BMW 520i (E60) engine: which one, problems and replacement

The BMW 520i in the fifth 5 Series generation (E60, built 2003–2010) was built with 3 different engines over its life: the M54B22 (170 hp, 2000–2006), the N46B20 (150 hp, 2004–2012) and the N43B20 (170 hp, 2007–2011).

This guide tells you which engine your 520i 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 5 Series, 2003–2010
• Body styles: E60 (saloon)
• Engines: M54B22, N46B20, N43B20
• Output: 170 hp and 150 hp
• Replacement engines in stock: 9 from 1.447,00 €

Which engine is in your 520i?

M54B22 in the 520i

The M54B22 was used in the E60 520i, built 2000–2006. It is a 2.2 L naturally aspirated petrol inline-6 with 170 hp and 210 Nm. Compared with the N46B20 (150 hp) and N43B20 (170 hp), it is in between.

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); 22 is the capacity in decilitres, so 2.2 litres.

N46B20 in the 520i

The N46B20 was used in the E60 520i, built 2004–2012. It is a 2.0 L naturally aspirated petrol inline-4 with 150 hp and 200 Nm. Compared with the M54B22 (170 hp) and N43B20 (170 hp), it is the mildest.

Reading the code: N marks an N-series code, the generation of BMW engines introduced from 2001; 46 is the family number; B stands for petrol (from the German Benzin); 20 is the capacity in decilitres, so 2.0 litres.

N43B20 in the 520i

The N43B20 was used in the E60 520i, built 2007–2011. It is a 2.0 L naturally aspirated petrol inline-4 with 170 hp and 210 Nm. Compared with the M54B22 (170 hp) and N46B20 (150 hp), it is in between.

Reading the code: N marks an N-series code, the generation of BMW engines introduced from 2001; 43 is the family number; B stands for petrol (from the German Benzin); 20 is the capacity in decilitres, so 2.0 litres.

520i engines by model year

The engine changed 2 times during the E60 run, in 2004 and 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 520i

A replacement engine does not have to come from another 520i. 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.

M54B22: BMW E46 320i, BMW E39 520i, BMW Z4 2.2.

N46B20: BMW E90 318i, BMW E87 118i, BMW E84 X1 18i.

N43B20: BMW E90 320i, BMW E81 120i.

How to confirm your engine code

Because the 520i 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 520i engine problems

M54B22 (M54 family)

The M54B22 in the 520i 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.

N46B20 (N42 and N46 family)

The N46B20 in the 520i shares the known weak points of the N42 and N46 family. Full N42 and N46 guide.

Oil consumption. Valve stem seals and piston rings let oil through; consumption above one litre per 1,000 km is not unusual on neglected engines.

Timing chain stretch. The N46 chain and tensioner wear, causing rattle and timing faults.

Valvetronic motor and eccentric shaft sensor. Both can fail and leave the engine in limp mode.

Vacuum pump and oil leaks. The vacuum pump seal and the valve cover gasket leak oil.

Crankcase ventilation. The CCV diaphragm splits, causing lean codes and a whistle.

N43B20 (N43 family)

The N43B20 in the 520i shares the known weak points of the N43 family. Full N43 guide.

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

Ignition coils and spark plugs. Lean-burn combustion is hard on coils and plugs; misfires are common.

NOx sensor and catalyst. The NOx storage catalyst and sensor degrade, especially with high-sulphur fuel.

Timing chain. Chain stretch occurs at higher mileage.

Vacuum pump and oil leaks. Like the N46, the vacuum pump and valve cover leak.

Symptoms to watch for on the 520i

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 520i engine

M54 engines

• 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.

N42 and N46 engines

• Oil: 5W-30 BMW Longlife-01 or Longlife-04, about 4.25 litres.
• Service interval: Oil every 15,000 km; shorten to 10,000 km to protect the chain.
• Timing drive: Timing chain at the front with balance shafts.
• Workshop notes: Replace the timing chain, tensioner and valve stem seals when fitting a high-mileage used N46.

N43 engines

• Oil: 5W-30 BMW Longlife-01 or Longlife-04, about 4.25 litres.
• Service interval: Oil every 15,000 km; spark plugs every 60,000 km.
• Timing drive: Timing chain at the front.
• Workshop notes: Use good-quality, low-sulphur petrol. Fit new coils and plugs to a used N43 before first start.

Buying a used engine for the 520i: checklist

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
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. 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 520i replacement engine cost

Our 520i engine stock runs to 9 units, priced from 1.447,00 € to 3.103,00 € with a median of 1.586,00 €.

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.

1 of these come from E60 donor cars, priced from 1.501,00 €. 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 520i

Here is a selection of 520i engines currently on our shelves, photographed in the yard. Click any of them for the full photographs, mileage and specification.

BMW E39 520i M54B22 Complete Engine1.492,00 €BMW M54B22 Engine1.586,00 €BMW E60 520i M54B22 Complete Engine1.501,00 €M54B22 Complete Engine BMW 520i G302.105,00 €

BMW E39 520i M54B22 Complete Engine — 1.492,00 €, reduced from 2.000,00 €. It comes from a recorded donor car, and 6 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW M54B22 Engine — 1.586,00 €, reduced from 2.000,00 €. It comes from a recorded donor car, and 13 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW E60 520i M54B22 Complete Engine — 1.501,00 €, reduced from 2.000,00 €. It comes from a recorded donor car, and 29 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

M54B22 Complete Engine BMW 520i G30 — 2.105,00 €, reduced from 3.200,00 €. It comes from a recorded donor car, and 9 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

Will it fit my 520i?

Will the M54B22 fit my BMW E60 520i?

The M54B22 is the original engine for the BMW E60 520i, which makes it the straightforward choice. The fifth 5 Series was built 2003–2010, and the M54B22 was produced 2000–2006, so check that your car's build date falls inside that window. Confirm the drive type (rear-drive or xDrive), the gearbox (manual or automatic) and the emissions standard, because these can change the sump, the flywheel and the software. Send us the VIN and we check all of it for you.

How much is a replacement engine for a BMW E60 520i?

We have 1 M54B22 engine from E60 donor cars, priced from 1.501,00 €. Delivery to your door is included, and the engine carries a 12-month warranty when fitted by a qualified workshop. Add fitting labour and the parts you replace at the same time — seals, cooling parts and mounts — to estimate the total.

Will the N43B20 fit my BMW E60 520i?

The N43B20 is the original engine for the BMW E60 520i, which makes it the straightforward choice. The fifth 5 Series was built 2003–2010, and the N43B20 was produced 2007–2011, so check that your car's build date falls inside that window. Confirm the drive type (rear-drive or xDrive), the gearbox (manual or automatic) and the emissions standard, because these can change the sump, the flywheel and the software. Send us the VIN and we check all of it for you.

How much is a replacement engine for a BMW E60 520i?

We do not have an N43B20 on the shelf for the E60 520i at the moment. Units arrive regularly; send us your VIN and we will tell you when the next one is ready and what it will cost, including delivery.

Engine swaps and upgrades for the 520i

These engines were fitted to other versions of the E60 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 M57D25TU in my 520i?

It is a full conversion: the M57D25TU runs on diesel and the N43B20 on petrol, so the fuel system, wiring, engine control unit, instrument coding and usually the gearbox change too. The gain is 7 hp and 190 Nm. In Germany and most of Europe an engine swap must be inspected and registered.

Can I fit the N47D20 in my 520i?

It is a full conversion: the N47D20 runs on diesel and the N43B20 on petrol, so the fuel system, wiring, engine control unit, instrument coding and usually the gearbox change too. The gain is 14 hp and 170 Nm. In Germany and most of Europe an engine swap must be inspected and registered.

Can I fit the N53B25 in my 520i?

It is a conversion rather than a replacement: the N53B25 is an inline-6 and your N43B20 an inline-4, so mounts, sump, cooling, exhaust, wiring and the engine control unit all change. The gain is 20 hp and 30 Nm. In Germany and most of Europe an engine swap must be inspected and registered.

Fitting a replacement engine in the 520i

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.

520i engine questions

Will the N46B20 engine fit my BMW E60 520i?

Yes, if your BMW E60 520i was built with the N46B20. BMW used this 2.0 liter (1,995 cc) petrol engine with 110 kW (150 HP) in the E60 520i from about 2004 to 2012.

In our records the N46B20 is the engine for the E60 520i, which makes the match simple. Still, check the code on your old 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 N46 Engines · Search N46B20 in the shop

How much is a replacement N43B20 engine for a BMW E87 118i?

A used N43B20 for the BMW E87 118i costs from about 1.050 € to 1.850 € 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 N43B20 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 N43 Engines · Search N43B20 in the shop

How do I know a used N43B20 engine is in good shape?

Before a unit is listed, the yard checks the engine code against the listing, writes down the parts fitted to it, seals every opening and photographs the real engine you will receive. 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 N43B20, 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 N43 Engines · Search N43B20 in the shop

Are there other versions of the BMW N46B20?

In our yard the N46B20 is the only listed version of the N46 family. It makes 110 kW (150 HP) and 200 Nm, and was built from 2004 to 2012.

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 N46 Engines · Search N46B20 in the shop

Does a used N46B20 engine come with a warranty?

Yes. 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.

The warranty does not cover damage from wrong fitting, overheating, low oil, wrong fluids or fuel, engines that were opened or modified without our approval, or labour and towing costs.

To claim, send us your order number, a short description of the problem, photos or a video, and a mechanic's report if we ask for one. If the claim is approved, we repair, replace or refund the engine.

Keep the receipts for the fitting, the oil and the filters. They make any claim quick and simple.

See all N46 Engines · Search N46B20 in the shop

How much does a used BMW N46B20 engine cost?

A used BMW N46B20 engine in our yard usually costs between 1.000 € and 1.700 €. The exact price depends on the year, the mileage and the parts that come with the engine.

Our units show recorded mileage from about 22,000 km up to around 200,000 km. Lower mileage and more ancillaries mean a higher price. Each listing shows its own price, and the price you see is the price you pay. Prices include VAT for private buyers.

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. If you order a gearbox or a second engine on the same order, the fee is still charged once.

Inside the EU there is no import duty. For the UK and other non-EU countries, import duty and local VAT are paid by the receiver, and we supply a commercial invoice.

See all N46 Engines · Search N46B20 in the shop

Will the N46B20 engine fit my BMW E90 320i?

Yes, if your BMW E90 320i was built with the N46B20. BMW used this 2.0 liter (1,995 cc) petrol engine with 110 kW (150 HP) in the E90 320i from about 2004 to 2012.

In our records the N46B20 is the engine for the E90 320i, 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 N46 Engines · Search N46B20 in the shop

What comes with a used N43B20 engine?

Each N43B20 is sold as described on its own listing. The yard writes down the parts that are fitted to that unit, such as the turbo, the injectors, the manifolds or the alternator, so you know what arrives.

Some units are long engines with few ancillaries, others are more complete. If you need a part that is not listed, ask the desk. We often have the matching items in the yard.

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

On delivery, the carrier brings the pallet to the kerb or a loading bay. Please have a forklift, a pallet truck or an engine crane ready.

See all N43 Engines · Search N43B20 in the shop

How long does delivery of an N43B20 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 N43 Engines · Search N43B20 in the shop

How much power and torque does the BMW N46B20 have?

From the factory the BMW N46B20 makes 110 kW (150 HP) and 200 Nm of torque. It is a 2.0 liter (1,995 cc) inline 4, DOHC, 16 valve petrol engine with no turbo (naturally aspirated).

Without a turbo, the power builds smoothly with the revs. A clean air intake, healthy ignition and the correct fuel are key to getting the full figure.

A used engine reaches its factory numbers when it is fitted with the matching engine computer and software, and serviced with the right oil and filters. If the engine computer from your car is a different version, a specialist may need to code it.

Every N46B20 on our site lists its year and mileage. If you want more photos or a short video of a unit, ask the desk and we send them before you pay.

See all N46 Engines · Search N46B20 in the shop

Delivery, warranty and payment

Every 520i engine we sell is drained, sealed at each opening, strapped to a heat-treated pallet and shrink-wrapped before it leaves Hamburg. You receive photographs of the packed engine and a tracking number.

Delivery is door to door and included in the price. Most European addresses receive the engine within five to ten working days; Germany and its neighbours are usually faster.

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 E60 engines · M54 engine guide · N42 and N46 engine guide · N43 engine guide · BMW 520i engines for sale · Send us your VIN