520d 2.0d (M47 → N47)

2003–2010 · diesel · 1995cc · 177hp

Engine codes: M47, N47

Problematic

Reliability, common problems and owner reviews for the Bmw 5 Series E60 520d 2.0d (M47 → N47). Check this before you buy used.

The four-cylinder diesel. The early M47 has timing-chain weakness from ~180,000 km and swirl-flap failures from ~120,000 km; the later N47 (2007+) carries the notorious rear-mounted timing-chain failure (catastrophic, labour-heavy access). Either way it's the riskier E60 diesel — the six-cylinder M57 is far better.

Same engine, other cars

This is the same physical engine (N47) sold under different names across brands. Reliability is broadly shared — cross-check these:

Known Issues

Timing chain (M47 from 180k / N47 rear-chain)critical

M47 chain weakens from ~180,000 km; N47 has the rear-mounted chain prone to catastrophic failure (rattle from bulkhead).

Fix / Workaround: Short oil intervals; on N47 only buy with documented chain work; act on any rattle.

Repair cost: €1200–€3500

Typically appears after: 150,000 km

Swirl flap failurecritical

Intake swirl flaps break (M47 from ~120,000 km) and can be ingested.

Fix / Workaround: Swirl-flap delete / blanking.

Repair cost: €150–€600

Typically appears after: 120,000 km

Year Cutoffs

2007: Before — M47 — chain weak from 180k, swirl flaps from 120k. After — N47 — rear timing-chain catastrophic-failure risk.

Mileage Thresholds

After 120,000 km: Swirl flap / chain attention.

Pre-Purchase Checklist

☐Identify M47 vs N47 (year)
☐N47: documented chain work + listen at bulkhead
☐Swirl flap delete done?
☐Strongly prefer the six-cylinder M57

Frequently asked questions

Is the Bmw 5 Series E60 520d 2.0d (M47 → N47) reliable?

Problematic — The four-cylinder diesel. The early M47 has timing-chain weakness from ~180,000 km and swirl-flap failures from ~120,000 km; the later N47 (2007+) carries the notorious rear-mounted timing-chain failure (catastrophic, labour-heavy access). Either way it's the riskier E60 diesel — the six-cylinder M57 is far better.

What are the common problems and reviews for the Bmw 5 Series E60 520d 2.0d (M47 → N47)?

The most commonly reported problems: Timing chain (M47 from 180k / N47 rear-chain), Swirl flap failure.

Is a used Bmw 5 Series E60 520d 2.0d (M47 → N47) worth buying?

Known design issues and recurring faults that were never fully resolved. Buy only with eyes open.