KNOWN FAULTS · BMW

BMW X3 (E83) 2.0d (M47, hasta 2007) common problems.

2004–2010 · 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.

xDrive transfer case actuator motorTransmission

Engine / equipment: ATC 400/500 transfer case with actuator motor (X3 E83, X5 E53 from 2004, X5 E70, X6 E71/E72)
Period mentioned: 2004–2014
Symptoms: The 4x4, ABS and brake warning lights come on together while driving (often intermittently), a click or clunk under the car when switching the ignition off or on, and jerky acceleration in low gears.
Possible cause described: The plastic gear in the motor that drives the transfer case clutch wears out, and the system disables all-wheel drive, ABS and stability control to protect itself. A parts manufacturer names an excessive difference in tread depth between front and rear tyres as a common cause of the wear.
Check for the garage: Scan every module with a diagnostic tool (transfer case codes) and measure the tread depth on all four tyres. The ABS and brake lights can have other causes, such as a wheel sensor or the ABS module: confirm before replacing parts. With the brake light on, also check the fluid and do not drive if the pedal feels abnormal.
Cost cited in the source: Complete actuator motor: about $350 in a US forum case; a cheaper reinforced gear is also sold on its own. Tyres extra if wear differs between axles.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.