0-litre sDrive BMW X5. Probably a 171 model. I know there’s a new model coming very soon, but I don’t mind about that. I’m a little worried about the N47 engine that I think this car has. Should I be worried and is there anything else I should worry about?

Thanks.

Joan O Connor (Cork)

Jul 2018 Filed under: reliability

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Expert answer

Hi Joan,

The N47 engine, BMW’s mainstay 2.0-litre turbodiesel, did indeed give terrible trouble early in its life, mostly with the timing chain that was supposedly maintenance-free, but turned out to be nothing of the sort. Now, theoretically, the issue has been long since dealt with (any N47 from 2007 onwards should, emphasis on the should, not suffer from this issue), but it’s wise to be at least a little cautious. I’d recommend buying from a main BMW dealer, as the car will then come with the full two-year warranty, which will cover any potential issues. Make sure you keep it serviced with a main BMW dealer in future too, as if there are any problems, you will have some chance of getting them to stand over the engine.

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Advisor
@neilmbriscoe