M47 vs N52

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
N52 BEST 90/100
+28 points over M47
0 / 100
CAUTION M47 BMW
0 / 100
BEST N52 BMW

Specifications

M47
N52
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
CAUTION
BEST
Reliability
62
90
Years
1998--2007
2004--2015
Displacement
1995 cc
2996 cc
Layout
I4
I6
Type
Diesel
Petrol Na
Power
116--163 hp
190--272 hp
Known Issues
2
3
Total Risk Cost
€1,900--€9,200
€250--€900

Character

M47

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

N52

"Last great NA six. Lighter (magnesium block), smoother, higher-revving than M54. 250k+ km."

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

N52 3

● MODERATE
Coolant expansion tank / hose failure €100--€300 80,000 km--150,000 km
● MODERATE
VANOS solenoid / oil feed failure €150--€400 80,000 km--160,000 km
○ MINOR
Hydraulic lifter tick on cold start €0--€200 60,000 km--∞

Models

M47 0

No models listed.

N52 9

6 Series E63 2004--2010 5 Series E60 2005--2007 5 Series E60 2005--2007 3 Series E90 2005--2007 Z4 E85 2006--2008 5 Series E60 2005--2007 X5 E70 2007--2010 3 Series E90 2005--2007 1 Series E87 2005--2011
Full M47 Report Full N52 Report