How durable is the timing on the BMW 330d with the N57D engine?

BMW driver question

I read your advice about the metallic sound from the valve train. Does the same problem also occur in a 2011 BMW 330d?

I was considering a 320d, but have heard many times about timing problems. So I decided to go for a more powerful unit and would like to get some more information before buying. In my previous car 530d from 1998 with the mileage of 312 000 there was no problem. How is it with newer models?

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BM Cars service response

The N57D three-liter diesel engine, in the BMW 330d, is not plagued with the defect found in the N47 two-liter diesel engines. The valve train is much more durable and problems with stretched chains after relatively short runs do not occur.

On the other hand, the durability of this valve train is no longer as good as in older versions of the three-liter engine, the M57. Admittedly, BMW still does not provide for periodic replacement of valve train components, viz:

• chains,
• sliders,
• sprockets.

However, after mileage of 200,000 km, the tension of the main chain and the condition of the sliprings should be verified. After such a mileage, the sliders sometimes become brittle and thus hit the chain against the timing case, which in extreme cases can lead to its breakage.

The best solution before buying is to check the technical condition of the desired vehicle and after the purchase – constant care of a service center specializing in the BMW brand.

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