BMW X5 30d (F15) engine: which one, problems and replacement

The BMW X5 30d in the third X5 generation (F15, built 2013–2018) was built with 2 different engines over its life: the N57D30 (258 hp, 2008–2017) and the N57D30B (258 hp, 2011–2017).

This guide tells you which engine your X5 30d has, what goes wrong with it, what a replacement costs from our stock and what else to plan for when you fit one.

• Generation: third X5, 2013–2018
• Body styles: F15 (SAV)
• Engines: N57D30, N57D30B
• Output: 258 hp
• Replacement engines in stock: 351 from 854,00 €

Which engine is in your X5 30d?

N57D30 in the X5 30d

The N57D30 was used in the F15 X5 30d, built 2008–2017. It is a 3.0 L turbocharged diesel inline-6 with 258 hp and 560 Nm. It has the same output as the N57D30B, so the build date decides which one your car has.

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.

N57D30B in the X5 30d

The N57D30B was used in the F15 X5 30d, built 2011–2017. It is a 3.0 L turbocharged diesel inline-6 with 258 hp and 560 Nm. It has the same output as the N57D30, so the build date decides which one your car has.

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; B identifies the version or output stage.

X5 30d engines by model year

The X5 30d kept the same engine for the whole F15 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 X5 30d

A replacement engine does not have to come from another X5 30d. 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.

N57D30: BMW F10 530d, BMW F30 330d, BMW F25 X3 30d, BMW F01 730d, BMW E70 X5 30d.

N57D30B: BMW F10 530d.

How to confirm your engine code

Because the X5 30d used more than one engine, the badge alone does not tell you which one your car has. The build date is the first clue; the VIN is the proof. 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 X5 30d engine problems

The N57D30 and N57D30B in the X5 30d share 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 X5 30d

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 X5 30d 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 X5 30d: checklist

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
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 X5 30d replacement engine cost

We currently hold 351 X5 30d engine engines. The cheapest is 854,00 €, the most expensive 5.796,00 €, and half of them cost less than 3.986,00 €.

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.

X5 30d engine prices by model year

Engines from 2005–2009 have a median of 3.597,00 €, while units from 2020–2024 sit at 2.361,00 €. Newer engines usually cost more because they come from younger donor cars with lower mileage and later updates.

X5 30d 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.

63 of these come from F15 donor cars, priced from 1.418,00 € to 5.150,00 €. 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 X5 30d

Here is a selection of X5 30d engines currently on our shelves, photographed in the yard. Click any of them for the full photographs, mileage and specification.

BMW F15 X5 xDrive35d N57D30B Engine 2017, 45,100 km4.740,00 €BMW F15 X5 xDrive35d N57D30B Engine 2018, 76,200 km4.460,00 €BMW F15 X5 xDrive35d N57D30B Engine 2011, 153,200 km4.047,00 €BMW F15 X5 xDrive35d N57D30B Engine 2013, 53,400 km4.486,00 €BMW F15 X5 xDrive35d N57D30B Engine 2018, 21,400 km3.436,00 €BMW F15 X5 xDrive35d N57D30B Engine 2014, 82,000 km3.632,00 €BMW F15 X5 xDrive35d N57D30B Engine 2013, 51,400 km3.572,00 €BMW F15 X5 xDrive35d N57D30B Engine 2014, 176,500 km4.817,00 €BMW F15 X5 xDrive35d N57D30B Engine 2011, 36,700 km4.912,00 €BMW F15 X5 xDrive35d N57D30B Engine 2012, 121,900 km4.151,00 €BMW F15 X5 xDrive35d N57D30B Engine 2018, 69,900 km4.497,00 €BMW F15 X5 xDrive35d N57D30B Engine 2013, 71,900 km5.040,00 €

BMW F15 X5 xDrive35d N57D30B Engine 2017, 45,100 km — 4.740,00 €, reduced from 6.000,00 €. It comes from a 2017 donor car with 45,100 km, and 7 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW F15 X5 xDrive35d N57D30B Engine 2018, 76,200 km — 4.460,00 €, reduced from 5.450,00 €. It comes from a 2018 donor car with 76,200 km, and 13 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW F15 X5 xDrive35d N57D30B Engine 2011, 153,200 km — 4.047,00 €, reduced from 4.950,00 €. It comes from a 2011 donor car with 153,200 km, and 12 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW F15 X5 xDrive35d N57D30B Engine 2013, 53,400 km — 4.486,00 €, reduced from 5.400,00 €. It comes from a 2013 donor car with 53,400 km, and 15 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW F15 X5 xDrive35d N57D30B Engine 2018, 21,400 km — 3.436,00 €, reduced from 4.150,00 €. It comes from a 2018 donor car with 21,400 km, and 20 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW F15 X5 xDrive35d N57D30B Engine 2014, 82,000 km — 3.632,00 €, reduced from 4.600,00 €. It comes from a 2014 donor car with 82,000 km, and 10 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW F15 X5 xDrive35d N57D30B Engine 2013, 51,400 km — 3.572,00 €, reduced from 5.000,00 €. It comes from a 2013 donor car with 51,400 km, and 7 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW F15 X5 xDrive35d N57D30B Engine 2014, 176,500 km — 4.817,00 €, reduced from 6.100,00 €. It comes from a 2014 donor car with 176,500 km, and 19 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW F15 X5 xDrive35d N57D30B Engine 2011, 36,700 km — 4.912,00 €, reduced from 5.800,00 €. It comes from a 2011 donor car with 36,700 km, and 16 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW F15 X5 xDrive35d N57D30B Engine 2012, 121,900 km — 4.151,00 €, reduced from 5.050,00 €. It comes from a 2012 donor car with 121,900 km, and 19 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW F15 X5 xDrive35d N57D30B Engine 2018, 69,900 km — 4.497,00 €, reduced from 5.500,00 €. It comes from a 2018 donor car with 69,900 km, and 11 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW F15 X5 xDrive35d N57D30B Engine 2013, 71,900 km — 5.040,00 €, reduced from 6.400,00 €. It comes from a 2013 donor car with 71,900 km, and 27 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

Will it fit my X5 30d?

Will the N57D30 fit my BMW F15 X5 30d?

For the BMW F15 X5 30d, the N57D30 is the factory engine and the one to order. The third X5 was built 2013–2018, and the N57D30 was produced 2008–2017, 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 F15 X5 30d?

We have 63 N57D30 engines from F15 donor cars, priced from 1.418,00 € to 5.150,00 €. 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 N57D30B fit my BMW F15 X5 30d?

For the BMW F15 X5 30d, the N57D30B is the factory engine and the one to order. The third X5 was built 2013–2018, and the N57D30B was produced 2011–2017, 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 F15 X5 30d?

We have 63 N57D30B engines from F15 donor cars, priced from 1.418,00 € to 5.150,00 €. 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.

Engine swaps and upgrades for the X5 30d

These engines were fitted to other versions of the F15 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 N57D30T in my X5 30d?

Yes, it is one of the more common upgrades. Both are diesel inline-6 engines, so the mounting points are similar, but the N57D30T needs its own wiring and engine control unit, the matching gearbox or clutch, and often a different sump, cooling and exhaust. The gain is 55 hp and 70 Nm. In Germany and most of Europe an engine swap must be inspected and registered.

Can I fit the N57D30C in my X5 30d?

Yes, it is one of the more common upgrades. Both are diesel inline-6 engines, so the mounting points are similar, but the N57D30C needs its own wiring and engine control unit, the matching gearbox or clutch, and often a different sump, cooling and exhaust. The gain is 55 hp and 70 Nm. In Germany and most of Europe an engine swap must be inspected and registered.

Can I fit the N57D30S in my X5 30d?

Yes, it is one of the more common upgrades. Both are diesel inline-6 engines, so the mounting points are similar, but the N57D30S needs its own wiring and engine control unit, the matching gearbox or clutch, and often a different sump, cooling and exhaust. The gain is 123 hp and 180 Nm. In Germany and most of Europe an engine swap must be inspected and registered.

Fitting a replacement engine in the X5 30d

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.

X5 30d engine questions

How long does delivery of an N57D30B 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 N57 Engines · Search N57D30B in the shop

What comes with a used N57D30B engine?

Each N57D30B 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.

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Will the N57D30B engine fit my BMW F10 535d?

Yes, if your BMW F10 535d was built with the N57D30B. BMW used this 3.0 liter (2,993 cc) diesel engine with 230 kW (313 HP) in the F10 535d from about 2011 to 2018.

In our records the N57D30B is the engine for the F10 535d, which makes the match simple. Still, check the code on your old engine or send us your VIN.

Also tell us if your F10 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.

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How much power and torque does the BMW N57D30B have?

From the factory the BMW N57D30B makes 230 kW (313 HP) and 630 Nm of torque. It is a 3.0 liter (2,993 cc) inline 6, DOHC, 24 valve diesel engine with twin turbochargers.

Because it is turbocharged, the torque comes in low in the rev range, which makes the car feel strong in everyday driving. A healthy turbo, a clean intercooler and tight boost pipes 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 N57D30B on our site lists its year and mileage. If you want more photos or a short video of a unit, ask the desk and we send them before you pay.

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Will the N57D30B engine fit my BMW F16 X6 xDrive35d?

Yes, if your BMW F16 X6 xDrive35d was built with the N57D30B. BMW used this 3.0 liter (2,993 cc) diesel engine with 230 kW (313 HP) in the F16 X6 xDrive35d from about 2011 to 2018.

In our records the N57D30B is the engine for the F16 X6 xDrive35d, 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 N57D30B in the shop

How much is a replacement N57D30B engine for a BMW F11 535d?

A used N57D30B for the BMW F11 535d costs from about 3.350 € to 5.200 € 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 N57D30B 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.

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Will the N57D30B engine fit my BMW F15 X5 xDrive35d?

Yes, if your BMW F15 X5 xDrive35d was built with the N57D30B. BMW used this 3.0 liter (2,993 cc) diesel engine with 230 kW (313 HP) in the F15 X5 xDrive35d from about 2011 to 2018.

In our records the N57D30B is the engine for the F15 X5 xDrive35d, 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 N57D30B in the shop

How do I know a used N57D30B engine is in good shape?

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. 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 N57D30B, 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.

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What is the difference between the N57D30B and other N57 engines?

The N57D30B makes 230 kW (313 HP) and 630 Nm. The other N57 engines are: N57D30A with 190 kW (258 HP) and 560 Nm (2010 to 2017); N57D30S with 280 kW (381 HP) and 740 Nm (2012 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 N57D30B in the shop

What should I replace when I fit a used N57D30B 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.

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Delivery, warranty and payment

Every X5 30d engine 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.

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.

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