The BMW N52B30A is a 2,996 cc, naturally aspirated inline — six petrol engine produced between 2005 and 2011. It features double overhead camshafts (DOHC), Valvetronic III variable valve lift, and electronic throttle control, delivering smooth power delivery and high — revving performance. In standard tune it produced 170 kW (231 PS) with 270 Nm of torque, emphasizing linear throttle response and refined driving dynamics.
Fitted to models such as the E60 530i, E90 330i,…
All production years (2005–2011) meet Euro 4 standards .
The BMW N52B30A is a 2,996 cc inline-six petrol engine engineered for mid-size and luxury models (2005–2011). It combines Valvetronic III variable valve lift with DOHC architecture to deliver refined throttle response and high-RPM power. Designed to meet Euro 4 emissions standards, it balances driving engagement with everyday usability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 2,996 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol | |
Configuration | Inline-6, DOHC, 24-valve | |
Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
Bore × stroke | 85.0 mm × 88.0 mm | |
Power output | 170 kW (231 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
Torque | 270 Nm @ 2,750–3,000 rpm | |
Fuel system | Sequential multi-point injection with Valvetronic III | |
Emissions standard | Euro 4 | |
Compression ratio | 10.7:1 | |
Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
Timing system | Dual-row roller chain (non-interference design) | |
Oil type | Refer to vehicle handbook / manufacturer specification | |
Dry weight | 173 kg |
The BMW N52B30A was used across BMW's E6x/E9x platforms with longitudinal mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shortened intake manifolds in the E70 and revised cooling routing in the E60-and from 2007 the facelifted E90 LCI models adopted updated Valvetronic calibration, creating minor software differences. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Engine Finders UK Ltd, which operates EngineCode.uk, can pass your enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. The service is for vehicles in the United Kingdom, with UK delivery or fitting. This is a commercially connected service, and sending an enquiry does not confirm diagnosis or compatibility.
Diagnostic reminder: If a technician has recommended replacing the engine, you can send an enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. Confirm the diagnosis first: an engine-code record does not diagnose a fault.
Field reports and technical service bulletins highlight component wear patterns under high-load operation. Adherence to manufacturer service intervals and approved fluid specifications is critical for long-term reliability.
Analysis derived from manufacturer technical service bulletins and industry workshop records. Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The N52B30A offers solid performance and smooth operation, but early models (2005–2007) had reliability concerns, particularly high-pressure fuel pump and Valvetronic actuator failures. Later revisions (post-2008) improved component durability, so well-maintained examples can exceed 150,000 km. Regular servicing with BMW-specified oil (5W-30 Longlife-01) and timely fuel system maintenance greatly enhance longevity.
The most frequent issues are high-pressure fuel pump wear, Valvetronic actuator failure, and coolant leaks from the thermostat housing. These are well-documented in BMW service bulletins. Fuel pump issues are linked to fuel quality, while Valvetronic problems stem from material aging under heat. Coolant leaks are design-related and affect pre-2008 units most.
This 3.0L petrol engine was used in several BMW models during the mid-2000s. It powered the E90 3 Series (330i), E60 5 Series (530i), E70 X5 (xDrive30i), and E85 Z4 (sDrive30i). It was phased out in favor of the turbocharged N53 engine around 2011. All applications met Euro 4 emissions standards.
Limited tuning potential exists due to its naturally aspirated design. ECU remaps typically yield +10–15 kW by optimizing throttle response and fuel mapping, but gains are modest. Supporting modifications like intake/exhaust upgrades offer minimal returns. The Valvetronic system limits aggressive tuning, and stock internals are not built for high boost. Most owners prioritize reliability over performance modifications.
Moderate. In a 330i (E90) from 2008, combined consumption is ~9.2 L/100km (30.5 mpg UK). City driving may see 11–13 L/100km, while highway runs can achieve ~7.0 L/100km. Real-world figures depend heavily on driving style, as the engine rewards smooth inputs. Expect 28–33 mpg (UK) on mixed routes for a well-maintained N52B30A.
No. The N52B30A uses a non-interference timing chain design. This means if the chain skips or breaks, the pistons will not contact the valves, preventing catastrophic internal damage. However, any timing fault still requires immediate attention to avoid engine stalling and secondary issues. The dual-row roller chain is durable but should be inspected periodically.
BMW specifies SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil meeting BMW Longlife-01 standard. This formulation protects the Valvetronic system and high-pressure fuel pump. Change intervals should not exceed 15,000 km or 24 months. Using incorrect oil can accelerate cam follower wear and reduce Valvetronic actuator lifespan. Always use high-quality petrol to support engine longevity.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
EngineCode.uk is operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. It provides engine-reference information and an optional commercial enquiry service. It is not an official manufacturer website. Check the record's sources and confirm vehicle-specific details before relying on it for parts, repairs or replacement.
Our editorial standard prioritises relevant manufacturer documentation and official regulatory sources. The sources and verification status for a record should be checked alongside the data.
A statement is not verified merely because a source is listed. Where supporting evidence is missing or conflicting, the record should identify that limitation. Please report unsupported or inconsistent information.
Transparency in gaps
A missing or unverified value does not mean the manufacturer has withheld it. We distinguish information not yet verified, information not available to us, and information explicitly not disclosed by the source.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Records are subject to review and correction. Source links, dates and verification notes should be read with the technical information. Our Editorial and Sourcing Policy explains our standards and review process.
Found an error or missing source? Report a problem with this page. Include the field or statement concerned and a supporting source if available. You can also email corrections@enginecode.uk.
Copyright and permissions
Images and other material may be protected by copyright. Attribution does not by itself grant permission to reuse material. If you believe material on this site infringes your rights, contact copyrights@enginecode.uk with the page URL and details of your claim. We will review the material and take appropriate action.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
Our Privacy Policy explains how Engine Finders UK Ltd uses information from visits, vehicle lookups, enquiries and messages. Our Cookie Policy explains cookies and similar technologies and how to change your choices.
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
Ownership and commercial services
EngineCode.uk is owned and operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. Alongside our reference content, we offer an optional replacement-engine enquiry service through Engine Finders and may identify relevant services provided by businesses connected with us. These commercial connections are disclosed. Using an enquiry service is not required to read our reference content.
Engine Finders UK Ltd operates this website. Our optional enquiry service has a commercial purpose. Our Ownership and Commercial Disclosure explains the relationship between the reference website and that service. Participating suppliers pay a fee or subscription to participate on the network and receive quote requests.
Use this record as a starting point for identification. Specifications and vehicle applications may contain errors or omissions. Confirm the exact engine variant and compatibility using vehicle-specific documentation and a qualified supplier or technician.
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.