BMW M47 vs 2.5 dCi YD25: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 2.5 dCi YD25 carries less risk than the BMW M47: 59/100 (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 2.5 dCi YD25 has 3 documented serious faults, the main one being «Timing chain wear and failure».

Risk index

BMW M47

Very high risk · 3 serious faults

Risk index

2.5 dCi YD25

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

Reviewed on 5 October 202613 sources How 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 2.5 dCi YD25 reliable?

The 2.5 dCi YD25 in the Navara D40 and Pathfinder R51 is tough, but it has one documented weak point: the lower timing chain, whose failure can destroy the engine. Check its condition, as well as the EGR and the turbo.^[5][6][7]

See the 4 of the 2.5 dCi YD25 faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of BMW M47 and 2.5 dCi YD25
Item	BMW M47	2.5 dCi YD25
Technical data
Type	Engine	Engine
Fuel	Diesel	Diesel
Displacement	1,995 cm³	2,488 cm³
Timing	Chain	Chain
Power	116–163 hp	144–190 hp
Production	1998–2007^[1][2][8][9]	2005–2015^[5][10][11]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)	79Very high risk	59High risk
Documented faults	6	4
Of high or critical severity	3	3
Worst severity	Critical severity	Critical severity
Main faults	Critical severity: Intake swirl flap breakage (swirl flaps) High severity: Loss of power and turbo faults Medium severity: Blocked and seized injectors	Critical severity: Timing chain wear and failure High severity: Turbocharger failure Medium severity: EGR valve clogged with carbon
Most expensive documented repair	up to €300Faulty air flow meter on the BMW M47 (loss of power)Published figure^[12]	No reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions	M47D20 116-136 hp (1998-2001)^[1][3]	None
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][13]	2.5 dCi 144 and 174 hp (YD25DDTi, 2005-2010)^[5][6] 2.5 dCi 190 hp (YD25DDTi, 2010-2015)^[5][6]
AvoidVersions to avoid	None	None

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

2.5 dCi YD25

Other comparisons

With the BMW M47

With the 2.5 dCi YD25

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Sources

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

BMW M47Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
BMW M47D20 engine specifications, problems and reliabilityBimmerPulse · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026
Motor BMW M47: problemas y averíasDasercars · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
BMW 3er E46: typische Probleme und SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
Tips for buying a second-hand pickup: Nissan NavaraFarmers Weekly Interactive · Motoring press · consulted 5 October 2026
YD25 Engine Guide: Specs, Reliability, Problems & Buying TipsAutopartswd · Technical documentation · consulted 5 October 2026
Nissan Navara ProblemeCarwiki.de · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in German
BMW M47Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
BMW 3 Series (E46)Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
Nissan YD engineWikipedia · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
Nissan NavaraWikipedia · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
Caudalímetro o sensor MAF: qué es, cómo funciona y cuáles son las averías más frecuentesDiariomotor · Motoring press · consulted 30 October 2026 · in Spanish
Rover 75Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026