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M47D20TUM47TUD20

M47D20TU 116-150 hp (2001-2004) engine: faults and reliability

BMW M47 (M47D20 / M47TU / M47TU2 / M47R) version

With caution

It already has the swirl flaps, with a risk of serious damage if they break, and the 150 hp variant built between September 2001 and November 2003 also accounts for documented turbo faults.[1][2][3]

Years
2001–2004
Power
116–150 hp
Faults that affect it
6
3 of high or critical severity
Cars that use it
3
in our database

4 sourcesHow we work

What changes in this version

First revision (M47TU), with common rail injection, displacement increased to 1,995 cc and swirl flaps added to the manifold; the 150 hp variant, built between September 2001 and November 2003, also accounts for turbo faults documented by specialist workshops.[1][3]

Engine codes of this version: M47D20TU, M47TUD20.

Faults of the M47D20TU engine

The documented engine faults that affect this version and its years, from most to least important.

  1. 1Critical 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.
  2. 2High 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.
  3. 3Medium 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.
  4. 4Medium 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
  5. 5Critical severityFrequency: RareOtherOil leak from the brake vacuum pumpA 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.
  6. 6Low 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

Cars fitted with the M47D20TU engine

Open each car to see all its faults with this engine and what to check before buying it.

BMW

Frequently asked questions

Is the M47D20TU engine reliable?

Our verdict is “With caution”. It already has the swirl flaps, with a risk of serious damage if they break, and the 150 hp variant built between September 2001 and November 2003 also accounts for documented turbo faults.[1][2][3]

What faults does the M47D20TU engine have?

The documented ones that affect this version, by importance: intake swirl flap breakage (swirl flaps) (critical severity), loss of power and turbo faults (high severity), blocked and seized injectors (medium severity), dual-mass flywheel wear (manual gearbox versions) (medium severity), oil leak from the brake vacuum pump (critical severity) and faulty air flow meter on the BMW M47 (loss of power) (low severity).

Which cars use the M47D20TU engine?

BMW Serie 5 E60 (2003–2007), BMW X3 E83 (2003–2007) and BMW Serie 3 E46 (1998–2005).[1][4]

Are you buying a car with the M47D20TU engine?

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

Do you have a car with this engine? Tell us which 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 M47Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  2. Motor BMW M47: problemas y averíasDasercars · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  3. BMW 3er E46: typische Probleme und SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  4. BMW 3 Series (E46)Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026