The BMW M30 B35 is a 3,430 cc, inline-six, naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1988 and 1995. It belongs to BMW's long-running M30 engine family, renowned for durability and smooth operation, featuring a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) and Bosch Motronic fuel injection. Delivering 155 kW (211 PS) and 310 Nm of torque, it offered refined performance ideal for executive and luxury sedan applications of the era.
Fitted to key models including the E32 7 Series and E34 5 Series, the M30 B35 was engineered for relaxed cruising and effortless power delivery. Emissions compliance was achieved through catalytic converters and closed-loop lambda control, meeting early European emissions standards (Euro 1), with Motronic-equipped variants offering improved fuel metering and reduced hydrocarbon emissions.
One documented concern is cylinder head cracking, particularly around the exhaust ports, which can develop due to repeated thermal cycling. This issue, referenced in BMW Technical Service Bulletin 11 51 85, is more prevalent in high-mileage or poorly maintained engines. Later revisions introduced improved head casting techniques and revised cooling system routing to mitigate thermal stress.
All M30 B35 production meets Euro 1 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5686).
The BMW M30 B35 is a 3,430 cc inline-six naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for luxury sedans (1988–1995). It combines SOHC valvetrain architecture with Bosch Motronic fuel injection to deliver smooth power delivery and mechanical refinement. Designed to meet early European emissions standards (Euro 1), it balances responsive performance with long-term durability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,430 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-6, SOHC, 12-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 89.0 mm × 92.0 mm | |
| Power output | 155 kW (211 PS) @ 5,800 rpm | |
| Torque | 310 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch Motronic DME | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 1 | |
| Compression ratio | 9.2:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Timing chain (single-row) | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W-40, API SF/CC | |
| Dry weight | 190 kg |
The naturally aspirated design provides smooth, linear power delivery ideal for relaxed cruising and highway stability. Regular valve clearance checks every 30,000 km are essential to maintain performance and prevent valve train noise. Use of high-quality mineral or semi-synthetic 10W-40 oil meeting API SF/CC standards is recommended to ensure longevity of the timing chain and camshaft. Cylinder head integrity should be monitored, especially in high-mileage units, as thermal stress can lead to exhaust port cracks. Motronic-equipped models benefit from more precise fuel metering and improved cold-start behaviour. Cooling system maintenance is critical—verify thermostat function and hose integrity to prevent overheating and head warping.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 10W-40, API SF/CC specification (BMW Service Manual 62-11-009). Formulated for consistent performance under sustained load.
Emissions: Certified to Euro 1 across entire production run (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5686). No Euro 0 or Euro 2 variants produced.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output consistent across all markets with proper maintenance.
BMW Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A24578, A24731, SIB 11 51 85
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5686)
DIN 70020:2004 - Road vehicles — Engine power — Measurement
The BMW M30 B35 was used across BMW's E32/E34 platforms with longitudinal mounting and shared core architecture. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-revised intake manifolds in the E34 and different accessory drives in the E32-and from 1988 the facelifted E34 models adopted updated Motronic DME systems, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front-facing surface of the cylinder block, near the exhaust manifold (BMW TIS A24578). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('M' for M30 series). All M30 B35 units feature Bosch Motronic DME with integrated control unit. Critical differentiation from M30B34: M30B35 has identical displacement but revised compression ratio (9.2:1 vs 10.0:1) and camshaft profile for improved low-end torque. Service parts require model-year verification—intake manifolds and timing covers differ between E32 and E34 applications (BMW TIS A24621).
The M30 B35's primary reliability risk is cylinder head cracking, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or poorly maintained units. Internal BMW field reports from 1992 noted recurring head failures in pre-1990 engines with neglected cooling systems, while UK DVSA MOT data shows a notable increase in exhaust-related failures in E34 535i models over 150,000 km. Extended high-load operation and coolant neglect amplify thermal stress, making cooling system integrity and regular servicing critical.
Analysis derived from BMW technical bulletins (1988-1995) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1990-2000). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about BMW M30B35-MOTRONIC921.
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