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BMW M47 vs 1.6 / 2.2 i-DTEC: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 1.6 / 2.2 i-DTEC carries less risk than the BMW M47: 54/100 (high risk) versus 79/100 (very high risk). The BMW M47 has 3 documented serious faults, the main one being «Intake swirl flap breakage (swirl flaps)»; the 1.6 / 2.2 i-DTEC has 3 documented serious faults, the main one being «Turbocharger failure».

Risk index

BMW M47

79

Very high risk · 3 serious faults

Risk index

1.6 / 2.2 i-DTEC

54

High risk · 3 serious faults

Lower risk

The index (0–100) weights the severity and frequency of the three most serious documented faults. How it is calculated

15 sourcesHow we work

Is the BMW M47 reliable?

The BMW M47 (1998-2007, a 4-cylinder diesel fitted to the 3 Series E46/E90, 1 Series E87, 5 Series E60, X3 E83, the Rover 75 and the Land Rover Freelander) is solid in its basic mechanicals, but the common rail versions, built since 2001, carry a serious and well-documented problem: the intake manifold swirl flaps can break and enter the cylinder, with a risk of engine damage. The turbo and injectors also account for known faults.[1][2][3][4]

See the 6 of the BMW M47 faults

Is the 1.6 / 2.2 i-DTEC reliable?

The i-DTEC is Honda's diesel family from 2008, with two four-cylinder blocks: the 2.2 (Accord, CR-V) and, from 2013, the 1.6 (Civic, CR-V, HR-V). It uses a timing chain instead of a belt and common-rail injection. The basic architecture has a good reputation for longevity, but the emissions system (DPF and EGR) and the turbocharger account for most of the faults documented by owners themselves.[5][6][7][8]

See the 5 of the 1.6 / 2.2 i-DTEC faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of BMW M47 and 1.6 / 2.2 i-DTEC
BMW M471.6 / 2.2 i-DTEC
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelDieselDiesel
Displacement1,995 cm³—
TimingChainChain
Power116–163 hp120–180 hp
Production1998–2007[1][2][9][10]2008–2020[5][11][12]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)79Very high risk54High risk
Documented faults65
Of high or critical severity33
Worst severityCritical severityCritical severity
Main faults
  1. Critical severity: Intake swirl flap breakage (swirl flaps)
  2. High severity: Loss of power and turbo faults
  3. Medium severity: Blocked and seized injectors
  1. High severity: Turbocharger failure
  2. Critical severity: Timing chain wear or breakage at high mileage
  3. Critical severity: Diesel injector wear or failure
Most expensive documented repairup to €300Faulty air flow meter on the BMW M47 (loss of power)Published figure[13]No reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions
  • M47D20 116-136 hp (1998-2001)[1][3]
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • M47D20TU 116-150 hp (2001-2004)[1][3][4]
  • M47D20TU2 122-163 hp (2004-2007)[1]
  • M47R 116-131 hp (Rover 75, MG ZT and Land Rover Freelander, 1998-2006)[1][14]
  • 1.6 i-DTEC 120 (N16A1, single turbo, from 2013)[6][15]
  • 1.6 i-DTEC 160 (N16A4, twin turbo, CR-V)[7]
  • 2.2 i-DTEC 180 Type S (N22B2, from 2010)[5]
AvoidVersions to avoidNoneNone

Severity of each fault: green, low; amber, medium; red, high; dark red, critical. How we rate them

Cars that each one is fitted to

BMW M47

See the 8 models with the BMW M47

1.6 / 2.2 i-DTEC

Other comparisons

With the BMW M47

With the 1.6 / 2.2 i-DTEC

Compare other engines

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Sources

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

  1. BMW M47Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  2. BMW M47D20 engine specifications, problems and reliabilityBimmerPulse · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026
  3. Motor BMW M47: problemas y averíasDasercars · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  4. BMW 3er E46: typische Probleme und SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  5. Honda N engineWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  6. Fiabilité et pannes Honda Civic (2012-2017)Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  7. Fiabilité et pannes Honda CR-V (2012-2019)Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  8. Fiabilité et pannes Honda CR-V (2007-2013)Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  9. BMW M47Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  10. BMW 3 Series (E46)Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  11. Honda HR-VWikipedia · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  12. Avis et fiabilité Honda Accord (2008-2015)Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  13. Caudalímetro o sensor MAF: qué es, cómo funciona y cuáles son las averías más frecuentesDiariomotor · Motoring press · consulted 30 October 2026 · in Spanish
  14. Rover 75Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  15. Fiabilité et pannes Honda Civic (2017-2022)Fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French