BMW B47 (B47D20 / B47C20)Particulate filter (DPF/FAP)
Particulate filter (DPF) clogging in urban use on the BMW B47
Why this rating?
Medium severity: It can leave you stranded or get worse if ignored, without destroying the engine.
Frequency common: Both a technical guide to the engine and a specialist workshop point to urban use and short journeys as the main risk factor, in line with what is usual on diesels of its generation.[1][2]
Symptoms
- Particulate filter warning light on when the filter has not been able to regenerate on its own.[2]DPF warning light: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
- Loss of power if the filter is heavily clogged.[2]Less power: other faults that cause it · Monitor
- The oil level may rise if failed regenerations dilute the oil with fuel, according to a specialist workshop.[3]Oil level rises: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
Why it happens
Short journeys in town do not let the exhaust gases reach the temperature needed to burn off the soot accumulated in the filter, according to a technical guide to the engine.[2]
If it is not repaired: If the filter clogs, the car may lose power or turn on the corresponding warning light; letting the problem persist repeatedly can dilute the oil with unburnt fuel, according to a specialist workshop.[2][3]
Affected cars and years
It mainly affects cars used predominantly in town, without the sources limiting it to specific B47 versions or years.[2]
| Version | Years | Codes |
|---|---|---|
| B47 114-150 hp, single turbo (2014-) | since 2014 | B47D20B47C20 |
| B47 168-190 hp, single turbo (2014-) | since 2014 | B47D20B47C20 |
| B47 202-228 hp, twin-turbo (2015-) | since 2015 | B47D20B47C20 |
| B47C20 (MINI Cooper D/SD and Countryman, 2014-) | since 2014 | B47C20 |
Models fitted with the affected versions
BMW
- BMW Serie 1 F202014–2019
- BMW Serie 1 F40since 2019
- BMW Serie 2 F222014–2021
- BMW Serie 2 Active Tourer F452014–2021
- BMW Serie 3 F302014–2019
- BMW Serie 3 G20since 2019
- BMW Serie 4 F322014–2020
- BMW Serie 5 F102014–2017
- BMW Serie 5 G302017–2023
- BMW X1 F482015–2022
- BMW X2 F392018–2023
- BMW X3 F252014–2017
- BMW X3 G012017–2024
- BMW X4 G022018–2024
- BMW Serie 2 Active Tourer U06since 2022
- BMW X1 U11since 2022
MINI
- MINI Cooper F562014–2024
- MINI Countryman F602017–2023
- MINI Cooper F552014–2024
How much it costs to repair
Includes: Diagnosis and cleaning or replacement of the particulate filter, depending on how clogged it is.[1]
The range published by a specialist workshop depends on whether a forced regeneration is enough or the filter has to be replaced.
Prices in Spain, including VAT. A workshop hour costs on average €38–66 at independent garages and €77–134 at dealerships in Spain, depending on the region and the brand. How we calculate costs
How to check for it before buying a used car
Parts needed
The part or kit that fixes this fault, according to the sources.
- Buy part at Autodoc (affiliate link, opens in a new tab)
Particulate filter (DPF)
Replaced when the soot clogging is so severe that it can no longer be cleaned or regenerated.
Affiliate links to Autodoc: if you buy, MotorFiable may receive a commission at no cost to you. Check compatibility using the registration number or the VIN before ordering. More information
How to prevent it
- Alternate short urban journeys with a longer run now and then to help the filter regenerate.[2]
- Do not ignore the particulate filter warning light: the sooner it is dealt with, the cheaper the fix usually is.
Recalls, campaigns and claims
As of 26 September 2026, we have no record of recalls, campaigns or extended manufacturer warranties for this fault. Check with an official dealer using the chassis (VIN) number: they will tell you whether the car has any outstanding campaign.
What owners say
Frequently asked questions
Why does the B47's particulate filter clog?
Mainly because of short journeys in town, which do not let it reach the temperature needed to burn off the accumulated soot.[2]
How much does it cost to fix the B47's particulate filter?
Between €500 and €1,800, depending on whether a cleaning or forced regeneration is enough or the whole filter has to be replaced.[1]
Can a clogged particulate filter damage the engine?
Indirectly, yes: repeated failed regenerations can dilute the engine oil with unburnt fuel, which reduces its ability to lubricate.[3]
What can you do now?
We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.
Other BMW B47 faults
- Critical 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
- High 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.
- High 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
More faults with the particulate filter on other engines and cars
- High severityFrequency: Very frequentOM651EGR and particulate filter clogging, and emissions software updatesThe particulate filter and EGR clog up with short journeys, as on any diesel with these systems. In addition, Germany's KBA required software updates on several models with this engine between 2018 and 2021 because of a function that reduced EGR outside a temperature range.Repair (garage): €800–€2,500
- High severityFrequency: Common1.3 MultijetIncomplete particulate filter regenerations and oil dilutionIn heavy urban use, with short journeys that do not let the particulate filter regeneration finish, unburnt diesel passes into the sump and dilutes the oil; the level can rise on the dipstick and the oil loses its ability to lubricate. Repeated many times, it speeds up engine wear.
- High severityFrequency: Common2.0 HDiDPF clogging on additive-type systems (Eolys/cerine)The additive-type diesel particulate filter (DPF) of the 2.0 HDi clogs relatively easily on short journeys, especially on the 107/110 and 136-140 hp versions. The anti-pollution warning light comes on and, if ignored, the car loses power and may end up needing a new DPF.
- High severityFrequency: Common1.6 and 2.0 MultiJet IISaturated diesel particulate filter (DPF) from incomplete regenerationsIn urban use with short journeys, the particulate filter does not manage to complete its regeneration and becomes saturated; garages recommend a weekly motorway run to avoid it. The filter itself is among the weak points flagged in the 1.6 and 2.0 MultiJet II after a certain mileage.
- High severityFrequency: Common2.0 Ingenium diéselFuel dilution of the oil linked to particulate filter regenerationsYes: on short trips and in urban use, the Ingenium diesel's particulate filter does not always complete regeneration, and some of the diesel injected to burn off the soot ends up mixing with the engine oil, which reduces its ability to lubricate.
- High severityFrequency: CommonMZR-CDOil dilution from leaking injector seals and DPF regenerationsOn the 2.0 and 2.2 MZR-CD, injector seals that age badly and incomplete particulate filter regenerations on short journeys can let unburnt diesel into the sump, diluting the oil and leaving the engine with less lubrication.
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Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Motor BMW B47: problemas, modelos y qué revisarCarexam · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
- BMW B47 Engine Guide: Reliability, Efficiency, Tuning, Pros and ConsBMW BLOG · Other source · published August 2025 · consulted 26 September 2026
- Motor BMW B47 - Reparación EspecializadaDasercars · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish