BMW engine rebuild, repair and replacement in London
Engine trouble on a 1 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series, X3 or X5? We rebuild, repair and replace BMW engines, from the 2.0 N47 and B47 diesels to the 3.0 six-cylinders, at our partner workshop in Rainham, East London, and our partner workshop in Peterborough. Send your registration, we confirm the engine code and give you a free quote.
- Free quote from your registration
- Warranty: 6 months unlimited miles, or 12 months/12,000 miles
- BMW engines rebuilt, repaired and replaced, priority on 2015 and newer
Free quote
Get your free quote
Step 1 of 2Your car
BMW engine rebuild
Why rebuild a BMW engine?
When a BMW engine fails, the rest of the car is usually still worth keeping. The gearbox, suspension, body and interior are often in good order, so an engine rebuild or a replacement engine is normally better value than selling the car as a non-runner.
A rebuild keeps your original engine. We strip it, find out why it failed, replace the worn or damaged parts and put it back together. If the block or crankshaft is beyond saving, a reconditioned engine or a used engine may be the better route, and we explain the difference before any work starts.
Our specialist focus is Land Rover, Range Rover and Jaguar. We also rebuild, repair and replace BMW engines, with priority on 2015 and newer cars, and we are happy to look at older BMWs and every other make.
Models
BMW models we work on
- 1 Series and 2 Series. Mostly the 2.0 diesels in the 116d, 118d and 120d: the N47 on earlier cars, the B47 on later ones.
- 3 Series and 4 Series. The 320d is one of the BMWs we see most, along with the 330d and the N20 and N55 petrols.
- 5 Series. Mainly the 520d and 530d diesels, old and new.
- X1, X3 and X5. Mostly the 2.0 and 3.0 diesels. We also look at the X6 and other X models.
Not sure which engine you have? Send your registration and we will confirm the engine code for you.
Common engines
BMW engines and known problems
2.0 N47 diesel
Fitted to many BMWs from about 2007 to 2015, including the 118d, 120d, 320d, 520d, X1 and X3. The best known fault is the timing chain. It sits at the back of the engine, at the gearbox end, so on most cars the engine or gearbox has to come out to replace it. A short rattle after a cold start is the classic warning. Caught early, it is a timing chain replacement. Left until the chain snaps, it usually means a rebuild or a replacement engine. Swirl flaps on some versions and oil filter housing leaks are also worth checking.
2.0 B47 diesel
The N47 replacement, used from around 2014 in later 1, 2, 3 and 5 Series, X1 and X3. The chain design was revised and problems are much less common, but timing noise still needs checking. Short trips and repeated DPF regenerations can thin the oil with fuel, which speeds up wear.
3.0 N57 and B57 diesel
The six-cylinder diesel in the 330d, 530d, X3 30d and X5. The N57 also has its timing chain at the gearbox end, so any chain work is a big job. On higher mileage cars, swirl flaps and the intake are worth checking. The later B57 is fitted to newer 5 Series and X5 models, and we work on these too.
2.0 N20 petrol
Used in the 320i, 328i, 520i, X1 and X3 from about 2011. Timing chain and guide wear is the well known weak spot, so a rattle or whine from the front of the engine should be looked at quickly.
3.0 N55 petrol
Used in the 335i, 535i, X5 and the M135i and M235i. Oil leaks from the oil filter housing gasket and the valve cover gasket are common, and some cars develop a wastegate rattle.
Newer BMWs use the B48 and B58 petrol engines. Send the registration and we will confirm the engine code and your options.
Symptoms
Signs your BMW engine needs help
Most engine failures give a warning first. These are the signs BMW owners tell us about most often.
- Knocking or rumbling from the bottom of the engine often a bearing problem. Stop driving and call us, because running it can turn a rebuild into a replacement.
- Rattle on a cold start for a few seconds after starting is a classic sign of a stretched timing chain, especially on the N47 and N20.
- Oil pressure warning or low oil level check the level straight away and do not keep driving with the warning on.
- Oil leaks or a burning smell often come from the oil filter housing or valve cover gasket,
- Overheating or losing coolant with no obvious leak can point to a water pump, pipe or head gasket fault.
- Heavy smoke, loss of power or limp mode can come from the turbo, injectors, swirl flaps or internal wear. A fault code read and an inspection tell us which.
If you are not sure, send the symptoms and any warning lights with your registration and we will tell you what we think is going on.
Rebuild, repair or replace
Choosing the right fix for your BMW
There are three routes, and an inspection tells us which one makes sense.
- Engine repair. For faults that do not need the engine stripped, such as a leak, turbo, injector or cooling problem.
- Engine Rebuild. Your engine is stripped, inspected and rebuilt with worn or damaged parts replaced. A good choice when the block and crank can be saved.
- Engine replacement. A reconditioned engine or used engine is supplied and fitted when the original is beyond economic repair.
We do not quote figures until we know the car and what has failed, so you get a clear quote for the job you actually need.
London and Peterborough
BMW engine work near you
- Quote. Send your registration and the symptoms by the form, phone or WhatsApp. We confirm the engine code and give you a free quote.
- Inspect. The car is inspected so we can confirm the cause before any work starts.
- Fix. The work is done at our partner workshop in Rainham, East London, or in Peterborough.
- Hand back. The engine is checked, your warranty starts and you collect the car.
You are welcome to visit the Rainham workshop by arrangement. Collection and delivery can be discussed when you ask for a quote. If the engine is knocking or overheating, please do not drive it to us.
Warranty
Choose your warranty
Every engine job comes with a warranty, and you choose the cover.
6 months, unlimited miles
Suits drivers who cover a lot of miles in a short time.
12 months or 12,000 miles
Longer cover for everyday and lower-mileage driving.
We confirm the warranty option in writing with your quote.
Areas we serve
London, Peterborough and about 100 miles around
We cover London, Peterborough and about 100 miles around. Choose your area for local roads, distances and how collection works.
FAQ
BMW engine rebuild questions
Do you rebuild BMW engines in London?
Yes. BMW engines are rebuilt, repaired and replaced at our partner workshop in Rainham, East London, and at our partner workshop in Peterborough. We cover London, Peterborough and about 100 miles around.
Can the N47 timing chain problem be fixed?
Often, yes, if it is caught before the chain fails. Because the chain is at the gearbox end, the engine or gearbox usually has to come out. If the chain has already snapped, the engine may need a rebuild or replacement.
Is it worth rebuilding a 320d or X5 engine?
Usually, if the rest of the car is sound. A rebuild or replacement engine is often better value than selling the car as a non-runner. We inspect first and explain the options.
Do you work on newer BMWs with B47 and B57 engines?
Yes. We give priority to 2015 and newer BMWs, including the B47 and B57 diesels and the B48 and B58 petrols.
Is BMW your main speciality?
Our specialist focus is Land Rover, Range Rover and Jaguar. We also rebuild, repair and replace BMW engines, and we look at every make.
What warranty do I get?
You choose 6 months with unlimited miles, or 12 months or 12,000 miles.
Can I visit the workshop?
Yes. Customers can visit our Rainham partner workshop by arrangement.
Free BMW engine quote
Send your registration and the symptoms. We confirm the engine code and come back with a free quote.