Doing This Will Make Your BMW N47 & N57 Engine Run *PERFECTLY*

Summary

The presenter discusses maintenance and common problems affecting BMW’s N47 2.0-litre and N57 3.0-litre diesel engines. Because the engines share much of their design and components, many of the same issues and recommendations apply.

Key recommendations

• Change the oil frequently. The presenter recommends using good-quality oil and a new filter every 5,000–6,000 miles, rather than following the much longer interval he says BMW recommended. He considers regular oil changes important for reducing engine wear and timing-chain problems.
• Consider preventative timing-chain replacement. For owners planning to keep their car long-term, he recommends replacing the timing-chain kit. He estimates the work costs around £1,000 and may also involve replacing related gaskets and seals, as well as changing the oil and filter. The kit he describes includes three chains, two sprockets, two tensioners and an oil squirter.
• Keep the intake clean. Soot, carbon and oil can accumulate in the intake manifold and restrict airflow. He recommends removing and cleaning the manifold periodically. He also says cleaning the cylinder-head intake ports is worthwhile if time and patience allow.
• Understand the EGR and DPF trade-offs. The presenter has removed both systems from his car, arguing that they can contribute to carbon buildup and regeneration problems. He says a clogged DPF can create excessive backpressure that may harm the turbo. He also notes that a DPF-equipped car needs suitable longer drives and functioning supporting systems for regeneration. These are his personal recommendations; removing emissions systems may be illegal for road use, depending on local regulations.
• Maintain other fluids and parts. He recommends replacing coolant every three to five years, changing the power-steering fluid, and keeping the drive-belt system—including the belt, tensioner and idler pulley—in good condition. He suggests replacing the crankshaft pulley at around 150,000 miles.
• Replace glow plugs periodically. He recommends changing glow plugs every 60,000–80,000 miles, partly to reduce the risk of them becoming difficult to remove. He reports that his own plugs came out relatively easily when he replaced them at about 120,000 miles.
• Budget for age-related maintenance. His broader point is that higher-mileage cars may need money spent on known issues. He recommends properly fixing leaks and worn parts rather than relying on quick, inexpensive fixes, and combining jobs where practical.

Overall, the video is a maintenance guide rather than a performance test. Its main message is that frequent servicing and attention to common wear items can help these engines remain reliable and deliver their intended performance.

Main speaker/source: George Austers, speaking from his experience working on an N47-equipped BMW.