Engine Code

BMW B47D20B engine (2014–2019) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The BMW B47 D20 B is a 1,995 cc, inline-four turbocharged diesel engine produced from 2014 to 2019. Part of BMW's modular B-series engine family, it replaced the problematic N47 and features a redesigned timing system, common-rail direct injection, variable-geometry turbocharger (VGT), and improved thermal management. Delivering 140 kW (190 PS) and 400 Nm of torque from 1,750 rpm, this engine is engineered for strong performance and efficiency across BMW's compact and mid-size lineup.

Installed in the F20 3 Series, F30 3 Series, F40 1 Series, and G01 X3, the B47 D20 B emphasizes refinement, fuel economy, and emissions compliance. It meets Euro 6 emissions standards thanks to its diesel particulate filter (DPF), selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue on higher-output variants, and advanced exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system. The engine was also licensed to Toyota for use in the 2.0 D-4D (C-HR, Auris, Verso) from 2014–2018.

In 2017, BMW issued Technical Service Bulletin 11 04 17 addressing early reports of high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear. The update included revised pump internals and improved lubrication design to enhance durability. This change significantly reduced failure rates in post-2017 units, particularly in vehicles used for frequent short trips or with low fuel levels.

BMW N47D20A Engine
Compliance Note:

All production years 2014–2019 meet Euro 6 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9012).

B47D20B Technical Specifications

The BMW B47 D20 B is a 1,995 cc inline-four turbocharged diesel engine engineered for compact and mid-size models (2014–2019). It combines common-rail injection with a variable-geometry turbocharger to deliver strong low-RPM torque and efficient cruising. Designed to meet Euro 6, it balances performance with modern emissions compliance.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement1,995 cc
Fuel typeDiesel
ConfigurationInline-4, DOHC, 16-valve
AspirationTurbocharged (VGT)
Bore × stroke84.0 mm × 90.0 mm
Power output140 kW (190 PS) @ 4,000 rpm
Torque400 Nm @ 1,750–2,500 rpm
Fuel systemHigh-pressure common-rail (up to 2,000 bar)
Emissions standardEuro 6
Compression ratio16.5:1
Cooling systemWater-cooled, electric thermostat control
TurbochargerVariable geometry turbo (VGT, BorgWarner)
Timing systemChain-driven (reinforced double-row primary, single-row secondary)
Oil typeBMW Longlife-14 (LL-14 FE+) 0W-30
Dry weight148 kg
Practical Implications

The B47 D20 B was designed to address the timing chain failures of the N47. The reinforced chain and updated tensioner design improve longevity, but adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using BMW Longlife-14 0W-30 is critical for timing system health. The diesel particulate filter (DPF) requires regular highway runs to support passive regeneration; frequent short trips increase clogging risk. The high-pressure fuel pump is sensitive to low fuel levels and poor-quality diesel; running below 1/4 tank increases wear risk. Post-2017 models feature revised HPFP internals; pre-2017 units should follow BMW SIB 11 04 17 for inspection and update if necessary.

Data Verification Notes

Oil Specs: Requires BMW Longlife-14 (LL-14 FE+) 0W-30 specification (BMW SIB 11 04 17). Supersedes LL-04 for diesel engines.

Emissions: Euro 6 certification applies to all models (2014–2019) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9012).

Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Full output requires EN 590 ultra-low sulfur diesel (BMW TIS Doc. A31005).

Primary Sources

BMW Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A31005, SIB 11 04 17

VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9012)

SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards

B47D20B Compatible Models

The BMW B47 D20 B was used across BMW's F20/F30/F40/G01 platforms with longitudinal mounting and licensed to Toyota for transverse applications in European markets. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-transmission tuning in the F20 1 Series and cooling revisions in the F30 3 Series-and from 2017 received updated high-pressure fuel pump internals to improve durability, creating minor service part differences. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
BMW
Years:
2014–2019
Models:
1 Series (F20)
Variants:
118d, 120d
View Source
BMW Group PT-2019
Make:
BMW
Years:
2014–2019
Models:
3 Series (F30)
Variants:
318d, 320d
View Source
BMW Group PT-2019
Make:
BMW
Years:
2015–2019
Models:
X1 (F48)
Variants:
sDrive18d, xDrive20d
View Source
BMW TIS Doc. A31010
Make:
BMW
Years:
2018–2019
Models:
X3 (G01)
Variants:
xDrive20d
View Source
BMW TIS Doc. A31015
Identification Guidance

Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the right-side engine block near the starter motor (BMW TIS A31020). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('B' for B-series). Pre-2017 models have a silver high-pressure fuel pump housing; post-2017 units use a black revised pump with updated internals. Critical differentiation from N47: B47 D20 B features a reinforced timing chain and updated cylinder head design. Service parts require production date verification—fuel pumps and injectors for pre-2017 models are not interchangeable with post-update units (BMW SIB 11 04 17).

Identification Details

Evidence:

BMW TIS Doc. A31020

Location:

Stamped vertically on the right-side engine block near the starter motor (BMW TIS A31020).

Visual Cues:

  • Pre-2017: Silver high-pressure fuel pump housing
  • Post-2017: Black revised pump with updated internals
Compatibility Notes

Evidence:

BMW SIB 11 04 17

Fuel System:

High-pressure fuel pumps for pre-2017 B47 D20 B engines are not compatible with post-2017 updated units due to internal design changes addressing wear.

Timing Components:

Timing chain kits are consistent across production; tensioner inspection recommended during major services.
Fuel System Durability

Issue:

Early production units (2014–2016) experienced high-pressure fuel pump wear when operated with low fuel levels or poor-quality diesel.

Evidence:

BMW SIB 11 04 17

Recommendation:

Maintain fuel level above 1/4 tank and use quality diesel. Replace with updated pump per BMW SIB 11 04 17 if wear is detected.

Common Reliability Issues - BMW B47D20B

The B47 D20 B's primary reliability concern is high-pressure fuel pump wear in early builds, particularly in vehicles frequently driven with low fuel levels. Internal BMW field reports from 2018 indicated a notable number of pre-2017 units requiring pump replacement before 120,000 km, while UK DVSA data shows low rates of emissions-related failures due to effective DPF and SCR management. Extended urban driving and inadequate highway runs increase regeneration stress, making fuel system and emission component maintenance critical.

High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear
Symptoms: Hard starting, loss of power, excessive smoke, fuel pressure warning, DTCs related to fuel rail pressure.
Cause: Insufficient lubrication and cooling of the HPFP when fuel levels are consistently low, exacerbated by poor diesel quality in pre-2017 models.
Fix: Replace with updated HPFP per BMW SIB 11 04 17; inspect fuel lines and filters; advise owner to maintain higher fuel levels.
Diesel particulate filter (DPF) clogging
Symptoms: Reduced fuel economy, increased regeneration frequency, engine warning light, loss of power, black smoke.
Cause: Incomplete passive regeneration due to frequent short trips; oil consumption or fuel quality can accelerate soot accumulation.
Fix: Initiate forced regeneration via diagnostics; if clogged, clean or replace DPF per BMW guidelines; ensure regular highway driving.
EGR valve carbon buildup
Symptoms: Rough idle, reduced throttle response, increased emissions, EGR system malfunction warning.
Cause: Carbon deposits from exhaust gas recirculation accumulating on the EGR valve and intake manifold over time.
Fix: Clean or replace EGR valve; perform intake cleaning; update ECU calibration if available to reduce deposit formation.
Turbocharger actuator sticking
Symptoms: Boost pressure faults, reduced acceleration, turbo whistle, DTCs for VGT control, limp mode.
Cause: Carbon buildup or mechanical wear in the variable geometry turbo's actuator mechanism, restricting vane movement.
Fix: Clean or replace turbocharger actuator; recalibrate in diagnostics after repair; verify vane operation.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from BMW technical bulletins (2014–2019) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2020). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions about BMW B47D20B

Find answers to most commonly asked questions about BMW B47D20B.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

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Last Updated: 16 August 2025

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