BMW 318d (F30) engine: which one, problems and replacement

The BMW 318d in the sixth 3 Series generation (F30, built 2011–2019) was built with 2 different engines over its life: the N47D20C (143 hp, 2007–2015) and the B47D20A (150 hp, 2014–2020).

Below you will find how to identify the engine in your 318d, the faults to look for, current prices for a replacement and the swap options that make sense.

• Generation: sixth 3 Series, 2011–2019
• Body styles: F30 (saloon)
• Engines: N47D20C, B47D20A
• Output: 143 hp and 150 hp
• Replacement engines in stock: 405 from 781,00 €

Which engine is in your 318d?

N47D20C in the 318d

The N47D20C was used in the F30 318d, built 2007–2015. It is a 2.0 L turbocharged diesel inline-4 with 143 hp and 320 Nm. Compared with the B47D20A (150 hp), it is the mildest.

Reading the code: N marks an N-series code, the generation of BMW engines introduced from 2001; 47 is the family number; D stands for diesel; 20 is the capacity in decilitres, so 2.0 litres; C identifies the version or output stage.

B47D20A in the 318d

The B47D20A was used in the F30 318d, built 2014–2020. It is a 2.0 L turbocharged diesel inline-4 with 150 hp and 320 Nm. Compared with the N47D20C (143 hp), it is the strongest.

Reading the code: B marks a B-series code, BMW's modular engine family introduced from 2013 with 500 cc per cylinder; 47 is the family number; D stands for diesel, longitudinal installation for rear-drive and xDrive cars; 20 is the capacity in decilitres, so 2.0 litres; A identifies the version or output stage.

318d engines by model year

The engine changed 2 times during the F30 run, in 2014 and 2016. Changes usually come with BMW's mid-life update (LCI) or a new emissions standard, so a car registered early in a year can still have the older engine. The VIN settles it.

Other cars with the same engine as the 318d

A replacement engine does not have to come from another 318d. These models left the factory with the same engine code, so a unit from any of them is a candidate donor once the sump, mounts and ancillaries are matched to your car.

N47D20C: BMW E90 318d, BMW E84 X1 18d.

B47D20A: BMW F20 118d, BMW G20 318d.

How to confirm your engine code

Because the 318d used more than one engine, the badge alone does not tell you which one your car has. The build date is the first clue; the VIN is the proof. Send us the last seven characters of the VIN and we read the engine code from BMW's records, or look for the code stamped on the block. How to find your BMW engine code.

Known 318d engine problems

N47D20C (N47 family)

The N47D20C in the 318d shares the known weak points of the N47 family. Full N47 guide.

Timing chain. The timing chain stretches and in the worst case breaks, causing major engine damage. Engines built before 2011 are most affected.

Swirl flaps. Swirl flaps can stick or break.

EGR cooler. The EGR cooler can leak coolant; BMW issued a recall for some cars.

Diesel particulate filter. The DPF clogs on short-trip cars.

Injectors. Injectors leak or fail.

B47D20A (B47 family)

The B47D20A in the 318d shares the known weak points of the B47 family. Full B47 guide.

EGR cooler. BMW recalled many B47 cars to replace the EGR cooler, which could leak and cause a fire risk.

Diesel particulate filter. The DPF clogs on short-trip cars.

Injectors. Injectors leak or fail.

Symptoms to watch for on the 318d

Rattle for a few seconds after a cold start. The classic sign of a weak timing chain tensioner or stretched chain. It must be checked quickly: a chain that jumps a tooth can bend valves.

Rattle or whine from the gearbox end. On engines with the timing chain at the rear, a rattle or whine from the back of the engine is the warning sign of chain stretch or guide wear.

Whistle, loss of boost or limp mode. A split charge pipe, a sticking wastegate or worn turbo bearings. Check the pipes first, then the turbo shaft for play.

Black smoke under acceleration. Too much fuel for the air available: boost leaks, a sticking EGR valve, a dirty air mass meter or a leaking injector.

Hard starting when cold. Glow plugs or the glow plug control unit. On older diesels, also check the injection pump and fuel lines for air leaks.

Particulate filter warning. Short trips stop the DPF from regenerating. A long motorway run often clears it; a filter that keeps blocking may be covering an injector, EGR or turbo problem.

Sudden metallic noise followed by misfire. On diesels with swirl flaps, a broken flap or screw can enter a cylinder. Stop the engine immediately; continued running usually destroys the piston and head.

Looking after the 318d engine

N47 engines

• Oil: 5W-30 BMW Longlife-04, about 5.25 litres.
• Service interval: Oil every 10,000 to 15,000 km.
• Timing drive: Timing chain at the rear (gearbox end).
• Workshop notes: Replace the timing chain and guides when fitting a used N47 unless they were recently done.

B47 engines

• Oil: 0W-30 or 5W-30 BMW Longlife-04, about 5.25 litres.
• Service interval: Oil every 15,000 km or yearly.
• Timing drive: Timing chain at the rear (gearbox end).
• Workshop notes: Check front-drive (B47C) or rear-drive (B47D) before ordering.

Buying a used engine for the 318d: checklist

1. List of what is fitted. Engines are sold with different ancillaries: some have the turbo, injectors, manifolds, alternator and starter, others are long blocks. Agree the list in writing so you know which parts must come from your old engine.
2. Warranty terms in writing. Read what the warranty covers, how long it runs and what fitting conditions apply. Most warranties require a qualified workshop, new fluids and filters, and replacement of the cooling parts that caused the original failure.
3. Look at the oil and coolant. Clean oil without metal particles and coolant without oil are good signs. Milky oil, oily coolant or a burnt smell mean the engine needs further checks before it is fitted.
4. Photographs from every side. Good suppliers photograph the actual engine you will receive. Look for the block stamp, the sump, the timing cover and any broken brackets or connectors in the pictures.
5. Confirm the exact engine code. Read the code stamped on the block and compare it with the code for your car. Send us the last seven characters of the VIN and we confirm the match before anything is paid.
6. Turbocharger shaft play and oil. Rotate the compressor wheel by hand. A small amount of side play is normal; in-and-out play or wheel contact with the housing is not. Oil pooled in the intake or intercooler pipes points to worn seals.
7. Injector correction values. On a diesel that can be run before removal, the injector correction values show whether one injector is delivering more or less fuel than the others. Large deviations mean an injector is on its way out.
8. Particulate filter and EGR history. Short-trip diesels clog their DPF and EGR systems. The engine may be fine, but ask whether the donor car had DPF warnings, and plan to clean or check your own filter before fitting.
9. Swirl flaps. Check whether the swirl flaps are in place, blanked or removed. Broken swirl flaps are a known cause of engine failure on several BMW diesels, so many owners fit blanking plates when the intake is off.
10. Timing chain noise. Listen for a rattle at the front of the engine for the first seconds after a cold start. On an engine that cannot be run, look at the chain guides through the oil filler or with the valve cover off.
11. Gearbox-end timing chain. On this engine the timing chain sits at the gearbox end, so replacing it normally means removing the engine. If the chain has not been replaced, the time to do it is before the engine goes into your car.

BMW 318d replacement engine cost

We currently hold 405 318d engine engines. The cheapest is 781,00 €, the most expensive 4.623,00 €, and half of them cost less than 1.884,00 €.

Prices depend on the exact version, the donor's mileage, how complete the engine is and the demand for that code. Higher-output versions, low mileage and dressed engines with turbo, injectors and ancillaries cost more; long blocks and higher mileage cost less.

318d engine prices by model year

Engines from 2000–2004 have a median of 2.347,00 €, while units from 2020–2024 sit at 2.214,00 €. Newer engines usually cost more because they come from younger donor cars with lower mileage and later updates.

318d engine prices by mileage

Mileage matters less than history on a well-maintained BMW engine, but it is a useful guide. A low-mileage unit from a younger car gives you more life for a modest premium.

72 of these come from F30 donor cars, priced from 882,00 € to 3.982,00 €. An engine from the same body is the most direct swap because the sump, mounts and ancillaries already match.

On top of the engine, budget for the workshop's labour and the parts that are best replaced while the engine is out: engine mounts, the rear main seal, cooling parts, a clutch or converter seal, fluids and filters.

Replacement engines in stock for the 318d

These 318d units are in our Hamburg yard right now. Each listing shows real photographs of the engine you receive, its mileage and what is fitted.

BMW F30 320d N47D20C Engine 2011, 44,500 km1.544,00 €BMW F30 320d N47D20C Engine 2012, 168,700 km1.739,00 €BMW F30 320d B47D20A Engine 20171.835,00 €BMW F30 320d N47D20C Engine 2014, 27,800 km1.972,00 €BMW F30 320d N47D20C Engine 2015, 188,300 km2.293,00 €BMW F30 320d N47D20C Engine 2011, 32,800 km2.016,00 €BMW F30 320d N47D20C Engine 2014, 63,000 km2.187,00 €BMW F30 320d N47D20C Engine 2014, 88,900 km1.782,00 €BMW F30 320d N47D20C Engine 2010, 193,400 km1.994,00 €BMW F30 320d N47D20C Engine 2010, 86,500 km2.052,00 €BMW F30 320d N47D20C Engine 20141.371,00 €BMW F30 320d N47D20C Engine 2015, 118,000 km2.102,00 €

BMW F30 320d N47D20C Engine 2011, 44,500 km — 1.544,00 €, reduced from 2.550,00 €. It comes from a 2011 donor car with 44,500 km, and 6 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW F30 320d N47D20C Engine 2012, 168,700 km — 1.739,00 €, reduced from 3.000,00 €. It comes from a 2012 donor car with 168,700 km, and 7 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW F30 320d B47D20A Engine 2017 — 1.835,00 €, reduced from 2.250,00 €. It comes from a 2017 donor car, and 22 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW F30 320d N47D20C Engine 2014, 27,800 km — 1.972,00 €, reduced from 3.150,00 €. It comes from a 2014 donor car with 27,800 km, and 23 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW F30 320d N47D20C Engine 2015, 188,300 km — 2.293,00 €, reduced from 3.050,00 €. It comes from a 2015 donor car with 188,300 km, and 23 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW F30 320d N47D20C Engine 2011, 32,800 km — 2.016,00 €, reduced from 3.150,00 €. It comes from a 2011 donor car with 32,800 km, and 18 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW F30 320d N47D20C Engine 2014, 63,000 km — 2.187,00 €, reduced from 3.000,00 €. It comes from a 2014 donor car with 63,000 km, and 29 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW F30 320d N47D20C Engine 2014, 88,900 km — 1.782,00 €, reduced from 2.750,00 €. It comes from a 2014 donor car with 88,900 km, and 27 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW F30 320d N47D20C Engine 2010, 193,400 km — 1.994,00 €, reduced from 3.200,00 €. It comes from a 2010 donor car with 193,400 km, and 26 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW F30 320d N47D20C Engine 2010, 86,500 km — 2.052,00 €, reduced from 3.050,00 €. It comes from a 2010 donor car with 86,500 km, and 12 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW F30 320d N47D20C Engine 2014 — 1.371,00 €, reduced from 2.000,00 €. It comes from a 2014 donor car, and 12 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW F30 320d N47D20C Engine 2015, 118,000 km — 2.102,00 €, reduced from 3.300,00 €. It comes from a 2015 donor car with 118,000 km, and 23 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

Will it fit my 318d?

Will the N47D20C fit my BMW F30 318d?

The N47D20C is the original engine for the BMW F30 318d, which makes it the straightforward choice. The sixth 3 Series was built 2011–2019, and the N47D20C was produced 2007–2015, so check that your car's build date falls inside that window. Confirm the drive type (rear-drive or xDrive), the gearbox (manual or automatic) and the emissions standard, because these can change the sump, the flywheel and the software. Send us the VIN and we check all of it for you.

How much is a replacement engine for a BMW F30 318d?

We have 67 N47D20C engines from F30 donor cars, priced from 882,00 € to 3.982,00 €. Delivery to your door is included, and the engine carries a 12-month warranty when fitted by a qualified workshop. Add fitting labour and the parts you replace at the same time — seals, cooling parts and mounts — to estimate the total.

Will the B47D20A fit my BMW F30 318d?

Yes, the BMW F30 318d left the factory with the B47D20A, so a B47D20A from another car is the direct replacement. The sixth 3 Series was built 2011–2019, and the B47D20A was produced 2014–2020, so check that your car's build date falls inside that window. Confirm the drive type (rear-drive or xDrive), the gearbox (manual or automatic) and the emissions standard, because these can change the sump, the flywheel and the software. Send us the VIN and we check all of it for you.

How much is a replacement engine for a BMW F30 318d?

We have 5 B47D20A engines from F30 donor cars, priced from 1.183,00 € to 2.684,00 €. Delivery to your door is included, and the engine carries a 12-month warranty when fitted by a qualified workshop. Add fitting labour and the parts you replace at the same time — seals, cooling parts and mounts — to estimate the total.

Engine swaps and upgrades for the 318d

These engines were fitted to other versions of the F30 at the factory, which makes them the most practical upgrades: the body was designed around them and many parts are shared.

Can I fit the N20B16 in my 318d?

It is a full conversion: the N20B16 runs on petrol and the B47D20A on diesel, so the fuel system, wiring, engine control unit, instrument coding and usually the gearbox change too. The gain is 20 hp and 0 Nm. In Germany and most of Europe an engine swap must be inspected and registered.

Can I fit the N47D20 in my 318d?

Yes, it is one of the more common upgrades. Both are diesel inline-4 engines, so the mounting points are similar, but the N47D20 needs its own wiring and engine control unit, the matching gearbox or clutch, and often a different sump, cooling and exhaust. The gain is 34 hp and 60 Nm. In Germany and most of Europe an engine swap must be inspected and registered.

Can I fit the N47D20D in my 318d?

Yes, it is one of the more common upgrades. Both are diesel inline-4 engines, so the mounting points are similar, but the N47D20D needs its own wiring and engine control unit, the matching gearbox or clutch, and often a different sump, cooling and exhaust. The gain is 34 hp and 60 Nm. In Germany and most of Europe an engine swap must be inspected and registered.

Fitting a replacement engine in the 318d

1. Inspect or replace the timing chain parts. Look at the guides and tensioner. On high-mileage engines, replacing them now costs far less than doing it later.
2. Replace the rear timing chain if in doubt. On engines with the chain at the gearbox end, chain work needs the engine out. If the history is unknown, replace the chain, guides and tensioner before fitting.
3. Prepare the turbo. Fit new oil feed and return seals, clean the intercooler and pipes of any oil or debris from the old engine, and prime the turbo with oil before starting.
4. Code the injectors and bleed the fuel. Enter the injector correction codes into the ECU, check the glow plugs and bleed the fuel system so the engine does not crank dry.
5. Check the particulate filter. If the old engine failed with oil or coolant entering the exhaust, the DPF may be contaminated. Check its back-pressure before relying on it.
6. Fill with the right oil and prime it. Fill with new oil of the correct specification and a new filter. Crank with the fuel and ignition disabled until oil pressure builds.
7. Coding and adaptations. On modern BMWs, the engine ECU must be matched to the car's immobiliser (CAS, FEM or BDC). Reset adaptations, register the battery and clear faults with diagnostic software.
8. First start and leak check. Start the engine, let it idle and watch oil pressure, temperature and fault codes. Check for leaks and bleed the cooling system.
9. First 1,000 km. Drive gently for the first few hundred kilometres, vary the engine speed and avoid full load. Change the oil and filter after about 1,000 km to remove any assembly debris.

The full fitting and first-start procedure.

Delivery, warranty and payment

Every 318d engine we sell is drained, sealed at each opening, strapped to a heat-treated pallet and shrink-wrapped before it leaves Hamburg. You receive photographs of the packed engine and a tracking number.

Delivery is door to door and included in the price. Most European addresses receive the engine within five to ten working days; Germany and its neighbours are usually faster.

Every engine carries a 12-month warranty on eligible internal failure when a qualified workshop fits it with new fluids and filters. Payment is by card, bank transfer or crypto; your invoice is emailed as soon as you order.

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