BMW was founded in Munich in 1916. Since then, this brand has been producing cars that many people have fallen in love with. Besides, BMW has produced some amazing engines on the way that provided grit, power, and durability. One of those engines is the BMW N47.
The BMW N47 engine is a powerful and high-performance engine. It is also very efficient as it consumes little fuel compared to competitor engines of its generation. However, this engine is unreliable, bulky, and expensive to maintain. But if it is maintained properly, it lasts for a very long while.
History of the BMW N47 engine
The BMW N47 engine is a four-cylinder common rail diesel engine from BMW. This engine replaced the M47 engine in 2007 and it was succeeded by the B47 engine in 2014. So, it was in use between 2007 and 2013.
When the N47 engine was launched in March 2007, it was installed in the improved BMW 1-Series BMW E87 and E81 models. In the same year, it was also installed in the 1-Series E82 and E88. Nonetheless, this engine has been installed in other BMW series, such as the 5-Series E60 and E61, and the 3-Series E90, E91, E92, E93, and E94 models.
The Twin turbo version
In 2007, BMW launched a twin sequential turbo model. This model produced a total of 150 kW (201 hp) and it is the first production diesel to attain a particular output of more than 75 kW (100 hp) per liter. Besides, it utilizes the same turbo technology first displayed in the BMW E60 535d.
Note that the 150 kW (201 hp) model was used in the BMW E87 123d, E84 X1 xDrive 23d, and F22 225d. Afterward, the engine got an update that boosted the overall output to 160 kW (215 hp) and was fitted on the BMW F30 325d, F10 525d, and F32 425d.
BMW N47 engine variants
| Engine | Displacement | Compression ratio | Power | Torque | Years |
| N47D16 | 1.6L (1,598 cc) | 16.5:1 | 70 kW (94hp) @4000 rpm | 235 N.m (173 lb.ft) @ 1500 to 2750 rpm | 2013 |
| – | – | – | 85 kW (114hp) @4000 rpm | 260 N.m (192 lb.ft) @ 1500 to 2750 rpm | 2012 |
| N47D20 | 2.0L (1,995 cc) | 16.5:1 | 85 kW (114hp) @4000 rpm | 260 N.m (192 lb.ft) @ 1750 rpm | 09/2009 |
| – | – | – | 105 kW (141hp) @4000 rpm | 300 N.m (221 lb.ft) @ 3000 rpm | 03/2007 |
| – | – | – | 120 kW (161hp) @4000 rpm | 340 N.m (251 lb.ft) @ 2000 rpm | 09/2009 |
| – | – | – | 130 kW (174hp) @4000 rpm | 350 N.m (258 lb.ft) @ 3000 rpm | 03/2007 |
| – | – | – | 135 kW (181hp) @4000 rpm | 380 N.m (280 lb.ft) @ 2750 rpm | 03/2010 |
| – | – | 16.1:1 | 150 kW (201hp) @4,400 rpm | 400 N.m (295 lb.ft) @ 2000 rpm | 03/2010 |
| – | – | 16.5:1 | 160 kW (215hp) @4,400 rpm | 450 N.m (332 lb.ft) @ 2500 rpm | 2011 |
Features of the BMW N47
The BMW N47 engine comes with an aluminum crankcase with thermally joined gray cast iron liners. Additionally, all the engine versions have two needle-bearing balancer shafts meshed in the crankcase, apart from the 85-kW version in the 116d.
What’s more, it features a four-cylinder head with two overhead camshafts that operate through roller rocker arms the valves. While the common-rail injection mechanism on this engine works at pressures of between 1600 and 2000 bar. Additionally, the fuel is injected into the combustion chamber through the centrally fixed solenoid valve injectors.
It is also vital to note that most BMW N47 engine variants have turbochargers with adjustable turbine vanes setup. Furthermore, the most powerful stages, such as the 150 kW and 160 kW feature two turbochargers operating on the united principle of register charging and multi-layer charging.
Last but not least, the engine comes with a diesel particulate filter that cleans the exhaust gases. This filter is located next to the engine with an upstream oxidation catalytic converter.
Power of the N47 engines
The BMW N47 engine variants have powers from 163 hp to 218 hp. Contrarily, the more powerful engines come with a piezo common rail injection system with an operating pressure of 1800 to 2000 bar. While the weaker engines have an injection pressure that starts from 1600 bar.
FAQ
Is the BMW N47 a good engine?
Yes, the BMW N47 engine is a very nice engine. It is powerful, fuel-efficient, silent, and produces a pleasant sound. However, this engine also has several issues that may attract thousands of dollars in repair and maintenance.
For instance, the timing chain issue may cost you at least $800 in repairs. What’s more, you may be forced to dismantle the entire engine, which is laborious and extremely costly.
When does the BMW N47 start having problems?
Some BMW N47 drivers have reported registering problems as early as 20,000 miles. However, most people start facing timing chain issues after 60,000 miles. But if you keep your BMW N47 in check, you may start to experience most issues after clocking over 100,000 miles.
More about BMW N47 issues.
What are the common problems with BMW N47?
The BMW N47 engine is one of the least reliable BMW engines ever built. This is because it registers several issues that users have complained about over the years. Some of the issues that the N47 experiences are faulty timing chain, faulty crankshaft sprocket, failing return spring, EGR issues, and power steering pump failure.
Why do N47 timing chains fail?
The main reason why the timing chain fails on the BMW N47 engine is because of the weak tensioners that fail to apply the ideal tense onto the chains. After some time, the chain becomes slacked and gets loose. This causes the timing chain to snap or even break.
Summary
Generally, the BMW N47 engine is very powerful and economical. It also has an excellent work culture as it doesn’t vibrate a lot and it generates a pleasant sound. The only challenge is the serious problems that it comes with, such as the timing chain problem, power steering pump failure, faulty crankshaft sprocket, EGR issues, and failing return spring.
If you decide to acquire the BMW N47 engine, you should be ready to spend a lot on repairs and maintenance. Nonetheless, with proper care and maintenance, this engine will last over 250,000 miles.