What are the most common faults on the BMW 3 Series?

What are the most common faults on a used 2010 BMW 3 Series 320d? I am thinking of buying one and would value your opinion on this model.

Asked on 27 April 2022 by Ray Martin

Answered by Dan Powell
This car uses the problematic BMW N47 engine, which has a poor record for reliability.

Most issues envelop the timing chain, which is at the rear of the engine instead of at the front. The tensioners are prone to wearing and wrecking the engine. Personally, I'd steer clear of any BMW with the N47 engine.
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