The N53B25 is a 2.5 L petrol inline-6 from BMW's N53 family, built 2007–2013 and rated at 190 hp and 240 Nm. It powered the BMW E90 523i and BMW E60 523i.
This guide is about the N53B25 specifically: its specification, the cars that use it, how it differs from the other N53 versions, what to check, prices from our stock and fitment answers for each model. For the history of the whole family, read our N53 guide.
- Capacity and layout: 2.5 L, inline-6, naturally aspirated
- Output: 190 hp and 240 Nm
- Production: 2007–2013
- Fitted to: 2 models across 2 chassis generations
- In our stock: 2 units from 1.505,00 €
N53B25 specifications
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine code | N53B25 |
| Family | N53 |
| Capacity | 2.5 L |
| Layout | Inline-6 |
| Fuel | Petrol |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 190 hp |
| Torque | 240 Nm |
| Specific output | 76 hp per litre |
| Production | 2007–2013 |
| Models | 2 |
The N53B25 is a 2.5 L inline-6 petrol engine, naturally aspirated, rated at 190 hp and 240 Nm. BMW built it from 2007 to 2013. That is about 76 hp and 96 Nm per litre, a strong figure for a road engine of its era. Within the N53 family, the N53B30 (272 hp) is more powerful. It was fitted to the BMW E90 523i and BMW E60 523i.
What the code N53B25 means
- N marks an N-series code, the generation of BMW engines introduced from 2001.
- 53 is the family number.
- B stands for petrol (from the German Benzin).
- 25 is the capacity in decilitres, so 2.5 litres.
Which BMW models use the N53B25
| Model | Generation | Built |
|---|---|---|
| BMW E90 523i | fifth 3 Series saloon | 2005–2012 |
| BMW E60 523i | fifth 5 Series | 2003–2010 |
In the E90 fifth 3 Series saloon (2005–2012), the N53B25 powered the 523i. We have 1 N53B25 unit from E90 donor cars. All E90 engines
In the E60 fifth 5 Series (2003–2010), the N53B25 powered the 523i. Engines from other models fit the E60 as long as the sump, mounts and ancillaries match, which we check against your VIN. All E60 engines
N53B25 compared with other N53 versions
| Code | Capacity | Power | Torque | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N53B25 | 2.5 L | 190 hp | 240 Nm | 2007–2013 |
| N53B30 | 3.0 L | 272 hp | 320 Nm | 2007–2013 |
N53B25 or N53B30?
The N53B30 has 82 hp more than the N53B25 (272 against 190 hp), from 3.0 L instead of 2.5 L, and was built 2007–2013. 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 N53B25 problems
The N53B25 shares its weak points with the rest of the N53 family. These are the faults to check on a used unit and on your own engine. The full explanation of each is in the N53 guide.
| Known fault | What to check |
|---|---|
| Piezo injectors | Check misfire counters and injector corrections. |
| Ignition coils | Read misfire history. |
| NOx sensor and catalyst | Check NOx fault codes. |
| High-pressure fuel pump | Check fuel pressure codes. |
| Electric water pump | Ask when it was replaced. |
Piezo injectors. Injectors leak or misfire, especially on poor fuel.
N53B25 maintenance
- 5W-30 BMW Longlife-01 or 04, about 6.5 litres.
- Oil every 10,000 to 15,000 km; plugs every 60,000 km.
- Timing chain at the front.
Will the N53B25 fit my car?
Will the N53B25 fit my BMW E90 523i?
Yes, the BMW E90 523i left the factory with the N53B25, so an N53B25 from another car is the direct replacement. The fifth 3 Series saloon was built 2005–2012, and the N53B25 was produced 2007–2013, 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 E90 523i?
We have 1 N53B25 engine from E90 donor cars, priced from 3.088,00 €. 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 N53B25 fit my BMW E60 523i?
The N53B25 is the original engine for the BMW E60 523i, which makes it the straightforward choice. The fifth 5 Series was built 2003–2010, and the N53B25 was produced 2007–2013, 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 523i?
We have 1 N53B25 engine from E60 donor cars, priced from 1.188,00 €. 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.
N53B25 prices
Our N53B25 stock runs to 2 units, priced from 1.505,00 € to 3.088,00 € with a median of 3.088,00 €.
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.
N53B25 engines in stock
These N53B25 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 N53B25 Engine — 1.505,00 €, reduced from 2.100,00 €. 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 N53B25: checklist
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Injectors and high-pressure fuel pump. Direct-injection engines rely on high-pressure pumps and precise injectors. Ask whether the injectors are original or updated and whether there were fuel pressure faults.
- Electric water pump. This engine uses an electric water pump. It fails without warning and needs a diagnostic bleeding routine when it is replaced or the system is refilled.
Questions about the N53B25
Does a used N53B30 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 N53 Engines · Search N53B30 in the shop
What should I know about the BMW N53 engine?
BMW N53 direct-injection petrol engines for European E90 and E60. We list one version: N53B30 (3.0 liter (2,996 cc), 200 kW (272 HP), 2007 to 2013).
Because there is only one version, the code is easy to match. You still need the engine computer and wiring that suit your car.
The N53 family was used in chassis E90, E92, E60 and F10. 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.
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.
Which cars use the BMW N53B30 engine?
BMW fitted the N53B30 to the BMW E90 330i, BMW E92 330i, BMW E60 530i and BMW F10 528i. These cars were built with this engine from about 2007 to 2013.
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 N53B30 is the only N53 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 N53 Engines · Search N53B30 in the shop
Can you check if an N53B30 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 N53B30, we confirm that your car was built with this code or with a version that can take it. BMW used it in the BMW E90 330i, BMW E92 330i, BMW E60 530i and BMW F10 528i.
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 N53 Engines · Search N53B30 in the shop
How much is a replacement N53B30 engine for a BMW E92 330i?
A used N53B30 for the BMW E92 330i costs from about 1.900 € to 3.100 € 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 N53B30 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 N53 Engines · Search N53B30 in the shop
How much is a replacement N53B30 engine for a BMW E60 530i?
A used N53B30 for the BMW E60 530i costs from about 1.900 € to 3.100 € 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 N53B30 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 N53 Engines · Search N53B30 in the shop
How do I know a used N53B30 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 petrol engine like the N53B30, 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.
See all N53 Engines · Search N53B30 in the shop
How long does delivery of an N53B30 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 N53 Engines · Search N53B30 in the shop
What should I check on a used BMW N53 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 N53 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.
Ask the desk for more pictures of any listing. We are happy to show the stamp, the ports and the ancillaries before you decide. 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 N53 Engines · Inspection certificate
What is the BMW N53B30 engine?
The BMW N53B30 is a 3.0 liter (2,996 cc) petrol engine from the N53 family. It has an inline 6, DOHC, 24 valve layout with no turbo (naturally aspirated), and makes 200 kW (272 HP) with 320 Nm of torque. BMW built it from 2007 to 2013 and it meets the Euro 5 emission standard.
You find the N53B30 in the BMW E90 330i, BMW E92 330i, BMW E60 530i and BMW F10 528i. What we list: BMW N53 direct-injection petrol engines for European E90 and E60.
At Autowerke Engines every N53B30 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 N53 Engines · Search N53B30 in the shop
How much does a used BMW N53B30 engine cost?
A used BMW N53B30 engine in our yard usually costs between 1.900 € and 3.100 €. 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 N53 Engines · Search N53B30 in the shop
Will the N53B30 engine fit my BMW E90 330i?
Yes, if your BMW E90 330i was built with the N53B30. BMW used this 3.0 liter (2,996 cc) petrol engine with 200 kW (272 HP) in the E90 330i from about 2007 to 2013.
Some E90 330i cars were built with a different engine: the N52B30. These look alike from the outside, so check the code on your engine or send us your VIN.
Also tell us if your E90 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 N53 Engines · Search N53B30 in the shop
Delivery, warranty and payment
Every N53B25 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.
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.
