BMW M550d (F10) engine: which one, problems and replacement

The BMW M550d in the sixth 5 Series generation (F10, built 2010–2017) was built with one engine, the N57D30S: a 3.0 L diesel inline-6 with 381 hp.

Below you will find how to identify the engine in your M550d, 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: N57D30S
• Output: 381 hp
• Replacement engines in stock: 218 from 4.510,00 €

Which engine is in your M550d?

N57D30S in the M550d

The N57D30S was used in the F10 M550d, built 2012–2018. It is a 3.0 L tri-turbo diesel inline-6 with 381 hp and 740 Nm.

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; S identifies the version or output stage.

M550d engines by model year

The M550d 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 M550d

A replacement engine does not have to come from another M550d. 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.

N57D30S: BMW F15 X5 M50d, BMW F16 X6 M50d, BMW F01 750d.

How to confirm your engine code

The M550d only used the N57D30S, 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 M550d engine problems

The N57D30S in the M550d shares 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 M550d

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 M550d 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 M550d: 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. 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.
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. 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.
5. 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.
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 M550d replacement engine cost

Our M550d engine stock runs to 218 units, priced from 4.510,00 € to 7.578,00 € with a median of 5.755,00 €.

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.

M550d engine prices by model year

Engines from 2010–2014 have a median of 5.638,00 €, while units from 2015–2019 sit at 5.789,00 €. Newer engines usually cost more because they come from younger donor cars with lower mileage and later updates.

M550d 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.

1 of these come from F10 donor cars, priced from 7.494,00 €. 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 M550d

Here is a selection of M550d engines currently on our shelves, photographed in the yard. Click any of them for the full photographs, mileage and specification.

BMW F16 X6 M50d N57D30S Engine 2016, 89,000 km4.956,00 €BMW F16 X6 M50d N57D30S Engine 2014, 207,900 km6.736,00 €BMW F16 X6 M50d N57D30S Engine 2018, 147,300 km5.926,00 €BMW F16 X6 M50d N57D30S Engine 2016, 124,700 km5.337,00 €BMW F16 X6 M50d N57D30S Engine 2012, 21,500 km5.812,00 €BMW F16 X6 M50d N57D30S Engine 2014, 18,300 km5.579,00 €BMW F16 X6 M50d N57D30S Engine 2015, 203,400 km6.852,00 €BMW F16 X6 M50d N57D30S Engine 2014, 57,700 km5.566,00 €BMW F16 X6 M50d N57D30S Engine 2014, 69,800 km6.770,00 €BMW F16 X6 M50d N57D30S Engine 2016, 202,900 km6.059,00 €BMW F16 X6 M50d N57D30S Engine 2017, 85,700 km6.535,00 €BMW F16 X6 M50d N57D30S Engine 2012, 196,700 km5.102,00 €

BMW F16 X6 M50d N57D30S Engine 2016, 89,000 km — 4.956,00 €, reduced from 5.750,00 €. It comes from a 2016 donor car with 89,000 km, and 17 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW F16 X6 M50d N57D30S Engine 2014, 207,900 km — 6.736,00 €, reduced from 8.100,00 €. It comes from a 2014 donor car with 207,900 km, and 29 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW F16 X6 M50d N57D30S Engine 2018, 147,300 km — 5.926,00 €, reduced from 6.800,00 €. It comes from a 2018 donor car with 147,300 km, and 6 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW F16 X6 M50d N57D30S Engine 2016, 124,700 km — 5.337,00 €, reduced from 6.400,00 €. It comes from a 2016 donor car with 124,700 km, and 9 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW F16 X6 M50d N57D30S Engine 2012, 21,500 km — 5.812,00 €, reduced from 7.000,00 €. It comes from a 2012 donor car with 21,500 km, and 14 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW F16 X6 M50d N57D30S Engine 2014, 18,300 km — 5.579,00 €, reduced from 6.300,00 €. It comes from a 2014 donor car with 18,300 km, and 5 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW F16 X6 M50d N57D30S Engine 2015, 203,400 km — 6.852,00 €, reduced from 7.750,00 €. It comes from a 2015 donor car with 203,400 km, and 18 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW F16 X6 M50d N57D30S Engine 2014, 57,700 km — 5.566,00 €, reduced from 6.950,00 €. It comes from a 2014 donor car with 57,700 km, and 28 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW F16 X6 M50d N57D30S Engine 2014, 69,800 km — 6.770,00 €, reduced from 8.050,00 €. It comes from a 2014 donor car with 69,800 km, and 30 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW F16 X6 M50d N57D30S Engine 2016, 202,900 km — 6.059,00 €, reduced from 7.000,00 €. It comes from a 2016 donor car with 202,900 km, and 22 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW F16 X6 M50d N57D30S Engine 2017, 85,700 km — 6.535,00 €, reduced from 7.100,00 €. It comes from a 2017 donor car with 85,700 km, and 13 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW F16 X6 M50d N57D30S Engine 2012, 196,700 km — 5.102,00 €, reduced from 6.350,00 €. It comes from a 2012 donor car with 196,700 km, and 10 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

Will it fit my M550d?

Engine swaps and upgrades for the M550d

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 N63B44 in my M550d?

It is a full conversion: the N63B44 runs on petrol and the N57D30S on diesel, so the fuel system, wiring, engine control unit, instrument coding and usually the gearbox change too. The gain is 26 hp and 0 Nm. In Germany and most of Europe an engine swap must be inspected and registered.

Can I fit the N63B44T2 in my M550d?

It is a full conversion: the N63B44T2 runs on petrol and the N57D30S on diesel, so the fuel system, wiring, engine control unit, instrument coding and usually the gearbox change too. The gain is 69 hp and 0 Nm. In Germany and most of Europe an engine swap must be inspected and registered.

Can I fit the N63B44O1 in my M550d?

It is a full conversion: the N63B44O1 runs on petrol and the N57D30S on diesel, so the fuel system, wiring, engine control unit, instrument coding and usually the gearbox change too. The gain is 69 hp and 0 Nm. In Germany and most of Europe an engine swap must be inspected and registered.

Fitting a replacement engine in the M550d

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.

M550d engine questions

How much is a replacement N57D30S engine for a BMW F10 M550d?

A used N57D30S for the BMW F10 M550d costs from about 4.500 € to 6.950 € 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 N57D30S 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 N57D30S in the shop

Can you check if an N57D30S 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 N57D30S, we confirm that your car was built with this code or with a version that can take it. BMW used it in the BMW F10 M550d, BMW F15 X5 M50d, BMW F16 X6 M50d and BMW F01 750d.

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 N57 Engines · Search N57D30S in the shop

How much does a used BMW N57D30S engine cost?

A used BMW N57D30S engine in our yard usually costs between 4.500 € and 6.950 €. 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 N57 Engines · Search N57D30S in the shop

Will the N57D30S engine fit my BMW F16 X6 M50d?

Yes, if your BMW F16 X6 M50d was built with the N57D30S. BMW used this 3.0 liter (2,993 cc) diesel engine with 280 kW (381 HP) in the F16 X6 M50d from about 2012 to 2018.

In our records the N57D30S is the engine for the F16 X6 M50d, 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 N57D30S in the shop

What is the difference between the N57D30S and other N57 engines?

The N57D30S makes 280 kW (381 HP) and 740 Nm. The other N57 engines are: N57D30A with 190 kW (258 HP) and 560 Nm (2010 to 2017); N57D30B with 230 kW (313 HP) and 630 Nm (2011 to 2018).

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 N57 Engines · Search N57D30S in the shop

Will the N57D30S engine fit my BMW F15 X5 M50d?

Yes, if your BMW F15 X5 M50d was built with the N57D30S. BMW used this 3.0 liter (2,993 cc) diesel engine with 280 kW (381 HP) in the F15 X5 M50d from about 2012 to 2018.

In our records the N57D30S is the engine for the F15 X5 M50d, 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 N57D30S in the shop

How do I know a used N57D30S 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 N57D30S, 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 N57D30S in the shop

What should I replace when I fit a used N57D30S 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. Change the drive belt, the thermostat and the water pump seals if they look tired, because they are cheap while the engine is out. Use new gaskets for the exhaust manifold, the intake and the sump plug, and check every hose clip before the first start.

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 N57D30S in the shop

What is the BMW N57D30S engine?

The BMW N57D30S is a 3.0 liter (2,993 cc) diesel engine from the N57 family. It has an inline 6, DOHC, 24 valve layout with tri-turbochargers, and makes 280 kW (381 HP) with 740 Nm of torque. BMW built it from 2012 to 2018 and it meets the Euro 6 emission standard.

You find the N57D30S in the BMW F10 M550d, BMW F15 X5 M50d, BMW F16 X6 M50d and BMW F01 750d. What we list: BMW N57 3.0 diesel engines for F10, F30, F15, G11 and X-series chassis.

At Autowerke Engines every N57D30S is a real used engine from our yard in Hamburg. Each engine in the yard is inspected in Hamburg. The code is matched to the listing, the parts on the engine are recorded, the openings are sealed and the real unit is photographed. 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 N57D30S in the shop

Which cars use the BMW N57D30S engine?

BMW fitted the N57D30S to the BMW F10 M550d, BMW F15 X5 M50d, BMW F16 X6 M50d and BMW F01 750d. These cars were built with this engine from about 2012 to 2018.

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 N57 family are the N57D30A (258 HP) and N57D30B (313 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 N57 Engines · Search N57D30S in the shop

Delivery, warranty and payment

Before an M550d 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.

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.

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 F10 engines · N57 engine guide · BMW M550d engines for sale · Send us your VIN