Common issues & diagnosis
The biggest killer in modern BMW engines is poor maintenance. Most BMWs should have their oil changed at 8,000-10,000 km intervals, particularly if you’re driving the car hard. This is shorter than BMW’s official service schedule but is often recommended by most experienced BMW mechanics.
Timing chains are also a big problem in later BMW engines, especially from the N47 engine family. The N47 engine should be monitored for chain noise, and replaced if noisy or otherwise every 80,000 km. If the chains are not replaced they can break whilst running and kill the engine.
Some inline-six petrol engines, including the N52, N54 and N55 are prone to leaking rocker cover gaskets and valve stem seals. As long as these gaskets are replaced semi-regularly (or when required) they won’t cause further issues with the engine.
What is the part's function?
The engine is the heart of a diesel or petrol vehicle. Not only does it provide acceleration power, but the energy created from fuel combustion also powers various other vehicle functions using the serpentine belt.
One of these functions is supplying the vehicle with electricity, which is done by the alternator converting the energy created from the engine into electricity that is then stored in the battery.
Other functions include assisting with the climate control system by using the engine to drive the AC compressor, as well as the vacuum pump which assist with power braking.
How to determine fitment compatibility
BMW designates each of it’s engine types with a code. These codes can give some indication as to whether an engine might match your vehicle, but it’s not 100%.
The best way to determine fitment compatibility of an engine is to match the part numbers of the engine assembly or it’s components. This can be done by decoding your VIN in a BMW parts catalogue.
Provide our team with your vehicle’s 17-digit VIN and we’ll check our stock for a compatible engine.
Interchangeability between models
When BMW develops a type of engine, they tend to use it across a few models within their line-up. Each engine type will be designated a code. This code gives some indication as to whether two engine from different models might interchange, though there are sometimes critical design difference between models that make the engines non-interchangeable.
When engines do interchange between models, it is often only the head and block that match. The manifolds, fuel systems, rocker covers and turbos can be different (especially between SUVs and standard passenger cars.)
