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M47R

M47R 116-131 hp (Rover 75, MG ZT and Land Rover Freelander, 1998-2006) engine: faults and reliability

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

With caution

The M47R was designed with a different turbo and thermal management from the BMW-badged engine, so the faults documented in this entry for the D20/TU/TU2 versions cannot be directly extrapolated to it; we recommend general caution and a full mechanical inspection before buying.[1][2]

Years
1998–2006
Power
116–131 hp
Faults that affect it
1
1 of high or critical severity
Cars that use it
3
in our database

5 sourcesHow we work

What changes in this version

Version designed by Rover Group and the Steyr engineers for transverse mounting, with common rail injection from the start, a Mitsubishi turbo (Rover 75 and MG ZT) or variable-geometry Garrett turbo (Land Rover Freelander) and different thermal management from the BMW-badged versions.[1][2][3]

Engine codes of this version: M47R.

Faults of the M47R engine

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

  1. 1Critical 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.

Cars fitted with the M47R engine

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

Land Rover

MG

Rover

Frequently asked questions

Is the M47R engine reliable?

Our verdict is “With caution”. The M47R was designed with a different turbo and thermal management from the BMW-badged engine, so the faults documented in this entry for the D20/TU/TU2 versions cannot be directly extrapolated to it; we recommend general caution and a full mechanical inspection before buying.[1][2]

What faults does the M47R engine have?

The documented ones that affect this version, by importance: oil leak from the brake vacuum pump (critical severity).

Which cars use the M47R engine?

Rover 75 (1998–2005), Land Rover Freelander I (2001–2006) and MG ZT (2001–2005).[2][3][4][5]

Are you buying a car with the M47R 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. Rover 75Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  3. Land Rover FreelanderWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  4. Rover 75Wikipedia (español) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  5. MG ZTWikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 30 October 2026