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11 September 2025 BMW E92 engines
The BMW E92 established itself as the coupe variant of the third-generation 3 Series from 2006 to 2013 and represented BMW's pinnacle in the development of atmospheric high-revving engines. The BMW E92 engines comprised an impressive range from economical diesels to the legendary naturally aspirated V8 engine of the M3, with each engine variant featuring different technological approaches and reliability characteristics.
BMW E92 engines (2006-2013)
The single generation of the BMW E92 was characterized by the transition period between proven naturally aspirated technology and modern turbocharging, which was reflected in an extraordinary variety of engines. Mileage varied considerably depending on the engine type: while the robust diesel engines easily reached 400,000 to 500,000 kilometers with proper maintenance, the more complex petrol engines often required costly repairs to the high-pressure pump or valve control between 150,000 and 250,000 kilometers. The absolute top engine of this generation was the M3's 4.0-liter V8 with 420 hp - a technical masterpiece with a rated speed of 8,400 rpm that is considered one of the best atmospheric engines of all time. Typical repair intervals for the naturally aspirated engines were between 120,000 and 180,000 kilometers for major maintenance work, while the early turbo engines required more extensive interventions from 100,000 kilometers. In a market comparison, the E92 positioned itself as a technological pioneer compared to the Audi A5 and Mercedes C-Class Coupé.
BMW E92 petrol engines (2006-2013)
The BMW E92 petrol engine range was exceptionally diverse and included both naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines. The N52B25 with a displacement of 2.5 liters and 160 kW (218 hp) in the 325i was the entry-level engine, followed by the N52B30 with 3.0 liters and 190 kW (258 hp) in the 330i. Both naturally aspirated engines were considered to be very reliable, but occasionally suffered from problems with the valve control (Valvetronic) and the crankcase ventilation system. The BMW E92 335i received the revolutionary N54B30 - a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder with twin-turbocharging and 225 kW (306 hp), which was later replaced by the N55B30 with single turbo and 225-240 kW (306-326 hp). However, these early BMW turbo engines were prone to high-pressure pump failures, turbocharger damage and fuel injector problems. The absolute pinnacle was the S65B40 in the M3 - a 4.0-liter V8 with 309 kW (420 hp), which despite its complexity was considered very durable as long as the throttle valves were cleaned regularly.
BMW E92 diesel engines (2006-2013)
The BMW E92 diesels were dominated by the proven in-line six-cylinder architecture with various output levels. The 320d received the M47D20 with 2.0 liters and 120 kW (163 hp), later the more modern N47D20 with improved common-rail injection. The BMW E92 325d was equipped with the M57D30 - a 3.0-liter engine with 145 kW (197 hp), which proved to be one of the most reliable BMW diesels of all time. For the highest demands, the 330d and 335d were available with the M57D30TÜ2, a 3.0-liter twin-turbo diesel with 180 kW (245 hp) and 210 kW (286 hp) respectively. These BMW E92 engines were considered to be extremely robust and economical, with typical problems only with exhaust gas recirculation and occasional turbocharger damage due to neglected maintenance. The M57 engine developed into the best diesel of this generation, offering a perfect balance between performance, consumption and longevity.
| BMW E92 engine | Power output | Fuel consumption | Typical weaknesses | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N52B25 (325i) | 218 HP | 8.1-8.7 l/100km | Valvetronic, crankcase ventilation | Good |
| N52B30 (330i) | 258 HP | 8.4-9.1 l/100km | Valvetronic, occasional water pump | Good |
| N54B30 (335i) | 306 HP | 9.1-10.2 l/100km | High pressure pump, turbocharger, injectors | Problematic |
| N55B30 (335i) | 306-326 HP | 8.7-9.8 l/100km | Turbocharger, valve coking | Moderate |
| S65B40 (M3) | 420 HP | 12.8-14.5 l/100km | Throttle valves, very robust during maintenance | Very good |
| M47D20 (320d) | 163 HP | 5.8-6.4 l/100km | EGR valve, swirl flaps | Average |
| N47D20 (320d) | 163-184 HP | 5.5-6.2 l/100km | Timing chain, EGR system | Moderate |
| M57D30 (325d) | 197 HP | 6.1-6.8 l/100km | Very robust, occasional EGR | Very good |
| M57D30TÜ2 (330d/335d) | 245-286 HP | 6.8-7.6 l/100km | Turbocharger with high mileage | Very good |
Conclusion: The best BMW E92 engines of all generations
The BMW E92 engines represent a unique era in BMW engine development, in which both the last great naturally aspirated engines and the first modern turbocharged engines were used. While the atmospheric engines impressed with their longevity and characteristic BMW sound, the early turbo engines brought more power, but also significantly higher maintenance costs. The diesel engines set standards in terms of efficiency and reliability that are still the benchmark today.
- Best BMW E92 gasoline engine:
The S65B40 V8 in the M3 with 420 hp is considered a masterpiece of engine technology - a high-revving naturally aspirated engine with exceptional longevity with proper maintenance and an unforgettable sound.
- Best BMW E92 diesel engine:
The M57D30 in the 325d with 197 hp offers the optimum combination of reliability, economy and driving performance - an engine that easily reaches 400,000+ kilometers.
- Best BMW E92 everyday engine:
The N52B30 in the 330i with 258 hp combines atmospheric running culture with acceptable reliability and moderate maintenance costs for everyday use.
For maintenance and spare parts for all BMW E92 generations, AUTODOC offers a comprehensive range of original and quality spare parts with fast delivery and expert advice.
