Are M47 engines reliable?
The M47 enjoys an excellent reputation for reliability. Unlike its successor, the N47, it hasn’t experienced any major chronic problems, and its components are built to last. With proper maintenance, it can easily exceed 300,000 km without any major issues. Ask long-time owners and mechanics which ones are most likely to deliver 200,000 miles with a manual gearbox still clicking happily into gear, and you’ll hear the same answer again and again: the M52 and M54.
Is M47 or N47 better?
The M47 is slightly more reliable but has a separate set of problems (mainly turbo related) but with proper maintenance and care both will typically treat you well. Remember that problems don’t affect a majority of these engines, but a small user set. Be preventative & proactive and you can daily almost any car. The M47 is an older-generation engine, simpler and more reliable, with a front-mounted timing chain. It is a great choice for those who value reliability and want to avoid costly repairs. The N47 is more dynamic, more fuel-efficient, and more modern, but unfortunately less reliable due to its rear-mounted timing chain.
When did M47 change to N47?
Launched in 2007, the n47 came as a successor to the m47 engine and brought numerous advancements in terms of efficiency, performance, and emissions. As a common choice across a wide range of bmw models, from the compact 1 series to the executive 5 series, the n47 has made a substantial impact on the market. The all-wheel drive bmw x3 and rear-wheel drive bmw 320d models, built approximately between september 2001 and december 2004, were fitted with the m47tü (m47 technical update).