N47
BMW · 2.0L Turbo Diesel I4
2007–2014
"Rear-mounted timing chain = catastrophic failure risk. Notorious. Replaced by B47."
Mileage Risk Timeline
When problems typically appear — enter your mileage to see your risk zone
Known Issues 2
Rear-mounted timing chain — catastrophic failure
▸Cold start rattle (rear of engine), check engine light, sudden engine failure without warning
Defining N47 failure. Chain at REAR requires partial/full engine removal to access. When it snaps: bent valves, engine destroyed. Cost approaches car value.
NEVER buy N47 without proof chain replaced. Replacement €2,500-6,000 engine-out required. At this cost, buy a B47 car instead.
EGR valve failure + DPF blockage
▸Limp mode, DPF warning, rough idle, smoke
Standard diesel issues compounded by engine age. Athens city driving accelerates DPF issues.
Same Athens DPF concern as B47 but on an already AVOID engine. Double reason to avoid for Greek buyers.
Models with N47 48
Other BMW Engines
Tuning Potential
Moderate but risky
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the BMW N47 reliable?
The BMW N47 scores 35/100 with a verdict of AVOID. It has 2 documented issues with total repair costs between €3,000 and €7,200.
What are the common problems with the N47?
The most common issues are:
- Rear-mounted timing chain — catastrophic failure — critical, repair cost €2,500–€6,000, 80,000 km–150,000 km
- EGR valve failure + DPF blockage — high, repair cost €500–€1,200, 60,000 km–120,000 km
What cars use the BMW N47?
How much does it cost to repair the N47?
Total potential repair costs for all 2 known issues range from €3,000 to €7,200. The most expensive issue is typically .
What years was the N47 produced?
The BMW N47 was produced from 2007 to 2014. It is a 1995cc I4 diesel engine.
Verdict and scores are editorial opinions based on aggregated data. Learn about our methodology. Not a substitute for professional inspection.