BMW M47 (M47D20 / M47TU / M47TU2 / M47R)Oil leaks
Oil leak from the brake vacuum pump on the BMW M47
A BMW specialist workshop documents that the seals of the M47's vacuum pump, which generates the vacuum needed for brake assistance because a diesel does not produce it naturally, can wear and let oil through, which can end up stiffening the brake pedal.[1]
Why this rating?
Critical severity: It can destroy the engine or gearbox, or affects safety.
Frequency rare: We have found only one source, a Spanish workshop specialising in BMW and MINI, that documents this fault on the M47, and we have found no independent confirmation despite looking specifically in other German-language used-car guides that cover the engine's other faults in detail. We treat it as a documented but isolated case, not a widespread problem, although its possible effect on brake assistance justifies the severity assigned.[1]
Symptoms
- The brake pedal gradually stiffens and more force is needed to brake, because the pump stops generating the vacuum needed.[1]Hard brake pedal: other faults that cause it · As soon as possible
- Traces of oil around the vacuum pump and the auxiliary belt, from worn seals.[1]Oil leak: other faults that cause it · Monitor
Why it happens
A diesel does not naturally generate intake vacuum, as it has no throttle butterfly, so the M47 has a dedicated mechanical vacuum pump to supply the brake servo; over time, its seals can wear and let oil through to the area of the auxiliary belt.[1]
If it is not repaired: If the pump stops generating enough vacuum, brake assistance is reduced and the pedal stiffens, which demands more force and a longer distance to stop; it is a safety problem if left unattended.[1]
Affected cars and years
The source consulted does not limit the problem to a specific version or range of years within the BMW-badged M47 family; we have not found specific data on the vacuum pump of the M47R in the Rover 75 or Land Rover Freelander.[1]
| Version | Years | Codes |
|---|---|---|
| M47D20 116-136 hp (1998-2001) | 1998–2001 | M47D20 |
| M47D20TU 116-150 hp (2001-2004) | 2001–2004 | M47D20TUM47TUD20 |
| M47D20TU2 122-163 hp (2004-2007) | 2004–2007 | M47D20TU2M47TU2D20 |
| M47R 116-131 hp (Rover 75, MG ZT and Land Rover Freelander, 1998-2006) | 1998–2006 | M47R |
Models fitted with the affected versions
BMW
- BMW Serie 1 E872004–2007
- BMW Serie 3 E902005–2007
- BMW Serie 5 E602003–2007
- BMW X3 E832003–2007
- BMW Serie 3 E461998–2005
Land Rover
- Land Rover Freelander I2001–2006
MG
- MG ZT2001–2005
Rover
- Rover 751998–2005
How much it costs to repair
Includes: Replacement of the vacuum pump and its seals.[1]
We have not found a published quote in Spain for this repair on the M47.
Prices in Spain, including VAT. A workshop hour costs on average €38–66 at independent garages and €77–134 at dealerships in Spain, depending on the region and the brand. How we calculate costs
How to check for it before buying a used car
Parts needed
The part or kit that fixes this fault, according to the sources.
Vacuum pump[1]
Generates the vacuum the brake servo needs on a diesel engine; replaced when its seals stop sealing.
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How to prevent it
- If you notice the brake pedal gradually losing its smoothness, do not let it go: have the vacuum pump checked as soon as possible.[1]
Recalls, campaigns and claims
As of 27 September 2026, we have no record of recalls, campaigns or extended manufacturer warranties for this fault. Check with an official dealer using the chassis (VIN) number: they will tell you whether the car has any outstanding campaign.
What owners say
Frequently asked questions
Why does a diesel need a vacuum pump for the brakes?
Because, unlike a petrol engine with a throttle butterfly, a diesel does not naturally generate the intake vacuum the brake servo needs, so the M47 has a mechanical pump dedicated to that job.[1]
What happens if the vacuum pump fails?
The brake pedal gradually stiffens and more force is needed to stop the car, which reduces safety if not corrected.[1]
Is it a common problem on the M47?
With the information available we cannot say it is common: we have found only one source that documents it, although its possible effect on braking means it is worth checking at any sign of a hard pedal.[1]
What can you do now?
We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.
Other BMW M47 faults
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequentIntakeIntake swirl flap breakage (swirl flaps)Yes: the common rail versions of the M47 (built since 2001) have flaps in the intake manifold that, with diesel soot and heat cycles, can break and be sucked into the cylinder, with a risk of serious damage to the piston, cylinder head and valves.
- High severityFrequency: CommonTurboLoss of power and turbo faultsThe M47's turbo does not usually fail suddenly, but it loses power gradually as carbon builds up in the variable geometry; the 150 hp variant built between September 2001 and November 2003 also accounts for turbo faults documented by specialist workshops.
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonInjectionBlocked and seized injectorsOver the miles, carbon builds up around the M47's injector seats and can seize them; a German used-car guide adds that the high-pressure pump on the first common rail units (before the first facelift) is relatively prone to failure.
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonClutchDual-mass flywheel wear (manual gearbox versions)On BMWs with the M47 engine and a manual gearbox, the dual-mass flywheel can wear with mileage, especially with a lot of urban use or long spells in high gears at low revs; typical symptoms are vibrations, a metallic rattle at idle and jerking when pulling away.Appears at around 150,000 km
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalIntakeFaulty 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
More faults with oil leaks on other engines and cars
- High severityFrequency: Very frequentOM642Oil cooler seal leak (between the cylinder heads)Yes: the OM642's oil cooler, between the two cylinder heads, has seals that harden with heat and eventually leak oil. It is the engine's most frequently cited weak point, especially before 2009-2010, and the repair is expensive because the intake manifold, turbo and several injectors have to be removed.Repair (garage): €1,500–€2,200Appears at around 120,000 km
- High severityFrequency: CommonBMW N62 / N63N63 oil consumption from worn valve stem sealsYes: the original N63 is known for using oil and the German press attributes it to worn valve stem seals. Gebrauchtwagenberater gives €3,000-4,500 as a repair reference in Germany.
- High severityFrequency: Occasional1.6 dCiOil leak from the timing chain coverThe 1.6 dCi uses a timing chain, not a belt, but several Kadjar and Espace V owners describe oil leaks around the chain cover or casing, in some cases serious enough to require removing part of the engine.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalVolvo 5 cilindros gasolinaFront camshaft seal leak wetting the timing beltWith the crankcase ventilation blocked, the pressure can force the front camshaft seal and the oil reaches the timing belt. It is a serious risk, because if the belt fails the valves bend, but the sources give no case figures.
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonBMW B58Oil and coolant leak from the plastic oil filter housingThe B58's plastic oil filter housing can crack or lose its seal with heat and age, letting oil, coolant or both escape. One parts retailer puts the failure between 60,000 and 100,000 miles (roughly 97,000-161,000 km).Appears at around 97,000 km
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonBMW B58Failure of the crankcase ventilation PCV valve (integrated in the valve cover)On the first-generation B58 the PCV valve, integrated in the valve cover, can tear its diaphragm and stop separating oil from the crankcase gases. It causes blue or white smoke, a whistling noise, higher oil consumption and misfires; the whole cover is usually replaced.
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Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Motor BMW M47: problemas y averíasDasercars · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish