The N52B30 is the first engine in the new N52 range (which includes the N52B25) with six cylinders in line. Unlike its predecessor (M54B30), the N52B30 is a completely new engine, with a new lightweight magnesium-aluminum cylinder block, a different crankshaft and a lightweight connecting rod and piston group.
The engine uses a new cylinder head using a variable valve timing system on the intake and exhaust camshafts Double-VANOS, and, for even greater efficiency, the Valvetronic II valve lift change system has been added. Their height varies from 0.18 mm to 9.9 mm. Exhaust valves – 9.7 mm. Phase 255/263. The diameter of the intake valves is 34.2 mm, exhaust 29 mm. Injectors have now also moved to the cylinder head, a DISA variable-length manifold is used at the inlet, a Siemens MSV70 engine management system, a chain is used in the timing.
The N52B30 engine was used on BMW cars with the 25i, 28i and 30i index, depending on the modification.
Specifications
| Production years | 2004-2011 |
| Displacement, cc | 2996 |
| Fuel system | injector |
| Power output, hp | 218 – 272 |
| Torque output, Nm | 270 – 315 |
| Cylinder block | aluminum R6 |
| Block head | aluminum 24v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 85 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 88 |
| Compression ratio | 10.7 |
| Features | Valvetronic, DISA |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| Timing drive | chain |
| Phase regulator | double VANOS |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 6.5 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 4/5 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for E87 130i) — city — highway — combined |
13.6 6.6 9.2 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~275 000 |
Disadvantages of the N52B30 engine
- After 100,000 km, valve stem seals often tan here and oil burns appear;
- The membrane of the crankcase ventilation valve also does not last long in this engine;
- All this leads to gradual coking and further to unstable engine operation;
- The cause of floating engine speeds is usually a malfunction of the Valvetronic or Vanos system;
- Electrically, the oil level sensor is often buggy, which is fraught with oil starvation;
- In power units of 2004 – 2009, hydraulic lifters clatter during a cold start.
