Engine code
The M47 is BMW's four-cylinder turbo diesel that came before the N47. BMW's workshop data shows a distributor injection pump (type VP44) on the original M47 and a common-rail system on the M47TU and M47T2. BMW's workshop data lists a 1,951 cc original M47 and a 1,995 cc M47TU and M47T2. BMW's parts catalog lists the M47 only on vehicle types for other markets and has no US-market vehicle type with an M47 engine code. The M47 was not sold in US-market BMWs, per BMW's own vehicle lists (data to December 2019), so this is a short guide.
M47 At a Glance
| Question | Practical answer |
|---|---|
| Sold in the US? | No. The M47 was not sold in US-market BMWs, per BMW's own vehicle lists (data to December 2019). |
| Where it started | Not settled. Wikipedia says 1998, while BMW's parts catalog lists an E46 320d type with an M47 from a catalog date of 07/1997, which is not a production claim. |
| Variants | Not fully established. BMW's parts catalog labels the engine M47, M47N and M47N2, while BMW's workshop data labels it M47, M47TU and M47T2; we have not proven these labels match one to one. |
| Reliability profile | Not established yet. We are still researching this engine. |
| Cost to own | Not established yet. We are still researching this engine. |
| Power potential | Not established yet. We are still researching this engine. |
Where you find it
These are the cars BMW's parts catalog lists with an M47 type, all non-US markets. Build windows are from the catalog and may differ from launch dates.
| Catalog code | Chassis and models | Catalog dates (BMW) |
|---|---|---|
| M47 | E39 520d | 06/1999-09/2003 |
| M47 | E46 318d | 03/2001-03/2003 |
| M47 | E46 320d | 07/1997-09/2001 |
| M47N | E46 318d, 318td, 320Cd, 320d, 320td | 06/1998-08/2006 across these models |
| M47N2 | E60 and E61 520d; E83 X3 2.0d; E87 118d and 120d; E90 and E91 318d and 320d | 02/2003-09/2007 for E87, E90, E91 and E83; 02/2005-02/2008 for E60 and E61, with the E83 X3 2.0d from 05/2003 |
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Original M47 | M47TU and M47T2 |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,951 cc | 1,995 cc |
| Bore x stroke | 84 mm x 88 mm | 84 mm x 90 mm |
| Compression ratio | 19:1 | 17:1 |
| Power | 100 kW at 4,000 rpm | 110 kW at 4,000 rpm |
| Torque | 280 Nm at 1,750 rpm | 330 Nm at 2,000-2,500 rpm |
| Fuel injection | Distributor injection pump (VP44) | Common rail |
| Output of other versions | Not established yet. |
Engine oil capacity with filter change
| Model and engine label | Liters |
|---|---|
| E39, M47 | 6 liters |
| E46, M47 | 5.0 liters |
| E46, M47TU | 5.50 liters |
| E60 and E61, M47T2 | 5.75 liters |
| E83 X3, M47T2 | 5.30 liters |
| E87, M47T2 | 5.50 liters |
| E90 and E91, M47T2 | 5.50 liters |
The oil grade is not stated in these documents. Not established yet.
Common Questions
What BMW has the M47 engine?
BMW's parts catalog lists the M47 in the E39 520d, E46 318d and 320d, and, as M47N and M47N2, in the E46, E60, E61, E83 X3 2.0d, E87, E90 and E91 diesels.
Was the M47 sold in the US?
No. The M47 was not sold in US-market BMWs, per BMW's own vehicle lists (data to December 2019).
How much oil does an M47 take?
BMW's workshop data lists between 5.0 and 6 liters with a filter change, depending on the model and engine version.
How much power does an M47 make?
BMW's workshop data lists 100 kW for the original 1,951 cc M47 and 110 kW for the 1,995 cc M47TU and M47T2.
Sources
- BMW parts catalog, vehicle types and fluids (data to December 2019)
- BMW workshop technical data
- Wikipedia: BMW M47 (basics only)
