Gran tourer B47 diesel engine BMW 2 Gran Tourer (F46)

Based on your test drive of the 2018 BMW Gran Tourer 218d with the B47 engine, I can provide some insights about this engine's reliability compared to its predecessor.

The B47 engine appears to be a significant improvement over the N47, particularly regarding the infamous timing chain issues. BMW seems to have learned from the problems with the N47 and made important design changes to the B47.

Reliability of the B47 Engine

The B47 engine has generally shown good reliability since its introduction. Unlike the N47, which was plagued with timing chain failures, there have been no widespread reports of timing chain issues with the B47 engine as of 2025. The engine has been described as "cracking" (excellent) with "phenomenal" power delivery, especially at low RPMs.

Timing Chain Durability
While the B47 still uses a simplex chain similar to the N47, there haven't been the same widespread failure reports. However, some experts still recommend replacing the timing chain preventatively around 200,000 km (approximately 124,000 miles) as a precaution. Your vehicle at 55,000 miles should still have plenty of life left in the original timing chain.

Other Potential Issues

While the B47 is more reliable than its predecessor, there are still some components to be aware of:

1. Torsional vibration damper - May develop cracks around 100,000 km (62,000 miles) and typically needs replacement around 150,000 km (93,000 miles)

2. Other common diesel issues that can affect the B47 include:
- EGR valve and cooler problems
- DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) clogging
- Turbocharger failures
- Swirl flap issues

Maintenance Recommendations

To maximize reliability of your B47-powered BMW:

1. Maintain regular servicing with high-quality synthetic oil
2. Follow BMW's recommended maintenance schedule
3. Address any unusual noises or performance issues promptly

The fact that your vehicle has a full service history (FSH) is a positive sign that it has been properly maintained, which is crucial for these engines.

Overall, the B47 engine has proven to be quite reliable compared to the N47, with no specific widespread issues reported. The improvements BMW made to address the timing chain problems of the N47 appear to have been successful, making the B47 a more dependable choice.