BMW 5 Series G30Saloon2016–2023
Every engine fitted to the G30-generation BMW 5 Series — from the 2.0-litre B48 four-cylinder to the 3.0-litre B58 six and the 4.4-litre N63 V8.
Real UK costs, honest failure data, and the B57 diesel's defining role in this generation's ownership story.
Backed by 300+ real UK 5 Series enquiries in 2025 [BMW-VERIFIED].
Engine Database
Every engine fitted to the G30 saloon specifically — from the 2016 launch through the 2020 LCI facelift and the introduction of mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants.
Overview
The BMW G30 is the seventh generation of the BMW 5 Series, produced from November 2016 to June 2023. Built on BMW's CLAR (Cluster Architecture) platform, the G30 introduced significant weight savings through increased use of aluminium and high-strength steel, and offered a range of turbocharged petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid powertrains. The engine line-up evolved substantially over its production run: early cars used B48 four-cylinder and B58 six-cylinder petrols, alongside B47 four-cylinder and B57 six-cylinder diesels.
The 2020 Life Cycle Impulse (LCI) facelift brought mild-hybrid technology to many models, increased power outputs, and introduced the 545e xDrive plug-in hybrid with the B58 six-cylinder petrol. The G30 was succeeded by the G60 5 Series in 2023.
Key Facts
Market Intelligence
The G30 5 Series generated 300+ real UK engine enquiries in 2025 [BMW-VERIFIED], concentrated on the 2.0-litre B47 diesel and B48 petrol engines as the parc exits warranty and high-mileage maintenance comes to the fore.
04Best & Worst Engines
Best Diesel Overall
B57D30 3.0-litre six-cylinder (530d) — The 261–282 bhp B57 six-cylinder diesel delivers effortless torque, excellent refinement, and genuine durability. It's the engine that defines the G30 as a motorway cruiser — 620 Nm of torque and 0-60 in 5.8 seconds with 50+ mpg economy.
“”
Who it's for: high-mileage buyers who want six-cylinder refinement without petrol running costs.
Best Petrol Overall
B58B30 3.0-litre six-cylinder (540i) — The 335 bhp B58 is widely regarded as BMW's most reliable modern six-cylinder. Delivering 450 Nm of torque and 0-60 in 5.1 seconds, it offers genuine performance with proven durability.
“”
Who it's for: buyers who want the sweet spot of performance, refinement, and reliability.
Highest Risk
N63B44 4.4-litre V8 (M550i) — The hot-vee V8 design places turbochargers in the engine's 'V', generating significant heat. Valve stem seal wear and cooling system leaks are well-documented on early N63 units. The updated N63B44D (2020+) is improved but still demands meticulous maintenance.
“”
Who it's for: buyers who accept the premium and keep the car under warranty.
Most Expensive Failure
N63B44 V8 (M550i) — The 4.4-litre V8 is the most expensive engine in the G30 line-up to replace, with reconditioned units costing £6,000–£10,000. Valve stem seal replacement is a labour-intensive job — £3,000–£6,000 at a specialist — and cooling system failures can lead to catastrophic engine damage.
“”
Who it's for: buyers with deep pockets and a commitment to specialist servicing.
Best Value
B47D20 2.0-litre diesel (520d) — The 188 bhp B47 diesel offers the best balance of performance, economy, and running costs. It's the most common G30 engine, parts are widely available, and the recon cost is the lowest in the range. Post-recall EGR cooler units are reliable, and DPF issues are manageable with regular motorway driving.
“”
Who it's for: the majority of G30 buyers who prioritise running costs.
Most Overlooked
B48B20 2.0-litre petrol (530i) — Often overshadowed by the six-cylinder 540i, the 248 bhp B48 delivers genuine performance — 0-60 in 6.2 seconds — with the economy of a four-cylinder and, crucially, the proven reliability of BMW's modular engine family.
“”
Who it's for: buyers who want petrol refinement without the six-cylinder's fuel consumption.
Best Diesel Overall
B57D30
3.0-litre six-cylinder (530d) — The 261–282 bhp B57 six-cylinder diesel delivers effortless torque, excellent refinement, and genuine durability. It's the engine that defines the G30 as a motorway cruiser — 620 Nm of torque and 0-60 in 5.8 seconds with 50+ mpg economy.
“”
Who it's for: high-mileage buyers who want six-cylinder refinement without petrol running costs.
Best Petrol Overall
B58B30
3.0-litre six-cylinder (540i) — The 335 bhp B58 is widely regarded as BMW's most reliable modern six-cylinder. Delivering 450 Nm of torque and 0-60 in 5.1 seconds, it offers genuine performance with proven durability.
“”
Who it's for: buyers who want the sweet spot of performance, refinement, and reliability.
Highest Risk
N63B44
4.4-litre V8 (M550i) — The hot-vee V8 design places turbochargers in the engine's 'V', generating significant heat. Valve stem seal wear and cooling system leaks are well-documented on early N63 units. The updated N63B44D (2020+) is improved but still demands meticulous maintenance.
“”
Who it's for: buyers who accept the premium and keep the car under warranty.
Most Expensive Failure
N63B44
V8 (M550i) — The 4.4-litre V8 is the most expensive engine in the G30 line-up to replace, with reconditioned units costing £6,000–£10,000. Valve stem seal replacement is a labour-intensive job — £3,000–£6,000 at a specialist — and cooling system failures can lead to catastrophic engine damage.
“”
Who it's for: buyers with deep pockets and a commitment to specialist servicing.
Best Value
B47D20
2.0-litre diesel (520d) — The 188 bhp B47 diesel offers the best balance of performance, economy, and running costs. It's the most common G30 engine, parts are widely available, and the recon cost is the lowest in the range. Post-recall EGR cooler units are reliable, and DPF issues are manageable with regular motorway driving.
“”
Who it's for: the majority of G30 buyers who prioritise running costs.
Most Overlooked
B48B20 2.0-litre petrol (530i) — Often overshadowed by the six-cylinder 540i, the 248 bhp B48 delivers genuine performance — 0-60 in 6.2 seconds — with the economy of a four-cylinder and, crucially, the proven reliability of BMW's modular engine family.
“”
Who it's for: buyers who want petrol refinement without the six-cylinder's fuel consumption.
Engine
Typical Mileage
Common Major Failure
Repair Cost (Specialist)
Replacement Cost (Recon)
Ownership Verdict
Best Petrol -reliable four-cylinder
Premium Choice -performance costsHighest Risk -V8 ownership is expensiveSolid Choice -six-cylinder refinementComplex -quad-turbo adds failure pointsWatch -battery adds complexityToo Early -limited dataEngineTypical MileageCommon Major FailureRepair Cost (Specialist)Replacement Cost (Recon)Ownership VerdictBest Petrol -reliable four-cylinderPremium Choice -performance costsHighest Risk -V8 ownership is expensiveSolid Choice -six-cylinder refinementComplex -quad-turbo adds failure pointsWatch -battery adds complexityToo Early -limited data
The G30 rule
A £4,500–£8,000 B57 recon against a £8,000–£12,000 early G30 sits at 38–100% of the car's value. On a sub-£8,000 example, that brushes our 70% BMW threshold -we'll honestly tell you to walk away. Against a well-kept £15,000+ example, the same recon drops to a routine 30–53% -a repair decision, not a financial one. Value the car first.
Key Takeaways
Which G30 Costs Least To Own?
B47 520d -cheapest recon, best economy.
Which G30 Costs Most To Own?
N63 M550i -valve stem seals and cooling system repairs are expensive.
Which G30 Is Best Value?
B47 520d -the sweet spot between economy, performance, and running costs.
B47
Diesel EGR Cooler Failure
Affected models:
G30 518d, 520d, 523d, 525d (2017–2020, pre-recall).
Typical failure mileage:
60,000–120,000 miles.
Root cause:
The EGR cooler on B47 diesel engines can develop internal coolant leaks, leading to coolant loss and, in rare cases, fire risk. BMW issued a recall for this issue -any car without documented recall work carries this risk.
Tiered Cost Table
Preventative (Repair)
Dealer
Specialist
£800–£1,500 (recall work free if applicable)
£500–£1,200
EGR cooler replacement, coolant flush
Catastrophic (Replacement)
Dealer
Specialist
£4,000–£6,000
£2,800–£5,000
Full reconditioned engine
Our Recommendation
On any G30 diesel, check the EGR cooler recall status immediately -a £500–£1,200 preventative repair is cheaper than the £2,800–£5,000 replacement that follows if ignored.
B48/B58
Cooling System Leaks
Affected models:
G30 520i, 530i, 540i (all petrol variants).
Typical failure mileage:
60,000–120,000 miles.
Root cause:
The cooling system on B48 and B58 engines -including the expansion tank, water pump, and plastic fittings -can develop leaks over time. Coolant loss can lead to overheating and, if ignored, engine damage.
Tiered Cost Table
Preventative (Repair)
Dealer
Specialist
£500–£1,200
£300–£800
Water pump, expansion tank, coolant pipes
Catastrophic (Replacement)
Dealer
Specialist
£4,000–£7,000
£3,200–£6,000
Full reconditioned engine
Our Recommendation
On any G30 petrol approaching 60,000 miles, have the cooling system inspected -a £300–£800 preventative repair is cheaper than the £3,200–£6,000 replacement that follows if ignored.
N63
V8 Valve Stem Seal Wear
Affected models:
G30 M550i xDrive (2018–2020, N63B44).
Typical failure mileage:
40,000–80,000 miles.
Root cause:
The hot-vee V8 design generates significant heat, causing valve stem seals to harden and wear prematurely. Blue smoke on startup is the classic warning sign; ignored, it leads to oil consumption and potential catalytic converter damage.
Tiered Cost Table
Preventative (Repair)
Dealer
Specialist
£4,000–£6,000
£3,000–£5,000
Valve stem seal replacement
Catastrophic (Replacement)
Dealer
Specialist
£8,000–£12,000
£6,000–£10,000
Full reconditioned engine
Our Recommendation
On any M550i, watch for blue smoke on startup -a £3,000–£5,000 preventative repair is cheaper than the £6,000–£10,000 replacement that follows if ignored.
VariantEngine Code
Used (Supply)
Reconditioned (Supply)
Rebuilt (Supply)
Labour Hours
Diesel Variants
Scope note: All variants listed are G30 saloon only. G31 Touring shares most of these engines but is covered on its own Generation Page. The LCI facelift (2020) introduced mild-hybrid technology to many models, increased power outputs, and added the 545e xDrive plug-in hybrid with the B58 six-cylinder. The M550i xDrive received the updated N63B44D V8 in 2020, increasing power from 456 bhp to 523 bhp.
Most Requested Engines (2025)
Most Requested Variants
Average Replacement Cost
£2,800–£10,000 supply-only
[BMW-QUOTE]
Most Common Failures
Live FeedBMW 5 Series 520d G30
B47
Birmingham
Coolant loss, EGR cooler leak5
enquiries
Updated MonthlyBMW 5 Series 540i G30
B58
LondonCooling system leak, water pump4
enquiries
Updated MonthlyBMW 5 Series M550i G30
N63
ManchesterBlue smoke on startup2
enquiries
Updated MonthlyMost Requested Engines (2025)
Most Requested Variants
Average Replacement Cost
£2,800–£10,000 supply-only
[BMW-QUOTE]
Most Common Failures
Most Requested Engines (2025)
Most Requested Variants
Average Replacement Cost
£2,800–£10,000 supply-only
[BMW-QUOTE]
Most Common Failures
Diesel Variants
Scope note: All variants listed are G30 saloon only. G31 Touring shares most of these engines but is covered on its own Generation Page. The LCI facelift (2020) introduced mild-hybrid technology to many models, increased power outputs, and added the 545e xDrive plug-in hybrid with the B58 six-cylinder. The M550i xDrive received the updated N63B44D V8 in 2020, increasing power from 456 bhp to 523 bhp.
Most Requested Engines (2025)
Most Requested Variants
Average Replacement Cost
£2,800–£10,000 supply-only
[BMW-QUOTE]
Most Common Failures
Most Requested Engines (2025)
Most Requested Variants
Average Replacement Cost
£2,800–£10,000 supply-only
[BMW-QUOTE]
Most Common Failures
Most Requested Engines (2025)
Most Requested Variants
Average Replacement Cost
£2,800–£10,000 supply-only
[BMW-QUOTE]
Most Common Failures
Live FeedBMW 5 Series 520d G30
B47
BirminghamCoolant loss, EGR cooler leak5
enquiries
BMW 5 Series 540i G30
B58
LondonCooling system leak, water pump4
enquiries
BMW 5 Series M550i G30
N63
ManchesterBlue smoke on startup2
enquiries
Updated MonthlyTrusted G30 Engine Suppliers
every garage and engine rebuilder in our network is vetted, rated and reviewed by real G30 owners, as part of the Engine Finders network.
Compare G30 Engine Replacement Companies
see prices, warranty terms and supply & fit options side-by-side before you commit.
UK Engine Replacement Services for G30
covering every variant from 520i to M550i and 518d to M550d, with supply-only or full supply & fit available nationwide.
Find the best BMW 5 Series G30 engine replacement UK drivers rely on. Compare real prices from trusted specialists on EnginesMarket today and get back on the road with confidence.
Compare BMW 5 Series G30 Engine Prices on EnginesMarket
