BMW built the M47D20 from 1998 to 2007. It is a 2.0 L turbocharged diesel inline-4 with 136 hp and 280 Nm, part of the M47 family. You will find it in the BMW E46 320d and BMW E39 520d.
This guide is about the M47D20 specifically: its specification, the cars that use it, how it differs from the other M47 versions, what to check, prices from our stock and fitment answers for each model. For the history of the whole family, read our M47 guide.
- Capacity and layout: 2.0 L, inline-4, turbocharged
- Output: 136 hp and 280 Nm
- Production: 1998–2007
- Fitted to: 2 models across 2 chassis generations
- In our stock: ask the desk for the next arrival
M47D20 specifications
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine code | M47D20 |
| Family | M47 |
| Capacity | 2.0 L |
| Layout | Inline-4 |
| Fuel | Diesel |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged |
| Power | 136 hp |
| Torque | 280 Nm |
| Specific output | 68 hp per litre |
| Production | 1998–2007 |
| Models | 2 |
M47D20: 2.0 L, inline-4, diesel, turbocharged. Output is 136 hp with 280 Nm of torque, and production ran from 1998 to 2007. That is about 68 hp and 140 Nm per litre, a relaxed tune aimed at torque, durability and economy. Within the M47 family, the M47TUD20 (150 hp) is more powerful. It was fitted to the BMW E46 320d and BMW E39 520d.
What the code M47D20 means
- M marks an M-series code, the naming BMW used for its engine families up to the early 2000s.
- 47 is the family number.
- D stands for diesel.
- 20 is the capacity in decilitres, so 2.0 litres.
Which BMW models use the M47D20
| Model | Generation | Built |
|---|---|---|
| BMW E46 320d | fourth 3 Series | 1997–2006 |
| BMW E39 520d | fourth 5 Series | 1995–2004 |
In the E46 fourth 3 Series (1997–2006), the M47D20 powered the 320d. Engines from other models fit the E46 as long as the sump, mounts and ancillaries match, which we check against your VIN. All E46 engines
In the E39 fourth 5 Series (1995–2004), the M47D20 powered the 520d. Engines from other models fit the E39 as long as the sump, mounts and ancillaries match, which we check against your VIN. All E39 engines
M47D20 compared with other M47 versions
| Code | Capacity | Power | Torque | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M47D20 | 2.0 L | 136 hp | 280 Nm | 1998–2007 |
| M47TUD20 | 2.0 L | 150 hp | 330 Nm | 2001–2007 |
M47D20 or M47TUD20?
The M47TUD20 has 14 hp more than the M47D20 (150 against 136 hp), from the same 2.0 L, and was built 2001–2007. Versions of the same size share the block and most mounting points, but the turbo or intake, injectors, software and sometimes the sump differ. Fitting one in place of the other usually means transferring parts and coding the engine control unit, so the simplest choice is the code your car left the factory with.
Common M47D20 problems
The M47D20 shares its weak points with the rest of the M47 family. These are the faults to check on a used unit and on your own engine. The full explanation of each is in the M47 guide.
| Known fault | What to check |
|---|---|
| Swirl flaps | Check whether the flaps have been removed or replaced with blanks. |
| EGR valve and cooler | Check for EGR fault codes and coolant loss. |
| Injectors | Read injector correction values. |
| Turbocharger | Check shaft play. |
| Glow plugs | Check the glow plug system. |
Glow plugs. Glow plugs fail and cause hard cold starts.
M47D20 maintenance
- 5W-30 BMW Longlife-04, about 5.25 litres.
- Oil every 10,000 to 15,000 km.
- Timing chain at the front.
Will the M47D20 fit my car?
Will the M47D20 fit my BMW E46 320d?
For the BMW E46 320d, the M47D20 is the factory engine and the one to order. The fourth 3 Series was built 1997–2006, and the M47D20 was produced 1998–2007, 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 E46 320d?
We have 50 M47D20 engines from E46 donor cars, priced from 1.100,00 € to 1.765,00 €. 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 M47D20 fit my BMW E39 520d?
For the BMW E39 520d, the M47D20 is the factory engine and the one to order. The fourth 5 Series was built 1995–2004, and the M47D20 was produced 1998–2007, 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 E39 520d?
We have 50 M47D20 engines from E39 donor cars, priced from 1.116,00 € to 1.846,00 €. 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.
M47D20 prices
We do not have an M47D20 on the shelf at the moment. Send us your VIN or the code you need and the desk will tell you when the next unit arrives and what it will cost.
Other M47 versions are in stock from 1.073,00 €. Some can be fitted in place of the M47D20 with parts transferred; ask the desk which ones suit your car.
M47 engines in stock
Here is a selection of M47 engines currently on our shelves, photographed in the yard. Click any of them for the full photographs, mileage and specification.
BMW E87 120d M47D20TU2 Engine 2004, 125,800 km1.331,00 €
BMW E60 520d M47D20TU2 Engine 2001, 146,600 km1.250,00 €
BMW E46 320d M47D20TU2 Engine 2001, 118,700 km1.464,00 €
BMW E87 120d M47D20TU2 Engine 2005, 151,100 km1.648,00 €
BMW E46 320d M47D20TU2 Engine 2001, 140,600 km1.359,00 €
BMW E39 520d M47D20TU2 Engine 2004, 181,200 km1.698,00 €
BMW E39 520d M47D20TU2 Engine 2003, 207,200 km1.399,00 €
BMW E87 120d M47D20TU2 Engine 2007, 154,000 km1.302,00 €
BMW E87 120d M47D20TU2 Engine 2005, 65,300 km1.577,00 €
BMW E60 520d M47D20TU2 Engine 2001, 57,600 km1.408,00 €
BMW E46 320d M47D20TU2 Engine 2007, 44,200 km1.637,00 €
BMW E60 520d M47D20TU2 Engine 2003, 136,700 km1.558,00 €BMW E87 120d M47D20TU2 Engine 2004, 125,800 km — 1.331,00 €, reduced from 2.400,00 €. It comes from a 2004 donor car with 125,800 km, and 29 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.
BMW E60 520d M47D20TU2 Engine 2001, 146,600 km — 1.250,00 €, reduced from 2.150,00 €. It comes from a 2001 donor car with 146,600 km, and 24 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.
BMW E46 320d M47D20TU2 Engine 2001, 118,700 km — 1.464,00 €, reduced from 2.500,00 €. It comes from a 2001 donor car with 118,700 km, and 19 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.
BMW E87 120d M47D20TU2 Engine 2005, 151,100 km — 1.648,00 €, reduced from 2.950,00 €. It comes from a 2005 donor car with 151,100 km, and 29 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.
BMW E46 320d M47D20TU2 Engine 2001, 140,600 km — 1.359,00 €, reduced from 2.100,00 €. It comes from a 2001 donor car with 140,600 km, and 28 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.
BMW E39 520d M47D20TU2 Engine 2004, 181,200 km — 1.698,00 €, reduced from 2.400,00 €. It comes from a 2004 donor car with 181,200 km, and 9 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.
BMW E39 520d M47D20TU2 Engine 2003, 207,200 km — 1.399,00 €, reduced from 2.750,00 €. It comes from a 2003 donor car with 207,200 km, and 11 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.
BMW E87 120d M47D20TU2 Engine 2007, 154,000 km — 1.302,00 €, reduced from 2.150,00 €. It comes from a 2007 donor car with 154,000 km, and 15 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.
BMW E87 120d M47D20TU2 Engine 2005, 65,300 km — 1.577,00 €, reduced from 2.900,00 €. It comes from a 2005 donor car with 65,300 km, and 23 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.
BMW E60 520d M47D20TU2 Engine 2001, 57,600 km — 1.408,00 €, reduced from 2.050,00 €. It comes from a 2001 donor car with 57,600 km, and 25 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.
BMW E46 320d M47D20TU2 Engine 2007, 44,200 km — 1.637,00 €, reduced from 3.000,00 €. It comes from a 2007 donor car with 44,200 km, and 26 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.
BMW E60 520d M47D20TU2 Engine 2003, 136,700 km — 1.558,00 €, reduced from 2.900,00 €. It comes from a 2003 donor car with 136,700 km, and 20 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.
Buying a used M47D20: checklist
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Questions about the M47D20
Can I put an M47D20 engine in my Defender 90?
Yes. We sell conversion kits that fit the M47D20 into the Defender 90. The kit replaces the 200Tdi and Td5, and works with the R380 and LT77.
You can buy the full package with an engine, or only the parts you need: complete conversion with engine, complete conversion, adapter plate, engine mount, wiring and ecu and cooling and exhaust.
A swap like this needs a skilled workshop. Mounts, the adapter, the wiring and the engine computer, the cooling and the exhaust all have to work together. Check your local road rules for engine swaps before you start.
Tell us your Defender 90's year and current set-up, and we suggest the right parts. You can reach the Hamburg desk by email at autowerkeengines@gmail.com, or by phone and WhatsApp on +49 15510 030835, Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 16:00 CET.
See all M47 Defender Conversion Kits · Conversion guide
Can I put an M47D20 engine in my Defender 110?
Yes. We sell conversion kits that fit the M47D20 into the Defender 110. The kit replaces the 200Tdi and Td5, and works with the R380 and LT77.
You can buy the full package with an engine, or only the parts you need: complete conversion with engine, complete conversion, adapter plate, engine mount, wiring and ecu and cooling and exhaust.
A swap like this needs a skilled workshop. Mounts, the adapter, the wiring and the engine computer, the cooling and the exhaust all have to work together. Check your local road rules for engine swaps before you start.
Tell us your Defender 110's year and current set-up, and we suggest the right parts. You can reach the Hamburg desk by email at autowerkeengines@gmail.com, or by phone and WhatsApp on +49 15510 030835, Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 16:00 CET.
See all M47 Defender Conversion Kits · Conversion guide
Can I put an M47D20 engine in my Defender 90?
Yes. We sell conversion kits that fit the M47D20 into the Defender 90. The kit replaces the 200Tdi and Td5, and works with the R380 and LT77.
You can buy the full package with an engine, or only the parts you need: complete conversion with engine, complete conversion, adapter plate, engine mount, wiring and ecu and cooling and exhaust.
A swap like this needs a skilled workshop. Mounts, the adapter, the wiring and the engine computer, the cooling and the exhaust all have to work together. Check your local road rules for engine swaps before you start.
Tell us your Defender 90's year and current set-up, and we suggest the right parts. You can reach the Hamburg desk by email at autowerkeengines@gmail.com, or by phone and WhatsApp on +49 15510 030835, Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 16:00 CET.
See all M47 Defender Conversion Kits · Conversion guide
How much is a replacement M47D20TU2 engine for a BMW E87 120d?
A used M47D20TU2 for the BMW E87 120d costs from about 1.050 € to 1.850 € in our yard. The price depends on the year, the mileage and the parts that come with the engine.
Shipping is a flat 249 € per order. It is added once at checkout and printed on the invoice, so there is no extra fee later. Inside the EU there is no import duty. Outside the EU, the receiver pays local duty and VAT.
A replacement engine is often much cheaper than rebuilding a damaged one, and much faster. The M47D20TU2 you buy is photographed and checked in Hamburg before it is listed.
Eligible engines come with a 12 months warranty from the delivery date. It covers internal mechanical failure under normal use and correct fitting by a qualified mechanic or workshop. Not sure? Send us your VIN and your gearbox code. We match the engine family, the year window and the parts on the engine before anything is reserved, and the check is free.
See all M47 Engines · Search M47D20TU2 in the shop
How do I know a used M47D20TU2 engine is in good shape?
The photos on each listing show the actual engine, not a stock picture. The yard checks the code, records what is bolted on, and seals the openings before the engine is offered. An inspection certificate for the unit can travel with the order when you ask for it.
When you look at a listing, check the recorded mileage, the year and the photos of the ports and the stamp. Ask for photos of anything you want to see closer. You can ask for extra photos, a close-up of the code stamp or a short video before you order.
On a diesel like the M47D20TU2, a careful fitter will also look at the injectors, the turbo shaft play and the oil in the intake before the engine goes in.
If the engine fails inside under normal use, the warranty covers you. Eligible engines come with a 12 months warranty from the delivery date. It covers internal mechanical failure under normal use and correct fitting by a qualified mechanic or workshop.
See all M47 Engines · Search M47D20TU2 in the shop
How much does a used BMW M47D20TU2 engine cost?
A used BMW M47D20TU2 engine in our yard usually costs between 1.050 € and 1.850 €. The exact price depends on the year, the mileage and the parts that come with the engine.
Our units show recorded mileage from about 22,000 km up to around 200,000 km. Lower mileage and more ancillaries mean a higher price. Each listing shows its own price, and the price you see is the price you pay. Prices include VAT for private buyers.
Shipping is a flat 249 € per order. It is added once at checkout and printed on the invoice, so there is no extra fee later. If you order a gearbox or a second engine on the same order, the fee is still charged once.
Inside the EU there is no import duty. For the UK and other non-EU countries, import duty and local VAT are paid by the receiver, and we supply a commercial invoice.
See all M47 Engines · Search M47D20TU2 in the shop
Which years were BMW M47 engines made?
BMW built the M47 engines we list from about 2001 to 2007. The M47D20TU2 ran from 2001 to 2007.
They went into chassis E46, E39, E60 and E87. The exact year of a car matters, because BMW sometimes changed the engine version or its parts in the middle of a model's life.
Each listing in our yard names the engine year, so you can match it to the build date of your car.
Not sure? Send us your VIN and your gearbox code. We match the engine family, the year window and the parts on the engine before anything is reserved, and the check is free.
How long does delivery of an M47D20TU2 engine take?
Orders confirmed before 14:00 CET on a working day leave Hamburg the same day. Later and weekend orders leave the next working day. Delivery to the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, Luxembourg and Denmark takes 1 to 3 working days.
Spain, Italy, Portugal, Poland, Czechia, Austria, Ireland, the Nordics and the Baltics take 2 to 5 working days. Greek and Spanish islands, Malta, Cyprus and remote areas take 4 to 8 working days. The UK and other countries outside the EU are quoted one by one.
Shipping is a flat 249 € per order. It is added once at checkout and printed on the invoice, so there is no extra fee later. Every engine is drained, sealed at each opening, strapped to a heat-treated pallet and shrink-wrapped, then photographed before it leaves the yard.
You get a tracking number when the pallet is collected. Check the wrapping before you sign, and note any damage on the paperwork.
See all M47 Engines · Search M47D20TU2 in the shop
How much power and torque does the BMW M47D20TU2 have?
From the factory the BMW M47D20TU2 makes 120 kW (163 HP) and 340 Nm of torque. It is a 2.0 liter (1,995 cc) inline 4, DOHC, 16 valve diesel engine with a variable-geometry turbocharger.
Because it is turbocharged, the torque comes in low in the rev range, which makes the car feel strong in everyday driving. A healthy turbo, a clean intercooler and tight boost pipes are key to getting the full figure.
A used engine reaches its factory numbers when it is fitted with the matching engine computer and software, and serviced with the right oil and filters. If the engine computer from your car is a different version, a specialist may need to code it.
Every M47D20TU2 on our site lists its year and mileage. If you want more photos or a short video of a unit, ask the desk and we send them before you pay.
See all M47 Engines · Search M47D20TU2 in the shop
Does a used M47D20TU2 engine come with a warranty?
Yes. Eligible engines come with a 12 months warranty from the delivery date. It covers internal mechanical failure under normal use and correct fitting by a qualified mechanic or workshop.
The warranty does not cover damage from wrong fitting, overheating, low oil, wrong fluids or fuel, engines that were opened or modified without our approval, or labour and towing costs.
To claim, send us your order number, a short description of the problem, photos or a video, and a mechanic's report if we ask for one. If the claim is approved, we repair, replace or refund the engine.
Keep the receipts for the fitting, the oil and the filters. They make any claim quick and simple.
See all M47 Engines · Search M47D20TU2 in the shop
Can you check if an M47D20TU2 fits my car with my VIN?
Yes, and it is free. Send the 17-character VIN of your car and, if you have it, the gearbox code. We check the engine family, the build year window and the parts your car needs.
For the M47D20TU2, we confirm that your car was built with this code or with a version that can take it. BMW used it in the BMW E46 320d, BMW E46 320td, BMW E39 520d, BMW E60 520d and BMW E87 120d.
We only reserve an engine once the match is confirmed, so you never pay for the wrong unit. You can reach the Hamburg desk by email at autowerkeengines@gmail.com, or by phone and WhatsApp on +49 15510 030835, Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 16:00 CET.
You can also use the VIN check on our site. It reads the year, the make, the model and the engine from the public vehicle register.
See all M47 Engines · Search M47D20TU2 in the shop
Will the M47D20TU2 engine fit my BMW E87 120d?
Yes, if your BMW E87 120d was built with the M47D20TU2. BMW used this 2.0 liter (1,995 cc) diesel engine with 120 kW (163 HP) in the E87 120d from about 2001 to 2007.
Some E87 120d cars were built with a different engine: the N47D20A. These look alike from the outside, so check the code on your engine or send us your VIN.
Also tell us if your E87 has a manual or an automatic gearbox. The flywheel or the flex plate and some sensors depend on it.
Not sure? Send us your VIN and your gearbox code. We match the engine family, the year window and the parts on the engine before anything is reserved, and the check is free.
See all M47 Engines · Search M47D20TU2 in the shop
Delivery, warranty and payment
Before an M47D20 leaves our Hamburg yard it is drained of oil and coolant, every opening is sealed, and it is strapped to a pallet and wrapped. We send photographs of the packed unit and the tracking details.
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.
