KNOWN FAULTS · BMW

BMW Serie 5 (E60/E61) 520d (M47, hasta 2007) common problems.

2003–2010 · Diesel

Sources are not verified in real time and no entry confirms that your car is affected.

2 known faults with sources

Intake swirl flaps (M47)Intake

Engine / equipment: M47TU 2.0 diesel with swirl flaps (318d/320d E46 from 2001, 118d/120d E87, 320d E90 and 520d E60 until 2007, X3 2.0d)
Period mentioned: 2001–2007
Symptoms: Loss of power, smoke or knocking, often with no prior warning: one of the flaps comes loose and drops into the cylinder.
Possible cause described: The small swirl flaps in the intake manifold work loose with vibration and can break off into the cylinder, damaging the piston, valves and turbo. BMW strengthened the flaps in 2006.
Check for the garage: Check whether they have already been removed or replaced with blanking plugs and inspect the intake manifold.
Cost cited in the source: €4,000–6,000 if the failure damages the engine; prevention costs far lessA rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Applies if: Only if fitted with the automatic gearbox described in the record.

ZF 6HP mechatronic sleeve leak and harsh shiftsAutomatic gearbox

Engine / equipment: ZF 6-speed automatic 6HP19/21/26/28 (E53, E60/E61, E63/E64, E65/E66, E85, E90–E93)
Period mentioned: Approx. 2001–2013
Symptoms: Oil drips or dampness by the electrical connector on the side of the pan, a bump on the downshift just before stopping, harsh or flared shifts (especially 3rd-4th and 4th-5th under throttle) and a limp mode that clears after restarting.
Possible cause described: The sealing sleeve between the mechatronic unit and the wiring harness has O-rings that harden and let oil out. A BMW bulletin says to replace it only for a real leak, not mere dampness, and warns that fitting it wrongly damages the connector pins and forces a mechatronic replacement. With low fluid the gearbox loses pressure. Harsh shifts can also come from worn solenoids or valve body, not only the sleeve.
Check for the garage: At a garage: read the gearbox codes, check the fluid level with the official procedure (correct temperature and engine running) and look for a real leak at the sleeve and pan gasket. After a fluid or parts change, the garage should reset adaptations. If limp mode persists, check solenoids and valve body before replacing the gearbox.
Cost cited in the source: Sleeve and pan gasket: minor repair. If fluid is lost and the gearbox is damaged, in a US forum case BMW offered a remanufactured gearbox for about $2,800 without fitting.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.