BMW 730d (E65) engine: which one, problems and replacement

The BMW 730d in the fourth 7 Series generation (E65, built 2001–2008) was built with one engine, the M57D30TU: a 3.0 L diesel inline-6 with 218 hp.

Below you will find how to identify the engine in your 730d, the faults to look for, current prices for a replacement and the swap options that make sense.

• Generation: fourth 7 Series, 2001–2008
• Body styles: E65 (saloon)
• Engines: M57D30TU
• Output: 218 hp
• Replacement engines in stock: 194 from 853,00 €

Which engine is in your 730d?

M57D30TU in the 730d

The M57D30TU was used in the E65 730d, built 2002–2007. It is a 3.0 L turbocharged diesel inline-6 with 218 hp and 500 Nm.

Reading the code: M marks an M-series code, the naming BMW used for its engine families up to the early 2000s; 57 is the family number; D stands for diesel; 30 is the capacity in decilitres, so 3.0 litres; TU identifies the technical update.

730d engines by model year

The 730d kept the same engine for the whole E65 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 730d

A replacement engine does not have to come from another 730d. 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.

M57D30TU: BMW E60 530d, BMW E46 330d, BMW E83 X3 3.0d.

How to confirm your engine code

The 730d only used the M57D30TU, 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 730d engine problems

The M57D30TU in the 730d shares the known weak points of the M57 family. Full M57 guide.

Swirl flaps. The swirl flaps can loosen and break off, and a broken flap can enter a cylinder and destroy the engine.

EGR valve and cooler. The EGR valve clogs and the cooler can leak.

Injectors. Injectors leak or fail, especially piezo versions.

Turbocharger. Turbos wear and actuators stick.

Thermostat and viscous fan. Thermostats fail and cause slow warm-up.

Symptoms to watch for on the 730d

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.

Black smoke under acceleration. Too much fuel for the air available: boost leaks, a sticking EGR valve, a dirty air mass meter or a leaking injector.

Hard starting when cold. Glow plugs or the glow plug control unit. On older diesels, also check the injection pump and fuel lines for air leaks.

Sudden metallic noise followed by misfire. On diesels with swirl flaps, a broken flap or screw can enter a cylinder. Stop the engine immediately; continued running usually destroys the piston and head.

Looking after the 730d engine

• Oil: 5W-30 BMW Longlife-04, about 6.5 to 7.5 litres.
• Service interval: Oil every 10,000 to 15,000 km.
• Timing drive: Timing chain at the front.
• Workshop notes: Fit swirl flap blanks when installing a used M57. Conversions need the right sump and wiring.

Buying a used engine for the 730d: checklist

1. Photographs from every side. Good suppliers photograph the actual engine you will receive. Look for the block stamp, the sump, the timing cover and any broken brackets or connectors in the pictures.
2. 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. 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.
4. List of what is fitted. Engines are sold with different ancillaries: some have the turbo, injectors, manifolds, alternator and starter, others are long blocks. Agree the list in writing so you know which parts must come from your old engine.
5. 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.
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. Injector correction values. On a diesel that can be run before removal, the injector correction values show whether one injector is delivering more or less fuel than the others. Large deviations mean an injector is on its way out.
8. Swirl flaps. Check whether the swirl flaps are in place, blanked or removed. Broken swirl flaps are a known cause of engine failure on several BMW diesels, so many owners fit blanking plates when the intake is off.
9. 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.

BMW 730d replacement engine cost

Across 194 730d engine units in our stock today, prices start at 853,00 € and reach 4.348,00 €. The median — the price in the middle of the range — is 2.616,00 €.

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.

730d engine prices by model year

Engines from 2000–2004 have a median of 2.506,00 €, while units from 2020–2024 sit at 2.794,00 €. Newer engines usually cost more because they come from younger donor cars with lower mileage and later updates.

730d 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.

33 of these come from E65 donor cars, priced from 2.083,00 € to 3.138,00 €. 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 730d

These 730d 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 E65 730d M57D30TU Engine 2003, 103,800 km2.173,00 €BMW E65 730d M57D30TU Engine 2007, 134,700 km2.605,00 €BMW E65 730d M57D30TU Engine 2010, 104,700 km2.114,00 €BMW E65 730d M57D30TU Engine 2003, 84,800 km2.498,00 €BMW E65 730d M57D30TU Engine 2010, 121,800 km2.272,00 €BMW E65 730d M57D30TU Engine 2007, 166,400 km2.919,00 €BMW E65 730d M57D30TU Engine 2009, 127,600 km2.965,00 €BMW E65 730d M57D30TU Engine 2009, 65,400 km2.909,00 €BMW E65 730d M57D30TU Engine 2005, 120,300 km2.988,00 €BMW E65 730d M57D30TU Engine 2003, 96,900 km2.304,00 €BMW E65 730d M57D30TU Engine 2006, 136,600 km2.488,00 €BMW E65 730d M57D30TU Engine 2008, 28,500 km2.318,00 €

BMW E65 730d M57D30TU Engine 2003, 103,800 km — 2.173,00 €, reduced from 2.900,00 €. It comes from a 2003 donor car with 103,800 km, and 17 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW E65 730d M57D30TU Engine 2007, 134,700 km — 2.605,00 €, reduced from 3.450,00 €. It comes from a 2007 donor car with 134,700 km, and 26 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW E65 730d M57D30TU Engine 2010, 104,700 km — 2.114,00 €, reduced from 2.850,00 €. It comes from a 2010 donor car with 104,700 km, and 24 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW E65 730d M57D30TU Engine 2003, 84,800 km — 2.498,00 €, reduced from 3.600,00 €. It comes from a 2003 donor car with 84,800 km, and 27 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW E65 730d M57D30TU Engine 2010, 121,800 km — 2.272,00 €, reduced from 2.950,00 €. It comes from a 2010 donor car with 121,800 km, and 17 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW E65 730d M57D30TU Engine 2007, 166,400 km — 2.919,00 €, reduced from 4.250,00 €. It comes from a 2007 donor car with 166,400 km, and 5 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW E65 730d M57D30TU Engine 2009, 127,600 km — 2.965,00 €, reduced from 3.800,00 €. It comes from a 2009 donor car with 127,600 km, and 25 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW E65 730d M57D30TU Engine 2009, 65,400 km — 2.909,00 €, reduced from 3.650,00 €. It comes from a 2009 donor car with 65,400 km, and 26 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW E65 730d M57D30TU Engine 2005, 120,300 km — 2.988,00 €, reduced from 4.000,00 €. It comes from a 2005 donor car with 120,300 km, and 19 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW E65 730d M57D30TU Engine 2003, 96,900 km — 2.304,00 €, reduced from 3.050,00 €. It comes from a 2003 donor car with 96,900 km, and 21 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW E65 730d M57D30TU Engine 2006, 136,600 km — 2.488,00 €, reduced from 3.150,00 €. It comes from a 2006 donor car with 136,600 km, and 16 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW E65 730d M57D30TU Engine 2008, 28,500 km — 2.318,00 €, reduced from 3.200,00 €. It comes from a 2008 donor car with 28,500 km, and 27 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

Will it fit my 730d?

Engine swaps and upgrades for the 730d

These engines were fitted to other versions of the E65 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 N62B36 in my 730d?

It is a full conversion: the N62B36 runs on petrol and the M57D30TU on diesel, so the fuel system, wiring, engine control unit, instrument coding and usually the gearbox change too. The gain is 54 hp and 0 Nm. In Germany and most of Europe an engine swap must be inspected and registered.

Can I fit the M67D44 in my 730d?

It is a conversion rather than a replacement: the M67D44 is a V8 and your M57D30TU an inline-6, so mounts, sump, cooling, exhaust, wiring and the engine control unit all change. The gain is 112 hp and 250 Nm. In Germany and most of Europe an engine swap must be inspected and registered.

Can I fit the N62B44 in my 730d?

It is a full conversion: the N62B44 runs on petrol and the M57D30TU on diesel, so the fuel system, wiring, engine control unit, instrument coding and usually the gearbox change too. The gain is 115 hp and 0 Nm. In Germany and most of Europe an engine swap must be inspected and registered.

Fitting a replacement engine in the 730d

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. Code the injectors and bleed the fuel. Enter the injector correction codes into the ECU, check the glow plugs and bleed the fuel system so the engine does not crank dry.
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.

Delivery, warranty and payment

Before a 730d 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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