BMW N53B30OL engine

The BMW M53 engine lineup is a series of 6 cylinder engines that feature DOHC technology.  This abbreviation means the presence of two overhead camshafts. The first modification of this power unit went into production in 2007. The power unit was created on the basis of N51 and received from its predecessor several characteristic features. Also motorists of the company Bavaria Motors have developed and implemented in N53 a number of characteristic features. It is worth noting the system of direct injection, which is achieved with the help of piezoelectric injectors. The technologies responsible for the gas distribution phases have been significantly improved.

Engine specifications N53B30OL

Advantages

The advantages include the fact that the engine is completely different from previous versions of the M54. As we said above, the powerplant is equipped with the popular Double Vanos camshaft. The cylinder head is made of a lightweight aluminum-magnesium alloy. Fortunately, the motorists finalized the crank and installed lightweight connecting rods and pistons in the engine. As for the gas distribution phase, the engine received ValveTronic 2 generation, which significantly improves engine performance, but makes it more difficult to service at service stations. As for valve height, it varies from 0. 18 mm to 9. 9 mm. 9 mm. This allows you to save fuel at low loads on the power plant, and give full power when it is necessary.Another advantage should be attributed to the finalized intake manifold of variable length, which are installed on the intake. The engine control unit has been significantly changed and has been replaced by a Siemens MSV70. The N52B30 was used in the BMW 25i, 28i and 30i models as modified.

The three-liter version of the N52 engine was produced until 2011. Since 2007, it has competed with a modified version of the N53B30 engine.

The N52B30 engine has the same faults as its junior 2.5-liter engine N52B25 . The N53B30OL is equipped with new piston rings, unlike the N52B30 (Mahle), which prevented the common problem of high oil consumption.

This is why the N52 3-liter engine has a longer service life than the N52B52. At the same time, the N52B30 engine has proven to be quite reliable due to fixed problems and faults. It can certainly be recommended for purchase.

Disadvantages

Let’s talk about the problems. The first trouble is related to the DoubleVanos technology – the system that is responsible for the rotation of the camshaft. Motorists, when developing this power unit, did not pay special attention to the piston rings. This part is made of rubber and is not particularly durable. It is enough for the car to pass a little more than 50 000 km of mileage, as it will be necessary to change them. It should also be noted an interesting policy of BMW company: the elements of Vanos system are not subject to separate replacement. That is why it is necessary to order the entire assembly, which by modern standards will cost about 25,000 rubles.

Needle bearings and washers are also not particularly wear-resistant. Failure of these parts leads to serious noise during engine operation, regardless of engine speed. The power unit is also very susceptible to dirt and dust, resulting in various mechanical seizures.

The control piston fails, the Vanos system starts to malfunction, fuel and lubricant consumption increases.

To serious problems.

It is worth paying attention to chipped cylinders, and broken solenoid cable. If the troubles we mentioned above are not corrected in time, they can lead to a major overhaul of the power plant. High fuel consumption should also be attributed to the disadvantages. The passport of the power plant indicates the recommendations of motorists on the use of gasoline with an octane number of 92. However, many drivers who use this engine say that in case of this problem, provided the fuel system works correctly, it is necessary to switch to gasoline with a higher octane number. However, as we were told at the official dealer, fuel consumption can be reduced by only half a liter. In city conditions, this power plant is able to consume about 11 liters for every 100 km run. But if there is a problem in the fuel system, fuel consumption can increase to 16 liters per 100 km. The engine is not able to produce maximum torque, and this is the main reason to pay attention to the fuel system. Another trouble is associated with injectors and pumps. The main reason is the quality of the fuel being refueled and the manner of driving. It is not necessary to allow constant operation of the engine in the red zone of revolutions, sharp changes in the mode of use of the car. All this badly affects the endurance of the power plant.

Technical specifications

Let’s talk about the technical characteristics of the powertrain. The main hero of our review is a gasoline engine that has a working volume of 3 liters and an average power of 272 horsepower. It is installed on the BMW 5 Series M. The exact volume of the engine is 2996 cubic centimeters. The maximum power that this power stop can produce is 272 horsepower. The maximum torque that this internal combustion engine can produce is 320 Newtons per meter, when reaching 3000 rpm. As fuel, the engine uses gasoline with an octane number of 92, but masters at service stations recommend filling the car with 95 gasoline. This can reduce fuel consumption, preserve and increase the resource of the fuel system of the car. Fuel consumption in a mixed cycle – about 11 liters for every 100 kilometers of mileage. As for the type of engine – an inline, six-cylinder power unit. There are only four valves per cylinder. Maximum power is 272 horsepower, 200 kW, at 6,700 rpm. The engine is not equipped with a supercharger. It is installed on the BMW fifth series, which was produced from September 2007 to February 2010. It is a restyled 5th generation station wagon, body e61. Another car that received this engine was also BMW 5 series, but in the body of E60.

Tuning

Younger versions of the N52B30 can be upgraded to give the engine 218-231 hp, depending on the version. The main reason for this is the fact that the manufacturers decided to intentionally lower the power level in favor of other features. A 3-stage DISA intake manifold will be required to produce 272 hp, as well as ECU tuning.

If you want to unlock the engine’s full potential, you can also install a sport air filter and a sport exhaust system. This will help you increase the power level to 280-290 hp.

Some customization options include using and installing an ITB. However, this means that you will need to customize your engine with other ECUs.

The supercharger kit is available for the 3-liter N52 as well as its little brother, the N52B25. You can also use supercharger kits provided by other manufacturers. This will provide your engine with 300-350 hp. On one hand, the idea is pretty good. On the other hand, it would be better to buy a BMW with an N54B30 under the hood and proceed with chip tuning to 400 hp.

This engine is installed on the following models:

BMW 5-Series (E61)

BMW 5-Series (E60)