Characteristics of the M54B30 engine
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing | Munich Plant |
| Engine make | M54 |
| Years of manufacture | 2000-2006 |
| Cylinder block material | aluminum |
| Power system | injector |
| Type | row |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 89.6 |
| Cylinder diameter, mm | 84 |
| Compression ratio | 10.2 |
| Engine displacement, cc | 2979 |
| Engine power, hp/rpm | 231/5900 |
| Torque, Nm/rpm | 300/3500 |
| Fuel | 95 |
| Environmental standards | Euro 3-4 |
| Engine weight, kg | ~130 |
| Fuel consumption, l/100 km | city: 14.0, highway: 7.0, mixed: 9.8 |
| Oil consumption, gr./1000 km | to 1000 |
| Engine oil | 5W-30, 5W-40 |
| How much oil in the engine, liters | 6.5 |
| Oil change is carried out, km | 10000 |
| Engine operating temperature, deg. | ~95 |
| Engine life, thousand kilometers | Factory data: -, in practice: ~300 |
| Tuning, h.p. | potential: 350+, without loss of resource: n.d. |
| Motor installed | BMW 330i E46, BMW 530i E39, BMW 530i E60, BMW 730i E65, BMW X3 E83, BMW X5 E53, BMW Z4 E85, BMW Z3 |
Reliability, problems and repair of the BMW M54B30 engine
The older model in the 54-series engine lineup (which also included the M54B22, M54B25 and S54B32), was developed on the basis of the M52TUB28 engine. The cylinder block remained unchanged, made of aluminum with cast iron liners. However, the crankshaft was new, made of steel with a stroke of 89.6 mm, new connecting rods were installed (length 135 mm), and the pistons were changed, which became lightweight. The piston compression height was 28.32 mm.
The cylinder head remained the same, with a twin-bearing system, but a new DISA wide-channel intake manifold was added, differing from the M54B22 and M54B25 by having shorter channels (-20 mm from the M52TU). The camshafts were also changed to 240/244 lift 9.7/9, new injectors, electronic throttle, and Siemens MS43/Siemens MS45 control system (Siemens MS45.1 for the US) were introduced.
The M54B30 engine was used in BMW’s 30i cars.
In 2004, BMW introduced a new series of N52 inline sixes, and the 3-liter M54B30 gradually gave way to the new N52B30 engine of the same displacement. The process of generation change was finally completed in 2006. Also in the same year, on the basis of the M54, a new powerful turbocharged engine N54 was developed and introduced, which became very popular on cars with the index 35i.
Problems and disadvantages of BMW M54B30 engines
M54 oil burn
The problem with oil burn on M54 engines is similar to what occurs on the M52TU. Again, the main cause is the piston rings, which are prone to sticking. The solution is quite simple – replace the rings. You can use rings from M52TUB28. It is also worth checking the condition of the crankcase ventilation valve (CVVG), it may need replacing.
Engine overheating
Another common problem with inline sixes is engine overheating. To solve this problem, check the condition of the radiator, clean it, remove air from the cooling system, and check the pump, thermostat, and radiator cap. After performing these measures, the cooling system should work properly.
Ignition skips
The problem with ignition skips is similar to the TU version of the M52 engine. The main reason for this is the encrusted hydrocompensators. To fix this problem, you need to buy new hydrocompensators and replace them.
In addition to these problems, there are also frequent failure of camshaft position sensors (DPRV), there is a problem with the reliability of the threads under the bolts of the cylinder head, short-lived thermostat, increased requirements for the quality of engine oil, and other problems. Nevertheless, compared to the previous generation M52, the 54-series engines have improved their reliability a bit.
When choosing between the M52 and M54, the BMW M54B30 engine is the preferred choice – an excellent unit in terms of power and reliability, ideal for replacement.
Tuning the BMW M54B30 engine
Spreaders
Given that the motor already has enough power and torque, serious modifications are not required. We’ll limit ourselves to classic improvements such as installing sport camshafts such as Schrick 264/248 with 10.5/10mm lift or similar. We also recommend installing a cold intake and a straight-through exhaust system with an equal-length exhaust manifold from Supersprint. After tuning the engine power can reach about 260-270 hp, and its character will become more aggressive, which is quite suitable for urban operation.
For those who can’t get enough, it is recommended to buy forged pistons with high compression ratio, camshafts with 280/280 phase, and adapt the 6-throttle intake from S54 and other improvements.
M54B30 Compressor
The next step to increasing power can be to install a compressor supercharger from ESS, G-Power, or other manufacturers. These can be used to increase maximum power to 350 hp or even higher on standard M54B30 pistons. Standard pistons and connecting rods will typically handle around 400 hp. However, for more powerful compressor whales, forged pistons and connecting rods with appropriate compression ratios are recommended.
M54B30 Turbocharging
One of the most common ways to turbocharge an M54 is to install a Garrett GT30-based turbocharger kit. Such kits typically include an intercooler, turbo manifold, oil supply and drain system, westgate, block-off, fuel regulator, pump, boost controller, and the necessary sensors. Once this system is installed and tuned, you can expect 400 to 450 hp on standard pistons.
ENGINE RATING: 4+