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BMW 1 Series Convertible - N47 engine - Trickydicky68
Hello,

Was all set to buy a 1 series BMW convertible ( budget around 6-7k) when s mechanic friend warned me about the timing belt issues with the N47 engine. I have tried unsuccessfully to see if any of the convertibles of this vintage (58-61) do not have the engine with the issue? Any help in identifying models which don’t have the dodgy engine much appreciated
TIA
BMW 1 Series Convertible - N47 engine - badbusdriver
Hello, Was all set to buy a 1 series BMW convertible ( budget around 6-7k) when s mechanic friend warned me about the timing belt issues with the N47 engine. I have tried unsuccessfully to see if any of the convertibles of this vintage (58-61) do not have the engine with the issue? Any help in identifying models which don’t have the dodgy engine much appreciated TIA

I thought you were all set to buy an Audi A3 convertible?.

This Wiki page lists the engines and the years they were used, though obviously i don't know how accurate the info is.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_1_Series_(F20)#Petrol_engines

To be sure, perhaps a BMW forum would be the best option?. Also, a look through this might be worth a few minutes of your time,

www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/bmw/1-series-f20-201.../

BMW 1 Series Convertible - N47 engine - Trickydicky68
It’s for my wife:) has an irrational dislike of Audi Bit likes BMW! Her heart wasn’t in Audi and I thought it wise just to agree with her
BMW 1 Series Convertible - N47 engine - SLO76
The 4cyl petrol and diesels are known for timing chain problems and the diesel has plenty of other woe as it ages to add. Go for the 6cyl petrol instead which suits the remit of a fun convertible toy more and isn’t that bad on fuel either. But don’t buy if you don’t have the means to get a good one or to maintain it properly at a good genuine BMW specialist.

Auto Trader:

www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/20190325623...2

BMW 1 Series Convertible - N47 engine - Avant

I had a 125i convertible unrtil recently: that's perhaps the 'sweet spot' with the terrific 3-litre straight-six but no turbo to go wrong (the 135i is the one with the turbo). It was very good to drive although the steering was too heavy for it to be quite as much 'fun' as I'd hoped.

No major problems in the 2 years or so that I had it. Only sold because there was a good deal to be had in trading both this and the A1 in for a new A3 convertible. Having three cars between the two of us was a bit of a luxury - and she can now put hers in the garage.