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Engines · BMW

BMW N57 3.0 diesel common problems

The N57 is BMW's 3.0 straight-six turbodiesel, built from 2008 to 2019 in single, twin and tri-turbo forms, replacing the M57 and replaced by the B57. It powered the 330d, 530d, 730d, 640d and the diesel X3, X4, X5 and X6, among others, and is a strong, smooth engine that copes well with high mileage when serviced regularly. The 330d and 325d of the E90 3 Series also used it from late 2008 and 2010.

Common problems and what to look for on the N57

The known issues most worth checking when you view a car with this engine. None of them means a car is a bad buy, but they're worth knowing about before you buy, and a good history often shows they've been dealt with.

  1. Timing chain stretch at higher mileage

    What to look for: Ask for the engine to be started from cold, ideally after standing overnight, with the bonnet open. Listen at the back of the engine, near the windscreen, for a rattle in the first few seconds that's louder than the normal diesel noise or doesn't settle. Ask whether the timing chain has been replaced, and look at the oil change record.

    Why it matters: Like the four-cylinder N47, the N57 has its timing chain at the back of the engine, so replacement is a big job. It is far less prone to trouble than the N47's, but the chain and tensioner can still wear, and early diesels up to 2014 are the ones most often mentioned. A quiet cold start and frequent oil changes are good signs, and a chain invoice is valuable on a high-mileage car.

  2. EGR cooler recall

    What to look for: Ask a BMW dealer to check the car by its VIN (on the V5C) and confirm that all EGR cooler recall work has been done. On the drive, note any loss of power, a burning smell, or a low coolant warning.

    Why it matters: The cooler in the exhaust gas recirculation system can leak coolant internally, and in rare cases the residue mixed with soot can catch fire. BMW's UK recall from 2018, extended in 2019, covers N57 models such as the 530d and 535d from March 2011, the 640d from 2011 to 2015 and the X5 30d and 40d from April 2013. Later campaigns brought an improved cooler, so a car fixed once may need the newer part. It is a free fix at a dealer.

  3. Turbo actuator and wastegate

    What to look for: On the drive, note any smoke under acceleration, a lack of power, or the car going into reduced power with a warning light. Listen for whining or grinding from the turbo.

    Why it matters: A failing electronic turbo actuator can cause smoke and poor performance, and diesels up to 2014 can suffer a sticking turbo wastegate. Both are known faults that a specialist can diagnose, and the actuator can often be replaced on its own.

More known issues, covered in the full guide for each car

  • Crankshaft trouble on hard-driven cars

Cars with the N57

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General points for the engine, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with any manufacturer.