The BMW B47C20B is a 1,995 cc, inline-four turbo-diesel engine produced between 2015 and 2020. It succeeded the N47 series with enhanced efficiency, reduced emissions, and improved refinement. Featuring high-pressure common-rail injection (up to 2,000 bar), a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts, it delivers outputs from 110 kW (150 PS) to 140 kW (190 PS), with torque between 320 Nm and 400 Nm.
Fitted to models such as the F20 1 Series, F30 3 Series, and G20 3 Series, including the 118d, 318d, and 320d variants, the B47C20B was engineered for balanced performance, urban fuel economy, and long-distance cruising comfort. Emissions compliance was achieved through advanced exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue injection, enabling Euro 6d-Temp compliance for most post-2017 units.
One documented concern is premature high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear, particularly in early B47 variants. This issue, referenced in BMW Service Information Bulletin 13 02 18, is often linked to fuel quality and extended service intervals. In 2018, BMW introduced revised pump calibration and updated injector sealing to improve durability and reduce leakage risks.
Production years 2015–2017 meet Euro 6b standards; 2018–2020 models comply with Euro 6d-Temp depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The BMW B47C20B is a 1,995 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for compact and mid‑size models (2015-2020). It combines high-pressure common-rail injection with a single variable-geometry turbocharger to deliver responsive low-end torque and improved emissions performance. Designed to meet Euro 6b and 6d-Temp standards, it balances real-world economy with stricter environmental compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,995 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 84.0 mm × 90.0 mm | |
| Power output | 110–140 kW (150–190 PS) | |
| Torque | 320–400 Nm @ 1,500–2,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP4 common‑rail (up to 2,000 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6b (pre-2018); Euro 6d-Temp (2018–2020) | |
| Compression ratio | 16.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable‑geometry turbo (BorgWarner) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front-mounted; revised tensioner design) | |
| Oil type | BMW Longlife‑04 / Longlife‑12 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 148 kg |
The B47C20B delivers strong low-end torque ideal for city driving but requires strict adherence to 12,000-15,000 km oil change intervals to maintain fuel pump and turbo longevity. BMW Longlife-04 or Longlife-12 (5W-30) oil is essential due to its thermal stability and protection for high-pressure components. Cold-start idling should be minimized to ensure consistent oil pressure to the front-mounted chain system. The Bosch CP4 fuel pump is sensitive to fuel contaminants, requiring ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) meeting EN 590 standards to prevent premature wear. Early models (pre-2018) may benefit from updated HPFP firmware; all units require regular AdBlue system checks to avoid SCR-related limp mode. EGR/DPF systems need periodic cleaning to maintain emissions compliance.
Oil Specs: Requires BMW Longlife-04 or Longlife-12 (5W-30) specification (BMW SIB 13 02 18). Supersedes ACEA C3 requirements.
Emissions: Euro 6b certification applies to pre-2018 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). 2018-2020 models meet Euro 6d-Temp depending on market.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. 140 kW output requires EU3+ fuel quality and updated ECU calibration (BMW TIS Doc. A27515).
BMW Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A27500, A27501, A27502, SIB 13 02 18
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The BMW B47C20B was used across BMW's F20/F30/G20 platforms with longitudinal mounting and shared architecture with MINI for transverse applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake manifolds in the F20 and revised cooling circuits in the G20-and from 2019 the facelifted G20 LCI models adopted the B47TU variant with updated EGR routing, creating interchange limits. Partnerships allowed MINI's Cooper D models to use a transverse-mounted version with shared fuel and turbo systems. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front of the cylinder block near the starter motor (BMW TIS A27505). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('C' for B47 series). Pre-2018 models have a Bosch CP4 fuel pump with a silver housing; post-2018 units use a black housing with updated firmware. Critical differentiation from B47TU: Original B47C20B has a single EGR cooler on the intake side, while B47TU features dual-path EGR with revised coolant routing. Service parts require production date verification - fuel injectors for pre-2018 models are incompatible with later units due to nozzle redesign (BMW SIB 14 03 19).
The B47C20B's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump degradation, with elevated incidence in mixed urban/highway use. Internal BMW quality reports from 2019 noted a significant number of pre-2018 units requiring HPFP replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records show SCR system faults contributing to MOT failures in vehicles with poor AdBlue maintenance. Frequent short trips and low fuel levels increase pump and injector stress, making fuel quality and service adherence critical.
Analysis derived from BMW technical bulletins (2015-2020) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2018-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about BMW B47C20B.
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