BMW 335i (E90 and E92) engine: which one, problems and replacement

The BMW 335i in the fifth 3 Series saloon generation (E90 and E92, built 2005–2012) was built with one engine, the N54B30: a 3.0 L petrol inline-6 with 306 hp.

Below you will find how to identify the engine in your 335i, the faults to look for, current prices for a replacement and the swap options that make sense.

• Generation: fifth 3 Series saloon, 2005–2012
• Body styles: E90 (saloon) and E92 (coupé)
• Engines: N54B30
• Output: 306 hp
• Replacement engines in stock: 221 from 2.382,00 €

Which engine is in your 335i?

N54B30 in the 335i

The N54B30 was used in the E90 335i and E92 335i, built 2006–2016. It is a 3.0 L twin-turbo petrol inline-6 with 306 hp and 400 Nm.

Reading the code: N marks an N-series code, the generation of BMW engines introduced from 2001; 54 is the family number; B stands for petrol (from the German Benzin); 30 is the capacity in decilitres, so 3.0 litres.

335i engines by model year

The 335i kept the same engine for the whole E90 and E92 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 335i

A replacement engine does not have to come from another 335i. 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.

N54B30: BMW E82 135i, BMW E60 535i, BMW E89 Z4 35i.

How to confirm your engine code

The 335i only used the N54B30, 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 335i engine problems

The N54B30 in the 335i shares the known weak points of the N54 family. Full N54 guide.

High-pressure fuel pump. Early HPFPs failed, causing long starts and limp mode. Updated pumps fixed most issues.

Wastegate rattle. Turbo wastegate arms wear and rattle; turbos can also leak oil.

Piezo injectors. Injectors can leak; updated revisions are more reliable.

Electric water pump. The pump fails around 100,000 km.

Charge pipe and oil leaks. The plastic charge pipe cracks; oil filter housing and valve cover gaskets leak.

Carbon build-up. Intake valves carbon up and need walnut blasting.

Symptoms to watch for on the 335i

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.

Whistle, loss of boost or limp mode. A split charge pipe, a sticking wastegate or worn turbo bearings. Check the pipes first, then the turbo shaft for play.

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.

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 335i engine

• Oil: 5W-30 BMW Longlife-01, about 6.5 litres.
• Service interval: Oil every 10,000 km; plugs every 40,000 km.
• Timing drive: Timing chain at the front.
• Workshop notes: Fit new plugs, check injectors and confirm the HPFP revision before installing.

Buying a used engine for the 335i: checklist

1. Compression or leak-down figures. Even compression across all cylinders tells you more than mileage. Ask for the figures, not just a pass or fail, and compare the highest and lowest readings: a spread above 10 to 15 percent deserves a question.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Warranty terms in writing. Read what the warranty covers, how long it runs and what fitting conditions apply. Most warranties require a qualified workshop, new fluids and filters, and replacement of the cooling parts that caused the original failure.
5. 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.
6. Turbocharger shaft play and oil. Rotate the compressor wheel by hand. A small amount of side play is normal; in-and-out play or wheel contact with the housing is not. Oil pooled in the intake or intercooler pipes points to worn seals.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
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 335i replacement engine cost

Our 335i engine stock runs to 221 units, priced from 2.382,00 € to 5.821,00 € with a median of 3.607,00 €.

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.

335i engine prices by model year

Engines from 2000–2004 have a median of 5.659,00 €, while units from 2015–2019 sit at 3.380,00 €. Newer engines usually cost more because they come from younger donor cars with lower mileage and later updates.

335i 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.

103 of these come from E90 and E92 donor cars, priced from 2.859,00 € to 5.058,00 €. 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 335i

Here is a selection of 335i engines currently on our shelves, photographed in the yard. Click any of them for the full photographs, mileage and specification.

BMW E90 335i N54B30 Engine 2006, 55,500 km3.008,00 €BMW E92 335i N54B30 Engine 2009, 109,100 km3.622,00 €BMW E90 335i N54B30 Engine 2009, 196,000 km3.191,00 €BMW E90 335i N54B30 Engine 2010, 122,700 km3.258,00 €BMW E90 335i N54B30 Engine 2006, 159,500 km3.447,00 €BMW E90 335i N54B30 Engine 2007, 200,500 km4.286,00 €BMW E92 335i N54B30 Engine 2006, 58,100 km4.055,00 €BMW E92 335i N54B30 Engine 2009, 61,600 km3.689,00 €BMW E92 335i N54B30 Engine 2007, 177,500 km3.887,00 €BMW E90 335i N54B30 Engine 2006, 128,500 km3.696,00 €BMW E92 335i N54B30 Engine 2007, 18,300 km3.491,00 €BMW E90 335i N54B30 Engine 2010, 92,800 km3.222,00 €

BMW E90 335i N54B30 Engine 2006, 55,500 km — 3.008,00 €, reduced from 4.200,00 €. It comes from a 2006 donor car with 55,500 km, and 23 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW E92 335i N54B30 Engine 2009, 109,100 km — 3.622,00 €, reduced from 4.400,00 €. It comes from a 2009 donor car with 109,100 km, and 6 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW E90 335i N54B30 Engine 2009, 196,000 km — 3.191,00 €, reduced from 4.350,00 €. It comes from a 2009 donor car with 196,000 km, and 8 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW E90 335i N54B30 Engine 2010, 122,700 km — 3.258,00 €, reduced from 3.950,00 €. It comes from a 2010 donor car with 122,700 km, and 9 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW E90 335i N54B30 Engine 2006, 159,500 km — 3.447,00 €, reduced from 4.300,00 €. It comes from a 2006 donor car with 159,500 km, and 9 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW E90 335i N54B30 Engine 2007, 200,500 km — 4.286,00 €, reduced from 4.950,00 €. It comes from a 2007 donor car with 200,500 km, and 5 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW E92 335i N54B30 Engine 2006, 58,100 km — 4.055,00 €, reduced from 5.450,00 €. It comes from a 2006 donor car with 58,100 km, and 7 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW E92 335i N54B30 Engine 2009, 61,600 km — 3.689,00 €, reduced from 5.000,00 €. It comes from a 2009 donor car with 61,600 km, and 24 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW E92 335i N54B30 Engine 2007, 177,500 km — 3.887,00 €, reduced from 4.650,00 €. It comes from a 2007 donor car with 177,500 km, and 15 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW E90 335i N54B30 Engine 2006, 128,500 km — 3.696,00 €, reduced from 5.150,00 €. It comes from a 2006 donor car with 128,500 km, and 27 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW E92 335i N54B30 Engine 2007, 18,300 km — 3.491,00 €, reduced from 4.550,00 €. It comes from a 2007 donor car with 18,300 km, and 14 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW E90 335i N54B30 Engine 2010, 92,800 km — 3.222,00 €, reduced from 4.300,00 €. It comes from a 2010 donor car with 92,800 km, and 23 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

Will it fit my 335i?

Engine swaps and upgrades for the 335i

These engines were fitted to other versions of the E90 and E92 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 S65B40 in my 335i?

It is a conversion rather than a replacement: the S65B40 is a V8 and your N54B30 an inline-6, so mounts, sump, cooling, exhaust, wiring and the engine control unit all change. The gain is 114 hp and 0 Nm. In Germany and most of Europe an engine swap must be inspected and registered.

Fitting a replacement engine in the 335i

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. Prepare the turbo. Fit new oil feed and return seals, clean the intercooler and pipes of any oil or debris from the old engine, and prime the turbo with oil before starting.
3. Reset VANOS adaptations. Clear the VANOS adaptations so the ECU learns the camshaft positions of the new engine.
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.

335i engine questions

Will the N55B30 engine fit my BMW E92 335i?

Yes, if your BMW E92 335i was built with the N55B30. BMW used this 3.0 liter (2,979 cc) petrol engine with 225 kW (306 HP) in the E92 335i from about 2010 to 2017.

Some E92 335i cars were built with a different engine: the N54B30. 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 N55 Engines · Search N55B30 in the shop

How much is a replacement N54B30 engine for a BMW E90 335i?

A used N54B30 for the BMW E90 335i costs from about 3.000 € to 4.700 € 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 N54B30 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 N54 Engines · Search N54B30 in the shop

How much is a replacement N54B30 engine for a BMW E92 335i?

A used N54B30 for the BMW E92 335i costs from about 3.000 € to 4.700 € 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 N54B30 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 N54 Engines · Search N54B30 in the shop

Will the N54B30 engine fit my BMW E92 335i?

Yes, if your BMW E92 335i was built with the N54B30. BMW used this 3.0 liter (2,979 cc) petrol engine with 225 kW (306 HP) in the E92 335i from about 2006 to 2010.

Some E92 335i cars were built with a different engine: the N55B30. 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 N54 Engines · Search N54B30 in the shop

How much is a replacement N55B30 engine for a BMW E92 335i?

A used N55B30 for the BMW E92 335i costs from about 3.100 € to 4.850 € 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 N55B30 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 N55 Engines · Search N55B30 in the shop

Will the N54B30 engine fit my BMW E90 335i?

Yes, if your BMW E90 335i was built with the N54B30. BMW used this 3.0 liter (2,979 cc) petrol engine with 225 kW (306 HP) in the E90 335i from about 2006 to 2010.

In our records the N54B30 is the engine for the E90 335i, which makes the match simple. Still, check the code on your old 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 N54 Engines · Search N54B30 in the shop

Will the N54B30 engine fit my BMW E89 Z4 sDrive35i?

Yes, if your BMW E89 Z4 sDrive35i was built with the N54B30. BMW used this 3.0 liter (2,979 cc) petrol engine with 225 kW (306 HP) in the E89 Z4 sDrive35i from about 2006 to 2010.

In our records the N54B30 is the engine for the E89 Z4 sDrive35i, which makes the match simple. Still, check the code on your old engine or send us your VIN.

Also tell us if your E89 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 N54 Engines · Search N54B30 in the shop

How do I know a used N54B30 engine is in good shape?

The photos on each listing show the actual engine, not a stock picture. The yard checks the code, records what is bolted on, and seals the openings before the engine is offered. 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. You can ask for extra photos, a close-up of the code stamp or a short video before you order.

On a petrol engine like the N54B30, 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 N54 Engines · Search N54B30 in the shop

How much is a replacement N54B30 engine for a BMW E82 135i?

A used N54B30 for the BMW E82 135i costs from about 3.000 € to 4.700 € 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 N54B30 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 N54 Engines · Search N54B30 in the shop

Are there other versions of the BMW N54B30?

In our yard the N54B30 is the only listed version of the N54 family. It makes 225 kW (306 HP) and 400 Nm, and was built from 2006 to 2010.

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 N54 Engines · Search N54B30 in the shop

Delivery, warranty and payment

Before a 335i 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.

All E90 and E92 engines · N54 engine guide · BMW 335i engines for sale · Send us your VIN