The BMW B47 is a turbocharged inline-Four diesel engine that replaces in 2014 as part of the BMW family of the BMW family of the B series in the BMW and replaces the N47. It is a versatile unit that can be found in a variety of models: the 1 series, 2 series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, X1, X3, X4 and certain mini models.
BMW has designed the B47 in such a way that it treats the shortcomings of its predecessor and at the same time offered improved reliability, cleaner emissions and better tuning flexibility. In this article we will examine the reliability, efficiency, tuning potential and the general advantages and disadvantages of the B47 diesel.
reliability
Overall, the B47 has proven to be a reliable engine if it is kept properly. By moving the timing chain into the front of the engine, BMW made it both durable and easier to use than the N47.
The B47 is generally regarded as a strong and reliable engine, which can deal with high mileage if it is maintained properly. The owners regularly report well over 120,000 miles without any major problems. One of our authors had a BMW 320D with the B47 engine and always praised it as one of the most reliable diesel engines he has ever observed. The fuel consumption was excellent and the engine still felt strong after 100 km kilometers.
Nevertheless, no engine is bulletproof. Frequent problem areas for the B47 include:
- EGR valve and cooler failures, which sometimes lead to recalls.
- DPF (diesel particle filter) blocked, especially for cars that are mainly driven in the city.
- Turbocharger wear when the oil change is neglected.
- Timing chain wear with very high mileage (far less often than the N47).
Routine maintenance oil changes with BMW-based oil, checking the coolant and EGR state and the inclination of the car with longer journeys to regenerate the DPF-Sich, the engine life will significantly extend.
Efficiency
Efficiency is the strongest feature of the B47. BMW developed the engine with direct injection, variable geometry turbo load (on most versions) and the AdBlue-SCR injection to meet strict euro 6 emission standards.
Depending on the variant, the B47 produces between 114 hp and 231 hp, the torque lying between 270 and 500 Nm. Despite the strong torque, fuel consumption is impressive:
- Smaller models such as 116d or 320d can reach 50–60 MPG (UK) on long runs.
- Even more difficult SUVs such as the X3 or X4 give 40+ MPG back in the real journey.
Later B47 versions (B47TÜ1) also added twin turbo setups and 48-volt mild hybrid systems, which further increased both efficiency and drive ability.
Mood
Diesel engines have always had a good potential for voice, and the B47 is no exception. With a simple ECU -Remap, the owners often see electricity profits of 30–50 hp and torque increases from 60 to 80 Nm without changing the hardware.
For enthusiasts who want more, it can help to support mods, e.g. B.:
- Improved charging soil for lower recording temperatures.
- Performance emissions/rains (where emission rules allow).
- Larger turbocharger exchange for heavy performance.
Although the B47 can be finished with the tuning, it is not as over-emphasized as the BMW six-cylinder diesel as the N57. If you press it too far without cooling, cooling, tank and maintenance, the lifespan can be shortened.
pros and cons
Professionals
- Much more reliable than the N47 that it has replaced.
- Excellent fuel efficiency for all variants.
- Strong torque delivery, especially in twin turbo versions.
- Good tuning potential for modest electricity profits.
- Width availability in BMW and Mini models.
Disadvantages
- Over time, still susceptible to EGR and DPF problems.
- Turbocharger and timing chain wear possible with high mileage.
- Dieselsel mixtures are less popular in some markets due to emission regulations.
- Less robust in an extreme mood than six-cylinder diesel engines from BMW.
BMW models with the B47 engine
- B47D20 (85 kW / 114 hp)
- B47C / D20 (110 kW / 148 hp)
- 2014–2016 F10 518D
- 2014–2021 F45 218d Active Tourer
- 2014–2021 F46 218d Gran Tourer
- 2015–2019 F20 118D
- 2015–2021 F22 218D
- 2015–2017 F25 X3 SDRIVE18D
- 2015–2019 F30/F31/F34 318D
- 2015–2020 F32/F36 418D
- 2015–2022 F48 X1 SDRIVE18D
- 2015–2024 F54 Mini Cooper D Clubman
- 2017–2023 F39 X2 SDRIVE18D
- 2017 – Present F60 Mini Cooper D Countryman
- 2018–2023 G30 518D
- 2019 – Present G20 318D
- 2019–2024 F40 118D
- B47C / D20 (120 kW / 161 hp)
- 2015–2024 F56 Mini Cooper SD
- 2015–2018 F30 320D Efficiency Cydynamics Edition
- B47C / D20 (140 kW / 188 hp)
- 2014–2016 F10/F11 520D
- 2014 – Present F26 X4 XDRIVE20D
- 2014 – Present F45 220d Active Tourer
- 2014 – Present F46 220d Gran Tourer
- 2015 – Present F20 120D / 120D XDRIVE
- 2015 – Present F22/F23 220D
- 2014–2017 F25 X3 SDRIVE20D / XDRIVE20D
- 2015–2019 F30/F31/F34 320D
- 2015 – Present F32/F36 420D
- 2015 – Present F48 X1 SDRIVE20D
- 2015 – Present F54 Mini Cooper SD Clubman
- 2016 – Present G30/G31 520D
- 2017 – Present F39 X2 XDRIVE20D
- 2017 – Present F60 Mini Cooper SD Countryman
- 2017 -Present G01 X3 XDRIVE20D
- 2018 – Present G02 X4 XDRIVE20D
- 2018 – Present G32 620d Gran Turismo
- 2019 – Present G20 320D
- 2019 – Present F40 120D XDrive
- 2019 – Strom F44 220d Gran Coupé
- 2021 -Present G42 220D
- B47C / D20 (165 kW / 221 hp)
- 2015–2019 F20 125D
- 2015–2019 F22 225D
- 2015–2018 F30/F31/F34 325D
- 2016–2020 F32/F33/F36 425D
- B47C / D20 (170 kW / 228 hp)
- 2018 – Present G05 X5 XDRIVE25D
- 2015–2018 F15 X5 SDRIVE25D / XDRIVE25D
- 2016 – Present F48 X1 XDRIVE25D
- 2017–2019 G30/G31 525D
- 2018 – Present F39 X2 XDRIVE25D
- 2016–2019 G11 725D / 725LD
Should you get a BMW with the B47 engine?
The BMW B47 is a balanced and reliable diesel engine. It corrects many of the shortcomings of the N47, offers strong fuel efficiency and only has enough tuning headroom to satisfy enthusiasts. Although it is not as bulletproof as BMW’s larger diesel engines, it remains one of the better options in the modern engine line -up of BMW – especially if you appreciate torque, economy and longevity of a daily driver.
