The M73B54 is a 5.4 L petrol V12 from BMW's M73 family, built 1994–2001 and rated at 326 hp and 490 Nm. It powered the BMW E38 750i and BMW E31 850Ci.
This guide is about the M73B54 specifically: its specification, the cars that use it, how it differs from the other M73 versions, what to check, prices from our stock and fitment answers for each model. For the history of the whole family, read our M70 and M73 guide.
- Capacity and layout: 5.4 L, V12, naturally aspirated
- Output: 326 hp and 490 Nm
- Production: 1994–2001
- Fitted to: 2 models across 2 chassis generations
- In our stock: ask the desk for the next arrival
M73B54 specifications
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine code | M73B54 |
| Family | M73 |
| Capacity | 5.4 L |
| Layout | V12 |
| Fuel | Petrol |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 326 hp |
| Torque | 490 Nm |
| Specific output | 60 hp per litre |
| Production | 1994–2001 |
| Models | 2 |
The M73B54 is a 5.4 L V12 petrol engine, naturally aspirated, rated at 326 hp and 490 Nm. BMW built it from 1994 to 2001. That is about 60 hp and 91 Nm per litre, a relaxed tune aimed at torque, durability and economy. It was fitted to the BMW E38 750i and BMW E31 850Ci.
What the code M73B54 means
- M marks an M-series code, the naming BMW used for its engine families up to the early 2000s.
- 73 is the family number.
- B stands for petrol (from the German Benzin).
- 54 is the capacity in decilitres, so 5.4 litres.
Which BMW models use the M73B54
| Model | Generation | Built |
|---|---|---|
| BMW E38 750i | third 7 Series | 1994–2001 |
| BMW E31 850Ci | 8 Series | 1989–1999 |
In the E38 third 7 Series (1994–2001), the M73B54 powered the 750i. Engines from other models fit the E38 as long as the sump, mounts and ancillaries match, which we check against your VIN. All E38 engines
In the E31 8 Series (1989–1999), the M73B54 powered the 850Ci. Engines from other models fit the E31 as long as the sump, mounts and ancillaries match, which we check against your VIN. All E31 engines
M73B54 compared with other M73 versions
| Code | Capacity | Power | Torque | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M73B54 | 5.4 L | 326 hp | 490 Nm | 1994–2001 |
| M73TUB54 | 5.4 L | 326 hp | 490 Nm | 1998–2001 |
M73B54 or M73TUB54?
The M73TUB54 has the same 326 hp as the M73B54, from the same 5.4 L, and was built 1998–2001. 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.
Common M73B54 problems
The M73B54 shares its weak points with the rest of the M73 family. These are the faults to check on a used unit and on your own engine. The full explanation of each is in the M70 and M73 guide.
| Known fault | What to check |
|---|---|
| Wiring harness | Inspect the harness near the heads. |
| Cooling | Pressure-test the system. |
| Dual engine management | Read both ECUs for fault codes. |
| Fuel system | Check fuel pressure. |
Wiring harness. Harness insulation becomes brittle with heat and age.
M73B54 maintenance
- 5W-40 or 10W-40 synthetic, about 7.5 litres.
- Oil every 10,000 km or yearly.
- Single-row timing chains, one per bank.
Will the M73B54 fit my car?
M73B54 prices
We do not have an M73B54 on the shelf at the moment. Send us your VIN or the code you need and the desk will tell you when the next unit arrives and what it will cost.
Buying a used M73B54: checklist
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Originality and numbers. For collectible cars, the engine number and correct ancillaries add value. Photograph the stamp and keep it with the car's documents.
- Both cylinder banks and both ECUs. V12 engines often use separate management for each bank. Read faults from both and compare compression across all twelve cylinders.
Questions about the M73B54
How long does delivery of an M73B54 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.
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How much power and torque does the BMW M73B54 have?
From the factory the BMW M73B54 makes 240 kW (326 HP) and 490 Nm of torque. It is a 5.4 liter (5,379 cc) V12, SOHC, 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 M73B54 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.
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What comes with a used M73B54 engine?
Each M73B54 is sold as described on its own listing. The yard writes down the parts that are fitted to that unit, such as the turbo, the injectors, the manifolds or the alternator, so you know what arrives.
Some units are long engines with few ancillaries, others are more complete. If you need a part that is not listed, ask the desk. We often have the matching items in the yard.
Every engine is drained, sealed at each opening, strapped to a heat-treated pallet and shrink-wrapped, then photographed before it leaves the yard.
On delivery, the carrier brings the pallet to the kerb or a loading bay. Please have a forklift, a pallet truck or an engine crane ready.
See all M73 Engines · Search M73B54 in the shop
How much is a replacement M73B54 engine for a BMW E38 750i?
A used M73B54 for the BMW E38 750i costs from about 4.150 € to 6.450 € 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 M73B54 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 M73 Engines · Search M73B54 in the shop
How much does a used BMW M73B54 engine cost?
A used BMW M73B54 engine in our yard usually costs between 4.150 € and 6.450 €. 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 M73 Engines · Search M73B54 in the shop
Can you check if an M73B54 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 M73B54, we confirm that your car was built with this code or with a version that can take it. BMW used it in the BMW E38 750i and BMW E31 850Ci.
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 M73 Engines · Search M73B54 in the shop
Which cars use the BMW M73B54 engine?
BMW fitted the M73B54 to the BMW E38 750i and BMW E31 850Ci. These cars were built with this engine from about 1994 to 2001.
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.
The M73B54 is the only M73 version we list, which makes it easy to pick, but the wiring and the engine computer still need to match your car.
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 M73 Engines · Search M73B54 in the shop
Are there other versions of the BMW M73B54?
In our yard the M73B54 is the only listed version of the M73 family. It makes 240 kW (326 HP) and 490 Nm, and was built from 1994 to 2001.
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 M73 Engines · Search M73B54 in the shop
Will the M73B54 engine fit my BMW E38 750i?
Yes, if your BMW E38 750i was built with the M73B54. BMW used this 5.4 liter (5,379 cc) petrol engine with 240 kW (326 HP) in the E38 750i from about 1994 to 2001.
In our records the M73B54 is the engine for the E38 750i, which makes the match simple. Still, check the code on your old engine or send us your VIN.
Also tell us if your E38 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 M73 Engines · Search M73B54 in the shop
Is the BMW M73B54 a diesel or petrol engine?
The M73B54 is a petrol engine. It is a 5.4 liter (5,379 cc) V12, SOHC, 24 valve unit with no turbo (naturally aspirated), and it was built to the Euro 2 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.
Petrol versions need the correct catalytic converters and oxygen sensors 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 M73 Engines · Search M73B54 in the shop
What is the BMW M73B54 engine?
The BMW M73B54 is a 5.4 liter (5,379 cc) petrol engine from the M73 family. It has a V12, SOHC, 24 valve layout with no turbo (naturally aspirated), and makes 240 kW (326 HP) with 490 Nm of torque. BMW built it from 1994 to 2001 and it meets the Euro 2 emission standard.
You find the M73B54 in the BMW E38 750i and BMW E31 850Ci. What we list: BMW M73 5.4 V12 engines for the E38 750i and E31 850Ci.
At Autowerke Engines every M73B54 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 M73 Engines · Search M73B54 in the shop
How do I know a used M73B54 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. If you want more photos or a short video of a unit, ask the desk and we send them before you pay.
On a petrol engine like the M73B54, a careful fitter will also look at the spark plugs, the coils and the timing side 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.
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What should I replace when I fit a used M73B54 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. Check the spark plugs and the ignition coils, and make sure the fuel lines are clean and tight before you crank the engine. 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.
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Does a used M73B54 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 M73 Engines · Search M73B54 in the shop
Will the M73B54 engine fit my BMW E31 850Ci?
Yes, if your BMW E31 850Ci was built with the M73B54. BMW used this 5.4 liter (5,379 cc) petrol engine with 240 kW (326 HP) in the E31 850Ci from about 1994 to 2001.
In our records the M73B54 is the engine for the E31 850Ci, which makes the match simple. Still, check the code on your old engine or send us your VIN.
Also tell us if your E31 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 M73 Engines · Search M73B54 in the shop
How much is a replacement M73B54 engine for a BMW E31 850Ci?
A used M73B54 for the BMW E31 850Ci costs from about 4.150 € to 6.450 € 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 M73B54 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 M73 Engines · Search M73B54 in the shop
Delivery, warranty and payment
Before an M73B54 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.
M70 and M73 engine guide · All M70 and M73 engines · Send us your VIN
