The BMW N57 D30 A is a 2,993 cc, inline-six turbo-diesel engine produced between 2008 and 2013. It features DOHC, 24-valve configuration, and a twin-turbocharging system with sequential operation, delivering 180 kW (245 PS) and 540 Nm of torque. Its high-pressure common-rail injection and piezo injectors enable precise fuel delivery, supporting strong low-end pulling power and refined operation.
Fitted to the E70 X5, E71 X6, and F01 7 Series, the N57 D30 A was engineered for effortless towing and high-speed cruising in luxury and SUV applications. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue injection, enabling Euro 5 certification across all production years.
One documented concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) degradation, particularly on units produced before 2011, due to sensitivity to fuel contamination and inadequate filtration. This issue, referenced in BMW Service Information Bulletin 13 01 15, led to drivability complaints and rail pressure faults. In 2011, BMW introduced a revised Bosch CP3.4 HPFP with improved internal coatings and enhanced filtration to increase durability.
All production years 2008–2013 meet Euro 5 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5679).
The BMW N57 D30 A is a 2,993 cc inline-six turbo-diesel engineered for luxury and SUV platforms (2008–2013). It combines high-pressure common-rail direct injection with a sequential twin-turbocharger system to deliver robust low-RPM torque and quiet operation. Designed to meet Euro 5 standards, it balances performance with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,993 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline-6, DOHC, 24-valve | |
| Aspiration | Twin-turbocharged (sequential) | |
| Bore × stroke | 84.0 mm × 90.0 mm | |
| Power output | 180 kW (245 PS) @ 4,400 rpm | |
| Torque | 540 Nm @ 1,500–2,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP3.4 common-rail (up to 2,000 bar), piezo injectors | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 16.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Sequential twin turbo (BorgWarner K14/K16) | |
| Timing system | Double-row timing chain | |
| Oil type | BMW Longlife-04 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 215 kg |
The sequential twin-turbo system provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for towing and highway cruising but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals to maintain chain and turbo longevity. BMW Longlife-04 (5W-30) oil is critical due to its formulation supporting the CP3.4 fuel system and timing chain lubrication. Cold-start idling should be minimized to reduce wear on the high-pressure pump. Ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590) with proper cetane rating is mandatory to prevent fuel system corrosion and injector coking. Pre-2011 models should have the CP3.4 upgrade per BMW SIB 13 01 15 if experiencing rail pressure faults. EGR/DPF systems require periodic cleaning to prevent flow restriction and limp-mode events.
Oil Specs: Requires BMW Longlife-04 (5W-30) specification (BMW SIB 11 04 12). Supersedes ACEA C3 requirements.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all production years (2008–2013) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5679).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output consistent across fuel qualities meeting EN 590.
BMW Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A31000, A31110, SIB 13 01 15
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5679)
DIN Deutsches Institut für Normung: DIN 70020 Engine Power Measurement
The BMW N57 D30 A was used across BMW's E70, E71, and F01 platforms with longitudinal mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-integrated SCR on the F01 and revised intake manifolds on the E70-and from 2013 the facelifted F01 LCI adopted the N57TU variant with updated engine management, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the right-side engine block near the starter motor (BMW TIS A31190). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('D' for diesel N57 series). All N57 D30 A units have silver valve covers with "N57" branding and Bosch CP3.4 fuel pump. Critical differentiation from N57TU: Original N57 D30 A uses CP3.4 pump with analog throttle, while N57TU features CP4 pump and drive-by-wire. Service parts require production date verification - high-pressure pumps before 03/2011 are incompatible with later units per BMW SIB 13 01 15.
The N57 D30 A's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump degradation on pre-2011 builds, with elevated incidence in regions with lower fuel quality. Internal BMW quality reports from 2010 indicated a significant number of CP3.4 pump failures before 180,000 km, while UK DVSA records show fuel-related failures were common in neglected examples. Extended idling and use of non-compliant diesel increase pump stress, making fuel quality and oil maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from BMW technical bulletins (2008–2013) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2014–2019). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about BMW N57D30A.
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