BMW N47D20 engine code explained
N47D20 is the full code for BMW's 2.0-litre four-cylinder common-rail diesel of 2007 to 2014, the engine in almost every 118d, 120d, 318d, 320d, 520d, X1 and X3 diesel of that era. It is the engine behind the famous timing-chain conversation. BMW built it in five output tiers from 116 to 218 bhp, revised it as the N47N in 2010 to 2011, and replaced it with the B47D20 from 2014.
Quick answer
The N47D20 is the 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel of the BMW N47 family, built 2007-2014. Bimmer.AI scores the family 5 / 10: buyable with evidence of the major preventative work, otherwise a negotiation. 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 N47 family guide.
How to read N47D20
| Part of the code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| N | N-series engine generation (2001 to about 2015) |
| 47 | engine family number within the N-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 N47D20O1) |
| A / B / C / D | parts-catalogue engine version printed on the engine cover sticker (for example N47D20A) |
N47D20 output tiers and which cars have them
| Code | Output | Cars | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| N47D20U0 | 116 bhp | 116d (E81 / E87 / F20 to 2012), 316d (F30 2012-2015), 516d | Entry tier; single turbo; same block and chain as the rest |
| N47D20O0 | 143 bhp | 118d (E81 / E82 / E87 / E88), 318d (E90 / E91), X1 sDrive18d (E84) | Original mid tier 2007-2010 |
| N47D20O1 | 177 bhp (2007-2010) then 184 bhp (N47N, 2010-2014); 163 bhp in 320d EfficientDynamics | 120d, 320d, 520d (F10 / F11 to 2014), X1 20d (E84), X3 20d (F25), 420d (F32 2013-2015) | The volume tier; 184 bhp cars are the N47N revision |
| N47D20T0 | 204 bhp, twin-turbo | 123d (E82 / E87 / E88 2007-2011) | First two-stage turbo N47 |
| N47D20T1 | 218 bhp, twin-turbo | 125d (F20 2012-2015), 225d (F22 2014-2015), 325d (F30 2013-2015), 525d four-cylinder (F10 2011-2014), X1 xDrive25d (E84) | Top tier; same chain hardware as the 184 bhp cars |
N47D20 sticker letters: N47D20A, N47D20B, N47D20C, N47D20D
The letter after N47D20 on the engine cover sticker is BMW's parts-catalogue engine version, not the output tier. For a buyer the practical split is A/B (original 2007 to 2010 unit, the highest chain-failure group) against C/D (the N47N revision from late 2010 with the updated tensioner). On every version the chain sits at the gearbox end, so the job is engine-out or engine-tilt labour regardless of letter.
| Sticker code | What it denotes |
|---|---|
| N47D20A | Original N47, 2007 to roughly 2010 production. Highest timing-chain risk group. |
| N47D20B | Early lower-output application of the original unit (parts catalogue only). |
| N47D20C | N47N technical update (2010 to 2011 onwards): revised tensioner and guides, 184 bhp in the 120d / 320d / 520d. Chain issue reduced but not eliminated. |
| N47D20D | Later N47N application code seen on 2012 to 2014 cars, same hardware generation as C. |
Known problems on every N47D20
Failure data is held once, per engine family, so this table is identical to the BMW N47 guide. Cost ranges are indicative UK figures.
| Failure mode | Severity | Frequency | Typical onset | UK repair range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Timing chain stretch / snap | Catastrophic | Very common | 60 to 120k mi | £1,500 to £2,500 |
| EGR cooler failure / coolant leak | Serious | Common | 70 to 130k mi | £600 to £1,100 |
| Swirl flap bolt shear | Catastrophic | Uncommon | 80 to 150k mi | £200 to £400 |
| DPF (diesel particulate filter) regen failure | Moderate | Common | 40 to 100k mi | £400 to £1,500 |
| Diesel injector failure | Moderate | Common | 80 to 150k mi | £350 to £700 |
Long-term verdict
Capable of 250,000+ miles IF the timing chain is replaced preventatively. Pre-2011 builds are the highest risk, rear-mounted chain, expensive job, frequent failures. With chain done and a documented service history, the N47 is a robust diesel. Without proof of chain work past 80,000 miles, treat as a deferred maintenance liability worth £1,500-£2,500.
Check a specific N47D20 listing
Paste any BMW N47 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 N47D20 and N47D20C?
N47D20 is the engine code; N47D20C is the parts-catalogue version of it fitted from the 2010 to 2011 technical update onwards (the N47N). The C and D versions have the revised timing-chain tensioner and guides and the 184 bhp output in 120d / 320d / 520d form. A and B are the original 2007 to 2010 unit with the worst chain record. Ask for the sticker on the engine cover or run the VIN; a C or D is the better used buy but still needs chain evidence past 80,000 miles.
Is the N47D20 timing chain at the front or the back of the engine?
At the back, on every version. The N47 (and the B47 that replaced it) has the chain at the flywheel end, which is why replacement is a gearbox-out or engine-tilt job costing £1,500 to £2,500. The N47N revision changed the tensioner and guides, not the chain position.
Which N47D20 output should I buy?
For a UK daily driver the 184 bhp N47D20O1 in a post-2010 320d or 520d is the sweet spot: N47N hardware, deep used pool, 50 mpg. The 218 bhp twin-turbo N47D20T1 (125d, 325d, 525d, X1 25d) is quick but rarer and carries a second turbo to inspect. The 116 bhp U0 in the 116d / 316d is slow and saves nothing on maintenance because the chain job costs the same.
Which BMWs have the N47D20 engine?
The N47D20 went into the following cars, by output tier. N47D20U0 (116 bhp): 116d (E81 / E87 / F20 to 2012), 316d (F30 2012-2015), 516d; N47D20O0 (143 bhp): 118d (E81 / E82 / E87 / E88), 318d (E90 / E91), X1 sDrive18d (E84); N47D20O1 (177 bhp (2007-2010) then 184 bhp (N47N, 2010-2014); 163 bhp in 320d EfficientDynamics): 120d, 320d, 520d (F10 / F11 to 2014), X1 20d (E84), X3 20d (F25), 420d (F32 2013-2015); N47D20T0 (204 bhp, twin-turbo): 123d (E82 / E87 / E88 2007-2011); N47D20T1 (218 bhp, twin-turbo): 125d (F20 2012-2015), 225d (F22 2014-2015), 325d (F30 2013-2015), 525d four-cylinder (F10 2011-2014), X1 xDrive25d (E84). The two-letter family badge is N47; any listing that quotes the family code is talking about one of these.
Is the BMW N47D20 reliable?
Bimmer.AI scores the N47 family 5 out of 10, which makes the N47D20 buyable with evidence of the major preventative work, otherwise a negotiation. Capable of 250,000+ miles IF the timing chain is replaced preventatively. Pre-2011 builds are the highest risk, rear-mounted chain, expensive job, frequent failures. With chain done and a documented service history, the N47 is a robust diesel. Without proof of chain work past 80,000 miles, treat as a deferred maintenance liability worth £1,500-£2,500.
What does N47D20 mean?
N is the N-series engine generation (2001 to about 2015), 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.