Are you interested in purchasing a BMW model with the B58 engine and want to learn more about the BMW B58 engine problems? If that is the case, you are at the right place because in this article there will be a lot to cover.
Doing good research before you decide to purchase a car is the way to go. You just don’t want to get a car with an unreliable engine. But is that the case with the B58? Well, let’s find out together.
First, we are going to cover the basic B58 engine specs, then we will list the BMW B58 engine problems and we will learn more about the applications of this engine. Lastly, we will answer some frequently asked questions.
Basic BMW B58 Engine Specs
First, let’s discuss some of the BMW B58 engine specs before we delve into the problems that this engine has.
What is worth noting is that this engine is a 3.0L inline-6 engine that implements a single twin-scroll turbocharger.
The engine was introduced in 2015 and is still used today. In total, there are six variations of this engine including the S58. But for this article, we are not interested in the high-performance version. Let’s learn about the other five versions.
- B58B30M0
This is the base version that develops anywhere between 240 kW (322hp) to 250 kW (335 hp) @ 5,550 rpm and 450 N-m and (332lb-ft) to 500 N-m (369lb-ft) of torque @ 1,520 rpm.
- B58B30M1/B58B30C
These two variations fall under the same category and are rated at 250 kW (335hp) @ 5,000 rpm and 500 N-m (369lb-ft) @ 1,600-4,500 rpm.
- B58B30O1
This version of the B58 develops 285 kW (382hp) @ 5,000 rpm and 500 N-m (369lb-ft) @ 1,600-4,500 rpm.
- B58B30M2
This is the most current version released in 2022. This model of the B58 engine produces 280 kW (375hp) @ 5,200 rpm and 520 N-m (384lb-ft) of torque @ 1,850-5,000 rpm.
Common BMW B58 Engine Problems
Let’s now briefly cover the common problems with the B58 engine and see what troubles this engine the most.
Common BMW B58 engine problems include:
- Valve Cover Oil Leaks
- Coolant Leaks
- VANOS Solenoid Failure
- Carbon Buildup
- Injector Failure
- HPFP Failure
- PCV Valve Failure
- O2 Sensor Failure
- Oil Filter Falling Apart
Now that we listed the common issues with this engine, let’s further elaborate on them in the following chapters and learn more in-depth about them.
Valve Cover Oil Leaks
The first problem that often is referred to as a BMW-specific issue is the situation with oil leaks. These leaks can come from various places. But the most common ones are the valve covers and the oil pan gasket.
Specifically, this engine has issues with leaks coming from the valve cover gaskets. These leaks will not be something large that you will notice instantly. But they will start to develop and you will notice some grease spots where the plastic valve cover sits on top of the cylinder head.
Sometimes the valve cover cracks because of heat and in some cases, the valve cover gasket fails. Whenever you have these leaks, inspecting the valve cover for cracks is a must!
If there are no cracks on the valve cover, then it must be the valve cover gasket. You can replace this component at home if you are into cars for only a few bucks.
Coolant Leaks & Water Pump Failure
Many people that have this engine have reported coolant leaks or their coolant starting to mysteriously disappear from the engine. Some people call this even “natural” coolant loss.
There were many reports of this problem with the loss of coolant was connected to the cap of the overflow tank. This cap should be pressurized but it reportedly happens that the coolant is lost from this place.
Also, there could be leaks from the water pump assembly. In addition to this, there can also be frequent water pump failures on this engine.
When they fail they can cause leaks or stop circulating the coolant as they should. So, the only way around this problem is to replace the water pump.
If you notice a mysterious loss of coolant, you should top off the coolant and head up to the closest BMW expert in your area because this problem can be detrimental if not fixed on time.
B58 VANOS Solenoid Failure
The next problem on our list is the VANOS solenoid failure. So, what is VANOS solenoid failure? Well, as you probably know, your B58 engine has variable valve timing.
This variable valve timing is activated by these solenoids. The solenoid is something like a switch that turns on and off. By doing so it either advances or retards the timing of the camshafts.
When doing so, your car works more efficiently and has more power. Sometimes this electronic instrumentation can fail.
When a VANOS solenoid fails you will get the check engine light and a trouble code. The only solution to this problem is replacing the VANOS solenoid with a new one.
You can even do this by yourself if you are into cars and know how to fix problems. Sensors and solenoids are the easiest to fix.
Carbon Buildup
B58 is an engine that implements a direct injection system. And this model is no exception to a situation known as carbon buildup.
This problem is caused by the lack of cleaning on the intake valves. So, a lot of carbon starts to stick on the valve stems and will eventually stop the valves from opening and closing correctly causing engine misfires and poor engine work in the process.
Walnut blasting the valves every 60,000 miles (ca. 96,561 km) or so will make sure that the valves are clean and working properly.
B58 Injector Failure
Injector failures were also noted on these engines. These direct injector engines are using special injectors that are often more prone to failure than classic injectors.
This is common especially when it comes to adding boost to your B58. Your injectors will not like this and can fail more often compared to a stock non-tuned engine. If you plan to tune the car, upgrading the injectors might be a good idea.
B58 HPFP Failure
Another very common problem with BMWs is the high-pressure fuel pump. Also known as HPFP. This pump is basically pressurizing the gas that goes to the injectors.
These pumps are notorious for failing on many BMW engines and the B58 is no exception to this. This problem is common on a lot of B58, especially when people add boost on their engines and love to run E85.
So, a lot of people upgrade these pumps with newer ones that can run E85.
PCV Valve Failure
Another very common problem with this engine is the PCV system failure. This system is the positive crankcase ventilation system.
So, what this system does is purges the gasses that have been accumulating inside the crankcase and redirect them to the intake manifold.
In many cases, the PCV valve can fail and cause the PCV system to fail on this engine.
O2 Sensor Failure
O2 sensors are another common failure point on this engine. They can fail and cause strange problems to develop.
These sensors control the air-to-fuel ratio. Whenever they fail, there will be a check engine light, engine stalling, misfires, and so on. And if you get a DTC code concerning one of these sensors, you will probably have to replace it with a new one.
Oil Filter Falling Apart
The last problem that we are going to cover is the situation with the oil filter falling apart.
What happens is that the bottom part of the filter simply separates from the top part during removal.
Which Models Come With The B58 Engine?
Let’s take a look at the common applications of this engine and see in which models you can find this motor.
- 1 Series F20/F21 M140i
- 2 Series F22/F23 M24i, G42 M240i
- 3 Series F30/F31/F34 340i, G20, G21 M340i, M40i
- 4 Series F32/F33/F36 440i, G22 M440i
- 5 Series G30/31 540i
- 6 Series G32 640i
- 7 Series G11/G12 /G70 740i/Li
- 8 Series G14/G15/G16 840i
- X3 G01 M40i
- X4 G02 M40i
- X5 G05 xDrive40i
- X7 G07 xDrive40i
- Z4 G29 M40i
- Morgan Plus Six
- Ineos Grenadier
- Toyota Supra
- Boldmen CR4
FAQ
What Are The Common Problems With The B58 Engine?
This engine does have some issues. Namely oil leaks from the valve cover, water pump failures and coolant leaks, VANOS solenoid failure, HPFP failure, injector failures, PCV valve failures, and carbon buildup.
Besides these somewhat minor problems, there are no major design flaws with the engine that can lead to premature failure.
Is The B58 Engine Reliable?
Overall, the B58 is a very reliable engine. It does not have major issues whatsoever. There are problems but these problems are not something that isn’t fixable.
The engine is pretty much bulletproof and can run a higher boost than stock. So, it is very popular among tuners in the same fashion as its predecessors, the N54 and N55.
That’s why if you want to buy one, go ahead. Just make sure that the engine was maintained right if purchasing on the secondhand market.
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