BMW M30B25
Even after brief overheating the cylinder head can warp.
BMW E3 engines
The BMW E3 is a German six-cylinder luxury car in the body of a 5-seater sedan from the manufacturer BMW AG. It belongs to the New Six family. Produced from 1968 to 1977. In addition to the large engine, the model features large tires, sports suspension and other ease of use. A total of 190 thousand copies of the E3 were produced in various modifications and engine displacement (maximum 3.3 liters), 71 thousand of which were American models with the name Bavaria.
A distinctive feature of the BMW E3 sedan from all BMW cars was that this model was intended to continue the active production of luxury sedans.
In the BMW E3, all criteria for comfort and quality were met, and for demanding customers, a version with an extended wheelbase was available.
Beneath the immaculate bodywork was a remarkably polished M30 six-cylinder engine. This engine was installed on all E3 models, but had a different displacement and name depending on the modification – from 2.5 to 3.3 liters and from 150 to 200 hp, this power unit was developed under the guidance of the legendary racer Alexander Falkenhausen. Both carburetor and injection engine options were available.
The production of the BMW E3 started in November 1968 with the 2500 and 2800 in February 1969. In May 1971, the range was supplemented by the 3.0 S 3.0-liter model, and in September of the same year by the 3.0 Si fuel-injected version. In January 1975, the 2.8-liter 2.8 L and 3-liter 3.0 L were launched into series production, and a little later in the year the 3.3 Li was released to replace the 3.3 L, a 3.3-liter injection version with a wheelbase of 10 cm longer than standard large class models. The lengthening of the car was made thanks to the lengthened rear of the cabin.
In the North American market (USA and Canada), the BMW E3 was introduced for sale in 1969, it was the 2500 E3. At the initiative of BMW’s US importer Max Hoffmann, the 2500 version was replaced in 1971 by a new Bavaria model with a 2.8-liter engine (in Europe this model was known as the 2800 E3), and in 1972 the 3.0 S / Bavaria began to be sold in parallel.
The BMW E3 was offered with 4 engines between 1968 and 1977 (4 petrol). Displacement ranges from 2.5 to 3.3 liters, power output from 145 to 197 hp. All of them use a timing chain.
BMW E3 engines by generation
| Engine | Years | Volume | Power | Fuel | Timing | Oil | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW E3 1968–1977 | |||||||
| BMW M30B25 | 1968–1977 | 2.5 L R6 | 145–150 hp | petrol | chain | ||
| BMW M30B28 | 1968–1977 | 2.8 L R6 | 165–184 hp | petrol | chain | ||
| BMW M30B30 | 1971–1975 | 3.0 L | 184–197 hp | petrol | 5.75 L | ~400,000 km | |
| BMW M30B33 | 1973–1975 | 3.3 L R6 | 190 hp | petrol | chain | ||
BMW E3 engine FAQ
What engines were used in the BMW E3?
BMW E3 (1968–1977): BMW M30B25, BMW M30B28, BMW M30B30 and BMW M30B33.
How much oil does the BMW E3 engine take?
Engine oil capacity with filter: BMW M30B30 — 5.75 L (5W-30 / 5W-40 / 10W-40/ 15W-40).
Does the BMW E3 have a timing belt or chain?
Timing chain: BMW M30B25, BMW M30B28 and BMW M30B33.
Was the BMW E3 available with a diesel engine?
No, all BMW E3 engines in our database run on petrol.
Engine details
BMW M30B28
Even after brief overheating the cylinder head can warp.
BMW M30B33
Even after brief overheating the cylinder head can warp.
Models with the same engines
- BMW 5-Series 3 shared engines
- BMW 7-Series 3 shared engines
- BMW E9 3 shared engines
- BMW 6-Series 2 shared engines