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BMW M57 vs 2.3 dCi (M9T): which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 2.3 dCi (M9T) carries less risk than the BMW M57: 32/100 (moderate risk) versus 63/100 (high risk). The BMW M57 has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Broken intake swirl flaps»; the 2.3 dCi (M9T) has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Clogged or broken EGR valve damaging the turbo».

Risk index

BMW M57

63

High risk · 2 serious faults

Risk index

2.3 dCi (M9T)

32

Moderate 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 2.3 dCi (M9T) reliable?

The 2.3 dCi M9T is a van diesel with good durability if maintenance is kept up. The weak points cited are the EGR and the turbo, the injectors, and the particulate filter in urban use; the sources are mostly opinion websites.[4][5]

See the 5 of the 2.3 dCi (M9T) faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of BMW M57 and 2.3 dCi (M9T)
BMW M572.3 dCi (M9T)
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelDieselDiesel
Displacement—2,300 cm³
TimingChainChain
Power150–286 hp100–180 hp
Production1998–2010[1][6]since 2010[4][5][7]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)63High risk32Moderate risk
Documented faults55
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: Clogged or broken EGR valve damaging the turbo
  2. Medium severity: Faulty injectors on the 2.3 dCi
  3. Medium severity: Diesel particulate filter (DPF) clogged in urban use
Most expensive documented repairup to €300Faulty air flow meter on the BMW M57 (loss of power)Published figure[8]up to €2,300Clogged or broken EGR valve damaging the turboPublished figure[4][9]
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versionsNone
  • 2.3 dCi 100-125 hp (M9T)[5]
  • 2.3 dCi 130-145 hp (M9T)[5]
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]
  • 2.3 dCi 150-180 hp (M9T, some twin-turbo)[5]
  • 2.3 dCi in the Navara D23 (NP300)[10]
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

2.3 dCi (M9T)

Other comparisons

With the BMW M57

With the 2.3 dCi (M9T)

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. Renault Master III 2.3 dCi 130: fiabilité, pannes et coûtsCarverif · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
  5. Fiabilité Renault Master 2.3 dCiCarverif · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
  6. BMW M57Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  7. Renault Master (tercera generación)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
  8. Caudalímetro o sensor MAF: qué es, cómo funciona y cuáles son las averías más frecuentesDiariomotor · Motoring press · consulted 30 October 2026 · in Spanish
  9. Fiabilité du Renault Master RT 2.3 dCi: analyse complèteCarverif · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
  10. Nissan Navara wymaga zmian systemu oczyszczania spalinAutokatalog.pl · Motoring press · published 23 August 2023 · consulted 5 October 2026 · in another language