BMW N47 (N47D20 / N47C16 / N47C20)EGR valve
Clogged or seized EGR valve on the BMW N47
Why this rating?
Medium severity: It can leave you stranded or get worse if ignored, without destroying the engine.
Frequency common: It is one of the most cited N47 faults along with the turbo, although, unlike the timing chain, we have not found a specific BMW campaign or extended warranty for the N47 for this reason.[1][2]
Symptoms
- Jerking or uneven running when accelerating gently, especially when cold.[2]Jerking: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
- Loss of power and a less progressive throttle response.[2]Less power: other faults that cause it · Monitor
- Black smoke under acceleration in the more advanced cases of blockage.[2]Black smoke: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
- Engine warning light on with a code related to the flow of recirculated exhaust gases.[2]Engine warning light: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
Why it happens
The EGR valve recirculates exhaust gas to the intake to reduce NOx emissions; with use, diesel carbon builds up inside it and in the passage, until the valve seizes completely or partially.[1][2]
Short town journeys, in which the engine does not reach its optimum temperature for long, encourage more soot build-up than mainly road use does.[2]
If it is not repaired: A seized EGR causes uneven running, jerking and higher consumption, and can speed up clogging of the particulate filter; it does not usually damage the engine permanently if it is dealt with reasonably promptly.[2]
Affected cars and years
It is documented generally for the whole N47D20 family, and we have not found a specific limitation by years or versions.[1]
| Version | Years | Codes |
|---|---|---|
| N47D20 116 hp (K0/K1, 2007-2014) | 2007–2014 | N47D20K0N47D20K1 |
| N47D20 143 hp (U0/U1, 2007-2014) | 2007–2014 | N47D20U0N47D20U1 |
| N47D20 177-184 hp (O0/O1, 2007-2014) | 2007–2014 | N47D20O0N47D20O1 |
| N47D20 204-218 hp twin-turbo (2007-2014) | 2007–2014 | N47D20T0N47S1 |
| N47C16 90-112 hp (MINI Cooper D, 2010-2016) | 2010–2016 | N47C16A |
| N47C20 112-143 hp (MINI Cooper SD, 2011-2016) | 2011–2016 | N47C20A |
Models fitted with the affected versions
BMW
- BMW Serie 1 E872007–2011
- BMW Serie 1 F202011–2014
- BMW Serie 3 E902007–2012
- BMW Serie 3 F302012–2014
- BMW Serie 5 E602007–2010
- BMW Serie 5 F102010–2014
- BMW X1 E842009–2014
- BMW X3 E832007–2010
- BMW X3 F252010–2014
MINI
- MINI Cooper R562010–2013
- MINI Countryman R602011–2016
- MINI Clubman R552010–2014
How much it costs to repair
Includes: Diagnosis, cleaning or replacement of the EGR valve; the published range also includes cases in which the particulate filter is affected by urban use.[2]
We have not found a separate breakdown for the EGR alone versus the particulate filter in the sources consulted.
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.
EGR valve[2]
Cleaned or replaced when it seizes through carbon build-up.
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How to prevent it
- Alternate short town journeys with the occasional longer run, so that the engine reaches temperatures that help limit soot build-up.
- Do not remove or disable the EGR valve yourself: besides not complying with Spain's ITV roadworthiness inspection, it can speed up wear of other components.
Recalls, campaigns and claims
As of 26 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 the BMW N47's EGR fail so much?
Because it recirculates soot-laden exhaust gas to the intake, and that soot gradually builds up in the valve until it seizes; the problem is accentuated on cars used in town.[1][2]
Is it dangerous to keep driving with a faulty EGR?
It is not usually dangerous in the short term, but it is best not to put it off: the uneven running and jerking get worse, and it can speed up clogging of the particulate filter.[2]
How much does it cost to fix the N47's EGR?
Between €400 and €1,500, depending on whether cleaning is enough or it has to be replaced, and on whether the particulate filter has also been affected.[2]
What can you do now?
We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.
Other BMW N47 faults
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequentTimingRear timing chain stretch and breakageYes: the N47 has its timing chain at the rear of the engine, next to the gearbox, and on a very high proportion of units, especially those built between 2007 and 2009, it stretches or breaks prematurely because of an inadequate tensioner, with a risk of destroying the engine.Repair (garage): €1,590–€3,000Appears at around 50,000 km
- Critical severityFrequency: CommonIntakeBroken intake manifold swirl flapsYes: the N47's intake manifold has plastic swirl flaps that, with diesel soot and the passing years, can crack, come loose and be sucked into the cylinder, with a risk of seriously damaging the piston, cylinder head and valves.
- High severityFrequency: CommonTurboTurbo and wastegate valve failureThe N47's turbo does not usually fail from general wear, but because of failure of the wastegate valve, which regulates boost and can seize or lose adjustment, sending fuel consumption soaring; oil leaks from the turbo itself are also common.Repair (garage): €900–€1,800
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonClutchDual-mass flywheel wear (manual gearbox versions)Yes: on manual-gearbox BMW N47s, the dual-mass flywheel can wear, especially after a lot of town mileage or driving in high gears at low revs; the typical symptoms are vibrations, a metallic rattle at idle and jerking when pulling away.Appears at around 150,000 km
More faults with the EGR valve on other engines and cars
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequentBMW B47EGR cooler leaks with risk of engine fireYes: the EGR valve cooler can suffer internal coolant leaks which, mixed with soot and oil, can reach combustion temperatures; BMW has launched several technical campaigns since 2018 to inspect and replace it because of the risk of engine fire.Repair (garage): €500–€1,500
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequentBMW N57EGR cooler leaks with risk of engine fireYes: like the N47 and B47, the N57 is covered by BMW's service campaign for EGR cooler leaks, which can mix coolant with soot and oil to combustion temperatures. BMW checks free of charge the 6-cylinder engines built between July 2012 and June 2015 because of the fire risk.
- High severityFrequency: Very frequentOM651EGR and particulate filter clogging, and emissions software updatesThe particulate filter and EGR clog up with short journeys, as on any diesel with these systems. In addition, Germany's KBA required software updates on several models with this engine between 2018 and 2021 because of a function that reduced EGR outside a temperature range.Repair (garage): €800–€2,500
- Medium severityFrequency: Very frequentOM642Emissions defeat device (AdBlue/EGR) and software update campaignGermany's KBA found indications of emissions manipulation in cars with the OM642 engine (alongside the OM651): AdBlue dosing and the EGR changed between the test bench and the road. Mercedes-Benz denied it, but in 2018 it recalled hundreds of thousands of diesels in Europe.
- Medium severityFrequency: Very frequent2.0/2.2 D-4DEGR valve clogged with sootYes: the EGR valve clogs with soot very frequently across the whole 1AD/2AD D-4D family, especially with urban use and short journeys, and it usually causes a loss of power or the engine warning light to come on.Appears at around 45,000 km
- Medium severityFrequency: Very frequent1.9 TDIEGR valve clogged with carbonThe 1.9 TDI's EGR valve fills with carbon deposits, especially on short, urban journeys, and it is the fault that appears in the statistics for every model and output consulted, from the rotary pump to the unit injector.Repair (garage): €350–€450Appears at around 50,000 km
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Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Problemas del motor N47 BMWEcorecambios · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
- Motor BMW N47: problemas, modelos y qué revisarCarexam · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish