The N52B30 engine is one of the most powerful and technologically advanced six-cylinder atmospheric engines developed by BMW. It combines high performance, light weight thanks to the magnesium-aluminum block, and compliance with modern environmental standards. Produced from 2004 to 2011, it was fitted to a wide range of BMW models.
Characteristics of the N52B30 engine
| Characteristics | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing | Munich Plant |
| Engine make | N52 |
| Years of production | 2004-2011 |
| Cylinder block material | Magnesium-aluminum |
| Power system | Injector |
| Engine type | Ready |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 88 |
| Cylinder diameter, mm | 85 |
| Compression ratio | 10.7 |
| Engine displacement, cc | 2996 |
| Engine power, hp/rpm | 218/6100 231/6500 258/6600 265/6600 272/6650 |
| Torque, Nm/rpm | 270/2400-4200 280/2500-3500 300/2500-4000 315/2750 |
| Environmental regulations | Euro 5 |
| Engine weight, kg | ~160 |
| Fuel consumption, l/100 km (for BMW E87 130i): | City: 13.6 Highway: 6.6 Mixed: 9.2 |
| Oil consumption, gr./1000 km | To 1000 |
| Oil volume in the engine, l | 6.5 |
Engine Application
The N52B30 engine was installed in many BMW models, including both compact and executive cars. Here is a list of the main models:
- BMW 125i (E82)
- BMW 128i (E82)
- BMW 130i (E87)
- BMW 325i (E90)
- BMW 328i (E90)
- BMW 330i (E90)
- BMW 528i (E60, F10)
- BMW 530i (E60, F18)
- BMW 630i (E63)
- BMW 730i (E65, F01)
- BMW X1 (E84)
- BMW X3 (E83, F25)
- BMW X5 (E70)
- BMW Z4 (E85, E89)
Engine features
- Cylinder block material: magnesium-aluminum reduces engine weight (approx. 160 kg) while ensuring strength and durability.
- Double VANOS and Valvetronic: improves performance and fuel economy.
- Power: depending on the version, the engine develops between 218 and 272 hp, making it versatile for vehicles of different classes.
- Euro 5 compliant: the engine meets modern environmental requirements.
Design and repair of the BMW N52B30 engine
The first engine in the new N52 range (which includes N52B25) with six cylinders in a row. Unlike its predecessor M54B30, the N52B30 is a completely new engine, with a new lightweight magnesium-aluminum cylinder block, a different crankshaft and a lightweight connecting rod and piston group.
The engine features a new cylinder head utilizing the Double-VANOS intake and exhaust camshaft timing system and, for even greater efficiency, the Valvetronic II variable valve lift system has been added. They range in height from 0.18mm to 9.9mm. The exhaust valves are 9.7 mm. Phase 255/263. The diameter of the inlet valves is 34.2 mm, the exhaust valves 29 mm. In the cylinder head now moved and injectors, the inlet uses a manifold with variable length DISA, engine management system Siemens MSV70, in the timing is used chain.
The N52B30 engine was used in BMW cars with the index 25i, 28i and 30i, depending on the modification.
The 3-liter N52 engine was used until 2011, despite the fact that since 2007 it was suppressed by a modified N53B30 engine.
Modifications of the BMW N52B30 engine
- N52B30U1 (2004 – 2011 model years) is a stifled engine with 218 hp at 6100 rpm, 270 Nm of torque at 2400-4200 rpm. Power is reduced by using a different intake manifold and ECU firmware. For versions with index 25i and 28i.
- N52B30 (2007 – 2011) – analog for the North American market. Power is 231 hp at 6500 rpm, torque 270 Nm at 2750 rpm. For versions with 28i index.
- N52B30O0 (2004 – 2011 model years) – base engine with 3-Stage DISA intake manifold. Power 258 hp at 6600 rpm, torque 300 Nm at 2500-4000 rpm. For versions with 30i index.
- N52B30O1 (2006 – 2009 model years) – 265 hp at 6600 rpm, 315 Nm of torque at 2750-4250 rpm. For versions with index 30i.
- N52B30O1 (2006 – 2010 model years) – power 272 hp at 6650 rpm, torque 315 Nm at 2750 rpm. For X3 and X5 crossovers and BMW models with 30i index.
Troubles and faults of BMW N52B30 engines
The N52B30 engine problems are similar to those you can encounter on the younger 2.5-liter N52B25 engine, except for seized rings and their attendant troubles. The N52B30 uses different Mahle oil rings, so there is no oil burn problem.
As a consequence, the resource of the 3-liter N52 motor is much higher than its younger brother and it can be generally recommended for purchase.
Tuning the engine BMW N52B30
Chip tuning. Intake
It makes sense to refine the younger, artificially strangled, versions of N52B30 in 218 hp and 231 hp. To return them to the factory power of 270 hp, you need to buy a 3-Stage DISA intake manifold and flash the ECU for a power of 272 hp in a company specializing in N52B30. For more full disclosure of potential, do not buy a sports air filter and sports exhaust system. Such manipulations will increase the power to 280-290 hp.
You can install a 6-throttle intake, but you will have to customize it on third-party brains.
N52B30 Compressor
As for the younger N52B25, you can buy a compressor kit from ARMA (or another manufacturer) for the 3-liter N52 and get about 300-350 hp on a stock piston. That’s good, but it’s much better and cheaper to buy a BMW with an N54 and do chip tuning to 400hp.
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