BMW B47D20 engine code explained
B47D20 is the full code for BMW's modular 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel in rear-drive cars: the 118d, 318d, 320d, 420d, 520d, X3 20d and X4 20d from 2014 onwards. Its transverse twin for the X1, X2, 1 Series F40 and 2 Series Active Tourer / Gran Coupe is the B47C20. BMW revised it as the B47TU (parts code B47D20B) from 2019 to 2020, and the 48V mild-hybrid B47D20O2 arrived with the G60 5 Series in 2024.
Quick answer
The B47D20 is the 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel of the BMW B47 family, built 2014-present. Bimmer.AI scores the family 6 / 10: a sound used buy provided the known weak points are documented. The tables below give every output tier and sticker letter BMW used on this stem and which cars got them; the failure table is the same one that powers the B47 family guide.
How to read B47D20
| Part of the code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| B | B-series modular engine generation (2013 onwards) |
| 47 | engine family number within the B-series |
| D | diesel, longitudinal (rear-drive platform) |
| 20 | displacement in tenths of a litre: 2.0 litres |
| K / U / M / O / T / S + digit | output tier and revision, appended in BMW's internal naming (for example B47D20O1) |
| A / B / C / D | parts-catalogue engine version printed on the engine cover sticker (for example B47D20A) |
B47D20 output tiers and which cars have them
| Code | Output | Cars | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| B47D20U0 / U1 | 116 bhp | 116d (F20 2015-2019), 316d (F30 2015-2018), 216d Coupe, 516d (G30 2018-2020) | Entry tier |
| B47D20K0 / K1 | 150 bhp | 118d, 218d, 318d (F30 / G20), 418d, 518d (G30 2017-2020) | K1 is the B47TU version from 2019/2020 |
| B47D20O0 | 190 bhp | 120d, 220d, 320d (F30 LCI 2015-2019), 420d (2015-2020), 520d (F10 LCI 2014-2017, G30 2017-2020), X3 xDrive20d (G01 2017-2020), X4 20d | The volume tier, single turbo |
| B47D20O1 | 190 bhp (B47TU), 48V mild hybrid on most from 2020 | 320d (G20 2019 on), 520d (G30 LCI 2020-2023), X3 / X4 20d LCI (2021 on), 420d (G22) | Two-stage turbocharging on the TU in many applications; Euro 6d |
| B47D20O2 | 197 bhp, 48V mild hybrid | 520d (G60 2024 on), 320d (G20 late) | Latest revision |
| B47D20T0 / T1 | 224 to 231 bhp, twin-turbo | 125d (F20 2015-2019), 225d (F22), 325d (F30 2016-2019), 425d (F32), 525d (G30 2017-2020), X3 / X4 xDrive25d | Top four-cylinder diesel tier; rare in UK |
B47D20 sticker letters: B47D20A, B47D20B
Searches for "B47D20B" are almost always the B47TU, the 2019 to 2020 technical update. For a buyer the letter matters more than on the N47: a B is the newer generation with the better chain record and the mild-hybrid system, an A is the original unit where the EGR-cooler recall check is the one that matters. Both are Euro 6 and ULEZ-compliant.
| Sticker code | What it denotes |
|---|---|
| B47D20A | Original B47, 2014 to roughly 2019 production. Early cars (to 2016/2017) still had occasional timing-chain stretch reports; EGR-cooler fire-risk recall NSC R/2018/151 applies. |
| B47D20B | B47TU technical update from 2019 to 2020: revised injection and turbocharging, 48V mild-hybrid-ready, Euro 6d. Fitted to G20 320d, G30 LCI 520d, G01 LCI X3 20d and later. |
Known problems on every B47D20
Failure data is held once, per engine family, so this table is identical to the BMW B47 guide. Cost ranges are indicative UK figures.
| Failure mode | Severity | Frequency | Typical onset | UK repair range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EGR cooler fire-risk recall (NSC R/2018/151) | Serious | Very common | 40 to 150k mi | Free (recall) or up to £1,100 |
| Timing chain (early B47, 2014-2016) | Moderate | Uncommon | 80 to 140k mi | £1,500 to £2,500 |
| DPF regen failure | Moderate | Common | 50 to 120k mi | £400 to £1,500 |
| AdBlue / SCR system fault | Moderate | Common | 40 to 100k mi | £300 to £1,200 |
| Swirl flap failure (carried over from N47/M47) | Catastrophic | Uncommon | 100 to 180k mi | £200 to £400 |
Long-term verdict
Significantly more reliable than the N47 it replaces. The timing chain issue is largely resolved on post-2017 builds. The remaining concern is the EGR cooler fire-risk recall (NSC R/2018/151), verify it has been completed on any used purchase. With that done and a documented service history, a well-maintained B47 can realistically do 200,000+ miles. A sensible buy for UK diesel users who need ULEZ compliance.
Check a specific B47D20 listing
Paste any BMW B47 listing, VIN or registration. Bimmer.AI identifies the exact engine and returns the buyer report in 30 seconds.
Run a Bimmer.AI buyer report →Bimmer.AI is designed to help you identify BMW-specific buyer risks before you travel, negotiate, or pay for an inspection. It does not replace a physical inspection by a qualified mechanic, a legal vehicle-history check (e.g. HPI Check), or independent verification of finance, stolen, or write-off status. Repair-cost ranges are indicative UK figures that vary by region, specialist, parts supply, and labour rates.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between B47D20A and B47D20B?
B47D20A is the original B47 (2014 to about 2019). B47D20B is the B47TU technical update fitted from 2019 to 2020 onwards: revised injectors and turbocharging, Euro 6d emissions and, on most cars, a 48V mild-hybrid starter-generator. Reliability-wise the B is the more mature unit; the A carries the EGR-cooler recall check (NSC R/2018/151) and, on the earliest 2014 to 2016 builds, a small residual timing-chain conversation.
B47D20 or B47C20, which do I have?
D means longitudinal (rear-drive platform): 1 Series to 2019, 3, 4 and 5 Series, X3, X4. C means transverse (front-drive UKL platform): X1 F48 / U11, X2, 1 Series F40, 2 Series Active Tourer and Gran Coupe. Same basic engine, different ancillaries, gearbox and turbo plumbing. The V5 does not print it; the engine cover sticker or a VIN decode does.
Is the B47D20 reliable?
Yes, it is the most reliable four-cylinder diesel BMW has made. The one check that matters on any B47 is that the EGR-cooler fire-risk recall has been done (look it up by VIN on the DVSA recall checker). After that: AdBlue and NOx sensor health past 60,000 miles, DPF regen history on short-journey cars, and on 2014 to 2016 A-version cars a cold-start listen for chain rattle. 200,000-plus miles is realistic with oil changes every 10,000 miles.
Which BMWs have the B47D20 engine?
The B47D20 went into the following cars, by output tier. B47D20U0 / U1 (116 bhp): 116d (F20 2015-2019), 316d (F30 2015-2018), 216d Coupe, 516d (G30 2018-2020); B47D20K0 / K1 (150 bhp): 118d, 218d, 318d (F30 / G20), 418d, 518d (G30 2017-2020); B47D20O0 (190 bhp): 120d, 220d, 320d (F30 LCI 2015-2019), 420d (2015-2020), 520d (F10 LCI 2014-2017, G30 2017-2020), X3 xDrive20d (G01 2017-2020), X4 20d; B47D20O1 (190 bhp (B47TU), 48V mild hybrid on most from 2020): 320d (G20 2019 on), 520d (G30 LCI 2020-2023), X3 / X4 20d LCI (2021 on), 420d (G22); B47D20O2 (197 bhp, 48V mild hybrid): 520d (G60 2024 on), 320d (G20 late); B47D20T0 / T1 (224 to 231 bhp, twin-turbo): 125d (F20 2015-2019), 225d (F22), 325d (F30 2016-2019), 425d (F32), 525d (G30 2017-2020), X3 / X4 xDrive25d. The two-letter family badge is B47; any listing that quotes the family code is talking about one of these.
Is the BMW B47D20 reliable?
Bimmer.AI scores the B47 family 6 out of 10, which makes the B47D20 a sound used buy provided the known weak points are documented. Significantly more reliable than the N47 it replaces. The timing chain issue is largely resolved on post-2017 builds. The remaining concern is the EGR cooler fire-risk recall (NSC R/2018/151), verify it has been completed on any used purchase. With that done and a documented service history, a well-maintained B47 can realistically do 200,000+ miles. A sensible buy for UK diesel users who need ULEZ compliance.
What does B47D20 mean?
B is the B-series modular engine generation (2013 onwards), 47 is the family number, D means diesel, longitudinal (rear-drive platform), and 20 is the displacement in tenths of a litre (2.0 litres). BMW appends an output tier and revision (K, U, M, O, T or S plus a digit) in its own naming, and the parts catalogue adds a version letter (A, B, C) that is what you see on the engine cover.