BMW M54B30 Engine for Sale – 3.0L Inline-6 Petrol Engine

If you are searching for a BMW M54B30 engine for sale, the M54B30 is a 3.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine designed for selected BMW models from the early 2000s. It belongs to BMW's M54 engine family and features a six-cylinder inline configuration, double overhead camshafts and 24 valves.

With a displacement of 2,979 cc, the BMW M54B30 offers a combination of smooth engine operation, responsive acceleration and naturally aspirated performance. It was factory-installed in several BMW vehicles, including the E46 330i, E39 530i, E53 X5 3.0i, E83 X3 3.0i and E85 Z4 3.0i.

Whether you need a replacement engine for an existing vehicle or are sourcing an M54B30 for a restoration project, checking the engine code, production year, vehicle configuration and electronic compatibility is essential before purchasing.

BMW M54B30 Engine Specifications

Compatibility / Fitment Notes

The BMW M54B30 engine was installed in several BMW models across different vehicle generations. However, not every vehicle with a 3.0-litre BMW engine uses the M54B30.

Before purchasing a BMW M54B30 replacement engine, confirm the original engine code, chassis generation, production date and vehicle identification number (VIN).

Compatible BMW Models

1. BMW 3 Series – E46

• BMW 330i

• BMW 330xi

• BMW 330Ci

2. BMW 5 Series – E39

• BMW 530i

3. BMW 5 Series – E60

• BMW 530i

4. BMW X3 – E83

• BMW X3 3.0i

5. BMW X5 – E53

• BMW X5 3.0i

6. BMW Z3 – E36/7

• BMW Z3 3.0i Roadster

7. BMW Z4 – E85

• BMW Z4 3.0i

8. BMW 7 Series – E65/E66

• BMW 730i

• BMW 730Li

Important fitment information: These are factory application families, not a guarantee of direct interchangeability between every listed vehicle. Engine wiring, ECU/DME programming, sensors, intake and exhaust components, cooling connections, mounting arrangements and transmission configuration may differ.

Always verify compatibility using the donor engine details and recipient vehicle VIN before ordering.

Engine Configuration

The BMW M54B30 features an inline six-cylinder configuration with a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) arrangement and four valves per cylinder, giving it a total of 24 valves.

Its naturally aspirated design means the engine operates without a factory turbocharger or supercharger. It also incorporates BMW's Double VANOS variable valve timing technology, which adjusts intake and exhaust camshaft timing to support engine performance across different operating conditions.

Other notable design characteristics include:

• Aluminium engine block construction.

• Electronic multi-point fuel injection.

• Double VANOS variable valve timing.

• Electronic throttle control.

• Six-cylinder inline arrangement.

• 24-valve cylinder head.

Engine Displacement

The BMW M54B30 has an engine displacement of 2,979 cc (3.0 litres).

Its cylinder bore measures 84 mm, while its piston stroke measures 89.6 mm. These dimensions distinguish it from smaller M54 engine variants, including the M54B22 and M54B25.

The M54B30 is the largest standard-displacement version of the M54 engine family, making it an important option for owners requiring the original 3.0-litre engine specification.

Fuel Type

The BMW M54B30 is designed to operate on petrol (gasoline).

It uses an electronic multi-point fuel injection system to deliver fuel to the engine cylinders. Fuel requirements and recommended octane ratings should be confirmed against the vehicle's market-specific owner's manual and fuel-system configuration.

This engine is not a diesel engine and should not be confused with BMW's M57 diesel engine family.

Aspiration / Induction

The M54B30 is a naturally aspirated engine.

Unlike turbocharged and supercharged engines, it draws air into its cylinders through atmospheric pressure rather than using a forced-induction system.

Its intake arrangement incorporates BMW's intake manifold and DISA variable intake technology, alongside electronic throttle control.

When sourcing a replacement engine, check whether the intake manifold, throttle body, DISA assembly, sensors and other external components are included.

Power Output

The standard BMW M54B30 produces approximately 225–231 horsepower, depending on the market, vehicle application and measurement standard.

A commonly quoted European specification is 231 PS (approximately 228 hp) at 5,900 rpm.

Certain North American-market ZHP applications feature revised camshafts and engine management calibration, producing approximately 235 hp.

When purchasing a replacement BMW M54B30 engine, confirm the donor vehicle's original specification rather than assuming every M54B30 has identical factory output.

Torque

The standard BMW M54B30 is commonly rated at approximately 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) of torque at 3,500 rpm.

Some market-specific factory specifications quote approximately 290 Nm, so the exact rating should be checked against the donor vehicle.

The engine's torque characteristics support everyday driving, highway acceleration and the performance requirements of the BMW models in which it was originally installed.

Years / Generation

The BMW M54B30 was produced approximately between 2000 and 2006.

It appeared across multiple BMW chassis generations, including:

• E46 3 Series

• E39 5 Series

• E60 5 Series

• E53 X5

• E83 X3

• E36/7 Z3

• E85 Z4

• E65/E66 7 Series

Production and installation years vary by model, market and vehicle configuration. Therefore, checking the VIN and original engine identification is recommended before ordering.

What to Check Before Buying a BMW M54B30 Engine

When looking for a BMW M54B30 engine for sale, checking the condition and completeness of the engine is important.

Consider the following before completing your purchase:

• Engine identification: Confirm that the engine code is M54B30 rather than M54B22 or M54B25.

• Mileage: Request the donor vehicle's mileage or available engine history.

• Compression condition: Ask whether compression or leak-down testing has been performed.

• Oil leaks: Check common leakage areas, including the valve cover and oil filter housing.

• Cooling system: Inspect the water pump, thermostat, radiator connections and cooling components.

• VANOS system: Check for signs of variable valve timing problems.

• DISA system: Inspect the intake manifold's DISA assembly.

• Included components: Confirm whether the engine comes complete or as a bare engine.

• Warranty: Check whether the supplier provides a starting warranty or testing documentation.

• Compatibility: Verify the engine against your vehicle's VIN and installation requirements.

A properly identified and inspected replacement engine can help reduce compatibility problems during installation.

Order a BMW M54B30 Replacement Engine

Looking for a BMW M54B30 engine for sale? Before placing an order, make sure you have the correct engine specification for your vehicle.

The BMW M54B30 is suitable for replacement applications involving compatible 3.0-litre BMW models, provided the engine assembly, electronics and installation requirements match.

To help identify the correct replacement engine, prepare the following information:

1. BMW model and series.

2. Vehicle production year.

3. Chassis generation.

4. Vehicle VIN.

5. Original engine code.

6. Whether you need a complete engine or a bare engine.

Providing these details helps establish whether the BMW M54B30 is the correct replacement for your vehicle.

Contact us today to enquire about a BMW M54B30 engine for sale, request availability, and confirm compatibility with your BMW vehicle.

The BMW M54B30 was produced approximately between 2000 and 2006.

It appeared across multiple BMW chassis generations, including:

• E46 3 Series

• E39 5 Series

• E60 5 Series

• E53 X5

• E83 X3

• E36/7 Z3

• E85 Z4

• E65/E66 7 Series

Production and installation years vary by model, market and vehicle configuration. Therefore, checking the VIN and original engine identification is recommended before ordering.

The BMW M54B30 was produced approximately between 2000 and 2006.

It appeared across multiple BMW chassis generations, including:

• E46 3 Series

• E39 5 Series

• E60 5 Series

• E53 X5

• E83 X3

• E36/7 Z3

• E85 Z4

• E65/E66 7 Series

Production and installation years vary by model, market and vehicle configuration. Therefore, checking the VIN and original engine identification is recommended before ordering.