Timing chain replacement
Repair · BMW 5 Series F10 · Diesel (N47 / N57) and petrol (N20 / N55) variants
BMW · 5 Series · F10 · 2010–2017 · Sedan / Touring
- N47
- N57
- N20
- N55
Cost breakdown for BMW F10
| Estimated repair cost range | USD |
|---|---|
| Low | $1,800.00 |
| Typical | $2,500.00 |
| High | $5,000.00 |
Based on 34 reports
Signs you need this repair
- Metallic rattle from the engine on cold start that fades once warm — the most common early sign (the N47 chain sits at the rear of the engine, so the rattle can sound distant)
- Fault codes P0016 / P0017 (cam/crank correlation) — almost always chain stretch on the N47; treat as urgent
- High or rising oil consumption on the N47 — a worn chain increases oil-pressure fluctuation; frequent top-ups warrant an inspection
- High mileage on the original chain — N47 engines past ~100,000 km should be inspected proactively; failure is a matter of when, not if
Parts involved
- Timing chain — single chain on N47/N20, dual on N55
- Chain guides (upper + lower) — plastic; must be replaced with the chain
- Chain tensioner — hydraulic; a worn tensioner triggers P0016
- Camshaft and crank sprockets — replace if worn (visible tooth rounding)
- Engine oil and filter — always replaced during this service
- Timing cover gaskets and seals — access gaskets, replaced while the engine is open
What to verify before you pay
- Confirm the engine code (N47 vs N57 vs N20) — labor time and cost differ significantly; your VIN or a scan tool will confirm it
- Read fault codes before authorizing work — P0016/P0017 confirms chain stretch; with no codes, a visual check through the oil cap can show chain slack
- Ask whether the full kit is being replaced — chain, guides, tensioner and sprockets should all be replaced together; replacing only the chain is a false economy
- Check whether other time-sensitive items are done together — water pump, thermostat and valve-cover gasket are often replaced at the same time since the engine is already partially apart
Questions to ask your mechanic
- Are you replacing the full kit — chain, guides, tensioner and sprockets — or just the chain?
- Are you using OEM or aftermarket parts? (On the N47, an OEM kit is strongly recommended.)
- Are the water pump and thermostat being done at the same time since you're already in there?
- What does the original chain look like? Can you show me the stretched chain or worn guides before disposal?
Frequently asked questions
Is the N47 timing chain really that dangerous?
Yes. The N47's timing chain runs at the rear of the engine (against the transmission), making it labor-intensive to access. BMW issued technical service bulletins on this issue and a class action was settled in several markets. The chain can snap without warning at high mileage, causing catastrophic engine damage — it is one of the most important proactive repairs on the F10 diesel.
Can I drive with a noisy timing chain?
Short-term only, and only if the noise is mild and appears only at cold start. A loud or persistent rattle means the chain is at advanced stretch; driving with it significantly increases the risk of a chain snap and catastrophic engine failure. Have it inspected immediately and do not delay repair.
How long does the repair take?
About 8–14 hours of labor on the N47/N57, because the chain is at the rear of the engine and requires partial engine/gearbox separation. On petrol engines (N20, N55) with a front-mounted chain, labor is typically 5–8 hours. Always confirm the labor estimate before authorizing work.