BMW 330i (E90) engine: which one, problems and replacement

The BMW 330i in the fifth 3 Series saloon generation (E90, built 2005–2012) was built with 2 different engines over its life: the N52B30 (258 hp, 2004–2015) and the N53B30 (272 hp, 2007–2013).

This guide tells you which engine your 330i has, what goes wrong with it, what a replacement costs from our stock and what else to plan for when you fit one.

• Generation: fifth 3 Series saloon, 2005–2012
• Body styles: E90 (saloon)
• Engines: N52B30, N53B30
• Output: 258 hp and 272 hp
• Replacement engines in stock: 130 from 1.861,00 €

Which engine is in your 330i?

N52B30 in the 330i

The N52B30 was used in the E90 330i, built 2004–2015. It is a 3.0 L naturally aspirated petrol inline-6 with 258 hp and 300 Nm. Compared with the N53B30 (272 hp), it is the mildest.

Reading the code: N marks an N-series code, the generation of BMW engines introduced from 2001; 52 is the family number; B stands for petrol (from the German Benzin); 30 is the capacity in decilitres, so 3.0 litres.

N53B30 in the 330i

The N53B30 was used in the E90 330i, built 2007–2013. It is a 3.0 L naturally aspirated petrol inline-6 with 272 hp and 320 Nm. Compared with the N52B30 (258 hp), it is the strongest.

Reading the code: N marks an N-series code, the generation of BMW engines introduced from 2001; 53 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 engine changed once during the E90 run, in 2007. Changes usually come with BMW's mid-life update (LCI) or a new emissions standard, so a car registered early in a year can still have the older engine. The VIN settles it.

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.

N52B30: BMW E60 530i, BMW E70 X5 30i, BMW E89 Z4 30i, BMW E83 X3 3.0si.

N53B30: BMW E60 530i, BMW F10 530i.

How to confirm your engine code

Because the 330i used more than one engine, the badge alone does not tell you which one your car has. The build date is the first clue; the VIN is the proof. 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

N52B30 (N52 family)

The N52B30 in the 330i shares the known weak points of the N52 family. Full N52 guide.

Hydraulic lifter tick. Some engines tick on cold start because lifters drain down.

Electric water pump and thermostat. The pump fails around 100,000 km with little warning.

Valve cover gasket and eccentric shaft sensor. The plastic valve cover leaks and its sensor gasket fails.

Oil filter housing gasket. Leaks oil down the block and onto belts.

VANOS solenoids. Dirty solenoids cause rough idle and codes.

N53B30 (N53 family)

The N53B30 in the 330i shares the known weak points of the N53 family. Full N53 guide.

Piezo injectors. Injectors leak or misfire, especially on poor fuel.

Ignition coils. Coils and spark plugs fail more often than on the N52.

NOx sensor and catalyst. The NOx sensor fails and the catalyst degrades.

High-pressure fuel pump. Pump faults cause long starts and loss of power.

Electric water pump. As on the N52, the pump fails without warning.

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.

Limp mode with a Valvetronic fault. The Valvetronic motor, its eccentric shaft sensor or the wiring. The engine runs on a reduced throttle until it is repaired.

Long cranking before the engine starts. On direct-injection engines, a weak high-pressure fuel pump or leaking injector lets pressure drop when the engine is off.

Looking after the 330i engine

N52 engines

• Oil: 5W-30 BMW Longlife-01 or 04, about 6.5 litres.
• Service interval: Oil every 10,000 to 15,000 km.
• Timing drive: Timing chain at the front.
• Workshop notes: Fit a new water pump and thermostat with any used N52; they are on the outside and cheap compared with labour later.

N53 engines

• Oil: 5W-30 BMW Longlife-01 or 04, about 6.5 litres.
• Service interval: Oil every 10,000 to 15,000 km; plugs every 60,000 km.
• Timing drive: Timing chain at the front.
• Workshop notes: Use high-quality low-sulphur petrol and fit new coils and plugs when installing a used unit.

Buying a used engine for the 330i: checklist

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Look at the oil and coolant. Clean oil without metal particles and coolant without oil are good signs. Milky oil, oily coolant or a burnt smell mean the engine needs further checks before it is fitted.
4. 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.
5. Why your old engine failed. Before fitting a replacement, find out why the original failed. An overheating radiator, a blocked intercooler or a failed turbo can destroy a second engine if they are not fixed.
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. Valvetronic motor and eccentric shaft sensor. The Valvetronic motor and its sensor cause limp-mode faults when they fail. Inspect the connector and the seal around the motor for oil.
10. Injectors and high-pressure fuel pump. Direct-injection engines rely on high-pressure pumps and precise injectors. Ask whether the injectors are original or updated and whether there were fuel pressure faults.
11. Electric water pump. This engine uses an electric water pump. It fails without warning and needs a diagnostic bleeding routine when it is replaced or the system is refilled.

BMW 330i replacement engine cost

We currently hold 130 330i engine engines. The cheapest is 1.861,00 €, the most expensive 3.577,00 €, and half of them cost less than 2.463,00 €.

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 2005–2009 have a median of 2.463,00 €, while units from 2010–2014 sit at 2.431,00 €. 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.

65 of these come from E90 donor cars, priced from 1.907,00 € to 3.577,00 €. 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

These 330i units are in our Hamburg yard right now. Each listing shows real photographs of the engine you receive, its mileage and what is fitted.

BMW E90 330i N52B30 Engine 2008, 77,500 km2.438,00 €BMW E90 330i N52B30 Engine 2005, 109,400 km2.220,00 €BMW E90 330i N52B30 Engine 2010, 70,500 km2.346,00 €BMW E90 330i N52B30 Engine 2006, 128,100 km2.109,00 €BMW E90 330i N52B30 Engine 2008, 175,200 km2.876,00 €BMW E90 330i N52B30 Engine 2005, 131,600 km2.623,00 €BMW E90 330i N52B30 Engine 2009, 183,400 km2.476,00 €BMW E90 330i N52B30 Engine 2009, 111,600 km2.822,00 €BMW E90 330i N52B30 Engine 2005, 133,900 km2.740,00 €BMW E90 330i N52B30 Engine 2009, 141,200 km2.024,00 €BMW E90 330i N52B30 Engine 2008, 79,500 km2.288,00 €BMW E90 330i N52B30 Engine 2008, 157,900 km2.463,00 €

BMW E90 330i N52B30 Engine 2008, 77,500 km — 2.438,00 €, reduced from 3.400,00 €. It comes from a 2008 donor car with 77,500 km, and 17 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW E90 330i N52B30 Engine 2005, 109,400 km — 2.220,00 €, reduced from 3.200,00 €. It comes from a 2005 donor car with 109,400 km, and 5 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW E90 330i N52B30 Engine 2010, 70,500 km — 2.346,00 €, reduced from 3.550,00 €. It comes from a 2010 donor car with 70,500 km, and 26 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW E90 330i N52B30 Engine 2006, 128,100 km — 2.109,00 €, reduced from 3.250,00 €. It comes from a 2006 donor car with 128,100 km, and 10 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW E90 330i N52B30 Engine 2008, 175,200 km — 2.876,00 €, reduced from 3.950,00 €. It comes from a 2008 donor car with 175,200 km, and 30 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW E90 330i N52B30 Engine 2005, 131,600 km — 2.623,00 €, reduced from 4.100,00 €. It comes from a 2005 donor car with 131,600 km, and 18 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW E90 330i N52B30 Engine 2009, 183,400 km — 2.476,00 €, reduced from 3.650,00 €. It comes from a 2009 donor car with 183,400 km, and 10 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW E90 330i N52B30 Engine 2009, 111,600 km — 2.822,00 €, reduced from 3.950,00 €. It comes from a 2009 donor car with 111,600 km, and 22 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW E90 330i N52B30 Engine 2005, 133,900 km — 2.740,00 €, reduced from 3.450,00 €. It comes from a 2005 donor car with 133,900 km, and 6 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW E90 330i N52B30 Engine 2009, 141,200 km — 2.024,00 €, reduced from 3.000,00 €. It comes from a 2009 donor car with 141,200 km, and 12 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW E90 330i N52B30 Engine 2008, 79,500 km — 2.288,00 €, reduced from 3.600,00 €. It comes from a 2008 donor car with 79,500 km, and 20 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW E90 330i N52B30 Engine 2008, 157,900 km — 2.463,00 €, reduced from 3.650,00 €. It comes from a 2008 donor car with 157,900 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 E90 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 M57D30TU2 in my 330i?

It is a full conversion: the M57D30TU2 runs on diesel and the N53B30 on petrol, so the fuel system, wiring, engine control unit, instrument coding and usually the gearbox change too. The gain is 14 hp and 260 Nm. In Germany and most of Europe an engine swap must be inspected and registered.

Can I fit the N54B30 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 N54B30 needs its own wiring and engine control unit, the matching gearbox or clutch, and often a different sump, cooling and exhaust. The gain is 34 hp and 80 Nm. In Germany and most of Europe an engine swap must be inspected and registered.

Can I fit the S65B40 in my 330i?

It is a conversion rather than a replacement: the S65B40 is a V8 and your N53B30 an inline-6, so mounts, sump, cooling, exhaust, wiring and the engine control unit all change. The gain is 148 hp and 80 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. Teach the Valvetronic limit stops. Run the Valvetronic learning routine so the ECU knows the eccentric shaft limits.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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

Will the N53B30 engine fit my BMW E92 330i?

Yes, if your BMW E92 330i was built with the N53B30. BMW used this 3.0 liter (2,996 cc) petrol engine with 200 kW (272 HP) in the E92 330i from about 2007 to 2013.

Some E92 330i cars were built with a different engine: the N52B30. These look alike from the outside, so check the code on your engine or send us your VIN.

Also tell us if your E92 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 N53 Engines · Search N53B30 in the shop

Will the N52B30 engine fit my BMW E90 330i?

Yes, if your BMW E90 330i was built with the N52B30. BMW used this 3.0 liter (2,996 cc) petrol engine with 190 kW (258 HP) in the E90 330i from about 2005 to 2011.

Some E90 330i cars were built with a different engine: the N53B30. These look alike from the outside, so check the code on your engine or send us your VIN.

Also tell us if your E90 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 N52 Engines · Search N52B30 in the shop

How much is a replacement N53B30 engine for a BMW E90 330i?

A used N53B30 for the BMW E90 330i costs from about 1.900 € to 3.100 € 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 N53B30 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 N53 Engines · Search N53B30 in the shop

How much is a replacement N52B30 engine for a BMW E92 330i?

A used N52B30 for the BMW E92 330i costs from about 1.800 € to 2.950 € 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 N52B30 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 N52 Engines · Search N52B30 in the shop

How much is a replacement N52B30 engine for a BMW E87 130i?

A used N52B30 for the BMW E87 130i costs from about 1.800 € to 2.950 € 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 N52B30 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 N52 Engines · Search N52B30 in the shop

Will the N52B30 engine fit my BMW E90 330i?

Yes, if your BMW E90 330i was built with the N52B30. BMW used this 3.0 liter (2,996 cc) petrol engine with 190 kW (258 HP) in the E90 330i from about 2005 to 2011.

Some E90 330i cars were built with a different engine: the N53B30. These look alike from the outside, so check the code on your engine or send us your VIN.

Also tell us if your E90 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 N52 Engines · Search N52B30 in the shop

Is the BMW N52B30 a diesel or petrol engine?

The N52B30 is a petrol engine. It is a 3.0 liter (2,996 cc) inline 6, DOHC, 24 valve unit with no turbo (naturally aspirated), and it was built to the Euro 4 emission standard.

The emission standard matters for registration and for low-emission zones in many cities. When you replace an engine with the same code, the car keeps the same paperwork and the same emission class.

Petrol versions need the correct catalytic converters and oxygen sensors on the car to stay legal and to keep the engine computer happy. Reuse the parts from your car if they are in good condition.

If you are not sure which version you need, send us your VIN. We tell you the right code for free.

See all N52 Engines · Search N52B30 in the shop

How much is a replacement N52B30 engine for a BMW E92 330i?

A used N52B30 for the BMW E92 330i costs from about 1.800 € to 2.950 € 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 N52B30 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 N52 Engines · Search N52B30 in the shop

How long does delivery of an N52B30 engine take?

Orders confirmed before 14:00 CET on a working day leave Hamburg the same day. Later and weekend orders leave the next working day. Delivery to the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, Luxembourg and Denmark takes 1 to 3 working days.

Spain, Italy, Portugal, Poland, Czechia, Austria, Ireland, the Nordics and the Baltics take 2 to 5 working days. Greek and Spanish islands, Malta, Cyprus and remote areas take 4 to 8 working days. The UK and other countries outside the EU are quoted one by one.

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. Every engine is drained, sealed at each opening, strapped to a heat-treated pallet and shrink-wrapped, then photographed before it leaves the yard.

You get a tracking number when the pallet is collected. Check the wrapping before you sign, and note any damage on the paperwork.

See all N52 Engines · Search N52B30 in the shop

How much is a replacement N52B30 engine for a BMW E70 X5 3.0si?

A used N52B30 for the BMW E70 X5 3.0si costs from about 1.800 € to 2.950 € 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 N52B30 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 N52 Engines · Search N52B30 in the shop

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.

Every engine carries a 12-month warranty on eligible internal failure when a qualified workshop fits it with new fluids and filters. Payment is by card, bank transfer or crypto; your invoice is emailed as soon as you order.

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