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BMW M57 vs e-Skyactiv D 3.3: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the e-Skyactiv D 3.3 carries less risk than the BMW M57: 21/100 (low risk) versus 63/100 (high risk). The BMW M57 has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Broken intake swirl flaps»; the e-Skyactiv D 3.3 has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Stalling and restart failures due to control unit software».

Risk index

BMW M57

63

High risk · 2 serious faults

Risk index

e-Skyactiv D 3.3

21

Low risk · 2 serious faults

Lower risk

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

10 sourcesHow we work

Is the BMW M57 reliable?

The BMW M57 (1998-2010) is a six-cylinder diesel with a reputation for great mechanical longevity, capable of exceeding 500,000 km when well maintained, but a good share of the versions built before 2008 -especially with an automatic gearbox- have metal swirl flaps in the intake that can break and wreck the engine; check whether the car has them and what condition they are in before buying.[1][2][3]

See the 5 of the BMW M57 faults

Is the e-Skyactiv D 3.3 reliable?

The e-Skyactiv D 3.3 is an inline-six diesel with mild-hybrid assistance that Mazda debuted in the CX-60. It is a very recent engine: there is no in-service reliability data, and what is documented are software recalls (stalling, restarting, clutch) fixed at the official dealer.[4][5][6]

See the 2 of the e-Skyactiv D 3.3 faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of BMW M57 and e-Skyactiv D 3.3
BMW M57e-Skyactiv D 3.3
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelDieselDiesel
Displacement—3,283 cm³
TimingChain—
Power150–286 hp254 hp
Production1998–2010[1][7]since 2022[8][9]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)63High risk21Low risk
Documented faults52
Of high or critical severity22
Worst severityCritical severityHigh severity
Main faults
  1. Critical severity: Broken intake swirl flaps
  2. High severity: Crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve failure
  3. Medium severity: Cracked exhaust manifold
  1. High severity: Stalling and restart failures due to control unit software
  2. High severity: Clutch between engine and electric motor that does not re-engage after braking
Most expensive documented repairup to €300Faulty air flow meter on the BMW M57 (loss of power)Published figure[10]No reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versionsNoneNone
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • M57D25, 2.5 litres (150-197 hp, 2000-2010 depending on application)[2]
  • M57D30, first-generation 3.0 litres (177-193 hp, 1998-2006 depending on application)[2]
  • M57D30TU, first revision 3.0 litres (201-272 hp, 2001-2006)[2]
  • M57D30TU2, second revision 3.0 litres, aluminium block (204-286 hp, 2004-2010)[2]
  • 3.3 e-Skyactiv D 254 (T3-VPTS, 2022-present)[4][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 M57

See the 10 models with the BMW M57

e-Skyactiv D 3.3

Other comparisons

With the BMW M57

With the e-Skyactiv D 3.3

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. BMW M57Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  2. Motor BMW M57 - Reparación EspecializadaDasercars · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  3. BMW M57D30 engine specifications, problems and reliabilityBimmerPulse · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026
  4. DVSA – base de llamadas a revisión (Mazda CX-60)DVSA (Reino Unido) · Official body · consulted 29 October 2026
  5. Mazda CX-60 (2022 – 2024): engine stall (Safety Gate SR/01913/25)Car-Recalls.eu · Official body · published 23 May 2025 · consulted 29 October 2026
  6. Mazda CX-60: The engine not responding to the accelerator after stopping (KBA 14131R)Car-Recalls.eu · Official body · published 11 August 2025 · consulted 29 October 2026
  7. BMW M57Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  8. Skyactiv (apartado Skyactiv-D 3.3)Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 29 October 2026
  9. Mazda CX-60 3.3 e-Skyactiv D MHEV 254ps AWD HomuraPractical Caravan · Motoring press · consulted 29 October 2026
  10. Caudalímetro o sensor MAF: qué es, cómo funciona y cuáles son las averías más frecuentesDiariomotor · Motoring press · consulted 30 October 2026 · in Spanish