BMW M54B30 engine

Gasoline-powered motor with an exact displacement of 2979 cubic centimeters. It has been produced since 2000. The engine has an inline structure with 6 cylinders made of aluminum. The diameter of each one is 84 millimeters. The motor has a 24 valve, injector, system. The piston stroke, compared to the previous version, has been increased to 89.6 millimeters.  The compression ratio remains the same – 10.2 to 1. The engine has a power of 231 horsepower. It is recommended to refuel with 95 fuel. The engine meets the environmental standards Euro 3 – 4. The torque is 300 Nm. The weight of the engine is about 130 kilograms.

Average consumption on the highway is 7 liters per 100 kilometers, in the city about 14 liters, in mixed mode the engine consumes up to 9.8 liters.  The engine can consume up to 1000 grams of oil per 1 thousand kilometers. The engine holds up to 6.5 liters of oil. Replacement is required every 10 thousand kilometers. The engine operates at a temperature of 95 degrees. The motor resource, compared to the previous version, is greater, is about 300 thousand kilometers. With tuning it will be possible to increase engine power up to 450 horsepower.

M54B30 engine specifications

Advantages

The eldest engine in the lineup in the M54. The M52B28TU was taken as a basis. The cylinder block is made of aluminum. Cast iron liners are used. The crankshaft is made of steel, has a stroke of 89.6 millimeters. The connecting rods with a length of 135 millimeters are also used. Changes were also made to the pistons, which have less weight. Its height is 28.32 millimeters. The cylinder head remains the same, dual vanos with DISA is used. From the old versions of the M54, the difference is in the short channels. Changes have been made to the camshaft, with a lift of 9.7 millimeters. An electronic throttle is used. The control system is Simin MS45. This variant of the motor was used for cars with the index 30i.

In 2004, a new inline motor came out from BMW and took the lead.  In 2006, the production of M54B30 was discontinued.

Disadvantages

The M54B30 has flaws common to most pre-2006 engine models from BMW.

• The motor is eating oil. The problem is rapid failure of the piston rings. The solution is to replace this element. It is also necessary to check the condition of the crankcase gas valve. Increased oil consumption may be caused by it.
• BMW inline six-cylinder engines are notorious for overheating. If there are signs of overheating, it is necessary to clean the radiator, get rid of air in the cooling system, check the condition of the thermostat and radiator cap.
• Caked hydrocompensators cause ignition skips. To solve the problem, new ones must be purchased.
• Due to problems in the oil cup or oil pump, the oil light starts to come on. The probable cause is the camshaft sensors. The problem is also due to a short engine life.

Chip tuning

The motor initially has good power, it will not require major modifications. The standard tuning scheme is to purchase sport camshafts with higher lift, cold air intake, and exhaust with exhaust manifold. This will increase the power to 270 horsepower. This will be more than enough for urban driving.

Those lacking 270 horses should get forged pistons for higher compression ratio, and 280-phase camshafts are also recommended.

The power will be increased by purchasing a whale compressor from G-Power. The superchargers will allow you to achieve 350 horsepower. Standard connecting rods can handle 400 horsepower. More advanced whales will require the purchase of forged pistons. Stock strength won’t be enough.

A common type of M54B30 tuning is to install a Garren GT 30 kit. Such packages include an improved oil drain, boost sensor, intercooler, piping, upgraded injectors, and more. It will be possible to achieve 400 horsepower or more. Stock BMW pistons will be sufficient for this.

This engine is installed on the following models:

BMW 3-Series (E46)

BMW 5-Series (E61)

BMW 5-Series (E60)

BMW 5-Series (E39)

BMW 7-Series (E65)

BMW X3 (E83)

BMW X5 (E53)

BMW Z4 (E85)