"Timing chain tension check on B47 is a real procedure — don't skip it on any used example."
RISKY
62/ 100
"EGR fire risk shadows a capable diesel"
228
Max HP
500
Torque Nm
10,000
Oil interval km
1
Recalls
4
Known issues
Known Issues
EGR Cooler Coolant Leak — Fire Risk€800–2,500 · 60,000–150,000 kmCRITICAL
The EGR cooler can develop an internal coolant leak. Coolant mixes with soot and sediment and, at high exhaust temperatures, can ignite. BMW issued multiple recalls and extended them through at least 2024, affecting nearly 35,000 BMW and MINI vehicles. Even replacement coolers have been reported to leak again.
Burning smell from engine bay
Unexplained coolant loss
White or sweet-smelling smoke
Air leak at EGR cooler flange
Engine warning lights
DIY: Hard
Timing Chain Tension and Guide Wear€900–2,200 · 80,000–160,000 kmHIGH
The B47 timing chain system requires monitoring for tensioner and guide wear. Community members and forum posts reference timing chain tension checks as a known maintenance procedure on this engine. Slack in the secondary chain or worn guides can cause rattles and, if ignored, catastrophic engine failure.
Oil leaks from the valve cover gasket and oil filter housing gasket are a recurring theme across BMW diesel forum discussions. Burning oil smell is a common first symptom. These are wear items but should be addressed promptly to avoid oil reaching hot exhaust components.
Burning oil smell while driving or after parking
Visible oil residue on valve cover or filter housing
Smoke from engine bay
Low oil level warnings
DIY: Moderate
EGR Valve Fouling and Carbon Build-up€200–700 · 80,000–150,000 kmMODERATE
EGR valve and intake manifold carbon fouling is a known issue on diesel engines with EGR systems. Forum data references EGR valve replacement alongside EGR cooler recall work, and some owners pursue EGR deletion or software removal to prevent recurrence.
Rough idle
Loss of power
Increased smoke on acceleration
EGR-related fault codes
DIY: Moderate
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Buying Checklist
Run the VIN through BMW recall database and confirm EGR cooler recall has been completed — do not buy if outstanding
Cold-start the engine and listen carefully for timing chain rattle or metallic chatter that fades once warm
Connect OBD diagnostic tool and run BMW-specific timing chain tension test; check for any EGR or oil pressure fault codes
Inspect the EGR cooler area and intake manifold for coolant residue, soot staining, or signs of a re-leak after recall repair
Check valve cover and oil filter housing for oil seepage and evidence of burning oil smell in the engine bay
Request full service history and verify oil was changed at no more than 10,000 km intervals with correct BMW LL-04 specification oil
Est. ownership cost (2yr)€1,200–3,500 over 3 years depending on EGR, timing, and seal condition at purchase
Real fuel consumptionNo data
Also Found In
BMW 118d F20BMW 218d F45/F46BMW 520d G30BMW X1 xDrive20d F48BMW X3 xDrive20d F25/G01MINI Cooper SD F55/F56BMW 420d F32
Buying Advice
The BMW B47 is a meaningfully better engine than the N47 it replaced, but it carries a serious EGR cooler fire risk that has required multiple recall extensions stretching to 2024 — always verify recall completion before any purchase. Timing chain health is the second non-negotiable check; insist on a cold-start inspection and a diagnostic tension test, as guide and tensioner wear can be expensive if ignored. Oil leaks from the valve cover and filter housing are common on higher-mileage examples but are manageable if caught early and not allowed to drip onto hot exhaust components. Budget for proactive maintenance and this engine rewards you; ignore the warning signs and it can become a very costly ownership experience.
Parts People Buy
BMW B47 EGR CoolerLink unavailable
BMW B47 Timing Chain KitLink unavailable
BMW B47 Valve Cover GasketLink unavailable
BMW B47 Oil Filter Housing GasketLink unavailable
BMW Longlife-04 5W-30 Engine OilLink unavailable
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