BMW 730d (F01) engine: which one, problems and replacement

The BMW 730d in the fifth 7 Series generation (F01, built 2008–2015) was built with 2 different engines over its life: the N57D30A (245 hp, 2008–2013) and the N57D30 (258 hp, 2008–2017).

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: fifth 7 Series, 2008–2015
• Body styles: F01 (saloon)
• Engines: N57D30A, N57D30
• Output: 245 hp and 258 hp
• Replacement engines in stock: 378 from 841,00 €

Which engine is in your 730d?

N57D30A in the 730d

The N57D30A was used in the F01 730d, built 2008–2013. It is a 3.0 L turbocharged diesel inline-6 with 245 hp and 540 Nm. Compared with the N57D30 (258 hp), it is the mildest.

Reading the code: N marks an N-series code, the generation of BMW engines introduced from 2001; 57 is the family number; D stands for diesel; 30 is the capacity in decilitres, so 3.0 litres; A identifies the version or output stage.

N57D30 in the 730d

The N57D30 was used in the F01 730d, built 2008–2017. It is a 3.0 L turbocharged diesel inline-6 with 258 hp and 560 Nm. Compared with the N57D30A (245 hp), it is the strongest.

Reading the code: N marks an N-series code, the generation of BMW engines introduced from 2001; 57 is the family number; D stands for diesel; 30 is the capacity in decilitres, so 3.0 litres.

730d engines by model year

The engine changed once during the F01 run, in 2014. 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 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.

N57D30A: BMW F10 530d, BMW E70 X5 30d.

N57D30: BMW F10 530d, BMW F30 330d, BMW F15 X5 30d, BMW F25 X3 30d, BMW E70 X5 30d.

How to confirm your engine code

Because the 730d 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 730d engine problems

The N57D30A and N57D30 in the 730d share the known weak points of the N57 family. Full N57 guide.

Swirl flaps. Swirl flaps can stick or break.

EGR cooler. The EGR cooler can leak; BMW issued a recall for some cars.

Diesel particulate filter. The DPF clogs on short-trip cars.

Timing chain. Chains stretch on some high-mileage engines, but far less often than on the N47.

Injectors. Injectors leak or fail.

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.

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.

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.

Particulate filter warning. Short trips stop the DPF from regenerating. A long motorway run often clears it; a filter that keeps blocking may be covering an injector, EGR or turbo problem.

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 litres.
• Service interval: Oil every 10,000 to 15,000 km.
• Timing drive: Timing chain at the rear (gearbox end).
• Workshop notes: Check the EGR recall and the swirl flaps when buying.

Buying a used engine for the 730d: checklist

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
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. 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. 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. Particulate filter and EGR history. Short-trip diesels clog their DPF and EGR systems. The engine may be fine, but ask whether the donor car had DPF warnings, and plan to clean or check your own filter before fitting.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.

BMW 730d replacement engine cost

Across 378 730d engine units in our stock today, prices start at 841,00 € and reach 5.067,00 €. The median — the price in the middle of the range — is 3.234,00 €.

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 2.140,00 €, while units from 2020–2024 sit at 2.635,00 €. 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.

5 of these come from F01 donor cars, priced from 1.999,00 € to 4.401,00 €. 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 F01 730d N57D30A Engine 20102.838,00 €Used BMW 730d 2012 N57D30A F01 Engine2.136,00 €N57D30A Complete Engine BMW 730d F012.155,00 €BMW 730d F01 N57D30A Engine 2013 · 114,000 km4.401,00 €BMW F01 730d N57D30A Complete Engine1.999,00 €

BMW F01 730d N57D30A Engine 2010 — 2.838,00 €, reduced from 3.500,00 €. It comes from a 2010 donor car, and 7 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

Used BMW 730d 2012 N57D30A F01 Engine — 2.136,00 €, reduced from 2.400,00 €. It comes from a 2012 donor car, and 7 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

N57D30A Complete Engine BMW 730d F01 — 2.155,00 €, 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.

BMW 730d F01 N57D30A Engine 2013 · 114,000 km — 4.401,00 €, reduced from 5.450,00 €. It comes from a 2013 donor car with 114,000 km, and 11 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW F01 730d N57D30A Complete Engine — 1.999,00 €, reduced from 2.500,00 €. It comes from a recorded donor car, and 8 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

Will it fit my 730d?

Will the N57D30 fit my BMW F01 730d?

Yes, the BMW F01 730d left the factory with the N57D30, so an N57D30 from another car is the direct replacement. The fifth 7 Series was built 2008–2015, and the N57D30 was produced 2008–2017, 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 F01 730d?

We have 5 N57D30 engines from F01 donor cars, priced from 1.999,00 € to 4.401,00 €. 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.

Engine swaps and upgrades for the 730d

These engines were fitted to other versions of the F01 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 N57D30T in my 730d?

Yes, it is one of the more common upgrades. Both are diesel inline-6 engines, so the mounting points are similar, but the N57D30T needs its own wiring and engine control unit, the matching gearbox or clutch, and often a different sump, cooling and exhaust. The gain is 55 hp and 70 Nm. In Germany and most of Europe an engine swap must be inspected and registered.

Can I fit the N57D30C in my 730d?

Yes, it is one of the more common upgrades. Both are diesel inline-6 engines, so the mounting points are similar, but the N57D30C needs its own wiring and engine control unit, the matching gearbox or clutch, and often a different sump, cooling and exhaust. The gain is 55 hp and 70 Nm. In Germany and most of Europe an engine swap must be inspected and registered.

Can I fit the N57D30S in my 730d?

Yes, it is one of the more common upgrades. Both are diesel inline-6 engines, so the mounting points are similar, but the N57D30S needs its own wiring and engine control unit, the matching gearbox or clutch, and often a different sump, cooling and exhaust. The gain is 123 hp and 180 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. 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. 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.
5. Check the particulate filter. If the old engine failed with oil or coolant entering the exhaust, the DPF may be contaminated. Check its back-pressure before relying on it.
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.

730d engine questions

Will the N57D30A engine fit my BMW F01 730d?

Yes, if your BMW F01 730d was built with the N57D30A. BMW used this 3.0 liter (2,993 cc) diesel engine with 190 kW (258 HP) in the F01 730d from about 2010 to 2017.

In our records the N57D30A is the engine for the F01 730d, which makes the match simple. Still, check the code on your old engine or send us your VIN.

Also tell us if your F01 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 N57 Engines · Search N57D30A in the shop

What should I replace when I fit a used N57D30A engine?

A used engine lasts longest when it starts life in your car with fresh fluids and new seals. Fit a new oil filter and fresh oil of the grade BMW lists for this engine, and refill the coolant with the correct BMW antifreeze mix. Clean the intercooler and the intake pipes, and fill the turbo oil feed with clean oil before the first start, so the turbo never runs dry. Change the drive belt, the thermostat and the water pump seals if they look tired, because they are cheap while the engine is out.

Look at the engine mounts and the clutch or the torque converter while the engine is out. Old mounts can crack a new engine's brackets, and a worn clutch is much easier to change now.

Before the first start, turn the engine over without fuel until the oil pressure light goes out. Then let it idle, check for leaks, and drive gently for the first few hundred kilometres.

The warranty asks for fitting by a qualified mechanic and the correct oil, coolant and filters. Keep your receipts in case you ever need to make a claim.

See all N57 Engines · Search N57D30A in the shop

What is the BMW N57D30A engine?

The BMW N57D30A is a 3.0 liter (2,993 cc) diesel engine from the N57 family. It has an inline 6, DOHC, 24 valve layout with a single turbocharger, and makes 190 kW (258 HP) with 560 Nm of torque. BMW built it from 2010 to 2017 and it meets the Euro 5 emission standard.

You find the N57D30A in the BMW F10 530d, BMW F11 530d, BMW F30 330d, BMW F31 330d, BMW F25 X3 xDrive30d, BMW F15 X5 xDrive30d and BMW F01 730d. What we list: BMW N57 3.0 diesel engines for F10, F30, F15, G11 and X-series chassis.

At Autowerke Engines every N57D30A 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 N57 Engines · Search N57D30A in the shop

How long does delivery of an N57D30A 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 N57 Engines · Search N57D30A in the shop

How much is a replacement N57D30A engine for a BMW F25 X3 xDrive30d?

A used N57D30A for the BMW F25 X3 xDrive30d costs from about 2.650 € to 4.200 € 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 N57D30A 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 N57 Engines · Search N57D30A in the shop

How do I know a used N57D30A 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 diesel like the N57D30A, a careful fitter will also look at the injectors, the turbo shaft play and the oil in the intake 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 N57 Engines · Search N57D30A in the shop

Will the N57D30A engine fit my BMW F15 X5 xDrive30d?

Yes, if your BMW F15 X5 xDrive30d was built with the N57D30A. BMW used this 3.0 liter (2,993 cc) diesel engine with 190 kW (258 HP) in the F15 X5 xDrive30d from about 2010 to 2017.

In our records the N57D30A is the engine for the F15 X5 xDrive30d, which makes the match simple. Still, check the code on your old engine or send us your VIN.

Your car has all-wheel drive or is an X model, so the sump, the oil pickup and some brackets can differ from the rear-drive cars. Tell us the full model so we send the right set-up.

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 N57 Engines · Search N57D30A in the shop

Is the BMW N57D30A a diesel or petrol engine?

The N57D30A is a diesel engine. It is a 3.0 liter (2,993 cc) inline 6, DOHC, 24 valve unit with a single 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.

Diesel versions need the matching exhaust treatment parts 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 N57 Engines · Search N57D30A in the shop

Does a used N57D30A 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 N57 Engines · Search N57D30A in the shop

Will the N57D30A engine fit my BMW F01 730d?

Yes, if your BMW F01 730d was built with the N57D30A. BMW used this 3.0 liter (2,993 cc) diesel engine with 190 kW (258 HP) in the F01 730d from about 2010 to 2017.

In our records the N57D30A is the engine for the F01 730d, which makes the match simple. Still, check the code on your old engine or send us your VIN.

Also tell us if your F01 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 N57 Engines · Search N57D30A in the shop

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.

A 12-month warranty covers eligible internal failure when the engine is fitted by a qualified workshop with new fluids and filters. You can pay by card, bank transfer or crypto and receive the invoice by email straight away.

All F01 engines · N57 engine guide · BMW 730d engines for sale · Send us your VIN