How much does a BMW 7 Series 730i / 730Li engine replacement cost in the UK?

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.

Is the BMW 7 Series 730i / 730Li engine reliable?

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.

What are the common problems with the BMW 7 Series 730i / 730Li?

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.

Is it worth replacing a BMW 7 Series 730i / 730Li engine, or should I scrap the car?

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.

How do I find my BMW 7 Series 730i / 730Li engine code?

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.

Can I repair the M60 Nikasil bore wear, or does the engine need replacement?

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.

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

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

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

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

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The 730i / 730Li THROUGH TIME - Era Map

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

Era Note

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

GenerationYearsEngine CodeReliabilityRecon CostEra Note

E23

1977–1986M30B30★★★★☆ [NEWLY ASSIGNED - see Data Note]£800–£2,200 [PLACEHOLDER - confirm vs cost sheet]Classic SOHC six - robust but ageing; early EGR warped heads

E32 (early) BMW 320d E32 (early)

1986–1992M30B30★★★★½ [NEWLY ASSIGNED - see Data Note]£900–£2,500 [PLACEHOLDER - confirm vs cost sheet]Refined M30 - one of BMW's most durable engines

E32 (late) BMW 320d E32 (late)

1992–1994M60B30★★★★☆ [NEWLY ASSIGNED - see Data Note]£1,500–£3,500 [PLACEHOLDER - confirm vs cost sheet]First V8 730i - smooth, but Nikasil bore issues

E38

1994–2001M60B30★★★★☆ [NEWLY ASSIGNED - see Data Note]£1,500–£3,800 [PLACEHOLDER - confirm vs cost sheet]V8 luxury - timing chain guides and cooling system

E65/E66

2003–2008N52B30A/BF★★★★☆ [NEWLY ASSIGNED - see Data Note]£2,000–£5,000 [PLACEHOLDER - confirm vs cost sheet]Magnesium-block six - gaskets and water pump

F01/F02

2008–2015N52B30A/BF/AF★★★★☆ [NEWLY ASSIGNED - see Data Note]£2,200–£5,500 [PLACEHOLDER - confirm vs cost sheet]Last naturally aspirated 730i - VANOS and leaks

G11/G12

2015–2022B48B20B★★★★☆ [NEWLY ASSIGNED - see Data Note]£3,500–£9,500 [PLACEHOLDER - confirm vs cost sheet]Turbo four - efficient but coolant and oil leaks

Why use this era map?

This table is the single source every other section on this page matches - Sections 2, 4 and 6 reference it rather than restating conflicting figures.

Real UK Cost Data

Verified Reliability

Expert Insights

Updated for 2025

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 TypeSupply OnlyFitted (Indie)WarrantyBest For

Used Engine£800–£2,500£1,500–£3,8001–6 monthsBudget priority; E23–E38 cars

Reconditioned Engine£1,800–£7,500£2,800–£9,00012–24 monthsMost owners - best cost/warranty balance

Rebuilt Engine£3,000–£9,500£4,000–£11,50012–24 monthsLong-term ownership; 3+ year horizon

Main Dealer New£6,500–£12,000£8,000–£14,50024–36 monthsInsurance 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.

→ Compare 7 Series 730i / 730Li engine prices from UK specialists

Common Problems With BMW 320d 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.

🟠 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.

🟠 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.

🟡 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.

🔴 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.

Weighing Your Options?

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

Every 320d has a story. Make the right call with clear data, real-world costs, and honest guidance from UK specialists.

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

Every 320d has a story. Make the right call with clear data, real-world costs, and honest guidance from UK specialists.

Can It Be Repaired?

ProblemRepairable?Typical CostWhen It Makes SenseM60 Nikasil bore wear✅ Yes (with updated engine)£1,500–£4,000Replace with Alusil-liner engine - resolves the issue permanentlyN52 oil leaks (gaskets)✅ Yes£200–£700Common maintenance - repair when symptoms appearN52 water pump failure✅ Yes£400–£800Essential repair - replace with thermostatB48 coolant leak✅ Yes£400–£1,200Essential repair - catch early to avoid overheatingCatastrophic engine failure❌ Usually NoEngine replacementFull 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.

Don't guess.Get the right engine at the right price.

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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:

Cold Start

Listen for rattling or ticking on startup (timing chain or VANOS)

Service History

Including which engine era and confirmed oil-interval discipline

Compression Test

Essential on M60 V8 (E32/E38) - Nikasil bore wear is a known issue

Oil Leaks

Check around valve cover and oil filter housing (N52 common)

Coolant Check

Check level and condition - B48 coolant leaks are common

Water Pump

Ask if the electric water pump has been replaced on N52 (especially over 80,000 miles)

Engine Warning Light

Have codes been read? Any unresolved issues?

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 320d pitfalls.

Buy smart. Drive with confidence.

A few checks today can save thousands tomorrow. Use this checklist to avoid the most common 320d pitfalls.

BMW 320d Engine Codes

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

M30B30

Years1977–1992

Power184–197 hp (135–145 kW)

2025 Enquiries- (pattern data)

Avg. Recon Cost£800–£2,500 [PLACEHOLDER]

Engine CodeYearsPower2025 EnquiriesAvg. Recon Cost

M30B301977–1992184–197 hp (135–145 kW)- (pattern data)£800–£2,500 [PLACEHOLDER]

M60B301992–2001218 hp (160 kW)- (pattern data)£1,500–£3,800 [PLACEHOLDER]

N52B30A/BF/AF2003–2015258 hp (190 kW)- (pattern data)£2,000–£5,500 [PLACEHOLDER]

B48B20B2015–2022258 hp (190 kW)- (pattern data)£3,500–£9,500 [PLACEHOLDER]

Technical Specs

classic N52B30 - E65/F01

Displacement1,998 cc

Cylinders4-cylinder inline

Compression Ratio10.2:1

Fuel SystemDirect injection

TurbochargerTwin-scroll turbo

Displacement2,996 cc

Cylinders6-cylinder inline

Compression Ratio10.7:1

Fuel SystemSequential fuel injection

TurbochargerNaturally aspirated

→ Compare 7 Series 730i / 730Li engine prices for your BMW

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Market Intelligence

Most Common Failure

M60 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

confirm vs cost sheet】

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 East22%

London18%

South West (14%) 【PATTERN DATA】

Regional Demand Breakdown

22%South East

18%London

BMW 320d - Frequently Asked Questions

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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