Skip to content
MotorFiable

M57D30TU

M57D30TU, first revision 3.0 litres (201-272 hp, 2001-2006) engine: faults and reliability

BMW M57 (M57D25/M57D30) version

With caution

A BMW specialist workshop places this revision among those that generally have the swirl flaps prone to breaking.[1]

Years
2001–2006
Power
201–272 hp
Faults that affect it
5
2 of high or critical severity
Cars that use it
5
in our database

6 sourcesHow we work

What changes in this version

Technical revision of the M57D30 (now 2,993 cc) with improvements to the common-rail injection and outputs of 201 to 272 hp depending on application; it debuted in the E83 X3 in 2003 and also reached the E65/E66 730d in 2002.[2][3][4]

Engine codes of this version: M57D30TU.

Faults of the M57D30TU engine

The documented engine faults that affect this version and its years, from most to least important.

  1. 1Critical severityFrequency: CommonIntakeBroken intake swirl flapsYes: most automatic M57 and M57TU engines (330d, 530d, 535d, 730d, X3 3.0d and so on) have six metal flaps in the intake manifold that can seize, come loose and wreck a cylinder. The E53 X5 3.0d and the manual gearboxes of the first 330d/530d are free of them, according to a specialist workshop.
  2. 2High severityFrequency: CommonLubricationCrankcase ventilation (PCV) valve failureThe valve that separates oil from the crankcase gases (PCV) degrades over time, especially after 120,000-150,000 km, and can cause oil consumption, bluish smoke and a rough idle and, if ignored, foul the turbo, the EGR or the particulate filter.Appears at around 120,000 km
  3. 3Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalCylinder head and blockCracked exhaust manifoldThe M57 exhaust manifold can crack, causing loss of power, an unstable idle and a smell of exhaust fumes in the cabin; the recommended repair is to replace it with a cast one.
  4. 4Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalOtherCrankshaft pulley vibration damper failureThe M57 crankshaft vibration damper (pulley) can fail with use, warning with abnormal noises and knocking at the front of the engine before it breaks completely.
  5. 5Low severityFrequency: OccasionalIntakeFaulty air flow meter on the BMW M57 (loss of power)The air flow meter is a known fault on six-cylinder M57 diesels: over time it loses accuracy and the car pulls less. It is a cheap repair compared with the turbo or injection.Repair (garage): €100–€300

Cars fitted with the M57D30TU engine

Open each car to see all its faults with this engine and what to check before buying it.

BMW

Frequently asked questions

Is the M57D30TU engine reliable?

Our verdict is “With caution”. A BMW specialist workshop places this revision among those that generally have the swirl flaps prone to breaking.[1]

What faults does the M57D30TU engine have?

The documented ones that affect this version, by importance: broken intake swirl flaps (critical severity), crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve failure (high severity), cracked exhaust manifold (medium severity), crankshaft pulley vibration damper failure (medium severity) and faulty air flow meter on the BMW M57 (loss of power) (low severity).

Which cars use the M57D30TU engine?

BMW Serie 3 E46 (1999–2005), BMW Serie 5 E60 (2003–2010), BMW X3 E83 (2003–2010), BMW X5 E53 (2001–2006) and BMW Serie 7 E65 (2002–2008).[2][3][4][5][6]

Are you buying a car with the M57D30TU engine?

We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.

Do you have a car with this engine? Tell us which faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.

Sources

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

  1. Motor BMW M57 - Reparación EspecializadaDasercars · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  2. BMW M57Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  3. BMW 7 Series (E65)Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  4. BMW X3 (E83)Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  5. BMW 3 Series (E46)Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  6. BMW X5 (E53)Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026