The 3.0-liter BMW N55B30 turbo engine was produced by the German concern from 2009 to 2018 and was installed on almost all major models of the company, including X-series crossovers. Alpina created several of its especially powerful power units based on this engine.
Specifications
| Production years | 2009-2018 |
| Displacement, cc | 2979 |
| Fuel system | direct injection |
| Power output, hp | 306 (N55B30M0) 320 – 326 (N55B30O0) 360 – 370 (N55B30T0) |
| Torque output, Nm | 400 (N55B30M0) 450 (N55B30O0) 465 (N55B30T0) |
| Cylinder block | aluminum R6 |
| Block head | aluminum 24v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 84 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 89.6 |
| Compression ratio | 10.2 |
| Features | Valvetronic III |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| Timing drive | chain |
| Phase regulator | double VANOS |
| Turbocharging | twin-scroll |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 6.5 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 5 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for BMW 535i 2012) — city — highway — combined |
11.9 6.4 8.4 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~300 000 |
| Weight, kg | 193 |
The engine was installed on:
- BMW 1-Series E87 in 2010 – 2013, 1-Series F20 in 2012 – 2016;
- BMW 2-Series F22 in 2013 – 2018;
- BMW 3-Series E90 in 2010 – 2012, 3-Series F30 in 2012 – 2015;
- BMW 4-Series F32 in 2013 – 2016;
- BMW 5-Series F07 in 2009 – 2017, 5-Series F10 in 2010 – 2017;
- BMW 6-Series F12 in 2011 – 2018;
- BMW 7-Series F01 in 2012 – 2015;
- BMW X3 F25 in 2010 – 2017;
- BMW X4 F26 in 2014 – 2018;
- BMW X5 E70 in 2010 – 2013, X5 F15 in 2013 – 2018;
- BMW X6 E71 in 2010 – 2014, X6 F16 in 2014 – 2018.
Disadvantages of the N55B30 engine
- This unit does not tolerate non-original oil and instantly cokes;
- Hydraulic lifters, Vanos and Valvetronic systems are among the first to suffer from coke;
- In these engines, the direct fuel injection system has become more reliable, but there are still a lot of failures;
- Many owners change fuel injectors and injection pumps at a mileage of less than 100,000 km;
- The main culprit for oil loss here is the crankcase ventilation valve.
Frequently asked questions about the BMW N55B30
How much power does the BMW N55B30 make?
Power output of the BMW N55B30, hp: 306 (N55B30M0); 320 - 326 (N55B30O0); 360 - 370 (N55B30T0). Torque, Nm: 400 (N55B30M0); 450 (N55B30O0); 465 (N55B30T0).
How much oil does the BMW N55B30 take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 6.5 liters. Recommended oil: 5W-30.
Does the BMW N55B30 have a timing belt or chain?
The BMW N55B30 uses a timing chain.
Is the BMW N55B30 turbocharged?
Yes, the BMW N55B30 is turbocharged (twin-scroll).
Does the BMW N55B30 need valve clearance adjustment?
No, the BMW N55B30 has hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances do not need to be adjusted.
How long does the BMW N55B30 last?
The typical lifespan of the BMW N55B30 is ~300 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the BMW N55B30?
BMW 535i 2012: city 11.9, highway 6.4, combined 8.4 L/100 km.
What cars was the BMW N55B30 installed on?
BMW 1-Series E87 in 2010 - 2013, 1-Series F20 in 2012 - 2016; BMW 2-Series F22 in 2013 - 2018; BMW 3-Series E90 in 2010 - 2012, 3-Series F30 in 2012 - 2015; BMW 4-Series F32 in 2013 - 2016; BMW 5-Series F07 in 2009 - 2017, 5-Series F10 in 2010 - 2017; BMW 6-Series F12 in 2011 - 2018 and 5 more (see the full list above).
What are the common problems of the BMW N55B30?
This unit does not tolerate non-original oil and instantly cokes. Hydraulic lifters, Vanos and Valvetronic systems are among the first to suffer from coke. All known problems.
