The M54B22 is a 2.2 L petrol inline-6 from BMW's M54 family, built 2000–2006 and rated at 170 hp and 210 Nm. It powered the BMW E46 320i, BMW E60 520i, BMW E39 520i and BMW Z4 2.2.
This guide is about the M54B22 specifically: its specification, the cars that use it, how it differs from the other M54 versions, what to check, prices from our stock and fitment answers for each model. For the history of the whole family, read our M54 guide.
- Capacity and layout: 2.2 L, inline-6, naturally aspirated
- Output: 170 hp and 210 Nm
- Production: 2000–2006
- Fitted to: 4 models across 4 chassis generations
- In our stock: 9 units from 1.447,00 € — M54B22 engines for sale
M54B22 specifications
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine code | M54B22 |
| Family | M54 |
| Capacity | 2.2 L |
| Layout | Inline-6 |
| Fuel | Petrol |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 170 hp |
| Torque | 210 Nm |
| Specific output | 77 hp per litre |
| Production | 2000–2006 |
| Models | 4 |
The M54B22 is a 2.2 L inline-6 petrol engine, naturally aspirated, rated at 170 hp and 210 Nm. BMW built it from 2000 to 2006. That is about 77 hp and 95 Nm per litre, a strong figure for a road engine of its era. Within the M54 family, the M54B25 (192 hp) and M54B30 (231 hp) are more powerful. It was fitted to the BMW E46 320i, BMW E60 520i, BMW E39 520i and BMW Z4 2.2.
What the code M54B22 means
- 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.
Which BMW models use the M54B22
| Model | Generation | Built |
|---|---|---|
| BMW E46 320i | fourth 3 Series | 1997–2006 |
| BMW E60 520i | fifth 5 Series | 2003–2010 |
| BMW E39 520i | fourth 5 Series | 1995–2004 |
| BMW Z4 2.2 | Z4 | 2002– |
In the E46 fourth 3 Series (1997–2006), the M54B22 powered the 320i. We have 1 M54B22 unit from E46 donor cars. All E46 engines
In the E60 fifth 5 Series (2003–2010), the M54B22 powered the 520i. We have 1 M54B22 unit from E60 donor cars. All E60 engines
In the E39 fourth 5 Series (1995–2004), the M54B22 powered the 520i. We have 1 M54B22 unit from E39 donor cars. All E39 engines
In the Z4 Z4 (2002–), the M54B22 powered the 2.2. We have 1 M54B22 unit from Z4 donor cars.
M54B22 compared with other M54 versions
| Code | Capacity | Power | Torque | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M54B22 | 2.2 L | 170 hp | 210 Nm | 2000–2006 |
| M54B25 | 2.5 L | 192 hp | 245 Nm | 2000–2006 |
| M54B30 | 3.0 L | 231 hp | 300 Nm | 2000–2006 |
M54B22 or M54B25?
The M54B25 has 22 hp more than the M54B22 (192 against 170 hp), from 2.5 L instead of 2.2 L, and was built 2000–2006. A different capacity means a different crankshaft, pistons or head, and different software. It can be fitted as an upgrade with the matching engine control unit and wiring, but it is a conversion rather than a straight replacement.
M54B22 or M54B30?
The M54B30 has 61 hp more than the M54B22 (231 against 170 hp), from 3.0 L instead of 2.2 L, and was built 2000–2006. A different capacity means a different crankshaft, pistons or head, and different software. It can be fitted as an upgrade with the matching engine control unit and wiring, but it is a conversion rather than a straight replacement.
Common M54B22 problems
The M54B22 shares its weak points with the rest of the M54 family. These are the faults to check on a used unit and on your own engine. The full explanation of each is in the M54 guide.
| Known fault | What to check |
|---|---|
| Crankcase ventilation (CCV) | Pull the dipstick at idle: strong suction or a whistle points to the CCV. |
| DISA valve flap | Remove the valve and check for play in the flap. |
| Cooling system | Look for white coolant stains and check the impeller. |
| Oil filter housing and valve cover gaskets | Look at the exhaust side and down the front of the block. |
| Oil consumption from piston rings | Ask for consumption figures; a compression test is useful. |
DISA valve flap. The plastic flap inside the DISA valve can break and enter the engine.
M54B22 maintenance
- 5W-30 BMW Longlife-01 synthetic, about 6.5 litres with filter.
- Oil every 15,000 km or yearly; spark plugs every 100,000 km; cooling every 100,000 km.
- Duplex and single chains at the front, no scheduled replacement.
Will the M54B22 fit my car?
Will the M54B22 fit my BMW E46 320i?
For the BMW E46 320i, the M54B22 is the factory engine and the one to order. The fourth 3 Series was built 1997–2006, 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 E46 320i?
We have 1 M54B22 engine from E46 donor cars, priced from 3.103,00 €. 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 M54B22 fit my BMW E60 520i?
For the BMW E60 520i, the M54B22 is the factory engine and the one to order. 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 M54B22 fit my BMW E39 520i?
The M54B22 is the original engine for the BMW E39 520i, which makes it the straightforward choice. The fourth 5 Series was built 1995–2004, 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 E39 520i?
We have 1 M54B22 engine from E39 donor cars, priced from 1.492,00 €. 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 M54B22 fit my BMW Z4 2.2?
The M54B22 is the original engine for the BMW Z4 2.2, which makes it the straightforward choice. The Z4 was built 2002–, 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 Z4 2.2?
We have 1 M54B22 engine from Z4 donor cars, priced from 1.505,00 €. 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.
M54B22 prices
Across 9 M54B22 units in our stock today, prices start at 1.447,00 € and reach 3.103,00 €. The median — the price in the middle of the range — is 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.
M54B22 engines in stock
Here is a selection of M54B22 engines currently on our shelves, photographed in the yard. Click any of them for the full photographs, mileage and specification.
BMW Z4 2.2 M54B22 Complete Engine1.505,00 €BMW E60 520i M54B22 Complete Engine1.501,00 €M54B22 Complete Engine BMW 520i G302.105,00 €
BMW E39 520i M54B22 Complete Engine1.492,00 €BMW Z4 2.2 M54B22 Complete Engine — 1.505,00 €, reduced from 2.000,00 €. It comes from a recorded donor car, and 20 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.
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. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.
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. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.
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. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.
Buying a used M54B22: checklist
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Questions about the M54B22
What is in the M54 E30 wiring and ecu kit?
The M54 E30 wiring and ecu kit includes: M54B30 patch loom for the BMW E30 325i; ECU bridge connector; Immobiliser bypass or coded ECU; Sensor pinout sheet; Fuse and relay map.
It is made for the BMW E30 325i, BMW E30 320i and BMW E30 Touring (1982–1994), and replaces the M20B25, M20B20 and M42. Gearbox set-ups we support are the Getrag 260 and ZF S5D.
This kit costs about 500 € to 820 €, depending on the exact listing. The engine is not included, so you can use your own M54B30 or buy one from our yard.
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 are not sure which kit you need, tell us your vehicle, its year and its current engine and gearbox. We help for free.
See all M54 E30 Conversion Kits · Conversion guide
How much is a replacement M54B30 engine for a BMW E53 X5 3.0i?
A used M54B30 for the BMW E53 X5 3.0i costs from about 1.650 € to 2.700 € 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 M54B30 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 M54 Engines · Search M54B30 in the shop
Can I put an M54B30 engine in my BMW E30 325i?
Yes. We sell conversion kits that fit the M54B30 into the BMW E30 325i. The kit replaces the M20B25, M20B20 and M42, and works with the Getrag 260 and ZF S5D.
You can buy the full package with an engine, or only the parts you need: complete conversion with engine, complete conversion, adapter plate, engine mount, wiring and ecu and cooling and exhaust.
A swap like this needs a skilled workshop. Mounts, the adapter, the wiring and the engine computer, the cooling and the exhaust all have to work together. Check your local road rules for engine swaps before you start.
Tell us your BMW E30 325i's year and current set-up, and we suggest the right parts. You can reach the Hamburg desk by email at autowerkeengines@gmail.com, or by phone and WhatsApp on +49 15510 030835, Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 16:00 CET.
See all M54 E30 Conversion Kits · Conversion guide
Can you check if an M54B25 fits my car with my VIN?
Yes, and it is free. Send the 17-character VIN of your car and, if you have it, the gearbox code. We check the engine family, the build year window and the parts your car needs.
For the M54B25, we confirm that your car was built with this code or with a version that can take it. BMW used it in the BMW E46 325i, BMW E46 325Ci, BMW E60 525i, BMW E39 525i and BMW E85 Z4 2.5i.
We only reserve an engine once the match is confirmed, so you never pay for the wrong unit. You can reach the Hamburg desk by email at autowerkeengines@gmail.com, or by phone and WhatsApp on +49 15510 030835, Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 16:00 CET.
You can also use the VIN check on our site. It reads the year, the make, the model and the engine from the public vehicle register.
See all M54 Engines · Search M54B25 in the shop
Which cars use the BMW M54B25 engine?
BMW fitted the M54B25 to the BMW E46 325i, BMW E46 325Ci, BMW E60 525i, BMW E39 525i and BMW E85 Z4 2.5i. These cars were built with this engine from about 2000 to 2006.
The badge on the boot is not enough to be sure. The same model name can hide two different engines, for example after a facelift or a change in emission rules. Always read the engine code stamped on the block, or look it up with your VIN.
Other engines in the same M54 family are the M54B30 (231 HP). They look alike but differ in power, parts and electronics, so they are not always a direct swap.
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 M54 Engines · Search M54B25 in the shop
Which cars use the BMW M54B30 engine?
BMW fitted the M54B30 to the BMW E46 330i, BMW E46 330Ci, BMW E39 530i, BMW E60 530i, BMW E53 X5 3.0i and BMW E85 Z4 3.0i. These cars were built with this engine from about 2000 to 2006.
The badge on the boot is not enough to be sure. The same model name can hide two different engines, for example after a facelift or a change in emission rules. Always read the engine code stamped on the block, or look it up with your VIN.
Other engines in the same M54 family are the M54B25 (192 HP). They look alike but differ in power, parts and electronics, so they are not always a direct swap.
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 M54 Engines · Search M54B30 in the shop
How hard is an M54 E30 swap?
A M54B30 swap into the BMW E30 325i, BMW E30 320i and BMW E30 Touring is a big job, but a good workshop can do it with a complete kit. Most of the time goes into the mounts, the adapter and the wiring.
The usual steps are: remove the old engine, fit the new mounts and the adapter plate, set the engine in, connect the wiring and the engine computer, then fit the cooling and the exhaust. A test drive and a final check follow.
Our kits come with parts that are made to work together, which saves time and guesswork. What we list: M54 3.0 kits for the E30, with mounts, sump clearance and loom.
Before you start, check your local rules for registration and road tests after an engine change. We supply invoices and documents that help with this.
See all M54 E30 Conversion Kits · Conversion guide
What is the BMW M54B25 engine?
The BMW M54B25 is a 2.5 liter (2,494 cc) petrol engine from the M54 family. It has an inline 6, DOHC, 24 valve layout with no turbo (naturally aspirated), and makes 141 kW (192 HP) with 245 Nm of torque. BMW built it from 2000 to 2006 and it meets the Euro 3 emission standard.
You find the M54B25 in the BMW E46 325i, BMW E46 325Ci, BMW E60 525i, BMW E39 525i and BMW E85 Z4 2.5i. What we list: BMW M54 2.2, 2.5 and 3.0 petrol engines for E46, E39, E60 and X5.
At Autowerke Engines every M54B25 is a real used engine from our yard in Hamburg. 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. 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 M54 Engines · Search M54B25 in the shop
What should I check on a used BMW M54 engine?
Start with the basics: the engine code on the block, the recorded mileage and the photos. Make sure the code matches your car and the parts you need are on the unit.
On an M54 petrol engine, a fitter usually checks the spark plugs, the coils, the timing side and the oil seals. These parts are easy to check before fitting and easy to change if needed.
If you want more photos or a short video of a unit, ask the desk and we send them before you pay. An inspection certificate can travel with the order on request.
Once fitted, change the oil and filter early and drive gently at first. Report any problem right away so the warranty stays valid.
See all M54 Engines · Inspection certificate
How much power and torque does the BMW M54B30 have?
From the factory the BMW M54B30 makes 170 kW (231 HP) and 300 Nm of torque. It is a 3.0 liter (2,979 cc) inline 6, DOHC, 24 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 M54B30 on our site lists its year and mileage. You can ask for extra photos, a close-up of the code stamp or a short video before you order.
See all M54 Engines · Search M54B30 in the shop
Will the M54B30 engine fit my BMW E46 330i?
Yes, if your BMW E46 330i was built with the M54B30. BMW used this 3.0 liter (2,979 cc) petrol engine with 170 kW (231 HP) in the E46 330i from about 2000 to 2006.
In our records the M54B30 is the engine for the E46 330i, which makes the match simple. Still, check the code on your old engine or send us your VIN.
Also tell us if your E46 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 M54 Engines · Search M54B30 in the shop
How much is a replacement M54B25 engine for a BMW E46 325i?
A used M54B25 for the BMW E46 325i costs from about 1.300 € to 2.200 € 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 M54B25 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 M54 Engines · Search M54B25 in the shop
Delivery, warranty and payment
Every M54B22 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.
M54 engine guide · M54B22 engines for sale · All M54 engines · Send us your VIN
