The BMW N47 is a four-cylinder diesel engine family that was used across a wide range of BMW models during the late 2000s and 2010s.
If you're looking to find out whether your BMW has an N47 engine, the model, year and exact engine specification are important.
At Bimmer Garage Nottingham, we regularly work on BMW diesel engines and can help identify the engine fitted to your vehicle and diagnose common N47-related issues.
What Is the BMW N47 Engine?
The N47 is a four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine developed by BMW.
It replaced the earlier M47 engine family in many applications and was produced in several versions with different power outputs and configurations.
The N47 was used in BMW cars as well as some MINI applications and was available with different capacities and power outputs.
Which BMW Models Have the N47 Engine?
The N47 was fitted to a wide range of BMW models, including various versions of:
BMW 1 Series
The N47 appeared in several diesel 1 Series models, including:
- 116d
- 118d
- 120d
- 123d
The exact engine version and power output depend on the production year.
BMW 2 Series
Some early 2 Series diesel models were equipped with N47 engines, including certain versions of the:
- 218d
- 220d
- 225d
Later 2 Series models moved to newer BMW diesel engine families.
BMW 3 Series
The N47 is particularly common in the 3 Series.
It was used in models including:
- 316d
- 318d
- 320d
- 325d
Again, the exact N47 version depends on the model year and production specification.
BMW 4 Series
Early 4 Series diesel models also used versions of the N47, particularly certain:
- 418d
- 420d
Later production moved to newer diesel engines.
BMW 5 Series
The N47 was also used in some four-cylinder diesel versions of the 5 Series, including:
- 518d
- 520d
This makes the N47 a particularly relevant engine for owners of certain F10 and F11 models.
BMW X1
The first-generation BMW X1 used N47 diesel engines in several versions, including:
- sDrive18d
- xDrive18d
- sDrive20d
- xDrive20d
- xDrive23d
The exact engine configuration varies between model years.
BMW X3
Some versions of the second-generation X3 were fitted with N47 diesel engines, particularly certain four-cylinder models.
BMW N47 Engine Versions
The N47 family wasn't one single engine specification.
BMW produced different versions with different power outputs, turbocharger configurations and emissions equipment.
Examples include N47 variants used in:
- 116d
- 118d
- 120d
- 320d
- 520d
- X1 20d
The N47D20 designation is commonly associated with the 2.0-litre version of the engine.
BMW N47 Timing Chain
One of the best-known issues associated with the N47 is its timing chain system.
The timing chain is positioned at the rear of the engine, making inspection and replacement more involved than on engines where the chain is located at the front.
Possible warning signs of timing-chain problems can include:
- Rattling from the engine
- Metallic noise
- Noisy start-up
- Changes in engine performance
- Timing-related fault codes
However, not every unusual noise is a timing-chain problem.
If you hear a suspicious rattle from an N47 engine, professional inspection is recommended.
BMW N47 Swirl Flaps
Some BMW diesel engines associated with the N47 family use swirl-flap systems within the intake manifold.
Depending on the exact engine and specification, owners may have concerns about wear, carbon deposits or the condition of the swirl-flap mechanism.
If you're unsure whether your N47 has swirl flaps, a physical inspection can establish what is fitted.
BMW N47 DPF Problems
Like other modern diesel engines, N47-powered BMWs can experience DPF-related issues.
Short journeys and frequent low-speed driving can make it harder for the vehicle to complete regeneration cycles.
Possible symptoms include:
- DPF warning
- Loss of power
- Increased fuel consumption
- Limp mode
- Engine warning light
A diagnostic check should be carried out to establish the cause before attempting to regenerate or replace the DPF.
BMW N47 Turbocharger Problems
The N47 is turbocharged, and turbo-related symptoms can include:
- Loss of power
- Whistling or unusual noises
- Smoke
- Increased oil consumption
- Boost-related fault codes
- Limp mode
These symptoms can also be caused by boost leaks, sensors, EGR problems or other components, so proper diagnosis is important.
How Do I Know If My BMW Has an N47?
The easiest way is to identify the exact engine fitted to the vehicle.
The model badge alone isn't always enough because BMW used different engines within the same model over different production periods.
For example, a 320d can have different engine families depending on its year and specification.
A BMW specialist can use the vehicle's details and engine information to establish whether it has an N47.
BMW N47 Engine Specialists in Nottingham
If you own a BMW with an N47 engine and want to check its condition, Bimmer Garage Nottingham can help.
We can investigate common concerns such as:
- Timing-chain noise
- DPF faults
- EGR problems
- Turbocharger issues
- Swirl-flap concerns
- Oil leaks
- Engine warning lights
- Loss of power
Our BMW-specific diagnostic equipment can be used alongside mechanical inspection to establish the cause of a problem.
BMW N47 Engine Models: Summary
The N47 is found in many BMW diesel models, particularly certain versions of the 1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, X1 and X3.
However, because BMW used different engine families throughout the production life of these models, the exact year and engine specification should always be checked.
Need Your BMW Engine Identified?
If you're unsure whether your BMW has an N47, contact Bimmer Garage Nottingham.
We can identify the engine fitted to your vehicle and advise you on servicing, diagnostics and preventative maintenance.
Bimmer Garage Nottingham — BMW specialists in Nottingham for N47 diagnostics, servicing and repairs.