BMW N47 2.0 and 1.6 diesel: common problems by mileage
The N47 is BMW's four-cylinder diesel from 2007, in 1.6 and 2.0 litres, used across the 1, 3 and 5 Series, the X1 and X3 and several Minis; Toyota's 1.6 and 2.0 D-4D from 2014 are based on it. The timing chain sits at the gearbox end of the engine, which is why a chain job usually means taking the engine out. Engines built from about 2011 have revised chain parts and fail less often.
Updated · written by ipacen from documented workshop experience
- Engine codes
- N47D16, N47D20A, N47D20C, N47C20 (Mini); Toyota 1WW and 2WW are derived from it
- Displacement
- 1,995 cc (2.0) and 1,598 cc (1.6)
- Power
- 70–150 kW (95–204 hp)
- Built
- 2007–2018
- Timing drive
- Chain, at the gearbox end of the engine
- Fuel system
- Common rail
Problems at a glance
| Problem | Typical mileage |
|---|---|
| Timing chain stretch and guide failure high severity | 100,000–220,000 km 60,000–135,000 miles |
| EGR cooler leaking coolant (recall) high severity | 60,000–200,000 km 35,000–125,000 miles |
| Crankshaft pulley (vibration damper) failure medium severity | 120,000–250,000 km 75,000–155,000 miles |
Timing chain stretch and guide failure
Symptoms
- Rattle or whine from the gearbox end of the engine, loudest at warm idle
- Noise that changes when a load is put on the engine
- Usually no fault code until the chain jumps
- If the chain breaks: the engine stops and pistons hit valves
Fault codes
Usually no generic fault code: go by the symptoms and the tests below.
Why it happens
The chain and its plastic guides at the back of the engine wear; the guides can crack and the chain stretches until it slaps or breaks. Long-life oil intervals and short trips make it worse, and pre-2011 engines are the most affected.
How to confirm it
- Listen with a stethoscope at the bell-housing end of the engine at warm idle.
- Record the sound at the back of the engine: a rhythmic whine or rattle that rises with rpm is typical.
- A sure check means removing the gearbox or the engine to inspect the guides and the tensioner extension.
The fix
Replace the complete timing kit (upper and lower chains, guides, tensioner, sprockets) with the latest parts, usually with the engine out. If it has broken, check valves and pistons: often a replacement engine.
Prevention
Oil changes every 10,000–15,000 km with BMW LL-04 oil, and act on the first rattle.
EGR cooler leaking coolant (recall)
Symptoms
- Coolant loss with no external leak
- Sweet-smelling white smoke
- White or brown deposits in the intake manifold
- Burning smell from the engine bay
Fault codes
Why it happens
The EGR cooler can crack inside. Coolant then reaches the intake and EGR valve, where it leaves glycol deposits that can catch fire. BMW recalled many of its 2010s diesels in 2018 to replace the EGR cooler.
How to confirm it
- Check by VIN with a BMW dealer whether the recall applies and has been done.
- Pressure-test the cooling system and watch the coolant level over a few days.
- Remove the EGR valve and inspect the intake for white glycol deposits.
The fix
Replace the EGR cooler (and the EGR valve if contaminated) and clean the intake. Recall work is free at BMW.
Crankshaft pulley (vibration damper) failure
Symptoms
- Wobbling crank pulley or vibration at the front of the engine
- Auxiliary belt shredded or thrown off
- Battery charge or steering warning after the belt comes off
- Knocking from the front at idle
Fault codes
Usually no generic fault code: go by the symptoms and the tests below.
Why it happens
The rubber between the hub and the outer ring of the damper ages and lets go, so the outer ring moves and wobbles.
How to confirm it
- Check the pulley for cracks in the rubber and for marks showing the outer ring has moved against the hub.
- Watch the pulley with the engine running for wobble.
The fix
Fit a new crankshaft pulley, auxiliary belt and tensioner.
Known-good values
Add readings from a healthy BMW N47Readings from BMW N47 engines that run correctly, reported by mechanics on ipacen. Each member counts once; the median shows from 3 members up, with the middle half of the readings as the range. No readings yet: be the first.
See the values you can report and the typical guide
| Value | Typical guide | Measured by members |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | ||
| Idle speed, warm (rpm) | Usually about 650–900 rpm | — |
| Coolant temperature, fully warm (°C) | About 85–105 °C | — |
| Oil pressure, hot idle (bar) | Typically above about 1.0 bar | — |
| Oil pressure, hot, 2,000 rpm (bar) | Typically above about 2.5 bar | — |
| Compression, typical cylinder (bar) | Petrol about 11–15 bar, diesel about 25–35 bar | — |
| Air and fuel | ||
| Air mass, warm idle (g/s) | Petrol: roughly 1 g/s per litre of engine size | — |
| Air mass, warm idle (as mg per stroke) (mg/stroke) | Compare with specified in live data; changes with EGR | — |
| Boost at full load (absolute) (mbar) | Turbo engines: compare with specified boost | — |
| Fuel system | ||
| Fuel pressure, low-pressure side, idle (bar) | Check the specification for the system | — |
| Rail pressure, warm idle (bar) | Diesel common rail: typically about 250–400 bar | — |
| Rail pressure while cranking (bar) | Typically past about 200–300 bar within 1–2 s | — |
| Largest injector correction, warm idle (mg/stroke) | Typically within about ±2–3 mg per stroke | — |
| Emissions | ||
| Particulate filter differential pressure, warm idle (mbar) | Low on a clean filter; compare with the reading at 2,500 rpm | — |
| Electrical | ||
| Charging voltage, 2,000 rpm (V) | About 13.8–14.7 V | — |
| Lowest battery voltage while cranking (V) | Above about 9.6 V | — |
| Crankshaft sensor resistance (inductive type) (Ω) | About 200–2,000 Ω | — |
The guide is ipacen's typical range, not manufacturer data. Member values are what colleagues measured on healthy cars; always compare with the specification for the engine.
Which cars have the BMW N47
- BMW: 1 Series (E81, E82, E87, E88, F20, F21) 114d to 123d; 3 Series (E90 to E93, F30, F31) 316d to 320d; 5 Series 520d (E60, E61, F10, F11); X1 (E84); X3 (E83 from 2007, F25)
- Mini: Cooper SD and some Cooper D (R55 to R61, 2011–2015)
- Toyota: Avensis, Verso, Auris and RAV4 1.6 and 2.0 D-4D (2014–2018, engines 1WW and 2WW)
Cases with this engine
Share yoursBMW N47: questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the BMW N47?
The most reported are timing chain stretch and guide failure; eGR cooler leaking coolant (recall); crankshaft pulley (vibration damper) failure. Each one is described below with its symptoms, fault codes, how to confirm it and the usual fix.
At what mileage does the BMW N47 have timing chain stretch and guide failure?
Typically between 100,000–220,000 km (60,000–135,000 miles), depending on use and maintenance. The chain and its plastic guides at the back of the engine wear; the guides can crack and the chain stretches until it slaps or breaks. Long-life oil intervals and short trips make it worse, and pre-2011 engines are the most affected.
At what mileage does the BMW N47 have eGR cooler leaking coolant (recall)?
Typically between 60,000–200,000 km (35,000–125,000 miles), depending on use and maintenance. The EGR cooler can crack inside. Coolant then reaches the intake and EGR valve, where it leaves glycol deposits that can catch fire. BMW recalled many of its 2010s diesels in 2018 to replace the EGR cooler.
At what mileage does the BMW N47 have crankshaft pulley (vibration damper) failure?
Typically between 120,000–250,000 km (75,000–155,000 miles), depending on use and maintenance. The rubber between the hub and the outer ring of the damper ages and lets go, so the outer ring moves and wobbles.
Which cars have the BMW N47 engine?
BMW: 1 Series (E81, E82, E87, E88, F20, F21) 114d to 123d; 3 Series (E90 to E93, F30, F31) 316d to 320d; 5 Series 520d (E60, E61, F10, F11); X1 (E84); X3 (E83 from 2007, F25). Mini: Cooper SD and some Cooper D (R55 to R61, 2011–2015). Toyota: Avensis, Verso, Auris and RAV4 1.6 and 2.0 D-4D (2014–2018, engines 1WW and 2WW).
Mileage windows are typical workshop experience, not manufacturer data. Engines vary by version, use and maintenance; always follow the service information for the vehicle.