BMW/M47

BMW · Single turbo

M47

320d·E46/E90·2001–2007·1,995 cc

"EGR cooler cracked either at lower accordion or upper 90 degree bend — several common faults on this engine."

RISKY

62/ 100

"EGR recall, water pump, and blown expectations"

161

Max HP

340

Torque Nm

10,000

Oil interval km

Recalls

Known issues

Known Issues

EGR Cooler Cracking / Leaking€400–1,200 · 80,000–180,000 kmCRITICAL

The EGR cooler is prone to cracking at the lower accordion section or upper 90-degree bend, causing coolant leaks and potential coolant ingestion into the intake. BMW issued a recall covering nearly 35,000 vehicles for this fault. Multiple forum reports and an Honest John DVSA recall notice confirm this as the most serious known issue on the M47.

White smoke from exhaust

Coolant loss without visible external leak

Sweet smell from intake or exhaust

Overheating

DIY: Hard

Water Pump Failure€300–700 · 100,000–160,000 kmHIGH

Water pump bearing and weep hole failures are repeatedly flagged across forums for the M47. Running with low coolant accelerates bearing wear. DIY guides recommend replacing simultaneously with the timing belt as it shares the same service interval.

Overheating warning

Coolant loss

Rattling from front of engine

Fan noise surge

DIY: Moderate

EGR Valve Malfunction / Carbon Buildup€200–600 · 80,000–150,000 kmHIGH

EGR valve sticking or failing is a documented issue on the M47, causing rough running, reduced power, and increased smoke. Forum posts note EGR readings stuck at zero and valves permanently closed due to carbon fouling.

Rough idle

Black smoke under load

Reduced power

EGR-related fault codes

DIY: Moderate

Crankshaft Pulley / Harmonic Balancer Failure€150–450 · 120,000–200,000 kmHIGH

Multiple E90 forum threads document crankshaft pulley failures on BMW diesel applications of this era, including sudden failure at a stop light and pulley separation. While some posts reference adjacent engines, the pattern appears across the E46/E90 platform broadly.

Battery not charging warning

Serpentine belt thrown

Visible wobble in pulley

Rattling from front of engine

DIY: Moderate

Blow-by / Oil Consumption€200–800 · 150,000–220,000 kmMODERATE

Forum post directly references blow-by issues on the 2006 M47 320d. Combined with documented valve cover gasket oil leaks, higher-mileage units can exhibit meaningful oil consumption and external seepage.

Blue smoke at startup or under load

Oil level dropping between services

Oil residue around valve cover

DIY: Easy

Valve Cover Gasket Oil Leak€80–250 · 80,000–150,000 kmLOW

Valve cover gasket seepage is noted in forum discussions as a common minor issue on the M47. Oil can burn off on hot engine surfaces, producing a burning smell rather than a visible puddle.

Burning oil smell

Oil residue on top of engine

Slight smoke from engine bay

DIY: Easy

Buying Checklist

Run the VIN through the DVSA recall checker to confirm the EGR cooler recall has been completed by a dealer

Pressure-test the cooling system and inspect the EGR cooler for any coolant weeping or white residue

Check service history for evidence of timing belt and water pump replacement — if undocumented, budget for immediate replacement

Scan with OBD diagnostics for EGR, boost, and coolant temperature fault codes before purchase

Inspect the crankshaft pulley at idle for visible wobble and check the rubber decoupler ring for cracking

Check oil level and condition — any milky or frothy oil indicates potential coolant contamination from EGR cooler failure

Service Reality

Community oil interval10,000 km

Oil specificationBMW Longlife-04 5W-30 (Low SAPS diesel-approved)

Est. ownership cost (2yr)€600–1,800 per year depending on mileage, service history, and whether EGR cooler and timing belt work has already been done

Real fuel consumptionNo data

Also Found In

BMW 318d E46BMW 318d E90BMW 320d E46BMW 118d E87Rover 75 2.0 CDTMG ZT 2.0 CDT

Buying Advice

The BMW M47 is a capable diesel engine let down by a well-documented EGR cooler cracking problem significant enough to trigger a DVSA recall affecting tens of thousands of vehicles — this must be your first check before buying. Water pump and timing belt replacement history is non-negotiable given the cost of failure. Budget for these items upfront if service records are absent. With a clean recall history, fresh timing belt service, and a healthy cooling system, a well-maintained M47 can still be a rewarding and economical diesel, but buyers who skip due diligence will likely inherit expensive problems.

Parts People Buy

EGR Cooler — BMW M47Link unavailable

Timing Belt Kit — BMW M47Link unavailable

Water Pump — BMW M47Link unavailable

Crankshaft Pulley — BMW E90 320dLink unavailable

Valve Cover Gasket — BMW M47Link unavailable

EGR Valve — BMW M47Link unavailable

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