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BMW B57 vs 2.5 TDI R5: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the BMW B57 carries less risk than the 2.5 TDI R5: 22/100 (low risk) versus 45/100 (moderate risk). The BMW B57 has 3 documented serious faults, the main one being «EGR cooler leaks on the B57 (limited action on the 540d xDrive)»; the 2.5 TDI R5 has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Plasma coating flaking off the cylinders».

Risk index

BMW B57

22

Low risk · 3 serious faults

Lower risk

Risk index

2.5 TDI R5

45

Moderate risk · 2 serious faults

The index (0–100) weights the severity and frequency of the three most serious documented faults. How it is calculated

12 sourcesHow we work

Is the BMW B57 reliable?

The BMW B57 (2015 onwards) is the six-cylinder diesel that succeeded the N57. The sources consulted document no widespread faults: its most cited weak point is the AdBlue/SCR system, and it was left out of the big EGR campaigns that hit the N47 and N57. The timing chain is still at the back, next to the gearbox.[1][2]

See the 4 of the BMW B57 faults

Is the 2.5 TDI R5 reliable?

The 2.5 TDI R5 in the T5 and the Touareg has a poor reputation: camshaft wear, pump injectors and cylinder coating. The later series were more reliable. It is not Audi's V6 TDI.[3][4][5]

See the 5 of the 2.5 TDI R5 faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of BMW B57 and 2.5 TDI R5
BMW B572.5 TDI R5
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelDieselDiesel
Displacement2,993 cm³2,461 cm³
TimingChainTiming belt (dry)
Power265–400 hp88–174 hp
Productionsince 2015[6][7]2003–2011[8][9][10]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)22Low risk45Moderate risk
Documented faults45
Of high or critical severity32
Worst severityHigh severityCritical severity
Main faults
  1. Medium severity: AdBlue/SCR system fault (NOx sensors, heater and pump)
  2. High severity: EGR cooler leaks on the B57 (limited action on the 540d xDrive)
  3. High severity: Timing chain wear on the gearbox side
  1. Critical severity: Plasma coating flaking off the cylinders
  2. High severity: Camshaft and hydraulic tappet wear
  3. Medium severity: Leaks and play in the unit injectors
Most expensive documented repairNo reliable dataNo reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions
  • B57D30 265 hp, single turbo (B57D30O0, 2015-2020)[1]
  • B57D30 286-340 hp, twin turbo with 48 V (B57D30O2/T2, 2020 onwards)[1]
None
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • B57D30 320 hp, twin turbo (B57D30T0, 2015-2020)[1]
  • B57D30 400 hp, four turbos (B57D30S0, 2016-2020)[1]
  • 2.5 TDI 130 and 174 hp with DPF (BNZ, BPC, 2006-2009)[3]
  • 2.5 TDI common rail Crafter (88 to 163 hp, 2006-2011)[10]
  • 2.5 TDI of the Transporter T4 (88, 102 and 151 hp, 1995-2003)[11][12]
AvoidVersions to avoidNone
  • 2.5 TDI 130 and 174 hp (AXD, AXE, 2003-2006)[3]

Severity of each fault: green, low; amber, medium; red, high; dark red, critical. How we rate them

Cars that each one is fitted to

BMW B57

See the 9 models with the BMW B57

2.5 TDI R5

Other comparisons

With the BMW B57

With the 2.5 TDI R5

Compare other engines

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Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Motor BMW B57: fiabilidad y averíasDasercars · Motoring press · consulted 4 October 2026 · in Spanish
  2. Motor BMW N57: diferencias con el B57Dasercars · Motoring press · consulted 4 October 2026 · in Spanish
  3. VW T5 4Motion Gebrauchtwagen-TestAuto Bild · Motoring press · consulted 5 October 2026 · in German
  4. Kaufberatung gebrauchter VW T5 (2003-2015)Promobil · Motoring press · consulted 5 October 2026 · in German
  5. Ratgeber Technik: Fehler VW T5Auto Bild · Motoring press · consulted 5 October 2026 · in German
  6. BMW B57 (Wikipedia en)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 4 October 2026
  7. BMW B57 (Wikipedia de)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 4 October 2026 · in German
  8. VW T5Wikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in German
  9. VW Touareg IWikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in German
  10. Volkswagen CrafterWikipedia (es) · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in Spanish
  11. VW T4 im Gebraucht-Check: Darauf muss man achtenPromobil · Motoring press · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  12. VW T4 Buying Guide: Problem AreasHeritage Parts Centre · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026