M47 vs M50/M52

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
M50/M52 BEST 95/100
+33 points over M47
0 / 100
CAUTION M47 BMW
0 / 100
BEST M50/M52 BMW

Specifications

M47
M50/M52
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
CAUTION
BEST
Reliability
62
95
Years
1998--2007
1990--2000
Displacement
1995 cc
2494 cc
Layout
I4
I6
Type
Diesel
Petrol Na
Power
116--163 hp
150--170 hp
Known Issues
2
3
Total Risk Cost
€1,900--€9,200
€330--€850

Character

M47

"Pre-N47 diesel. Early M47D20 (non-common-rail) is simple. M47TU (2001+) has swirl flaps that can destroy engine. Remove flaps preventively."

M50/M52

"Smooth, linear, bulletproof. Classic BMW feel. Simple maintenance. Cheap parts."

Issues Comparison

M47 2

◆ CRITICAL
Swirl flap catastrophic failure (M47TU) €1,500--€8,000 60,000 km--150,000 km
▲ HIGH
Common rail injector failure €400--€1,200 100,000 km--200,000 km

M50/M52 3

● MODERATE
Cooling system plastics (tank, housing, impeller) €150--€350 100,000 km--180,000 km
○ MINOR
VANOS oil seal wear (M52 only) €80--€200 120,000 km--200,000 km
○ MINOR
Valve cover / oil pan gasket leaks €100--€300 150,000 km--∞

Models

M47 0

No models listed.

M50/M52 12

3 Series E36 1990--1994 3 Series E36 1990--1995 3 Series E36 1994--1999 5 Series E39 1996--2000 3 Series E46 1998--2001 5 Series E39 1996--2000 3 Series E36 1995--1999 3 Series E46 1998--2000 5 Series E39 1996--2000 Z3 E36/7 1997--2000 3 Series E36 1995--1999 3 Series E46 1998--2000
Full M47 Report Full M50/M52 Report