BMW 520d (G30) engine: which one, problems and replacement

The BMW 520d in the seventh 5 Series generation (G30, built 2016–2023) was built with one engine, the B47D20: a 2.0 L diesel inline-4 with 190 hp.

This guide tells you which engine your 520d has, what goes wrong with it, what a replacement costs from our stock and what else to plan for when you fit one.

• Generation: seventh 5 Series, 2016–2023
• Body styles: G30 (saloon)
• Engines: B47D20
• Output: 190 hp
• Replacement engines in stock: 251 from 2.181,00 €

Which engine is in your 520d?

B47D20 in the 520d

The B47D20 was used in the G30 520d, built 2014–2026. It is a 2.0 L turbocharged diesel inline-4 with 190 hp and 400 Nm.

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.

520d engines by model year

The 520d kept the same engine for the whole G30 run, which makes ordering simple: any unit with the same code fits, subject to the gearbox, drive type and sump.

Other cars with the same engine as the 520d

A replacement engine does not have to come from another 520d. 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.

B47D20: BMW F30 320d, BMW G20 320d, BMW G01 X3 20d, BMW G05 X5 25d.

How to confirm your engine code

The 520d only used the B47D20, but the exact version can still change with the build date, gearbox and market. 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 520d engine problems

The B47D20 in the 520d 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 520d

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.

Looking after the 520d engine

• 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 520d: checklist

1. Sump, oil pickup and drive variants. Rear-drive, xDrive and front-drive cars can use different sumps, oil pickups and engine mounts even with the same engine code. Check that the sump matches your subframe and front axle.
2. Compression or leak-down figures. Even compression across all cylinders tells you more than mileage. Ask for the figures, not just a pass or fail, and compare the highest and lowest readings: a spread above 10 to 15 percent deserves a question.
3. Why your old engine failed. Before fitting a replacement, find out why the original failed. An overheating radiator, a blocked intercooler or a failed turbo can destroy a second engine if they are not fixed.
4. Ask how the donor car was damaged. Most good used engines come from cars with body damage. A front-end impact can crack sensors, the timing cover or the sump; a rear or side impact usually leaves the engine untouched. The yard records the damage on each unit.
5. 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.
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. 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.
10. 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 520d replacement engine cost

Across 251 520d engine units in our stock today, prices start at 2.181,00 € and reach 3.859,00 €. The median — the price in the middle of the range — is 2.843,00 €.

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.

520d engine prices by model year

Engines from 2010–2014 have a median of 2.781,00 €, while units from 2015–2019 sit at 2.862,00 €. Newer engines usually cost more because they come from younger donor cars with lower mileage and later updates.

520d 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.

50 of these come from G30 donor cars, priced from 2.188,00 € to 3.387,00 €. 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 520d

Here is a selection of 520d engines currently on our shelves, photographed in the yard. Click any of them for the full photographs, mileage and specification.

BMW G30 520d B47D20 Engine 2015, 54,600 km2.694,00 €BMW G30 520d B47D20 Engine 2016, 60,300 km2.959,00 €BMW G30 520d B47D20 Engine 2018, 146,700 km3.266,00 €BMW G30 520d B47D20 Engine 2015, 70,100 km2.370,00 €BMW G30 520d B47D20 Engine 2017, 141,500 km2.656,00 €BMW G30 520d B47D20 Engine 2017, 190,300 km3.256,00 €BMW G30 520d B47D20 Engine 2018, 35,900 km2.673,00 €BMW G30 520d B47D20 Engine 2015, 147,800 km2.519,00 €BMW G30 520d B47D20 Engine 2019, 169,000 km2.746,00 €BMW G30 520d B47D20 Engine 2014, 175,900 km2.477,00 €BMW G30 520d B47D20 Engine 2018, 84,800 km2.939,00 €BMW G30 520d B47D20 Engine 2018, 102,800 km2.887,00 €

BMW G30 520d B47D20 Engine 2015, 54,600 km — 2.694,00 €, reduced from 3.500,00 €. It comes from a 2015 donor car with 54,600 km, and 5 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW G30 520d B47D20 Engine 2016, 60,300 km — 2.959,00 €, reduced from 3.850,00 €. It comes from a 2016 donor car with 60,300 km, and 18 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW G30 520d B47D20 Engine 2018, 146,700 km — 3.266,00 €, reduced from 4.400,00 €. It comes from a 2018 donor car with 146,700 km, and 17 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW G30 520d B47D20 Engine 2015, 70,100 km — 2.370,00 €, reduced from 3.350,00 €. It comes from a 2015 donor car with 70,100 km, and 11 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW G30 520d B47D20 Engine 2017, 141,500 km — 2.656,00 €, reduced from 3.400,00 €. It comes from a 2017 donor car with 141,500 km, and 14 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW G30 520d B47D20 Engine 2017, 190,300 km — 3.256,00 €, reduced from 4.500,00 €. It comes from a 2017 donor car with 190,300 km, and 30 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW G30 520d B47D20 Engine 2018, 35,900 km — 2.673,00 €, reduced from 4.050,00 €. It comes from a 2018 donor car with 35,900 km, and 14 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW G30 520d B47D20 Engine 2015, 147,800 km — 2.519,00 €, reduced from 3.400,00 €. It comes from a 2015 donor car with 147,800 km, and 18 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW G30 520d B47D20 Engine 2019, 169,000 km — 2.746,00 €, reduced from 3.800,00 €. It comes from a 2019 donor car with 169,000 km, and 6 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW G30 520d B47D20 Engine 2014, 175,900 km — 2.477,00 €, reduced from 3.400,00 €. It comes from a 2014 donor car with 175,900 km, and 30 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW G30 520d B47D20 Engine 2018, 84,800 km — 2.939,00 €, reduced from 3.900,00 €. It comes from a 2018 donor car with 84,800 km, and 8 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW G30 520d B47D20 Engine 2018, 102,800 km — 2.887,00 €, reduced from 3.600,00 €. It comes from a 2018 donor car with 102,800 km, and 8 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

Will it fit my 520d?

Engine swaps and upgrades for the 520d

These engines were fitted to other versions of the G30 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 B46B20 in my 520d?

It is a full conversion: the B46B20 runs on petrol and the B47D20 on diesel, so the fuel system, wiring, engine control unit, instrument coding and usually the gearbox change too. The gain is 68 hp and 0 Nm. In Germany and most of Europe an engine swap must be inspected and registered.

Can I fit the B48B20 in my 520d?

It is a full conversion: the B48B20 runs on petrol and the B47D20 on diesel, so the fuel system, wiring, engine control unit, instrument coding and usually the gearbox change too. The gain is 68 hp and 0 Nm. In Germany and most of Europe an engine swap must be inspected and registered.

Can I fit the B48B20TU in my 520d?

It is a full conversion: the B48B20TU runs on petrol and the B47D20 on diesel, so the fuel system, wiring, engine control unit, instrument coding and usually the gearbox change too. The gain is 68 hp and 0 Nm. In Germany and most of Europe an engine swap must be inspected and registered.

Fitting a replacement engine in the 520d

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 520d 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.

Door-to-door delivery is included to the address you give at checkout. Typical delivery takes three to five working days within Germany and neighbouring countries and five to ten working days to the rest of Europe and the UK.

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.

All G30 engines · B47 engine guide · BMW 520d engines for sale · Send us your VIN