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N47C20A

N47C20 112-143 hp (MINI Cooper SD, 2011-2016) engine: faults and reliability

BMW N47 (N47D20 / N47C16 / N47C20) version

With caution

It shares the same block and the same rear timing design as the rest of the N47 family, with the same documented risk.[1]

Years
2011–2016
Power
112–143 hp
Faults that affect it
5
3 of high or critical severity
Cars that use it
3
in our database

3 sourcesHow we work

What changes in this version

2.0-litre version for the MINI Cooper SD, with outputs from 112 to 143 hp depending on body and market, available with a manual or automatic gearbox and, in the Countryman, with ALL4 all-wheel drive.[1]

Engine codes of this version: N47C20A.

Faults of the N47C20A engine

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

  1. 1Critical severityFrequency: Very frequentTimingRear timing chain stretch and breakageYes: the N47 has its timing chain at the rear of the engine, next to the gearbox, and on a very high proportion of units, especially those built between 2007 and 2009, it stretches or breaks prematurely because of an inadequate tensioner, with a risk of destroying the engine.Repair (garage): €1,590–€3,000Appears at around 50,000 km
  2. 2Critical severityFrequency: CommonIntakeBroken intake manifold swirl flapsYes: the N47's intake manifold has plastic swirl flaps that, with diesel soot and the passing years, can crack, come loose and be sucked into the cylinder, with a risk of seriously damaging the piston, cylinder head and valves.
  3. 3High severityFrequency: CommonTurboTurbo and wastegate valve failureThe N47's turbo does not usually fail from general wear, but because of failure of the wastegate valve, which regulates boost and can seize or lose adjustment, sending fuel consumption soaring; oil leaks from the turbo itself are also common.Repair (garage): €900–€1,800
  4. 4Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlClogged or seized EGR valveYes, as on most diesels of its generation: the N47's EGR valve seizes or clogs with carbon, especially on cars used in town, causing an unstable idle, jerking and loss of power; it is not usually a serious fault if it is cleaned or replaced in time.Repair (garage): €400–€1,500
  5. 5Medium severityFrequency: CommonClutchDual-mass flywheel wear (manual gearbox versions)Yes: on manual-gearbox BMW N47s, the dual-mass flywheel can wear, especially after a lot of town mileage or driving in high gears at low revs; the typical symptoms are vibrations, a metallic rattle at idle and jerking when pulling away.Appears at around 150,000 km

Cars fitted with the N47C20A engine

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

MINI

Frequently asked questions

Is the N47C20A engine reliable?

Our verdict is “With caution”. It shares the same block and the same rear timing design as the rest of the N47 family, with the same documented risk.[1]

What faults does the N47C20A engine have?

The documented ones that affect this version, by importance: rear timing chain stretch and breakage (critical severity), broken intake manifold swirl flaps (critical severity), turbo and wastegate valve failure (high severity), clogged or seized EGR valve (medium severity) and dual-mass flywheel wear (manual gearbox versions) (medium severity).

Which cars use the N47C20A engine?

MINI Cooper R56 (2010–2013), MINI Countryman R60 (2011–2016) and MINI Clubman R55 (2010–2014).[1][2][3]

Are you buying a car with the N47C20A 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. N47C20A MotorMotorinsel · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026
  2. N47C16A MotorMotorinsel · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026
  3. 2012 Mini Cooper 1.6 D Diesel Engine N47C16A365 Engines · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026