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BMW X1 E84 (2009–2015)

BMW X1 E84 N47 (sDrive18d, xDrive20d and xDrive23d) problems

The BMW X1 E84 used the N47 from 2009 to 2014 (sDrive18d, xDrive20d and xDrive23d). 5 documented faults affect it; the most important is “rear timing chain stretch and breakage” (critical severity, very frequent). Our verdict: “With caution”. Among the documented engines of the BMW X1 E84, the safest option is the N52 / N53.

BMW X1 E84 (2009–2015)
Photo: M 93 · CC BY-SA 3.0 de · Wikimedia Commons. Reference image for this generation.

Engine score on this car

1.3 out of 10Very low reliability

Only counting the faults that affect the versions and years of the X1 E84. How we calculate it

Overall score for the BMW X1 E84

5.4 out of 10Acceptable reliability

Engines, gearbox, suspension, brakes, electronics and the rest of the car. See breakdown

12 sourcesHow we work

BMW N47

BMW N47 (N47D20 / N47C16 / N47C20) · Diesel

In the X1 E84
2009–2014[1][2]
Names
sDrive18d · xDrive20d · xDrive23d
Faults that affect it
5 · 3 of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
87
Very high risk

Verdict for the versions it uses

  • N47D20 143 hp (U0/U1, 2007-2014)2007–2014 · 143 hp · N47D20U0, N47D20U1

    With caution

    Same timing chain risk as the rest of the range; it is worth verifying the timing history before buying.[3][4]

  • N47D20 177-184 hp (O0/O1, 2007-2014)2007–2014 · 177–184 hp · N47D20O0, N47D20O1

    With caution

    It is the most widely fitted N47D20 version (120d, 320d, 520d) and shares the same rear chain defect documented across the whole family.[3][4]

  • N47D20 204-218 hp twin-turbo (2007-2014)2007–2014 · 204–218 hp · N47D20T0, N47S1

    With caution

    As the most highly stressed N47D20 version, the additional thermal stress does nothing to reduce the known risk of the rear timing chain.[3][4]

Faults that affect the X1 E84

  1. Critical severityFrequency: Very frequentTimingRear timing chain stretch and breakageYes: the N47 has its timing chain at the rear of the engine, next to the gearbox, and on a very high proportion of units, especially those built between 2007 and 2009, it stretches or breaks prematurely because of an inadequate tensioner, with a risk of destroying the engine.Repair (garage): €1,590–€3,000Appears at around 50,000 km
  2. Critical severityFrequency: CommonIntakeBroken intake manifold swirl flapsYes: the N47's intake manifold has plastic swirl flaps that, with diesel soot and the passing years, can crack, come loose and be sucked into the cylinder, with a risk of seriously damaging the piston, cylinder head and valves.
  3. High severityFrequency: CommonTurboTurbo and wastegate valve failureThe N47's turbo does not usually fail from general wear, but because of failure of the wastegate valve, which regulates boost and can seize or lose adjustment, sending fuel consumption soaring; oil leaks from the turbo itself are also common.Repair (garage): €900–€1,800
  4. Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlClogged or seized EGR valveYes, as on most diesels of its generation: the N47's EGR valve seizes or clogs with carbon, especially on cars used in town, causing an unstable idle, jerking and loss of power; it is not usually a serious fault if it is cleaned or replaced in time.Repair (garage): €400–€1,500
  5. Medium severityFrequency: CommonClutchDual-mass flywheel wear (manual gearbox versions)Yes: on manual-gearbox BMW N47s, the dual-mass flywheel can wear, especially after a lot of town mileage or driving in high gears at low revs; the typical symptoms are vibrations, a metallic rattle at idle and jerking when pulling away.Appears at around 150,000 km

All versions and faults of the BMW N47

What to check before buying a used BMW X1 E84 N47 (sDrive18d, xDrive20d and xDrive23d)

Each point comes from a documented fault that affects this car. You can tick them off as you inspect it.

If it has the BMW N47 (2009–2014)

Rear timing chain stretch and breakage

Critical severity

Broken intake manifold swirl flaps

Critical severity

Turbo and wastegate valve failure

High severity

Clogged or seized EGR valve

Medium severity

Dual-mass flywheel wear (manual gearbox versions)

Medium severity

Other engines and gearboxes of the BMW X1 E84

Score for each one with the faults that affect this car, from best to worst.

Faults of the BMW X1 E84 outside the engine

Suspension, brakes, electronics and the rest of the car: they occur with any engine.

See the 7 faults outside the engine

Buying a BMW X1 E84 N47 (sDrive18d, xDrive20d and xDrive23d)?

We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.

The BMW X1 E84 has 2 documented recalls and campaigns. See which ones and how to find out if they affect you

Frequently asked questions

Is the BMW X1 E84 N47 (sDrive18d, xDrive20d and xDrive23d) reliable?

The BMW X1 E84 used the N47 from 2009 to 2014 (sDrive18d, xDrive20d and xDrive23d). 5 documented faults affect it; the most important is “rear timing chain stretch and breakage” (critical severity, very frequent). Our verdict: “With caution”. Among the documented engines of the BMW X1 E84, the safest option is the N52 / N53.

What faults does the BMW X1 E84 N47 (sDrive18d, xDrive20d and xDrive23d) have?

The documented ones that affect this car are: rear timing chain stretch and breakage (critical severity), broken intake manifold swirl flaps (critical severity), turbo and wastegate valve failure (high severity), clogged or seized EGR valve (medium severity) and dual-mass flywheel wear (manual gearbox versions) (medium severity).

Which engine should you choose for the BMW X1 E84?

None has a «Buy» verdict; the safest option is the BMW N52 / N53, with a «With caution» verdict.

Own a BMW X1 E84 N47 (sDrive18d, xDrive20d and xDrive23d)? Tell us what faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. BMW N47D20 engine specifications, problems and reliabilityBimmerPulse · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026
  2. Problemas con la Cadena de Distribución en Motores BMW N47Autotrac Vinaròs · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  3. BMW N47Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
  4. Fallo en la cadena de distribución BMW motores N47Arroyo Auto, Especialista BMW MINI · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  5. El problema de la cadena de distribución en los motores N47 de BMWSeis en Línea · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  6. Problema cadena BMW motor N47, qué hacer y solucionesRecomotor Blog · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  7. Precio sustitución cadenas motor N47 BMW MINIArroyo Auto, Especialista BMW MINI · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  8. BMW N47 Timing Chain Failure: Symptoms & How to Get a ResolutionFaultyCar.co.uk · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
  9. 5 Signs of BMW N47 Swirl Flap Problems You Can't IgnoreApexx Engines · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026
  10. Motor BMW N47: problemas, modelos y qué revisarCarexam · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  11. Problemas del motor N47 BMWEcorecambios · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  12. Dual-mass flywheel BMW: symptoms, failures and when to replace itRecambios y Accesorios BMW · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026