BMW 528i (F10) engine: which one, problems and replacement

The BMW 528i in the sixth 5 Series generation (F10, built 2010–2017) was built with one engine, the N20B20: a 2.0 L petrol inline-4 with 245 hp.

Below you will find how to identify the engine in your 528i, the faults to look for, current prices for a replacement and the swap options that make sense.

• Generation: sixth 5 Series, 2010–2017
• Body styles: F10 (saloon)
• Engines: N20B20
• Output: 245 hp
• Replacement engines in stock: 305 from 1.420,00 €

Which engine is in your 528i?

N20B20 in the 528i

The N20B20 was used in the F10 528i, built 2011–2017. It is a 2.0 L turbocharged petrol inline-4 with 245 hp and 350 Nm.

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

528i engines by model year

The 528i kept the same engine for the whole F10 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 528i

A replacement engine does not have to come from another 528i. 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.

N20B20: BMW F30 328i, BMW F25 X3 28i, BMW E84 X1 28i, BMW F22 228i.

How to confirm your engine code

The 528i only used the N20B20, 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 528i engine problems

The N20B20 in the 528i shares the known weak points of the N20 and N26 family. Full N20 and N26 guide.

Timing chain guide. Plastic guides in early N20 engines can break, leading to chain slap and engine damage. Updated parts fixed the issue.

Oil pump drive chain. The oil pump drive also uses a chain and guide that wear.

Electric water pump. The electric pump fails without warning.

Oil filter housing and valve cover gaskets. Both leak with age.

Carbon build-up. Direct injection causes carbon on intake valves.

Symptoms to watch for on the 528i

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.

Rattle or whine from the gearbox end. On engines with the timing chain at the rear, a rattle or whine from the back of the engine is the warning sign of chain stretch or guide wear.

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.

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 528i engine

• Oil: 0W-30 or 5W-30 BMW Longlife-01, about 5.25 litres.
• Service interval: Oil every 10,000 to 15,000 km.
• Timing drive: Timing chain at the rear (gearbox end).
• Workshop notes: Replacing the chain on an N20 normally needs the engine out, so a used unit is the time to do it.

Buying a used engine for the 528i: checklist

1. 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.
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. Ask how the donor car was damaged. Most good used engines come from cars with body damage. A front-end impact can crack sensors, the timing cover or the sump; a rear or side impact usually leaves the engine untouched. The yard records the damage on each unit.
4. 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.
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. 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. Gearbox-end timing chain. On this engine the timing chain sits at the gearbox end, so replacing it normally means removing the engine. If the chain has not been replaced, the time to do it is before the engine goes into your car.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. 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 528i replacement engine cost

We currently hold 305 528i engine engines. The cheapest is 1.420,00 €, the most expensive 3.372,00 €, and half of them cost less than 2.618,00 €.

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.

528i engine prices by model year

Engines from 2010–2014 have a median of 2.624,00 €, while units from 2015–2019 sit at 2.616,00 €. Newer engines usually cost more because they come from younger donor cars with lower mileage and later updates.

528i 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.

76 of these come from F10 donor cars, priced from 2.038,00 € to 3.188,00 €. 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 528i

Here is a selection of 528i engines currently on our shelves, photographed in the yard. Click any of them for the full photographs, mileage and specification.

BMW F10 528i N20B20 Engine 2017, 18,600 km2.616,00 €BMW F10 528i N20B20 Engine 2015, 88,100 km2.910,00 €BMW F10 528i N20B20 Engine 2011, 121,000 km2.123,00 €BMW F10 528i N20B20 Engine 2012, 163,000 km2.365,00 €BMW F10 528i N20B20 Engine 2015, 124,100 km2.145,00 €BMW F10 528i N20B20 Engine 2011, 196,600 km2.937,00 €BMW F10 528i N20B20 Engine 2011, 77,500 km3.066,00 €BMW F10 528i N20B20 Engine 2015, 67,300 km2.567,00 €BMW F10 528i N20B20 Engine 2011, 38,800 km2.288,00 €BMW F10 528i N20B20 Engine 2015, 188,700 km2.656,00 €BMW F10 528i N20B20 Engine 2017, 147,000 km2.683,00 €BMW F10 528i N20B20 Engine 2011, 84,000 km2.889,00 €

BMW F10 528i N20B20 Engine 2017, 18,600 km — 2.616,00 €, reduced from 3.400,00 €. It comes from a 2017 donor car with 18,600 km, and 9 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW F10 528i N20B20 Engine 2015, 88,100 km — 2.910,00 €, reduced from 3.800,00 €. It comes from a 2015 donor car with 88,100 km, and 27 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW F10 528i N20B20 Engine 2011, 121,000 km — 2.123,00 €, reduced from 3.150,00 €. It comes from a 2011 donor car with 121,000 km, and 21 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW F10 528i N20B20 Engine 2012, 163,000 km — 2.365,00 €, reduced from 3.250,00 €. It comes from a 2012 donor car with 163,000 km, and 28 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW F10 528i N20B20 Engine 2015, 124,100 km — 2.145,00 €, reduced from 3.450,00 €. It comes from a 2015 donor car with 124,100 km, and 20 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW F10 528i N20B20 Engine 2011, 196,600 km — 2.937,00 €, reduced from 4.050,00 €. It comes from a 2011 donor car with 196,600 km, and 20 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW F10 528i N20B20 Engine 2011, 77,500 km — 3.066,00 €, reduced from 4.150,00 €. It comes from a 2011 donor car with 77,500 km, and 14 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW F10 528i N20B20 Engine 2015, 67,300 km — 2.567,00 €, reduced from 3.850,00 €. It comes from a 2015 donor car with 67,300 km, and 9 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW F10 528i N20B20 Engine 2011, 38,800 km — 2.288,00 €, reduced from 3.150,00 €. It comes from a 2011 donor car with 38,800 km, and 9 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW F10 528i N20B20 Engine 2015, 188,700 km — 2.656,00 €, reduced from 3.950,00 €. It comes from a 2015 donor car with 188,700 km, and 6 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW F10 528i N20B20 Engine 2017, 147,000 km — 2.683,00 €, reduced from 3.750,00 €. It comes from a 2017 donor car with 147,000 km, and 23 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW F10 528i N20B20 Engine 2011, 84,000 km — 2.889,00 €, reduced from 3.600,00 €. It comes from a 2011 donor car with 84,000 km, and 27 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

Will it fit my 528i?

Engine swaps and upgrades for the 528i

These engines were fitted to other versions of the F10 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 N57D30 in my 528i?

It is a full conversion: the N57D30 runs on diesel and the N20B20 on petrol, so the fuel system, wiring, engine control unit, instrument coding and usually the gearbox change too. The gain is 13 hp and 210 Nm. In Germany and most of Europe an engine swap must be inspected and registered.

Can I fit the N57D30B in my 528i?

It is a full conversion: the N57D30B runs on diesel and the N20B20 on petrol, so the fuel system, wiring, engine control unit, instrument coding and usually the gearbox change too. The gain is 13 hp and 210 Nm. In Germany and most of Europe an engine swap must be inspected and registered.

Can I fit the N53B30 in my 528i?

It is a conversion rather than a replacement: the N53B30 is an inline-6 and your N20B20 an inline-4, so mounts, sump, cooling, exhaust, wiring and the engine control unit all change. The gain is 27 hp and 0 Nm. In Germany and most of Europe an engine swap must be inspected and registered.

Fitting a replacement engine in the 528i

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. Replace the rear timing chain if in doubt. On engines with the chain at the gearbox end, chain work needs the engine out. If the history is unknown, replace the chain, guides and tensioner before fitting.
3. 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.
4. Reset VANOS adaptations. Clear the VANOS adaptations so the ECU learns the camshaft positions of the new engine.
5. Teach the Valvetronic limit stops. Run the Valvetronic learning routine so the ECU knows the eccentric shaft limits.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.

528i engine questions

How much is a replacement N53B30 engine for a BMW F10 528i?

A used N53B30 for the BMW F10 528i 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

Will the N26B20 engine fit my BMW F10 528i SULEV?

Yes, if your BMW F10 528i SULEV was built with the N26B20. BMW used this 2.0 liter (1,997 cc) petrol engine with 180 kW (245 HP) in the F10 528i SULEV from about 2012 to 2016.

In our records the N26B20 is the engine for the F10 528i SULEV, which makes the match simple. Still, check the code on your old engine or send us your VIN.

Also tell us if your F10 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 N26 Engines · Search N26B20 in the shop

How much is a replacement N26B20 engine for a BMW F10 528i SULEV?

A used N26B20 for the BMW F10 528i SULEV costs from about 2.050 € to 3.350 € 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 N26B20 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 N26 Engines · Search N26B20 in the shop

Will the N53B30 engine fit my BMW F10 528i?

Yes, if your BMW F10 528i was built with the N53B30. BMW used this 3.0 liter (2,996 cc) petrol engine with 200 kW (272 HP) in the F10 528i from about 2007 to 2013.

Some F10 528i cars were built with a different engine: the N20B20. These look alike from the outside, so check the code on your engine or send us your VIN.

Also tell us if your F10 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

What is the BMW N20B20 engine?

The BMW N20B20 is a 2.0 liter (1,997 cc) petrol engine from the N20 family. It has an inline 4, DOHC, 16 valve layout with a twin-scroll turbocharger, and makes 180 kW (245 HP) with 350 Nm of torque. BMW built it from 2011 to 2017 and it meets the Euro 5 emission standard.

You find the N20B20 in the BMW F30 328i, BMW F31 328i, BMW F10 528i, BMW F25 X3 xDrive28i, BMW F32 428i, BMW F20 125i and BMW E89 Z4 sDrive28i. What we list: BMW N20 2.0 turbo petrol engines for 328i, 528i and X3 28i.

At Autowerke Engines every N20B20 is a real used engine from our yard in Hamburg. 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. Each listing shows the year, the mileage and the price, so you can compare units side by side.

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 N20 Engines · Search N20B20 in the shop

Is the BMW N20B20 a diesel or petrol engine?

The N20B20 is a petrol engine. It is a 2.0 liter (1,997 cc) inline 4, DOHC, 16 valve unit with a twin-scroll turbocharger, and it was built to the Euro 5 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 N20 Engines · Search N20B20 in the shop

Are there other versions of the BMW N20B20?

In our yard the N20B20 is the only listed version of the N20 family. It makes 180 kW (245 HP) and 350 Nm, and was built from 2011 to 2017.

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 N20 Engines · Search N20B20 in the shop

Will the N20B20 engine fit my BMW F20 125i?

Yes, if your BMW F20 125i was built with the N20B20. BMW used this 2.0 liter (1,997 cc) petrol engine with 180 kW (245 HP) in the F20 125i from about 2011 to 2017.

In our records the N20B20 is the engine for the F20 125i, which makes the match simple. Still, check the code on your old engine or send us your VIN.

Also tell us if your F20 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 N20 Engines · Search N20B20 in the shop

How much is a replacement N20B20 engine for a BMW F32 428i?

A used N20B20 for the BMW F32 428i costs from about 2.000 € to 3.200 € 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 N20B20 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 N20 Engines · Search N20B20 in the shop

How much power and torque does the BMW N20B20 have?

From the factory the BMW N20B20 makes 180 kW (245 HP) and 350 Nm of torque. It is a 2.0 liter (1,997 cc) inline 4, DOHC, 16 valve petrol engine with a twin-scroll turbocharger.

Because it is turbocharged, the torque comes in low in the rev range, which makes the car feel strong in everyday driving. A healthy turbo, a clean intercooler and tight boost pipes 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 N20B20 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 N20 Engines · Search N20B20 in the shop

Delivery, warranty and payment

Before a 528i 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 F10 engines · N20 and N26 engine guide · BMW 528i engines for sale · Send us your VIN