Any major known problems with the BMW M47 engine? - BMW 320d 2006 BMW 2000-3200 (E9) Coupe

@Dockliffirm

02.04.2021 10:42

Member

I’m looking at a 2006 320D Touring (06 plates, over 100K on the clock, but full-service history). The BMW dealership said the engine is an M47 which I’m happy about because I don’t want the N47.

Does anyone know of any common BMW M47 engine problems I should consider before buying?

Started

02.04.21

Latest reply

19.10.25

Replies

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9394

@Compossides

06.04.2021 14:55

Member

The M47 is pretty reliable. Inlet swirl flaps can be an issue so check they've been removed and go through the service history with a fine-tooth comb.
@Kettere

06.04.2021 14:56

Member

I've had a September 2003 320D and typical issues are the swirl flaps and potential turbocharger failures. It had 44,000 miles on it when I sold it and the only problems I had in almost 4 years were with the CD changers and both rear springs.
@A. Smith

05.06.2025 18:10

Member

Thanks for the heads-up on the swirl flap. It seems to be a common issue with M47s. Some folks suggest fitting a swirl flap delete kit as a precaution if it hasn’t been done yet. Definitely something I’ll look into.
@a_evans

06.06.2025 14:13

Member

Good call on the M47. Most often bmw m47 engine problems are things like swirl flaps, clogged EGR, and worn turbos, but nothing too scary if it’s been looked after.
@L-L-L

09.06.2025 12:43

Member

Anyone here have M47 engine with more than 150k miles? I want to know how strong it is after this mileage. If you do normal service, is it still running good? Or many problems start to happen? Please share your experience, I would really appreciate.
- BMW 3 (E46) 320 d
  
  S. D.
  
  03.09.2025 12:11
  
  @L-L-L
  
  Member
  
  I had last week one E46 2.0 diesel, 136 hp for normal maintenance. On the clock marked more than 524.00 km. That is about 326.000 miles. Was running perfect. Is also true that the car was in really good state. Was loked after
BMW 3 Convertible (E36) 318i

D. G.

19.10.2025 12:20

Member

Another common problem is the "overpressure" in the turbos. In that model per year it will be solved.There are m47s that mount a filter on the rocker cover (the cover is disassembled with 3 torx screws) and others that bring a decanter. The solution if it brings filter is to mount the decanter there are many posts about it with the reference. Vacuum tubes are also common to fail with these years, and the maf is common to fail. When the maf fails the car is slow and consumes a lot. But the main problem are swirlflaps.