BMW B47 engine: faults and reliability

• B47 114-150 hp, single turbo (2014-)

  since 2014 · 114–150 hp · B47D20, B47C20

  With caution

  Shares with the rest of the B47 family the documented risk of EGR cooler failure and, to a lesser extent, of timing chain failure.^[2][4]

• B47 168-190 hp, single turbo (2014-)

  since 2014 · 168–188 hp · B47D20, B47C20

  With caution

  Same documented risk of EGR cooler and timing chain failure as the rest of the B47 range.^[2][4]

• B47 202-228 hp, twin-turbo (2015-)

  since 2015 · 202–228 hp · B47D20, B47C20

  With caution

  The higher level of turbocharging does not exempt this version from the EGR and timing chain risk documented for the rest of the family.^[2][4]

• B47C20 (MINI Cooper D/SD and Countryman, 2014-)

  since 2014 · 116–190 hp · B47C20

  With caution

  Shares the block and the same documented EGR and timing chain risks as the BMW B47D20.^[1][4]

Buy: No known serious faults, or they have already been corrected, in this version. With caution: Worth buying if something specific is verified: history, a replaced part or a completed campaign. Avoid: High risk of a serious fault that is hard to check for or prevent.

1. 1Critical severityFrequency: Very frequentEmissions controlEGR cooler leaks with risk of engine fireYes: the EGR valve cooler can suffer internal coolant leaks which, mixed with soot and oil, can reach combustion temperatures; BMW has launched several technical campaigns since 2018 to inspect and replace it because of the risk of engine fire.Repair (garage): €500–€1,500
2. 2High severityFrequency: OccasionalTimingTiming chain wear (improved, but is it really at the front?)BMW improved the chain's tensioner, guides and oil supply compared with the N47, and failures take much longer to appear. But a specialist workshop insists the chain is still at the rear of the block, not at the front as is often claimed, so repairing it still means removing the engine or the gearbox.
3. 3High severityFrequency: OccasionalTurboPremature turbo wear from neglected maintenanceThe B47's turbo does not have a design flaw as well documented as the N47's, but it can wear out early if oil changes are not respected, with repairs that usually run at around €1,000 to €2,000.Repair (garage): €1,000–€2,000
4. 4Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlParticulate filter (DPF) clogging in urban useYes: as on most modern diesels, the B47's particulate filter can clog with soot in cars used in town on short journeys, with cleaning or replacement costing from €500 to €1,800 depending on the condition of the filter.Repair (garage): €500–€1,800

Severity colours: low, medium, high, critical. How we rate them

Manufacturer

BMW

Family

B47

Fuel

Diesel

Displacement

1,995 cm³

Cylinders

4

Fuel system

Turbo

Injection

Common rail

Timing

Chain

Power

114–228 hp

Peak torque

500 Nm

Production

since 2014

Makes

BMW and MINI

Technical data^[1]

1. since 2014

   B47 114-150 hp, single turbo (2014-)

   Entry-level outputs of the B47 range, with a single turbo and factory power of 114 and 150 hp depending on market and model.^[1]

2. since 2014

   B47 168-190 hp, single turbo (2014-)

   Mid-level power output, the most widespread in versions such as the 320d or 520d, also with a single turbo.^[1]

3. since 2014

   B47C20 (MINI Cooper D/SD and Countryman, 2014-)

   Adaptation of the B47 for MINI, fitted to the Cooper D/SD (F55/F56) and the Countryman (F60) with power outputs similar to the BMW versions of the same displacement.^[1]

4. since 2015

   B47 202-228 hp, twin-turbo (2015-)

   Top-of-the-range version, with two turbos of different sizes working in sequence, reserved for the most powerful diesel variants such as the 225d.^[1]