BMW 5 Series G31Touring2017–2023
Every engine fitted to the G31 Touring — from the 2.0-litre B47 diesel and B48 petrol to the 3.0-litre B57 six-cylinder and the M550i's N63 V8.
Real UK replacement costs, honest reliability data, and the EGR cooler and cooling system weaknesses that define this generation.
Backed by real UK G31 enquiries in 2025 [BMW-VERIFIED].
Engine Database
Every engine fitted to the G31 Touring — from the entry-level four-cylinder diesel and petrol to the V8-powered M550i and the quad-turbo M550d.
Overview
The BMW G31, launched in February 2017 as the Touring (estate) version of the seventh-generation 5 Series, combines the practicality of a large estate with the dynamic prowess expected of a BMW. Built on the CLAR (Cluster Architecture) platform shared with the G30 saloon and G11 7 Series, the G31 features a 40:60 front-to-rear weight distribution and a range of turbocharged four-, six- and eight-cylinder engines.
A 2020 facelift brought 48V mild-hybrid technology, updated styling and the introduction of the 545e plug-in hybrid.
Key Facts
Market Intelligence
The G31 generated real UK engine enquiries in 2025 [BMW-VERIFIED], with the B47 diesel and B48 petrol accounting for the majority of demand as these cars enter their second and third ownership cycles.
04Best & Worst Engines
Best Diesel Overall
B57D30A (530d) – "The 3.0-litre straight-six diesel is BMW's finest modern diesel – 265 hp of smooth, effortless torque with none of the timing chain anxiety of the earlier N57. EGR cooler and AdBlue are the only real demands; this engine is widely considered bulletproof."
“”
Who it's for: buyers who want six-cylinder diesel refinement without the quad-turbo complexity.
Best Petrol Overall
B58B30C (540i xDrive, post-LCI) – "The B58 straight-six is BMW's finest modern petrol engine – 333 hp of silky-smooth power with proven reliability. The 48V mild-hybrid system smooths stop-start and boosts off-line response. Water pump and cooling system are the only real demands."
“”
Who it's for: buyers who want effortless six-cylinder power with modern reliability.
Highest Risk
N63B44O2 (M550i, pre-LCI) – "The early N63 V8 carries the hot-vee design's heat-related weaknesses – valve stem seals, coolant hoses and battery drain issues are well-documented. The post-LCI N63B44T3 is significantly improved."
“”
Who it's for: only buyers who accept V8 maintenance costs and have checked the car's service history carefully.
Most Expensive Failure
S63B44T4 (M5) – "The high-output V8 is a masterpiece of engineering, but any internal failure – turbocharger, timing chain or valvetrain – can run to £15,000+. This is not an engine for the faint-hearted."
“”
Who it's for: buyers with deep pockets and full service history.
Best Value
B47D20A (520d) – "The 2.0-litre diesel delivers 190 hp with excellent economy and proven B-series reliability. No timing chain anxiety of the earlier N47 – just solid, dependable motoring. It's the G31's volume seller for good reason."
“”
Who it's for: buyers who want G31 estate practicality with minimal running costs.
Most Overlooked
B58B30C + EM (545e xDrive) – "The plug-in hybrid combines the B58 six-cylinder with an electric motor for 394 hp and genuine electric-only running. Most buyers default to diesel or V8, but the 545e is the smart long-term choice for urban users who want performance and efficiency."
“”
Who it's for: buyers who want six-cylinder performance with hybrid efficiency.
Best Diesel Overall
B57D30A
(530d) – "The 3.0-litre straight-six diesel is BMW's finest modern diesel – 265 hp of smooth, effortless torque with none of the timing chain anxiety of the earlier N57. EGR cooler and AdBlue are the only real demands; this engine is widely considered bulletproof."
“”
Who it's for: buyers who want six-cylinder diesel refinement without the quad-turbo complexity.
Best Petrol Overall
B58B30C
(540i xDrive, post-LCI) – "The B58 straight-six is BMW's finest modern petrol engine – 333 hp of silky-smooth power with proven reliability. The 48V mild-hybrid system smooths stop-start and boosts off-line response. Water pump and cooling system are the only real demands."
“”
Who it's for: buyers who want effortless six-cylinder power with modern reliability.
Highest Risk
N63B44O2
(M550i, pre-LCI) – "The early N63 V8 carries the hot-vee design's heat-related weaknesses – valve stem seals, coolant hoses and battery drain issues are well-documented. The post-LCI N63B44T3 is significantly improved."
“”
Who it's for: only buyers who accept V8 maintenance costs and have checked the car's service history carefully.
Most Expensive Failure
S63B44T4
(M5) – "The high-output V8 is a masterpiece of engineering, but any internal failure – turbocharger, timing chain or valvetrain – can run to £15,000+. This is not an engine for the faint-hearted."
“”
Who it's for: buyers with deep pockets and full service history.
Best Value
B47D20A
(520d) – "The 2.0-litre diesel delivers 190 hp with excellent economy and proven B-series reliability. No timing chain anxiety of the earlier N47 – just solid, dependable motoring. It's the G31's volume seller for good reason."
“”
Who it's for: buyers who want G31 estate practicality with minimal running costs.
Most Overlooked
B58B30C + EM (545e xDrive) – "The plug-in hybrid combines the B58 six-cylinder with an electric motor for 394 hp and genuine electric-only running. Most buyers default to diesel or V8, but the 545e is the smart long-term choice for urban users who want performance and efficiency."
“”
Who it's for: buyers who want six-cylinder performance with hybrid efficiency.
Engine
Typical Mileage
Common Major Failure
Repair Cost (Specialist)
Replacement Cost (Recon)
Ownership Verdict
Solid – proven diesel four, reliable.
Best Diesel – smooth six, well-proven.Solid – more power, more complexity.Expensive – quad-turbo complexity; rare.Solid – reliable four-cylinder.Watch – hybrid complexity; warranty is crucial.Best Petrol – BMW's finest modern six.Specialist – six-cylinder hybrid; complex but rewarding.Watch – hot-vee V8; check history carefully.Solid – improved V8, still premium running costs.Expensive – high-performance V8; specialist-only.EngineTypical MileageCommon Major FailureRepair Cost (Specialist)Replacement Cost (Recon)Ownership VerdictSolid – proven diesel four, reliable.Best Diesel – smooth six, well-proven.Solid – more power, more complexity.Expensive – quad-turbo complexity; rare.Solid – reliable four-cylinder.Watch – hybrid complexity; warranty is crucial.Best Petrol – BMW's finest modern six.Specialist – six-cylinder hybrid; complex but rewarding.Watch – hot-vee V8; check history carefully.Solid – improved V8, still premium running costs.Expensive – high-performance V8; specialist-only.
The G31 rule
A £2,500–£4,500 B47 recon against a £10,000–£20,000 G31 sits at 13–45% of the car's value – a routine repair decision for most examples. Even the most expensive M5 replacement at £15,000 is under 30% of a typical £50,000+ example. The BMW 70% threshold is rarely triggered on the G31 – values are high enough to absorb even significant engine bills. That said, always factor in the car's condition and service history; a neglected example may not be worth the investment.
Key Takeaways
Which G31 Costs Least To Own?
520d (B47) – cheapest entry, lowest insurance, and proven diesel economy.
Which G31 Costs Most To Own?
M5 (S63) – high-output V8 with premium running costs and specialist maintenance.
Which G31 Is Best Value?
530d (B57) – the sweet spot between performance and running costs.
EGR
Cooler Failure (Diesel Engines)
Affected models:
G31 diesel variants (B47, B57, B57S), particularly pre-2020 examples.
Typical failure mileage:
60,000–100,000 miles.
Root cause:
The EGR cooler can develop internal coolant leaks, leading to coolant loss, white smoke and potential engine damage. BMW has issued recalls for some variants.
Tiered Cost Table
Preventative (Repair)
Dealer
Specialist
£800–£1,500 (often covered by recall)
£400–£1,000
Catastrophic (Replacement)
Dealer
Specialist
£5,000–£8,000
£2,500–£4,500
Our Recommendation
Check if your G31 diesel is covered by the EGR cooler recall – if not, have the cooler inspected at every service. A £400–£1,000 repair is far cheaper than the £2,500+ replacement that follows an overheat.
B48/B58
Water Pump & Cooling System
Affected models:
G31 petrol variants with B48 or B58 engines (520i, 530i, 540i).
Typical failure mileage:
60,000–100,000 miles.
Root cause:
The plastic water pump impeller and thermostat housing can degrade with heat cycling – a known characteristic of BMW's B-series engines. Coolant leaks are the first sign.
Tiered Cost Table
Preventative (Repair)
Dealer
Specialist
£800–£1,500
£300–£600
Catastrophic (Replacement)
Dealer
Specialist
£4,000–£7,000
£2,000–£4,500
Our Recommendation
At the first sign of coolant loss, have the water pump and thermostat housing inspected – a £300–£600 repair is cheap insurance against a £2,000+ replacement. Replace the coolant at the same time.
N63
V8 Valve Stem Seals & Coolant Leaks (Pre-LCI M550i)
Affected models:
G31 M550i xDrive (pre-LCI, N63B44O2, 2017–2020).
Typical failure mileage:
40,000–80,000 miles.
Root cause:
The hot-vee V8 design generates significant heat – valve stem seals can harden and leak, causing oil consumption and blue smoke on startup. Coolant hoses and plastic fittings near the turbochargers also degrade.
Tiered Cost Table
Preventative (Repair)
Dealer
Specialist
£2,500–£4,000
£1,000–£3,000
Catastrophic (Replacement)
Dealer
Specialist
£10,000–£15,000
£6,000–£10,000
Our Recommendation
If you own a pre-LCI M550i, monitor oil consumption carefully and have the cooling system inspected annually. A £1,000–£3,000 valve stem seal replacement is far cheaper than the £6,000+ replacement that follows a catastrophic failure. Post-LCI N63B44T3 cars have improved seals and cooling system components.
48V
Mild-Hybrid Battery & System Issues (LCI Models)
Affected models:
G31 LCI models with 48V mild-hybrid system (2020–2023, most petrol and diesel variants).
Typical failure mileage:
40,000–80,000 miles (age-related).
Root cause:
The 48V lithium-ion battery and associated electronics can develop issues – symptoms include reduced stop-start functionality, warning lights and, in rare cases, complete system failure.
Tiered Cost Table
Preventative (Repair)
Dealer
Specialist
£500–£1,000
£300–£600
Catastrophic (Replacement)
Dealer
Specialist
£2,500–£4,000
£1,800–£3,000
Our Recommendation
Have the 48V battery health checked at every major service – a £300–£600 repair or software update is far cheaper than a £1,800+ battery replacement. Keep the car on a trickle charger if left unused for extended periods.
VariantEngine Code
Used (Supply)
Reconditioned (Supply)
Rebuilt (Supply)
Labour Hours
Petrol Variants
Scope note: All variants listed are G31 only. The G30 saloon and G32 6 Series Gran Turismo share most of these engines but are covered on their own Generation Pages. The M5 (F90) is technically a separate model but shares the G30/G31 platform; its engine is included for completeness. The M550d xDrive with the B57S quad-turbo diesel was discontinued after 2020.
Most Requested Engines (2025)
Most Requested Variants
Average Replacement Cost
£2,000–£15,000 supply only .
[BMW-QUOTE]
Most Common Failures
Live FeedBMW 520d G31
B47D20A
Birmingham
EGR cooler recall enquiry6
enquiries
Updated MonthlyBMW 530d G31
B57D30A
LeedsAdBlue system warning4
enquiries
Updated MonthlyBMW M550i G31
N63B44T3
LondonCoolant loss2
enquiries
Updated MonthlyMost Requested Engines (2025)
Most Requested Variants
Average Replacement Cost
£2,000–£15,000 supply only .
[BMW-QUOTE]
Most Common Failures
Most Requested Engines (2025)
Most Requested Variants
Average Replacement Cost
£2,000–£15,000 supply only .
[BMW-QUOTE]
Most Common Failures
Petrol Variants
Scope note: All variants listed are G31 only. The G30 saloon and G32 6 Series Gran Turismo share most of these engines but are covered on their own Generation Pages. The M5 (F90) is technically a separate model but shares the G30/G31 platform; its engine is included for completeness. The M550d xDrive with the B57S quad-turbo diesel was discontinued after 2020.
Most Requested Engines (2025)
Most Requested Variants
Average Replacement Cost
£2,000–£15,000 supply only .
[BMW-QUOTE]
Most Common Failures
Most Requested Engines (2025)
Most Requested Variants
Average Replacement Cost
£2,000–£15,000 supply only .
[BMW-QUOTE]
Most Common Failures
Most Requested Engines (2025)
Most Requested Variants
Average Replacement Cost
£2,000–£15,000 supply only .
[BMW-QUOTE]
Most Common Failures
Live FeedBMW 520d G31
B47D20A
BirminghamEGR cooler recall enquiry6
enquiries
BMW 530d G31
B57D30A
LeedsAdBlue system warning4
enquiries
BMW M550i G31
N63B44T3
LondonCoolant loss2
enquiries
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