BMW 330i (E46) engine: which one, problems and replacement

The BMW 330i in the fourth 3 Series generation (E46, built 1997–2006) was built with one engine, the M54B30: a 3.0 L petrol inline-6 with 231 hp.

Below you will find how to identify the engine in your 330i, the faults to look for, current prices for a replacement and the swap options that make sense.

• Generation: fourth 3 Series, 1997–2006
• Body styles: E46 (saloon, Touring, coupé, convertible, Compact)
• Engines: M54B30
• Output: 231 hp
• Replacement engines in stock: 182 from 1.124,00 €

Which engine is in your 330i?

M54B30 in the 330i

The M54B30 was used in the E46 330i, built 2000–2006. It is a 3.0 L naturally aspirated petrol inline-6 with 231 hp and 300 Nm.

Reading the code: M marks an M-series code, the naming BMW used for its engine families up to the early 2000s; 54 is the family number; B stands for petrol (from the German Benzin); 30 is the capacity in decilitres, so 3.0 litres.

330i engines by model year

The 330i kept the same engine for the whole E46 run, which makes ordering simple: any unit with the same code fits, subject to the gearbox, drive type and sump.

Other cars with the same engine as the 330i

A replacement engine does not have to come from another 330i. These models left the factory with the same engine code, so a unit from any of them is a candidate donor once the sump, mounts and ancillaries are matched to your car.

M54B30: BMW E39 530i, BMW E60 530i, BMW E85 Z4 3.0, BMW E53 X5 3.0.

How to confirm your engine code

The 330i only used the M54B30, but the exact version can still change with the build date, gearbox and market. Send us the last seven characters of the VIN and we read the engine code from BMW's records, or look for the code stamped on the block. How to find your BMW engine code.

Known 330i engine problems

The M54B30 in the 330i shares the known weak points of the M54 family. Full M54 guide.

Crankcase ventilation (CCV). A failed CCV valve causes oil consumption, a whistle at idle, smoke and lean-running codes. It is the most common M54 fault.

DISA valve flap. The plastic flap inside the DISA valve can break and enter the engine.

Cooling system. Expansion tanks, thermostats and water pumps fail around 100,000 km.

Oil filter housing and valve cover gaskets. Both harden and leak oil onto the exhaust and alternator.

Oil consumption from piston rings. Some engines burn oil when rings stick, often after short-trip use.

Symptoms to watch for on the 330i

Rattle for a few seconds after a cold start. The classic sign of a weak timing chain tensioner or stretched chain. It must be checked quickly: a chain that jumps a tooth can bend valves.

Poor low-down torque and uneven idle. VANOS seals or solenoids. The engine may run well at high revs but feel flat and lumpy at low speed.

Looking after the 330i engine

• Oil: 5W-30 BMW Longlife-01 synthetic, about 6.5 litres with filter.
• Service interval: Oil every 15,000 km or yearly; spark plugs every 100,000 km; cooling every 100,000 km.
• Timing drive: Duplex and single chains at the front, no scheduled replacement.
• Workshop notes: Change the CCV system and DISA valve before fitting a used M54. Both are cheap compared with an engine.

Buying a used engine for the 330i: checklist

1. Photographs from every side. Good suppliers photograph the actual engine you will receive. Look for the block stamp, the sump, the timing cover and any broken brackets or connectors in the pictures.
2. 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.
3. Confirm the exact engine code. Read the code stamped on the block and compare it with the code for your car. Send us the last seven characters of the VIN and we confirm the match before anything is paid.
4. List of what is fitted. Engines are sold with different ancillaries: some have the turbo, injectors, manifolds, alternator and starter, others are long blocks. Agree the list in writing so you know which parts must come from your old engine.
5. Gearbox and flywheel match. Manual and automatic engines differ at the flywheel or flexplate, and sometimes at the crankshaft spigot. Make sure the engine you buy matches your gearbox or that you transfer the right parts.
6. 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.
7. VANOS operation. Rough idle, a rattle from the front of the head and a loss of torque at low revs point to VANOS seals or solenoids. These are serviceable parts and are easier to renew with the engine out.
8. Double VANOS units and solenoids. Ask for the adaptation values or fault history if the engine was running. Solenoids are inexpensive and are often replaced as a matter of course on a used engine.
9. Plastic cooling parts. Expansion tanks, thermostat housings and water pump impellers made of plastic crack with age. Plan to replace them when the engine is fitted.

BMW 330i replacement engine cost

Across 182 330i engine units in our stock today, prices start at 1.124,00 € and reach 4.423,00 €. The median — the price in the middle of the range — is 1.817,00 €.

Prices depend on the exact version, the donor's mileage, how complete the engine is and the demand for that code. Higher-output versions, low mileage and dressed engines with turbo, injectors and ancillaries cost more; long blocks and higher mileage cost less.

330i engine prices by model year

Engines from 2000–2004 have a median of 1.746,00 €, while units from 2015–2019 sit at 1.897,00 €. Newer engines usually cost more because they come from younger donor cars with lower mileage and later updates.

330i engine prices by mileage

Mileage matters less than history on a well-maintained BMW engine, but it is a useful guide. A low-mileage unit from a younger car gives you more life for a modest premium.

45 of these come from E46 donor cars, priced from 1.124,00 € to 3.725,00 €. An engine from the same body is the most direct swap because the sump, mounts and ancillaries already match.

On top of the engine, budget for the workshop's labour and the parts that are best replaced while the engine is out: engine mounts, the rear main seal, cooling parts, a clutch or converter seal, fluids and filters.

Replacement engines in stock for the 330i

Here is a selection of 330i engines currently on our shelves, photographed in the yard. Click any of them for the full photographs, mileage and specification.

BMW E46 330i M54B30 Engine 2006, 134,900 km1.928,00 €BMW E46 330i M54B30 Engine 2002, 131,700 km1.438,00 €BMW E46 330i M54B30 Engine 2006, 203,500 km1.976,00 €BMW E46 330i M54B30 Engine 2001, 91,900 km1.863,00 €BMW E46 330i M54B30 Engine 2003, 207,100 km1.606,00 €BMW E46 330i M54B30 Engine 2001, 191,100 km1.406,00 €BMW E46 330i M54B30 Engine 2004, 168,300 km2.138,00 €BMW E46 330i M54B30 Engine 2002, 137,300 km1.972,00 €BMW E46 330i M54B30 Engine 2003, 56,500 km1.912,00 €BMW E46 330i M54B30 Engine 2006, 184,700 km1.460,00 €BMW E46 330i M54B30 Engine 2005, 114,400 km1.602,00 €BMW E46 330i M54B30 Engine 2002, 169,700 km1.458,00 €

BMW E46 330i M54B30 Engine 2006, 134,900 km — 1.928,00 €, reduced from 2.800,00 €. It comes from a 2006 donor car with 134,900 km, and 6 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW E46 330i M54B30 Engine 2002, 131,700 km — 1.438,00 €, reduced from 2.150,00 €. It comes from a 2002 donor car with 131,700 km, and 13 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW E46 330i M54B30 Engine 2006, 203,500 km — 1.976,00 €, reduced from 2.850,00 €. It comes from a 2006 donor car with 203,500 km, and 24 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW E46 330i M54B30 Engine 2001, 91,900 km — 1.863,00 €, reduced from 2.600,00 €. It comes from a 2001 donor car with 91,900 km, and 10 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW E46 330i M54B30 Engine 2003, 207,100 km — 1.606,00 €, reduced from 2.900,00 €. It comes from a 2003 donor car with 207,100 km, and 17 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW E46 330i M54B30 Engine 2001, 191,100 km — 1.406,00 €, reduced from 2.350,00 €. It comes from a 2001 donor car with 191,100 km, and 7 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW E46 330i M54B30 Engine 2004, 168,300 km — 2.138,00 €, reduced from 2.700,00 €. It comes from a 2004 donor car with 168,300 km, and 29 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW E46 330i M54B30 Engine 2002, 137,300 km — 1.972,00 €, reduced from 2.850,00 €. It comes from a 2002 donor car with 137,300 km, and 27 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW E46 330i M54B30 Engine 2003, 56,500 km — 1.912,00 €, reduced from 2.800,00 €. It comes from a 2003 donor car with 56,500 km, and 14 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW E46 330i M54B30 Engine 2006, 184,700 km — 1.460,00 €, reduced from 2.950,00 €. It comes from a 2006 donor car with 184,700 km, and 9 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW E46 330i M54B30 Engine 2005, 114,400 km — 1.602,00 €, reduced from 2.950,00 €. It comes from a 2005 donor car with 114,400 km, and 21 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW E46 330i M54B30 Engine 2002, 169,700 km — 1.458,00 €, reduced from 2.650,00 €. It comes from a 2002 donor car with 169,700 km, and 18 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

Will it fit my 330i?

Engine swaps and upgrades for the 330i

These engines were fitted to other versions of the E46 at the factory, which makes them the most practical upgrades: the body was designed around them and many parts are shared.

Can I fit the S54B32 in my 330i?

Yes, it is one of the more common upgrades. Both are petrol inline-6 engines, so the mounting points are similar, but the S54B32 needs its own wiring and engine control unit, the matching gearbox or clutch, and often a different sump, cooling and exhaust. The gain is 112 hp and 65 Nm. In Germany and most of Europe an engine swap must be inspected and registered.

Fitting a replacement engine in the 330i

1. Inspect or replace the timing chain parts. Look at the guides and tensioner. On high-mileage engines, replacing them now costs far less than doing it later.
2. Reset VANOS adaptations. Clear the VANOS adaptations so the ECU learns the camshaft positions of the new engine.
3. Fill with the right oil and prime it. Fill with new oil of the correct specification and a new filter. Crank with the fuel and ignition disabled until oil pressure builds.
4. Coding and adaptations. On modern BMWs, the engine ECU must be matched to the car's immobiliser (CAS, FEM or BDC). Reset adaptations, register the battery and clear faults with diagnostic software.
5. First start and leak check. Start the engine, let it idle and watch oil pressure, temperature and fault codes. Check for leaks and bleed the cooling system.
6. First 1,000 km. Drive gently for the first few hundred kilometres, vary the engine speed and avoid full load. Change the oil and filter after about 1,000 km to remove any assembly debris.

The full fitting and first-start procedure.

330i engine questions

How much is a replacement M54B30 engine for a BMW E46 330i?

A used M54B30 for the BMW E46 330i costs from about 1.650 € to 2.700 € 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 M54B30 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 M54 Engines · Search M54B30 in the shop

Will the M54B30 engine fit my BMW E60 530i?

Yes, if your BMW E60 530i was built with the M54B30. BMW used this 3.0 liter (2,979 cc) petrol engine with 170 kW (231 HP) in the E60 530i from about 2000 to 2006.

Some E60 530i cars were built with a different engine: the N52B30 and N53B30. These look alike from the outside, so check the code on your engine or send us your VIN.

Also tell us if your E60 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 M54 Engines · Search M54B30 in the shop

How much is a replacement M54B30 engine for a BMW E60 530i?

A used M54B30 for the BMW E60 530i costs from about 1.650 € to 2.700 € 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 M54B30 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 M54 Engines · Search M54B30 in the shop

How much is a replacement M54B30 engine for a BMW E46 330Ci?

A used M54B30 for the BMW E46 330Ci costs from about 1.650 € to 2.700 € 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 M54B30 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 M54 Engines · Search M54B30 in the shop

Will the M54B30 engine fit my BMW E53 X5 3.0i?

Yes, if your BMW E53 X5 3.0i was built with the M54B30. BMW used this 3.0 liter (2,979 cc) petrol engine with 170 kW (231 HP) in the E53 X5 3.0i from about 2000 to 2006.

In our records the M54B30 is the engine for the E53 X5 3.0i, which makes the match simple. Still, check the code on your old engine or send us your VIN.

Your car has all-wheel drive or is an X model, so the sump, the oil pickup and some brackets can differ from the rear-drive cars. Tell us the full model so we send the right set-up.

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 M54 Engines · Search M54B30 in the shop

How do I know a used M54B30 engine is in good shape?

Each engine in the yard is inspected in Hamburg. The code is matched to the listing, the parts on the engine are recorded, the openings are sealed and the real unit is photographed. 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. Ask the desk for more pictures of any listing. We are happy to show the stamp, the ports and the ancillaries before you decide.

On a petrol engine like the M54B30, a careful fitter will also look at the spark plugs, the coils and the timing side 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 M54 Engines · Search M54B30 in the shop

What is the difference between the M54B30 and other M54 engines?

The M54B30 makes 170 kW (231 HP) and 300 Nm. The other M54 engines are: M54B25 with 141 kW (192 HP) and 245 Nm (2000 to 2006).

Engines in one family share a basic block, but the turbo, the injection, the sensors and the engine computer can differ. A higher power version often has different pistons, a bigger turbo or a different fuel system.

This is why we ask for the exact code. Fitting a different version can work, but the wiring, the software and sometimes the gearbox must be changed to match.

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 M54 Engines · Search M54B30 in the shop

How much is a replacement M54B30 engine for a BMW E46 330i?

A used M54B30 for the BMW E46 330i costs from about 1.650 € to 2.700 € 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 M54B30 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 M54 Engines · Search M54B30 in the shop

Will the M54B30 engine fit my BMW E39 530i?

Yes, if your BMW E39 530i was built with the M54B30. BMW used this 3.0 liter (2,979 cc) petrol engine with 170 kW (231 HP) in the E39 530i from about 2000 to 2006.

In our records the M54B30 is the engine for the E39 530i, which makes the match simple. Still, check the code on your old engine or send us your VIN.

Also tell us if your E39 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 M54 Engines · Search M54B30 in the shop

Can I put an M54B30 engine in my BMW E30 Touring?

Yes. We sell conversion kits that fit the M54B30 into the BMW E30 Touring. The kit replaces the M20B25, M20B20 and M42, and works with the Getrag 260 and ZF S5D.

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 BMW E30 Touring'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 M54 E30 Conversion Kits · Conversion guide

Delivery, warranty and payment

Before a 330i engine 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.

Door-to-door delivery is included to the address you give at checkout. Typical delivery takes three to five working days within Germany and neighbouring countries and five to ten working days to the rest of Europe and the UK.

A 12-month warranty covers eligible internal failure when the engine is fitted by a qualified workshop with new fluids and filters. You can pay by card, bank transfer or crypto and receive the invoice by email straight away.

All E46 engines · M54 engine guide · BMW 330i engines for sale · Send us your VIN