If you’re after a newer BMW model like the G20 3 Series or the G30 5 Series or perhaps even the G11 7 Series, chances are you’re looking at diesel models. If that is correct, you are at the right place because, in this article, we will cover everything you need to know about the 6 cylinder, 3.0L B57 diesel engine.
Performing your own research when it comes to purchasing a model with a certain engine is always a smart idea. You just don’t want to leave things to chance and end up with a very unreliable engine that will cost you thousands of dollars to fix. And this is why we are here to help you out.
First, we are going to cover the basic specs of the B57 engine and then we will discuss the common BMW B57 engine problems in detail. Once we clear that, we will show you which exact BMW cars come with this engine. So, without further ado, let’s dive in.
Basic BMW B57 Engine Specs
The BMW B57 engine is a diesel engine introduced by BMW in 2015. This engine is part of the BMW family of modular engines.
The B57 is an inline-6 engine that was introduced by BMW to replace the previous N57 diesel engine.
The B57 is 3.0L in displacement and has a block and cylinder head made of aluminum alloy. It has a high compression ratio of 16.0:1.
In terms of head design, the B57 uses a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) design with four valves per cylinder.
The engine uses common rail direct injection and understandably runs only on diesel. This engine implements a variety of different turbochargers. There is a single turbo version and there is a dual and even quad turbocharger version that uses four of these turbos.
In total, there are three different versions depending on the type of turbos installed. And these are the following.
- B57D30O0 (Single Turbo)
This engine creates 195 kW (261 hp) @ 4,000 rpm and 620 N-m (457 lb-ft) @ 2,000 rpm.
- B57D30T0 (Twin Turbo)
This engine creates 235 Kw (315 hp) @ 4,000 rpm and 680 N-m (502 lb-ft) @ 1,750 rpm.
- B57D30S0 (Quad Turbo)
This engine creates 294 kW (394 hp) @ 4,400 rpm and 760 N-m (561 lb-ft) @ 2,000 rpm.
Common BMW B57 Engine Problems
Let’s first list the common problems with the B57 engine.
Common BMW B57 diesel engine problems include:
- Intake Manifold Flap Failure
- Clogged DPF
- Clogged EGR
- Injector Failure
- Glow Plug Failure
- Turbocharger Failure
- AdBlue Issues
Now that we are familiarized ourselves with the issues of the B57 engine, we can move on and elaborate more in-depth on these problems so you get a perspective on how, as well as when these problems occur on this engine.
Intake Manifold Flap Failure
The most common problem with this engine is the intake manifold failure. Since this is a diesel engine, the intake manifold can get pretty crusty with carbon buildup.
More specifically, the flaps that open and close are the ones that most frequently tend to fail and whenever this happens, your engine will run poorly, and you will also get the check engine light to let you know something is seriously wrong.
This German video above shows the severity of the problem in great detail. If you want to avoid this problem, make sure you read our guide on how to drive and own a diesel powered car!
These flaps open and close to allow air to enter the intake manifold since on diesel engines you don’t have a throttle body like in gasoline engines.
What most people do is remove the flaps completely. But we will not recommend doing that because this will worsen the emissions, as well as the fuel economy.
The best thing is to replace the intake manifold with a new unit. It can be pricey, but that is the only way around this problem.
Clogged DPF
Problems with the DPF are also common on this engine, just like with every other diesel engine that has a diesel particulate filter.
This filter tends to clog up with soot if you drive too much at short distances. You need to run the car at 3,000 rpm for about 30 minutes to regenerate the DPF.
And if you do a lot of city driving, the DPF will never regenerate and eventually will completely clog up. In this case, it will have to be manually cleaned by professionals. This is quite an expensive job. So, always regenerate the DPF on the highway.
Clogged EGR
Another emissions device that tends to fail on the B57 engine is the EGR valve. The EGR valve is the exhaust recirculation valve.
This valve recirculates some of the exhaust gasses and redirects them into the intake manifold. And what can happen is that this valve at 150,000 km will clog up completely.
When this happens, you will get problems running the engine. Check engine light, limp mode, rough engine work, and low power will be one of the most common symptoms.
The only way around this problem is to replace the EGR with a new unit. Many people try to clean them but this EGR will never be as good as before.
Injector Failure
Injector failures are very common on this engine as well. So, why is this the case? Well, this is the case because this engine requires premium diesel fuel with higher cetane levels. Just like you have premium gas, you also have premium diesel.
A lot of people run them with standard diesel that can be lower quality and what happens is that the injectors are the ones that suffer first.
Replacing these injectors is expensive. You can end up paying a lot of money to get this issue sorted out. There are 6 injectors in a 6-cylinder diesel engine like the B57, and each one of them can cost up to $400, so you do the math. I’ve been through that on my 320CDI W211 E-Class, and trust me, it’s no joke.
But what is worth noting is that if you run the recommended diesel in this engine, you will not have any injector issues for at least up to 150,000 km.
Glow Plug Failure
Glow plugs are another expendable component in your B57 engine. Many people who are not into diesel engines confuse these with spark plugs and this is completely wrong.
Even though they both help start the engine. The spark plug releases a spark, while the glow plug has a heating element on the tip.
This heating element helps the car to start. There are a total of six glow plugs on this specific engine.
They require replacement once you get up to 150,000 km. They can also last up to 200,000 km in some cases. But once the light starts flashing, you know that you have a problem.
Turbocharger Failure
Turbocharger failures are also common on the BMW B57 engine. So, why is this the case? Why do turbos tend to fail?
Turbochargers are expendable components. They are designed to run for 200,000 km and once the vehicle goes over this mileage, the bearings inside the shaft tend to fail and once this happens, the shaft will go out of balance.
When this problem occurs, the turbo will start to produce a whistling sound. The only way around this problem is to replace or refurbish the turbo.
AdBlue Issues
Another thing that modern diesel engines need is Adblue. A lot of people purchase these used cars and do not even know what Adblue is.
This is a special fluid that has been required for Euro 6 cars produced after 2016. Its goal is to help reduce the NOx emissions in the car.
This solution is made out of deionized water and urea. It is sprayed into the exhaust system and traps the NOx particles. You can read more about AdBlue systems and problems in our guide.
If you don’t add Adblue, you will have serious running issues. This is why you have to add this solution and make sure that the tank of Adblue is always full.
Which Models Include The BMW B57 Engine?
Now let’s take a look at which models have the BMW B57 engine.
B57D30O0 (Single Turbocharger)
- 2017 – Present G01 BMW X3 xDrive30d
- 2018 – Present G02 BMW X4 xDrive30d
- 2018 – Present G05 BMW X5 xDrive30d
- 2019 – Present G06 BMW X6 xDrive30d
- 2018 – Present G07 BMW X7 xDrive30d
- 2015 – Present G11 BMW 730d/Ld
- 2019 – Present G20 BMW 330d
- 2017 – Present G30 BMW 530d
- 2017 – Present G32 BMW 630d Gran Turismo
B57D30T0 (Twin Turbocharger)
- 2018 – Present BMW G01 X3 M40d
- 2018 – Present BMW G02 X4 M40d
- 2020 – Present BMW G07 X7 xDrive40d
- 2015 – Present BMW G11 740d/Ld
- 2020 – Present BMW G20 M340d xDrive
- 2020 – Present BMW G21 M340d xDrive
- 2020 – Present BMW G22 M440d xDrive
- 2017 – Present BMW G30 540d
- 2017 – Present BMW G32 640d xDrive Gran Turismo
B57D30S0 (Quad Turbocharger) – Discontinued
- 2018 – 2020 BMW G05 X5 M50d
- 2019 – 2020 BMW G06 X6 M50d
- 2018 – 2020 BMW G07 X7 M50d
- 2016 – 2020 BMW G11 750d/Ld
- 2017 – 2020 BMW G30 M550d xDrive
FAQ
What Are The Common Problems With The BMW B57 Engine?
Common problems with this engine are the intake flaps that tend to seize and cause running issues. This is the only major issue with this engine. Replacing the intake manifold is needed to sort the problem out. Also, on higher miles, there can be problems with the turbochargers, problems with glow plugs, injectors, DPF, and EGR. Usual diesel issues, nothing too significant.
Is The BMW B57 Engine Reliable?
Yes, this engine is pretty much bulletproof. There are basically no downsides to it. Except on higher mileage models where issues can arise from carbon deposits on the DPF, EGR, and intake manifold. Also, there can be problems with the injectors, as well as turbocharger failures. But besides this, the engine is pretty reliable and will not let you down.
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