N47 vs M50/M52

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
M50/M52 BEST 95/100
+60 points over N47
0 / 100
AVOID N47 BMW
0 / 100
BEST M50/M52 BMW

Specifications

N47
M50/M52
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
AVOID
BEST
Reliability
35
95
Years
2007--2014
1990--2000
Displacement
1995 cc
2494 cc
Layout
I4
I6
Type
Diesel
Petrol Na
Power
116--218 hp
150--170 hp
Known Issues
2
3
Total Risk Cost
€3,000--€7,200
€330--€850

Character

N47

"Rear-mounted timing chain = catastrophic failure risk. Notorious. Replaced by B47."

M50/M52

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

Issues Comparison

N47 2

◆ CRITICAL
Rear-mounted timing chain — catastrophic failure €2,500--€6,000 80,000 km--150,000 km
▲ HIGH
EGR valve failure + DPF blockage €500--€1,200 60,000 km--120,000 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

N47 48

3 Series E46 2001--2005 5 Series E39 2000--2003 1 Series E87 2004--2007 3 Series E46 1998--2001 1 Series E87 2004--2007 3 Series E46 2001--2005 3 Series E90 2005--2007 3 Series E90 2005--2007 5 Series E60 2005--2007 Clubman R55 2007--2014 Countryman R60 2010--2016 Countryman R60 2010--2016 Cooper R56 2010--2013 Mini R56 2010--2013 Countryman R60 2011--2016 Cooper R56 2011--2013 Mini R56 2011--2013 Countryman R60 2011--2016 Clubman R55 2011--2014 Paceman R61 2013--2016 3 Series F30 2012--2015 3 Series F30 2012--2015 X3 F25 2011--2014 X1 E84 2009--2015 1 Series E87 2007--2011 5 Series F10 2013--2015 3 Series E90 2007--2012 3 Series E90 2007--2012 5 Series F10 2010--2014 1 Series F20 2012--2015 3 Series E90 2009--2012 X3 F25 2012--2014 4 Series F32 2013--2015 X1 E84 2009--2015 5 Series E60 2007--2010 3 Series F30 2012--2015 1 Series F20 2012--2015 1 Series E87 2007--2011 1 Series F20 2012--2015 1 Series E87 2009--2011 1 Series F20 2012--2015 X1 E84 2012--2015 5 Series F10 2011--2014 1 Series E82 2007--2011 3 Series F30 2012--2015 220d F22 2014--2021 Coupe 320d Touring F31 2012--2019 Wagon 420d Gran Coupe F36 2014--2020 Gran Coupe

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 N47 Report Full M50/M52 Report