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Are BMW timing chains unreliable?

I'm hoping to get a BMW 1 series in the not too distant future but I keep reading horror timing chain stories. Is there any statistics to say the N43 petrol is stronger than the N47 diesel?

Asked on 20 February 2015 by Blaney84

Answered by Honest John
No one independently keeps this type of statistic. But if you get an N43 or an N47 that has had regular 10,000 mile oil changes, it should be okay. A 6 speed DSG/s-tronic restricts you to 1.8 and 2.0 litre VAG petrol and 2.0 litre diesel engines.
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