The BMW M54 B30 is a 2,979 cc, inline-six naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2000 and 2006. It features double overhead camshafts (DOHC), individual coil-on-plug ignition, and Bosch Motronic ME7.2 engine management. In standard form it delivered 170 kW (231 PS) at 5,900 rpm and 300 Nm of torque at 3,500 rpm, offering refined high-revving performance for executive and sports models.
Fitted to models including the E46 3 Series, E39 5 Series, and Z4 (E85), the M54 B30 was engineered for smooth power delivery and driver engagement. Its aluminium block and head contributed to reduced weight, while single-stage VANOS variable valve timing improved low-end torque and emissions control. Most European-market variants met Euro 3 emissions standards through precise fuel metering and secondary air injection.
One documented update occurred in 2001 when BMW revised the cylinder head cooling passages to address localized overheating near the exhaust valves, particularly under sustained high-load operation. This change, referenced in BMW TIS documentation (SIB 11 08 01), improved thermal stability and reduced the risk of head warping in hot climates and performance applications.
Production years 2000–2005 meet Euro 3 standards; 2005–2006 models may have Euro 4 compliance depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
The BMW M54 B30 is a 2,979 cc inline-six naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for premium sedans and roadsters (2000–2006). It combines DOHC architecture with single-stage VANOS variable valve timing to deliver linear power delivery and high-RPM responsiveness. Designed to meet Euro 3 (and select Euro 4) standards, it balances performance with refinement in a lightweight aluminium construction.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,979 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-6, DOHC, 24-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 89.6 mm × 78.9 mm | |
| Power output | 170 kW (231 PS) @ 5,900 rpm | |
| Torque | 300 Nm @ 3,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Sequential multipoint fuel injection (Bosch Motronic ME7.2) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 3 (pre-2005); Euro 4 (post-2005, market-dependent) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.7:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled, aluminium block and head with cast-iron liners | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Double roller chain (non-interference design) | |
| Oil type | BMW Longlife-01 (SAE 5W-40) | |
| Dry weight | 182 kg |
The DOHC inline-six design provides smooth, high-revving performance ideal for spirited driving but requires regular inspection of the coil-on-plug ignition system to prevent misfires. BMW Longlife-01 (5W-40) oil is recommended to maintain cylinder head and VANOS system lubrication. The revised cylinder head cooling passages (post-2001) improve thermal management under sustained load, reducing the risk of head warping. VANOS unit seals should be inspected during high-mileage services to maintain oil pressure and timing control. Secondary air injection pumps, used for cold-start emissions, may fail over time and require replacement per TIS guidelines. The engine's sensitivity to oil quality necessitates adherence to 15,000 km service intervals.
Oil Specs: Requires BMW Longlife-01 (5W-40) specification (BMW SIB 11 04 01). Supersedes ACEA A3/B4.
Emissions: Euro 3 certification applies to pre-2005 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789). Some 2005-2006 models meet Euro 4 depending on market.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output consistent across model applications (BMW TIS Doc. A26200).
BMW Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A26200, A26520, SIB 11 08 01
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6789)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The BMW M54 B30 was used across BMW's E46/E39/E85 platforms with longitudinal mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shortened intake manifolds in the Z4 and revised cooling routing in the E39-and from 2001 the updated E46 models adopted the revised cylinder head with improved cooling passages, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the right-side engine block near the exhaust manifold (BMW TIS A26200). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('M' for M54 series). Pre-2001 units have silver valve covers with "M54" engraving; post-2001 units use black valve covers with updated cooling passages. Critical differentiation from M52: M54 uses Bosch Motronic ME7.2 ECU with different wiring harness and VANOS control logic. Service parts require production date verification—pre- and post-2001 cylinder heads are not interchangeable due to revised coolant channels (BMW SIB 11 08 01).
The M54 B30's primary reliability risk is VANOS unit seal degradation, with elevated incidence in vehicles with extended oil change intervals. Internal BMW quality reports from 2004 indicated a notable number of VANOS-related driveability complaints, while VCA field data shows improved longevity in UK-sourced examples due to adherence to service schedules. Oil quality and timely maintenance make seal integrity and oil pressure maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from BMW technical bulletins (2000-2006) and UK VCA failure statistics (2003-2008). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about BMW M54B30.
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