BMW N57D30S1 engine

The N57D30S1 motor is a modification of the N57 engine, which was developed to replace the outdated M57 powertrains. It was really a new diesel engine with turbines. The power unit was almost completely redesigned, applying new materials and endowing it with design differences. The only thing that was not changed was engine maintenance.

The engines began production in 2012, and are still in production. The main distinguishing feature of the N57D30S1 modification is the installation of three turbines. This allowed to get 381 horsepower with a torque of 740 Nm. This power unit is installed in a large number of BMW cars.

Engine specifications N57D30S1

Advantages

The N57D30S1 engine began to be equipped with an improved and completely redesigned cylinder block, which was made of aluminum. The block was now closed and fitted with cast iron liners. The crankshaft was also redesigned to match the new block. This made it possible to increase the technical characteristics, and increase the power of the motor with a volume of 3.0 liters. The power unit received a new cylinder head. It was installed a pair of camshafts and 4 valves on each cylinder. The timing drive has changed its position – it was moved to the rear of the engine. This allowed to provide greater safety for pedestrians, as the distance between the engine and the hood increased.

The three-liter Tri-turbo motor is equipped with three turbochargers. Two of the turbos were smaller and had variable geometry. The third turbine was larger and had a fixed geometry. This combination made it possible to achieve maximum power.

Disadvantages

The first and probably the biggest problem with these motors are the swirl flaps. Unlike the M-series power units in these motors, they don’t fly into the engine, which is a good thing. But the swirl flaps can become clogged to the extent that their movement is impeded. This fault causes the motor to run rough and cause driving errors. The cause of this fault is the EGR valve. This problem can be combated by periodically cleaning the valve or removing it programmatically. It is recommended to do this at the first opportunity, since the manifold is heavily clogged already after 100-150 thousand kilometers of mileage.

Loud operation, foreign sounds and noises. The crankshaft damper fails after about 100 thousand kilometers and requires replacement. This problem is also known to owners of N47 series motors. The timing chain can also fail after about 200 thousand kilometers. The need for replacement or inspection of the chain may be indicated by the appearance of an extraneous sound from the rear of the power unit.

Turbines of the motor are not its weak point. The turbochargers’ service life exceeds 200 thousand kilometers, which is a normal indicator. There are no problems with the motor under normal operation and proper maintenance. It is worth to change oil in time and use only high-quality fluids. It is also necessary to monitor the quality of the fuel used. If all recommendations are followed, the resource of the power unit can exceed 300 thousand kilometers.

N57D30S1 engines are considered relatively reliable and are of good quality. Like other modifications of the N57 series, they are revered by experts and car enthusiasts, and also have high ratings. Maintenance of the motors is very simple, so it can be carried out independently. But, a number of drawbacks did not give the motor a chance to take root properly, as car enthusiasts began to criticize BMW engineers.

This engine is installed on the following models:

BMW 5-Series (F10)

BMW 5-Series (F11)

BMW X5 (F15)

BMW X5 (E70)

BMW X6 (F16)