Engine sensors BMW: problems by model and engine

Documented faults, from most to least important

Severity × frequency. Below each one, the BMW models it appears in.

- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalBMW B57AdBlue/SCR system fault (NOx sensors, heater and pump)A specialist garage considers the B57's AdBlue/SCR system the fault that most often leaves cars immobilised: a NOx sensor, the quality sensor, the heater or the pump usually fails, and topping up the tank rarely stops the countdown of remaining starts.
In Serie 3 G20, Serie 5 G30, Serie 7 G11, X3 G01, X3 G45 and X4 G02 and 3 more models
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalBMW M57Faulty air flow meter on the BMW M57 (loss of power)The air flow meter is a known fault on six-cylinder M57 diesels: over time it loses accuracy and the car pulls less. It is a cheap repair compared with the turbo or injection.Repair (garage): €100–€300
In Serie 3 E46, Serie 5 E39, Serie 5 E60, Serie 7 E65, X3 E83 and X5 E53
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalBMW M47Faulty air flow meter on the BMW M47 (loss of power)On the 2.0 M47 diesel the air flow meter appears among parts that can fail with age and cause loss of power or judder. It is fixed by replacing the sensor; other causes must be ruled out first.Repair (garage): €100–€300
In Serie 1 E87, Serie 3 E46, Serie 3 E90, Serie 5 E60 and X3 E83

By BMW model

Open yours to see only the faults that affect it, by engine and by year.

Engines and gearboxes involved

Frequently asked questions

What faults with the engine sensors do BMW cars have?

In 17 models from BMW there are 3 documented faults with the engine sensors. The most important: AdBlue/SCR system fault (NOx sensors, heater and pump), faulty air flow meter on the BMW M57 (loss of power) and faulty air flow meter on the BMW M47 (loss of power). Each fault has its own page with the affected years and versions, the symptoms and the repair cost.

Which BMW models have the most problems with the engine sensors?

BMW Serie 3 E46 (2 faults), BMW Serie 5 E60 (2 faults), BMW X3 E83 (2 faults) and BMW Serie 5 E39 (1 fault).

Which BMW engines have faults with the engine sensors?

BMW B57 (1 fault), BMW M47 (1 fault) and BMW M57 (1 fault).