The M57D30OL is a 3.0 L diesel inline-6 from BMW's M57 family, built 1998–2003 and rated at 184 hp and 390 Nm. It powered the BMW E46 330d and BMW E39 530d.
This guide is about the M57D30OL specifically: its specification, the cars that use it, how it differs from the other M57 versions, what to check, prices from our stock and fitment answers for each model. For the history of the whole family, read our M57 guide.
- Capacity and layout: 3.0 L, inline-6, turbocharged
- Output: 184 hp and 390 Nm
- Production: 1998–2003
- Fitted to: 2 models across 2 chassis generations
- In our stock: 3 units from 1.310,00 €
M57D30OL specifications
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine code | M57D30OL |
| Family | M57 |
| Capacity | 3.0 L |
| Layout | Inline-6 |
| Fuel | Diesel |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged |
| Power | 184 hp |
| Torque | 390 Nm |
| Specific output | 61 hp per litre |
| Production | 1998–2003 |
| Models | 2 |
Built from 1998 to 2003, the M57D30OL displaces 3.0 L in an inline-6 layout and is turbocharged. It produces 184 hp and 390 Nm on diesel. That is about 61 hp and 130 Nm per litre, a relaxed tune aimed at torque, durability and economy. Within the M57 family, the M57D30TU (218 hp) and M57D30TU2 (286 hp) are more powerful, while the M57D25 (163 hp) and M57D25TU (177 hp) are milder. It was fitted to the BMW E46 330d and BMW E39 530d.
What the code M57D30OL means
- 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.
- OL identifies the version or output stage.
Which BMW models use the M57D30OL
| Model | Generation | Built |
|---|---|---|
| BMW E46 330d | fourth 3 Series | 1997–2006 |
| BMW E39 530d | fourth 5 Series | 1995–2004 |
In the E46 fourth 3 Series (1997–2006), the M57D30OL powered the 330d. We have 1 M57D30OL unit from E46 donor cars. All E46 engines
In the E39 fourth 5 Series (1995–2004), the M57D30OL powered the 530d. We have 1 M57D30OL unit from E39 donor cars. All E39 engines
M57D30OL compared with other M57 versions
| Code | Capacity | Power | Torque | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M57D25 | 2.5 L | 163 hp | 350 Nm | 1998–2007 |
| M57D30 | 3.0 L | 184 hp | 390 Nm | 1998–2005 |
| M57D30OL | 3.0 L | 184 hp | 390 Nm | 1998–2003 |
| M57D30TU | 3.0 L | 218 hp | 500 Nm | 2002–2007 |
| M57D25TU | 2.5 L | 177 hp | 400 Nm | 2004–2007 |
| M57D30TU2 | 3.0 L | 286 hp | 580 Nm | 2006–2012 |
M57D30OL or M57D30?
The M57D30 has the same 184 hp as the M57D30OL, from the same 3.0 L, and was built 1998–2005. Versions of the same size share the block and most mounting points, but the turbo or intake, injectors, software and sometimes the sump differ. Fitting one in place of the other usually means transferring parts and coding the engine control unit, so the simplest choice is the code your car left the factory with.
M57D30OL or M57D25TU?
The M57D25TU has 7 hp less than the M57D30OL (177 against 184 hp), from 2.5 L instead of 3.0 L, and was built 2004–2007. 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.
M57D30OL or M57D25?
The M57D25 has 21 hp less than the M57D30OL (163 against 184 hp), from 2.5 L instead of 3.0 L, and was built 1998–2007. 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 M57D30OL problems
The M57D30OL shares its weak points with the rest of the M57 family. These are the faults to check on a used unit and on your own engine. The full explanation of each is in the M57 guide.
| Known fault | What to check |
|---|---|
| Swirl flaps | Check whether the flaps have been removed or replaced with blanks. |
| EGR valve and cooler | Check for EGR fault codes and coolant loss. |
| Injectors | Read injector correction values. |
| Turbocharger | Check shaft play and actuator movement. |
| Thermostat and viscous fan | Check the coolant temperature. |
EGR valve and cooler. The EGR valve clogs and the cooler can leak.
M57D30OL maintenance
- 5W-30 BMW Longlife-04, about 6.5 to 7.5 litres.
- Oil every 10,000 to 15,000 km.
- Timing chain at the front.
Will the M57D30OL fit my car?
Will the M57D30OL fit my BMW E46 330d?
For the BMW E46 330d, the M57D30OL is the factory engine and the one to order. The fourth 3 Series was built 1997–2006, and the M57D30OL was produced 1998–2003, 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 330d?
We have 1 M57D30OL engine from E46 donor cars, priced from 1.320,00 €. 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 M57D30OL fit my BMW E39 530d?
For the BMW E39 530d, the M57D30OL is the factory engine and the one to order. The fourth 5 Series was built 1995–2004, and the M57D30OL was produced 1998–2003, 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 530d?
We have 1 M57D30OL engine from E39 donor cars, priced from 1.347,00 €. 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.
M57D30OL prices
We currently hold 3 M57D30OL engines. The cheapest is 1.310,00 €, the most expensive 1.347,00 €, and half of them cost less than 1.320,00 €.
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.
M57D30OL engines in stock
Here is a selection of M57D30OL engines currently on our shelves, photographed in the yard. Click any of them for the full photographs, mileage and specification.
BMW E39 530d M57D30OL Complete Engine1.347,00 €
BMW E46 330d M57D30OL Complete Engine1.320,00 €
BMW M57D30OL Engine1.310,00 €BMW E39 530d M57D30OL Complete Engine — 1.347,00 €, reduced from 1.800,00 €. It comes from a recorded donor car, and 12 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.
BMW E46 330d M57D30OL Complete Engine — 1.320,00 €, reduced from 1.800,00 €. It comes from a recorded donor car, and 19 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.
BMW M57D30OL Engine — 1.310,00 €, reduced from 1.800,00 €. It comes from a recorded donor car, and 22 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.
Buying a used M57D30OL: checklist
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Gearbox and flywheel match. Manual and automatic engines differ at the flywheel or flexplate, and sometimes at the crankshaft spigot. Make sure the engine you buy matches your gearbox or that you transfer the right parts.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Questions about the M57D30OL
What is in the M57 Patrol engine mount kit?
The M57 Patrol engine mount kit includes: Left and right Patrol Y61 chassis mounts; M57D30 side brackets; Polyurethane bushes; Hardware kit.
It is made for the Patrol Y61 and Patrol Y60 (1987–2016), and replaces the TD42, RD28 and TB48. Gearbox set-ups we support are the FS5R50 and RE5R05.
This kit costs about 360 € to 570 €, depending on the exact listing. The engine is not included, so you can use your own M57D30 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 M57 Patrol Conversion Kits · Conversion guide
What is in the M57 Defender engine mount kit?
The M57 Defender engine mount kit includes: Left and right Defender 90 chassis mounts; M57D30 side brackets; Polyurethane bushes; Hardware kit.
It is made for the Defender 90, Defender 110 and Defender 130 (1983–2016), and replaces the 200Tdi, 300Tdi and Td5. Gearbox set-ups we support are the R380, LT77 and ZF 8HP70.
This kit costs about 360 € to 570 €, depending on the exact listing. The engine is not included, so you can use your own M57D30 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 M57 Defender Conversion Kits · Conversion guide
How hard is an R380 M57 swap?
A M57D30 swap into the Defender 90, Defender 110 and Defender 130 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: R380 gearbox adapter kits for an M57 Defender conversion.
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 R380 M57 Conversion Kits · Conversion guide
Will the M57D25TU engine fit my BMW E61 525d?
Yes, if your BMW E61 525d was built with the M57D25TU. BMW used this 2.5 liter (2,497 cc) diesel engine with 130 kW (177 HP) in the E61 525d from about 2000 to 2007.
In our records the M57D25TU is the engine for the E61 525d, which makes the match simple. Still, check the code on your old engine or send us your VIN.
Also tell us if your E61 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 M57 Engines · Search M57D25TU in the shop
What is the BMW M57D25TU engine?
The BMW M57D25TU is a 2.5 liter (2,497 cc) diesel engine from the M57 family. It has an inline 6, DOHC, 24 valve layout with a variable-geometry turbocharger, and makes 130 kW (177 HP) with 400 Nm of torque. BMW built it from 2000 to 2007 and it meets the Euro 4 emission standard.
You find the M57D25TU in the BMW E60 525d, BMW E61 525d and BMW E39 525d. What we list: BMW M57 2.5 and 3.0 turbo diesel engines across E39, E46, E60, E65, E70 and E83.
At Autowerke Engines every M57D25TU 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 M57 Engines · Search M57D25TU in the shop
Can I put an M57 / 4M41 / OM606 engine in my Patrol?
Yes. We sell conversion kits that fit the M57 / 4M41 / OM606 into the Patrol. The kit replaces the LT230 and original transfer, and works with the LT230, NP241 and HF2AV.
You can buy the full package with an engine, or only the parts you need: gearbox conversion, transfer case adapter, clutch and flywheel and propshaft.
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 Patrol'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 Conversion Drivetrain Kits · Conversion guide
What is in the M57 Hilux complete conversion kit?
The M57 Hilux complete conversion kit includes: Hilux N70 engine mounts for a M57D30; Bellhousing adapter, clutch and flywheel; Custom engine loom and sensor patch; Cooling hoses, intercooler pipes and downpipe; Power-steering and fuel-line kit; Step-by-step fitting guide.
It is made for the Hilux N70 and Hilux N80 (2005–2023), and replaces the 1KD-FTV and 2KD-FTV. Gearbox set-ups we support are the R150F and RC60.
This kit costs about 2.620 € to 3.630 €, depending on the exact listing. The engine is not included, so you can use your own M57D30 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 M57 Hilux Conversion Kits · Conversion guide
What is in the M57 Land Cruiser cooling and exhaust kit?
The M57 Land Cruiser cooling and exhaust kit includes: Radiator hoses made for this swap; Intercooler pipe set; Downpipe and flex section; Expansion tank adapter; Temperature sender adapter.
It is made for the Land Cruiser 70, Land Cruiser 76 and Land Cruiser 79 (1990–2024), and replaces the 1HZ, 1HD-FTE and 1VD-FTV. Gearbox set-ups we support are the H150F and H151F.
This kit costs about 450 € to 740 €, depending on the exact listing. The engine is not included, so you can use your own M57D30 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 M57 Land Cruiser Conversion Kits · Conversion guide
How hard is an M57 Defender swap?
A M57D30 swap into the Defender 90, Defender 110 and Defender 130 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: BMW M57 3.0 diesel conversion kits for Land Rover Defender 90, 110 and 130, from 200Tdi, 300Tdi and Td5.
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 M57 Defender Conversion Kits · Conversion guide
How hard is an M57 Hilux swap?
A M57D30 swap into the Hilux N70 and Hilux N80 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: M57 kits for Toyota Hilux, replacing the 1KD or 2KD.
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 M57 Hilux Conversion Kits · Conversion guide
What is in the ZF 8HP M57 gearbox conversion kit?
The ZF 8HP M57 gearbox conversion kit includes: Gearbox adapter for the M57D30 in a Defender 110; Bellhousing and starter relocation; Clutch fork or concentric slave; Crossmember and mount; Speedo drive or electronic sender.
It is made for the Defender 110, Defender 90 and Discovery 2 (1994–2016), and replaces the R380 and LT77. Gearbox set-ups we support are the ZF 8HP70 and ZF 8HP45.
This kit costs about 1.910 € to 2.710 €, depending on the exact listing. The engine is not included, so you can use your own M57D30 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 ZF 8HP M57 Conversion Kits · Conversion guide
How do I know a used M57D25TU 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 M57D25TU, 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 M57 Engines · Search M57D25TU in the shop
Delivery, warranty and payment
Before an M57D30OL 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.
