Skip to content
MotorFiable

BMW B58 vs 2.3 MZR DISI Turbo: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the BMW B58 carries less risk than the 2.3 MZR DISI Turbo: 38/100 (moderate risk) versus 63/100 (high risk). The BMW B58 has 1 documented serious fault, the main one being «Failure of the oil pump with a plastic rotor housing»; the 2.3 MZR DISI Turbo has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Timing chain stretch and VVT actuator failure on the 2.3 DISI Turbo».

Risk index

BMW B58

38

Moderate risk · 1 serious fault

Lower risk

Risk index

2.3 MZR DISI Turbo

63

High risk · 2 serious faults

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

11 sourcesHow we work

Is the BMW B58 reliable?

The B58 (3.0 turbo straight-six, since 2015) is considered robust and less troublesome than the N54/N55 it replaced, and the sources do not document widespread internal failures. The known faults are on the periphery: the plastic oil filter housing, crankcase ventilation, gaskets and coolant. On units built before 2021 there are also US reports of an oil pump with a plastic housing.[1][2][3][4]

See the 6 of the BMW B58 faults

Is the 2.3 MZR DISI Turbo reliable?

Mazda's 2.3 DISI Turbo (L3-VDT, 2005-2013) is powerful but demanding: the timing chain, the turbo and oil sludge are its weak points; only buy one with a good oil service history.[5][6][7]

See the 3 of the 2.3 MZR DISI Turbo faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of BMW B58 and 2.3 MZR DISI Turbo
BMW B582.3 MZR DISI Turbo
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement2,998 cm³2,261 cm³
TimingChainChain
Power290–441 hp256–263 hp
Productionsince 2015[8][9]2005–2013[5][10]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)38Moderate risk63High risk
Documented faults63
Of high or critical severity12
Worst severityHigh severityCritical severity
Main faults
  1. High severity: Failure of the oil pump with a plastic rotor housing
  2. Medium severity: Oil and coolant leak from the plastic oil filter housing
  3. Medium severity: Failure of the crankcase ventilation PCV valve (integrated in the valve cover)
  1. Critical severity: Timing chain stretch and VVT actuator failure on the 2.3 DISI Turbo
  2. High severity: Premature turbocharger wear from poor lubrication on the 2.3 DISI Turbo
  3. Medium severity: Oil consumption and sludge in the 2.3 DISI Turbo engine
Most expensive documented repairNo reliable dataup to €2,200Premature turbocharger wear from poor lubrication on the 2.3 DISI TurboPublished figure[6]
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions
  • B58TU2 381 hp (B58B30M2, since 2022)[2][3]
None
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • B58 326 hp (B58B30M0, 2015-2019)[2][3][11]
  • B58 340-360 hp (B58B30M0, 2016-2019)[2][3][11]
  • B58TU 333-340 hp (B58B30M1, since 2018)[2][3]
  • B58TU 374 hp (B58B30O1, M340i, M440i and M240i, since 2019)[3]
  • 2.3 MZR DISI Turbo 256-260 hp (L3-VDT, 2005-2009)[5][6]
  • 2.3 MZR DISI Turbo (L3-VDT, 2010-2013)[5][6]
AvoidVersions to avoidNoneNone

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 B58

See the 16 models with the BMW B58

2.3 MZR DISI Turbo

Other comparisons

With the BMW B58

With the 2.3 MZR DISI Turbo

Compare other engines

That is the comparison you are viewing: change one of the two engines.

Sources

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

  1. The 5 Most Common BMW B58 Engine ProblemsBMW Tuning · Technical documentation · published 7 February 2020 · consulted 9 October 2026
  2. BMW B58 EngineFCP Euro · Technical documentation · consulted 9 October 2026
  3. The Popular BMW B58 Inline-Six Engine Has One Big Achilles HeelThe Autopian · Motoring press · published 14 June 2024 · consulted 9 October 2026
  4. ¿En qué se diferencian los motores B58 y S58 de BMW?Diariomotor · Motoring press · published 27 April 2024 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in Spanish
  5. Mazda L engineWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
  6. Problemas Mazda CX-7Totalrenting · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in Spanish
  7. 2009 Mazda CX-7 engine problemsCarComplaints · Owners' forum · consulted 5 October 2026
  8. BMW B58Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026
  9. BMW B58Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  10. Mazda CX-7Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
  11. How A Plastic Part On BMW's B58 Engine Can Turn An Oil Change Into A $3,000 RepairThe Autopian · Motoring press · published 28 March 2025 · consulted 9 October 2026