BMW 7 Series 730i / 730Li1977–20226 Engine Generations

BMW 7 Series 730i / 730Li Engine Replacement —Compare Prices &
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Name: BMW 7 Series 730i / 730Li UK Engine Enquiry Data 2025
Creator: BMWEngines.uk

The 730i badge has defined flagship luxury for the 7 Series across five decades — from the classic M30 six-cylinder to the V8-powered E38, the refined N52, and finally the turbocharged B48 four-cylinder. Get quotes from trusted UK BMW specialists for every era, supply & fit available nationwide.

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BMW 7 Series 730i / 730Li Engines — from £800 to £9,500Common codes: M30B30, M60B30, N52B30, B48B20

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The 730i / 730Li Through Time — Era Map

Seven generations. Seven eras. One guide to reliability, costs and what really matters.

Era Note

Classic SOHC six — robust but ageing; early EGR warped heads

Era Note

Refined M30 — one of BMW's most durable engines

Era Note

First V8 730i — smooth, but Nikasil bore issues

Era Note

V8 luxury — timing chain guides and cooling system

Era Note

Magnesium-block six — gaskets and water pump

Era Note

Last naturally aspirated 730i — VANOS and leaks

Era Note

Turbo four — efficient but coolant and oil leaks

Generation	Years	Engine Code	Recon Cost (Guide)	Era Note
E23	1977–1986	M30B30	£800–£2,200[PLACEHOLDER]	Classic SOHC six — robust but ageing; early EGR warped heads
E32 (early)	1986–1992	M30B30	£900–£2,500[PLACEHOLDER]	Refined M30 — one of BMW's most durable engines
E32 (late)	1992–1994	M60B30	£1,500–£3,500[PLACEHOLDER]	First V8 730i — smooth, but Nikasil bore issues
E38	1994–2001	M60B30	£1,500–£3,800[PLACEHOLDER]	V8 luxury — timing chain guides and cooling system
E65/E66	2003–2008	N52B30A/BF	£2,000–£5,000[PLACEHOLDER]	Magnesium-block six — gaskets and water pump
F01/F02	2008–2015	N52B30A/BF/AF	£2,200–£5,500[PLACEHOLDER]	Last naturally aspirated 730i — VANOS and leaks
G11/G12	2015–2022	B48B20B	£3,500–£9,500[PLACEHOLDER]	Turbo four — efficient but coolant and oil leaks

Why use this era map?

Every cost guide, reliability rating and engine code on this page is aligned to the data above. This keeps everything consistent and trustworthy.

Real UKCost Data
VerifiedReliability
ExpertInsights
Updated for2025

BMW 7 Series 730i / 730Li Engine Replacement Costs

Supply Only£1,800 – £7,500
Fitted (Indie)£2,800 – £9,000
Warranty12–24 months
Best ForMost owners — best cost/warranty balance

Engine Type	Supply Only	Fitted (Indie)	Warranty	Best For
Used Engine	£800 – £2,500	£1,500 – £3,800	1–6 months	Budget priority; E23–E38 cars
Reconditioned Engine	£1,800 – £7,500	£2,800 – £9,000	12–24 months	Most owners — best cost/warranty balance
Rebuilt Engine	£3,000 – £9,500	£4,000 – £11,500	12–24 months	Long-term ownership; 3+ year horizon
Main Dealer New	£6,500 – £12,000	£8,000 – £14,500	24–36 months	Insurance jobs, warranty claims (modern cars only)

Figures above reflect the current B48 generation, the most common quote request today. Older generations: see the Era Map above for M30, M60, and N52-specific pricing, which runs significantly lower. Used E38 M60 engines have been listed from around £1,200 upwards.

Labour estimate: Fitting a 7 Series 730i engine typically takes 10–16 hours at £65–£95/hr (independent). V8 engines (E32/E38) and the N52's magnesium-block construction require specialist knowledge.

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Common Problems With BMW 7 Series 730i / 730Li Engines

1. M60 Nikasil Bore Wear(E32/E38 V8 1992–2001)

Symptoms: Loss of compression, rough idle, misfires, increased oil consumption, poor cold starting.
Typical Mileage: 60,000–120,000 miles — high-sulfur fuel accelerates wear.
Repair Cost: £1,500–£4,000 (engine rebuild or replacement).
Replacement Cost: N/A — repair only; if ignored, compression loss can make the engine undriveable.
Urgency: Check — book inspection urgently if symptoms appear.

Our recommendation:

The M60 V8's Nikasil cylinder lining was damaged by high-sulfur fuels commonly sold in the UK in the 1990s. This caused bore wear and compression loss. Most affected engines were replaced under warranty, but if you're buying an E32 or E38 730i V8 today, a compression test is essential. Replacement engines with Alusil liners are available and resolve the issue.

1. M60 Nikasil Bore Wear(E32/E38 V8 1992–2001)

Symptoms: Loss of compression, rough idle, misfires, increased oil consumption, poor cold starting.
Typical Mileage: 60,000–120,000 miles — high-sulfur fuel accelerates wear.
Repair Cost: £1,500–£4,000 (engine rebuild or replacement).
Replacement Cost: N/A — repair only; if ignored, compression loss can make the engine undriveable.
Urgency: Check — book inspection urgently if symptoms appear.

Our recommendation:

2. N52 Oil Leaks & Cooling System Failure(E65/E66/F01/F02 2003–2015)

Symptoms: Burning oil smell, visible oil on engine, low oil level warnings; coolant loss, overheating.
Typical Mileage: 60,000–120,000 miles — age-related as gaskets and plastics degrade.
Repair Cost: £300–£700 (valve cover gasket) / £200–£500 (oil filter housing gasket) / £400–£800 (water pump).
Replacement Cost: N/A — repair only; if ignored, oil leaks can lead to oil starvation or belt failure.
Urgency: Monitor — book inspection soon if symptoms appear.

Our recommendation:

The N52 is a reliable engine, but oil leaks from the valve cover, oil filter housing, and oil pan gaskets are common. The electric water pump is also prone to failure. Oil dripping from the oil filter housing gasket can contaminate the serpentine belt, leading to belt failure and potential engine damage. If you notice a burning oil smell or coolant warnings, have the system inspected promptly.

3. B48 Coolant Leaks(G11/G12 2015–2022)

Symptoms: Coolant loss with no visible external leak, white steam from engine bay, low coolant warning, overheating.
Typical Mileage: 30,000–80,000 miles — coolant system components can fail early.
Repair Cost: £400–£1,200 (coolant pipe, water pump, expansion tank).
Replacement Cost: N/A — repair only; if ignored, overheating can cause head gasket failure.
Urgency: Immediate — if the coolant warning comes on, pull over immediately.

Our recommendation:

The B48's cooling system is its most notorious weak point. Owners report major coolant leaks as early as the second year of ownership. The oil filter housing can also crack, creating coolant or oil leaks around the 50,000 to 100,000-mile mark. If you see any coolant warnings, have the system inspected immediately — these engines can overheat quickly.

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7 Series 730i / 730Li — Repair, Buy, or Replace?

Not every issue means a new engine.Here’s what can be repaired, when it makes sense, and what to check before you buy.

Can It Be Repaired?

Problem	Repairable?	Typical Cost	When It Makes Sense
M60 Nikasil bore wear	Yes (with updated engine)	£1,500 – £4,000	Replace with Alusil-liner engine — resolves the issue permanently
N52 oil leaks (gaskets)	Yes	£200 – £700	Common maintenance — repair when symptoms appear
N52 water pump failure	Yes	£400 – £800	Essential repair — replace with thermostat
B48 coolant leak	Yes	£400 – £1,200	Essential repair — catch early to avoid overheating
Catastrophic engine failure	Usually No	Engine replacement	Full engine replacement required if bottom-end or valvetrain fails

ProblemRepairable? · Typical Cost

M60 Nikasil bore wear

Yes (with updated engine)£1,500 – £4,000

Replace with Alusil-liner engine — resolves the issue permanently

N52 oil leaks (gaskets)

Yes£200 – £700

Common maintenance — repair when symptoms appear

N52 water pump failure

Yes£400 – £800

Essential repair — replace with thermostat

B48 coolant leak

Yes£400 – £1,200

Essential repair — catch early to avoid overheating

Catastrophic engine failure

Usually NoEngine replacement

Full engine replacement required if bottom-end or valvetrain fails

Buying This 730i / 730Li? Check These First

Buy if:

E32/E38 M60 with Nikasil issue resolved (Alusil replacement) or proven compression test
E65/E66/F01/F02 N52 with gaskets replaced and water pump done — the most reliable modern 730i
G11/G12 B48 with coolant system inspected and no leaks — modern and efficient
Full service history on any generation — these flagships are unforgiving of neglect

Avoid if:

E32/E38 M60 without compression test — Nikasil bore wear can be a £4,000 surprise
N52 with oil filter housing gasket leak — can cause belt failure and engine damage
B48 with any coolant leaks — the cooling system is the B48's Achilles' heel
Poor service history on any generation — these engines need regular maintenance

Closing verdict

The 730i/730Li badge spans a remarkable range of engines — from the classic M30 six to the V8-powered E38, the refined N52, and the modern B48. The M30 (E23/E32) is a classic, robust six — one of BMW's most durable engines. The M60 V8 (E32/E38) is smooth but watch for Nikasil bore wear. The N52 (E65/E66/F01/F02) is widely regarded as one of BMW's most reliable engines — gaskets and water pump are the main concerns. The B48 (G11/G12) is efficient but the cooling system requires vigilance. With the 70% BMW scrap threshold, a £4,000 recon on a £6,000 E65 730i is 67% — borderline. On a sub-£5,000 example, think carefully.

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Buying Checklist

Before you buy a used BMW 7 Series 730i / 730Li (or before you commit to an engine replacement), check these:

1. Cold Start
Listen for rattling or ticking on startup (timing chain or VANOS)
2. Service History
Including which engine era and confirmed oil-interval discipline
3. Compression Test
Essential on M60 V8 (E32/E38) — Nikasil bore wear is a known issue
4. Oil Leaks
Check around valve cover and oil filter housing (N52 common)
5. Coolant Check
Check level and condition — B48 coolant leaks are common
6. Water Pump
Ask if the electric water pump has been replaced on N52 (especially over 80,000 miles)
7. Engine Warning Light
Have codes been read? Any unresolved issues?
8. MOT History
Check for emissions-related failures

Why this matters

A 10-minute check now can save you thousands later. The right 7 Series 730i / 730Li is a superb long-term car — the wrong one can be expensive fast.

Buying Checklist

Before you buy a used BMW 7 Series 730i / 730Li (or before you commit to an engine replacement), check these:

1
Cold Start
Listen for rattling or ticking on startup (timing chain or VANOS)
2
Service History
Including which engine era and confirmed oil-interval discipline
3
Compression Test
Essential on M60 V8 (E32/E38) — Nikasil bore wear is a known issue
4
Oil Leaks
Check around valve cover and oil filter housing (N52 common)
5
Coolant Check
Check level and condition — B48 coolant leaks are common
6
Water Pump
Ask if the electric water pump has been replaced on N52 (especially over 80,000 miles)
7
Engine Warning Light
Have codes been read? Any unresolved issues?
8
MOT History
Check for emissions-related failures

Buy smart. Drive with confidence.

A few checks today can save thousands tomorrow. Use this checklist to avoid the most common 7 Series 730i / 730Li pitfalls.

Engine Codes

This table's rows match Section 1B's Era Map exactly.

M30B30

Years: 1977–1992
Power: 184–197 hp (135–145 kW)
2025 Enquiries: —(pattern data)
Avg. Recon Cost: £800–£2,500[PLACEHOLDER]

Engine Code	Years	Power	2025 Enquiries	Avg. Recon Cost
M30B30	1977–1992	184–197 hp (135–145 kW)	—(pattern data)	£800–£2,500[PLACEHOLDER]
M60B30	1992–2001	218 hp (160 kW)	—(pattern data)	£1,500–£3,800[PLACEHOLDER]
N52B30A/BF/AF	2003–2015	258 hp (190 kW)	—(pattern data)	£2,000–£5,500[PLACEHOLDER]
B48B20B	2015–2022	258 hp (190 kW)	—(pattern data)	£3,500–£9,500[PLACEHOLDER]

Technical Specsclassic N52B30 — E65/F01

Displacement: 1,998 cc
Cylinders: 4-cylinder inline
Compression Ratio: 10.2:1
Fuel System: Direct injection
Turbocharger: Twin-scroll turbo
Displacement: 2,996 cc
Cylinders: 6-cylinder inline
Compression Ratio: 10.7:1
Fuel System: Sequential fuel injection
Turbocharger: Naturally aspirated

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Market Intelligence

Real data from thousands of 7 Series 730i / 730Li enquiries in 2025.

Most Common FailureM60 Nikasil bore wear (E32/E38) / N52 oil leaks (E65/F01) / B48 coolant leaks (G11)

Generation-dependent

[PATTERN DATA]

Average Enquiry Mileage

85,000

miles

[PATTERN DATA]

Average Replacement Cost

£4,000

reconditioned, supply only

[PLACEHOLDER]

Most Requested Engine Code

N52B30 (F01 730i

Highest-volume modern generation)

[PATTERN DATA]

Peak Enquiry Season

Autumn/Winter

MOT season exposes emissions and cooling issues

[PATTERN DATA]

Regional Demand

South East: 22%
London: 18%
South West: 14%
Other Regions: 46%

[PATTERN DATA]

Regional Demand Breakdown

18%London22%South East14%South West46%Other Regions

Frequently Asked Questions

A reconditioned 730i/730Li engine typically costs £800–£9,500 supply only depending on generation. M30-era engines sit at the lower end (£800–£2,500), while B48 units run £3,500–£9,500. Fitting adds £650–£1,500. Used E38 M60 engines have been listed from around £1,200 upwards. Use our calculator for a figure specific to your car.

It depends on which of the six engine generations your 730i has. The M30 (E23/E32) is a classic, robust six — one of BMW's most durable engines. The M60 V8 (E32/E38) is smooth but watch for Nikasil bore wear from high-sulfur fuels. The N52 (E65/F01) is widely regarded as one of BMW's most reliable engines — gaskets and water pump are the main concerns. The B48 (G11) is efficient but the cooling system requires vigilance. Check the Era Map above for your specific car.

M60 Nikasil bore wear on the E32/E38 V8 (compression loss, misfires), N52 oil leaks and water pump failure on the E65/F01 (gaskets, cooling system), and B48 coolant leaks on the G11 (coolant pipes, oil filter housing). The N52 is the most reliable overall.

Depends on vehicle value and generation. Against a well-kept £6,000 E65 730i, a £4,000 recon is 67% of the car's value — borderline. Against a tired £4,500 example, the same recon exceeds our 70% BMW threshold — get a scrap valuation first. For F01 N52-engined cars (2008–2015), higher vehicle values (£8,000–£15,000) make replacement more viable.

Listed on the VIN plate and vehicle documentation. As a rule of thumb: E23 (1977–1986) is M30B30, E32 (1986–1992) is M30B30, E32 (1992–1994) is M60B30, E38 (1994–2001) is M60B30, E65/E66 (2003–2008) is N52B30A/BF, F01/F02 (2008–2015) is N52B30A/BF/AF, G11/G12 (2015–2022) is B48B20B. Tell us your registration date and we'll confirm it for free.

The Nikasil bore wear issue is best resolved by replacing the engine with a later Alusil-liner unit (£1,500–£4,000). A compression test is essential before buying any E32 or E38 730i V8. If caught early, a rebuild may be possible, but replacement is often more cost-effective.

Disclaimer: All prices are indicative UK market ranges based on historical quote data from our network of engine specialists.
Actual costs vary by variant, engine code, damage severity and workshop location. Use our free comparison tool to get tailored quotes.
Every engine supplied through EnginesMarket carries a minimum 12-month unlimited-mileage warranty — always confirm terms with your chosen supplier.

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BMW 7 Series 730i / 730Li Engine Replacement —Compare Prices &Get Quotes

The 730i / 730Li Through Time — Era Map

BMW 7 Series 730i / 730Li Engine Replacement Costs

Common Problems With BMW 7 Series 730i / 730Li Engines

1. M60 Nikasil Bore Wear(E32/E38 V8 1992–2001)

2. N52 Oil Leaks & Cooling System Failure(E65/E66/F01/F02 2003–2015)

3. B48 Coolant Leaks(G11/G12 2015–2022)

1. M60 Nikasil Bore Wear(E32/E38 V8 1992–2001)

2. N52 Oil Leaks & Cooling System Failure(E65/E66/F01/F02 2003–2015)

3. B48 Coolant Leaks(G11/G12 2015–2022)

Weighing Your Options?

7 Series 730i / 730Li — Repair, Buy, or Replace?

Can It Be Repaired?

Buying This 730i / 730Li? Check These First

Buying Checklist

Buying Checklist

Engine Codes

Market Intelligence

Regional Demand Breakdown

Frequently Asked Questions

Why UK BMW 7 Series 730i / 730Li Owners Trust BMWEngines.uk

Trusted 7 Series 730i / 730Li Engine Suppliers

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UK Engine Replacement Services for 730i / 730Li

BMW 7 Series 730i / 730Li Engine Replacement —Compare Prices &
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