Skip to content
MotorFiable

N52B30N51B30

N52B30 3.0 (2004-2015) engine: faults and reliability

BMW N52 and N53 (seis cilindros atmosférico) version

With caution

Same weak points as the N52B25; units from before the end of 2008 may have noisy hydraulic lifters.[1][2]

Years
2004–2015
Power
215–268 hp
Faults that affect it
4
0 of high or critical severity
Cars that use it
8
in our database

4 sourcesHow we work

What changes in this version

3.0-litre version of the same engine; Wikipedia lists outputs from 215 to 268 hp and the N51B30 variant with a different emissions homologation.[3]

Engine codes of this version: N52B30, N51B30.

Faults of the N52B30 engine

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

  1. 1Medium severityFrequency: CommonCoolingElectric water pump and thermostat failureThe N52's plastic electric water pump cracks or fails sooner than a mechanical one, and the thermostat usually goes with it; it is recommended to replace it as a precaution at around 80,000-100,000 km.Repair (garage): €350–€600Appears at around 80,000 km
  2. 2Medium severityFrequency: CommonLubricationOil leak from the oil filter housing gasketThe oil filter housing gasket hardens over time and leaks oil on all N52 engines; the leak can soil the engine and damage nearby parts.
  3. 3Low severityFrequency: CommonLubricationValve cover and crankcase ventilation valveThe N52's plastic valve cover cracks with heat cycles and the crankcase ventilation system fails, causing whistling, leaks and oil consumption.Repair (garage): €200–€350
  4. 4Low severityFrequency: OccasionalLubricationN52 hydraulic lifter noiseN52 engines from before December 2008 can have hydraulic lifters that make a tapping noise when cold because of a lubrication problem.

Cars fitted with the N52B30 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 N52B30 engine reliable?

Our verdict is “With caution”. Same weak points as the N52B25; units from before the end of 2008 may have noisy hydraulic lifters.[1][2]

What faults does the N52B30 engine have?

The documented ones that affect this version, by importance: electric water pump and thermostat failure (medium severity), oil leak from the oil filter housing gasket (medium severity), valve cover and crankcase ventilation valve (low severity) and n52 hydraulic lifter noise (low severity).

Which cars use the N52B30 engine?

BMW Serie 3 E90 (2005–2012), BMW Serie 5 E60 (2004–2010), BMW Serie 1 E87 (2004–2011), BMW X1 E84 (2009–2015), BMW X3 E83 (2004–2010), BMW X5 E70 (2007–2010), BMW Z4 E85/E86 (2004–2008) and BMW Z4 E89 (2009–2013).[1][3][4]

Are you buying a car with the N52B30 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. BMW N52 Engine ProblemsBMW Tuning · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
  2. These BMW N52 Years Have The Most ProblemsJalopnik · General press · consulted 5 October 2026
  3. BMW N52Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
  4. BMW N53Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026