316d / 318d / 320d (N47 → B47)
2012–2019 · diesel · 1995cc · 190hp
Engine codes: N47, B47
Reliability, common problems and owner reviews for the Bmw 3 Series F30 316d / 318d / 320d (N47 → B47). Check this before you buy used.
The volume diesels split into two: the earlier N47 (to ~2015) carries the notorious rear-mounted timing-chain failure risk (engine-out repair, listen for rattle from the gearbox end and demand chain history), while the later B47 (from ~2015) was substantially redesigned and is much more dependable — the engine to prefer. Both want attention to the EGR cooler (a known BMW diesel item), DPF on short trips, and injection. A B47 with good history is a genuinely strong, economical engine; an early N47 needs the chain checked carefully.
Same engine, other cars
This is the same physical engine (N47) sold under different names across brands. Reliability is broadly shared — cross-check these:
- BMW 3 Series E90— 320d 2.0d (M47TU2, early)163hp
- BMW 2 Series— 216d / 218d / 220d (B37 / B47 diesel)190hp
- BMW 3 Series G20— 318d / 320d / 330d (B47 / B57 diesel)190hp
- BMW 4 Series— 420d / 430d (B47 / N47 / B57 diesel)190hp
- BMW 5 Series E60— 520d 2.0d (M47 → N47)177hp
- BMW X3— 2.0d (M47 / N47)177hp
- BMW X2— sDrive18d / 20d / xDrive20d (B47)190hp
- BMW X3— xDrive20d (N47)184hp
- BMW 1 Series E87— 116d / 118d / 120d (N47, 2007–2011)177hp
- BMW 5 Series G30— 520d / 530d / 540d (B47 / B57 diesel)190hp
- BMW 3 Series E90— 318d / 320d 2.0d (N47)177hp
- BMW X3 G01— xDrive20d / 30d (B47 / B57 diesel)190hp
- BMW X1— 18d / 20d / 23d (N47 diesel)184hp
Known Issues
Early N47 rear timing chain can stretch/fail → rattle from bellhousing end; engine-out repair. B47 redesigned and far better.
Fix / Workaround: Identify N47 vs B47; N47: rear rattle + chain history; prefer B47.
Repair cost: €1200–€3500
Typically appears after: 120,000 km
EGR cooler leaks/clogs (known BMW diesel issue); DPF on short trips.
Fix / Workaround: Replace EGR cooler; motorway regens.
Repair cost: €300–€1200
Typically appears after: 130,000 km
Year Cutoffs
Mileage Thresholds
After 140,000 km: N47 chain window; B47 safer.
Pre-Purchase Checklist
- ☐Identify N47 vs B47 — prefer B47
- ☐N47: rear rattle + chain history
- ☐EGR cooler + DPF history
Frequently asked questions
Is the Bmw 3 Series F30 316d / 318d / 320d (N47 → B47) reliable?
Maint. Sensitive — The volume diesels split into two: the earlier N47 (to ~2015) carries the notorious rear-mounted timing-chain failure risk (engine-out repair, listen for rattle from the gearbox end and demand chain history), while the later B47 (from ~2015) was substantially redesigned and is much more dependable — the engine to prefer. Both want attention to the EGR cooler (a known BMW diesel item), DPF on short trips, and injection. A B47 with good history is a genuinely strong, economical engine; an early N47 needs the chain checked carefully.
What are the common problems and reviews for the Bmw 3 Series F30 316d / 318d / 320d (N47 → B47)?
The most commonly reported problems: N47 timing-chain failure (rear, pre-~2015), EGR cooler / DPF.
Is a used Bmw 3 Series F30 316d / 318d / 320d (N47 → B47) worth buying?
Fine if serviced correctly — but it punishes neglect hard. History and the right consumables matter.