Troubleshooting the BMW B47: A Comprehensive Guide to Engine Problems

If you drive a BMW with the B47 diesel engine; which is in popular models like the 1 Series, 3 Series, X1, 5 Series, and even some MINI and Toyota cars, you already know it has a good balance of power and fuel economy. But like all engines, it has some problems.

In this article, we’ll show you the most common problems with the BMW B47 engine, how to find them early, and what to do about them. This guide will help you keep your diesel powerhouse functioning at its best, whether you own it, want to buy it, or just want to know more about BMW B47 engine reliability.

What is the BMW B47 Engine?

The BMW B47 is a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder, turbocharged diesel engine that came out in 2014 to take the place of the N47, which had a lot of problems. The B47 is used in a lot of different vehicles, including rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It has a modular design and meets Euro 6 standards.

It has a range of power outputs, from 116 to 231 horsepower, and it has good torque, runs quietly (for a diesel), and gets great gas mileage. But even though it’s better than the last one, it still has problems.

Problems with the BMW B47 Engine

1. Problems with the EGR valve and cooler

The EGR system can get clogged with carbon, which makes the engine run poorly and consume more gas.

Typical symptoms include poor fuel economy, loss of power, engine hesitation and warning lights.

Fix: Clean or replace the EGR valve and cooler. Always Check your recall status on VIN.

2. Timing chain Wear

Some B47 engines still have timing chain chatter and strain, even though they are better than the N47. This is especially true if they are not serviced well.

Alarming signs are rough idling, poor performance, rattling noises or check engine light.

Fix: Check it out right away if you hear rattling; replacing the timing chain early can stop major harm.

3. Blockage of the DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Short excursions often stop DPF regeneration, which leads to clogs and warning lights.

Typical symptoms include DPF warning light, limp mode, loss of power and increased fuel consumption.

Fix: force DPF regeneration or get an expert to clean it. Long Driving on the regular can help keep it from happening.

4. Wear on the Turbocharger

A turbo can fail if it has a lot of miles on it or if the oil is bad. Worn turbos can cause excessive smoke or poor performance.

Early indicators are black smoke from the exhaust, whining sounds and loss of power.

Solution: Replace or rebuild the turbo. Always apply engine oil that BMW recommends and let the engine cool down after vigorous driving.

Here are the specs for the BMW B47 Engine at a glance:

Specification                                                     Details

Engine type                                                      2.0 L Inline 4 turbo diesel

Output                                                              116– 231 hp

Turbo                                                               Single or twin turbo

Torque                                                              270– 500NM

Fuel economy                                                  Up to 70 mpg combined

Emission standard                                           Euro 6 complaint 

Is the BMW B47 Engine Reliable?

Well, overall the BMW B47 engine is reliable, more so when you compare it with the earlier N47 engine. Treat it right and drive it sensibly, it’ll easily see over 150,000 miles.

That being said, if you don’t take care of it, ignore early warning signs, or use the wrong oil, it turns a reliable contraption into a ticking time bomb. If you keep up with it when it comes to maintenance, it will work well for you.

Tips for Preventative Maintenance

• Use LL-04-approved BMW engine oil to change the oil (on time). 
• Let the engine warm up before you speed up a lot. 
• Don’t just take short trips; for the DPF’s health, be sure to take long trips often. 
• Pay alert to early symptoms like warning lights or sounds that shake. 
• Use OEM or high-quality parts when you fix anything.

Final Thoughts

The BMW B47 engine is a good all-around engine since it is fuel-efficient, has a lot of torque, and is generally reliable. But like all modern diesel engines, it needs regular care and a little love from a professional. 

Keep up with maintenance, use the correct oil, and pay attention to the danger indications. Your luxury SUV will be your road warrior for many years to come.

Faqs

What are the most typical difficulties with the BMW B47 engine?

The most typical problems include clogged EGR valves, blocked DPFs, worn timing chains, and broken turbochargers. Most of them can be avoided with proper maintenance.

Is the B47 engine in the BMW reliable?

Yes, given the right care, it is thought to be reliable. It works nicely when serviced properly and is a big step up over the N47.

What kind of oil should I put in the BMW B47 engine?

Depending on your model, use fully synthetic BMW-approved LL-04 5W-30 or 0W-30 oil. Always look at your owner’s manual.

What variants have the B47 engine?

The BMW B47 engine is found in the 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Series, X1, X3, and some MINI and Toyota cars, such as the Verso.

Is the BMW B47 still having trouble with its timing chain?

Timing chains can still stretch, but not as badly as the N47. This is more likely to occur in engines that have a lot of miles or are poorly maintained.