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M47D20

M47D20 116-136 hp (1998-2001) engine: faults and reliability

BMW M47 (M47D20 / M47TU / M47TU2 / M47R) version

Buy

It predates the introduction of the swirl flaps, the M47's best-documented problem, and we have not found a serious fault specifically documented for this first rotary-pump version; even so, given its age, the turbo and injectors should be checked as on any diesel more than 20 years old.[1][2]

Years
1998–2001
Power
116–136 hp
Faults that affect it
3
2 of high or critical severity
Cars that use it
1
in our database

4 sourcesHow we work

What changes in this version

First generation of the M47, with direct injection via a Bosch VP44 rotary pump (no common rail) and no swirl flaps in the manifold; it replaced the M41 in 1998 with a displacement of 1,951 cc and outputs of 116 and 136 hp.[1][3][4]

Engine codes of this version: M47D20.

Faults of the M47D20 engine

The documented engine faults that affect this version and its years, from most to least important.

  1. 1High severityFrequency: CommonTurboLoss of power and turbo faultsThe M47's turbo does not usually fail suddenly, but it loses power gradually as carbon builds up in the variable geometry; the 150 hp variant built between September 2001 and November 2003 also accounts for turbo faults documented by specialist workshops.
  2. 2Medium severityFrequency: CommonClutchDual-mass flywheel wear (manual gearbox versions)On BMWs with the M47 engine and a manual gearbox, the dual-mass flywheel can wear with mileage, especially with a lot of urban use or long spells in high gears at low revs; typical symptoms are vibrations, a metallic rattle at idle and jerking when pulling away.Appears at around 150,000 km
  3. 3Critical severityFrequency: RareOtherOil leak from the brake vacuum pumpA BMW specialist workshop documents that the seals of the M47's vacuum pump, which generates the vacuum needed for brake assistance because a diesel does not produce it naturally, can wear and let oil through, which can end up stiffening the brake pedal.

Cars fitted with the M47D20 engine

Open each car to see all its faults with this engine and what to check before buying it.

BMW

Frequently asked questions

Is the M47D20 engine reliable?

Our verdict is “Buy”. It predates the introduction of the swirl flaps, the M47's best-documented problem, and we have not found a serious fault specifically documented for this first rotary-pump version; even so, given its age, the turbo and injectors should be checked as on any diesel more than 20 years old.[1][2]

What faults does the M47D20 engine have?

The documented ones that affect this version, by importance: loss of power and turbo faults (high severity), dual-mass flywheel wear (manual gearbox versions) (medium severity) and oil leak from the brake vacuum pump (critical severity).

Which cars use the M47D20 engine?

BMW Serie 3 E46 (1998–2005).[1][4]

Are you buying a car with the M47D20 engine?

We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.

Do you have a car with this engine? Tell us which faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. BMW M47Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  2. Motor BMW M47: problemas y averíasDasercars · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  3. BMW M47Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  4. BMW 3 Series (E46)Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026