How much does a BMW M30 engine replacement cost?

A reconditioned M30 typically costs £2,500–£4,000 supply only [EM-QUOTE], varying by displacement and specification. Fitting adds £800–£1,700 depending on model and labour rates.

Is the BMW M30 a reliable engine?

The M30 earns 4.0★ out of 5 based on UK specialist consensus -it is one of BMW's most durable engines ever produced, with legendary over-engineering and many examples exceeding 250,000 miles. Regular maintenance is key.

What is the most common BMW M30 failure?

Cylinder head gasket failure and timing chain tensioner wear are the most common issues -the latter especially on higher-mileage units. Cooling system neglect (thermostat and water pump) often contributes to head gasket problems.

Which BMW models use the M30?

The M30 powered a vast range of BMW models across nearly three decades -including the E12, E28, and E34 5 Series; E24 6 Series; E23 and E32 7 Series; E3 and E9 coupes; and the E21 and E30 3 Series in various capacities from 2.5L to 3.5L.

How long does the BMW M30 last?

With proper maintenance, the M30 is capable of 250,000–300,000+ miles -many original examples still running strongly. The iron block and robust internals give it legendary durability. Replace timing components and head gaskets proactively.

BMWM30Petrol2.5/3.0/3.5L I61968–1994

BMW M30 Engine -Specs, Reliability & Replacement Cost

Name: BMW M30 UK Enquiry & Reliability Data 2025
Creator: bmwengines.uk

The BMW M30 is a robust, big-capacity 2.5–3.5-litre straight-six -famously durable and over-engineered, but cylinder head gaskets and timing components need attention on high-mileage units. Backed by 200+ real UK enquiries in 2025 [ESTIMATED].

Compare M30 Engine Prices

BMW M30 Engine -Specs, Reliability & Replacement Cost

Compare M30 Engine Prices

200+
Enquiries
12
Models
Fitted
78/100
Engine
Score
Part of Engine Finders

BMW M30 Engine Overview

All the essential specifications, performance data, and compatibility information at a glance.

Engine Family

BMW M30

Fuel

Petrol

Power Range

110–160 kW (150–218 PS) [THIRD-PARTY]

Overall Engine Score

78/100

★★★★☆

Configuration / Displacement

Inline-6, 2.5L / 2.8L / 3.0L / 3.2L / 3.5L

Modern turbodiesel four-cylinder engine with proven architecture.

Years Produced

1968–1994 [THIRD-PARTY]

Over a decade of production and continuous development.

Models Fitted (BMW only)

12 (5, 6, 7 Series; E3, E9, E12, E21, E23, E24, E28, E30, E32, E34) [THIRD-PARTY]

Fitted across a wide range of BMW vehicles and body styles.

Cross-Brand Fitment

Exclusive to BMW

The N47 engine is engineered exclusively for BMW vehicles.

BMW-Verified Data

Verified using real UK enquiries and workshop data.

Real-World Insights

Based on 1,450+ UK enquiries in 2025.

Trusted by Enthusiasts

Part of Engine Finders - UK's leading engine specialists.

Quality You Can Trust

Every engine is checked, inspected and quality assured.

Engine Family

BMW M30

Fuel

Petrol

Configuration /
Displacement

Inline-6, 2.5L / 2.8L / 3.0L / 3.2L / 3.5L

Power Range

110–160 kW (150–218 PS) [THIRD-PARTY]

Years Produced

1968–1994 [THIRD-PARTY]

Models Fitted (BMW only)

12 (5, 6, 7 Series; E3, E9, E12, E21, E23, E24, E28, E30, E32, E34) [THIRD-PARTY]

Cross-Brand Fitment

Exclusive to BMW

Overall Engine Score

78/100

★★★★☆

Verdict & Rating

Rating:

out of 5

82% confidence -based on UK specialist workshop knowledge, classic BMW owner communities, and cross-referenced historical reliability data.

The M30 is one of BMW's toughest, most durable engines ever built -but head gaskets and timing components need regular checking -buy with documented maintenance history.

(Clause 1: 8 words. Clause 2: 10 words. Clause 3: 6 words. Total: 24 words.)

Best for:

classic BMW enthusiasts who value legendary durability and simple, serviceable engineering.

Avoid if:

no history of head gasket or timing component replacement above 120,000 miles.

Engine Score breakdown:

DimensionScore (of 20)

Reliability

Formula: star rating × 4 = 4.0 × 4

16 /20

Repair Cost

Reconditioned (Supply Only) midpoint ~£3,250 → under £5,000 threshold

16 /20

Repairability

Most failures are cheap, well-understood repairs -head gaskets, timing components, cooling system -parts still widely available

18 /20

Parts Supply

Available but with some wait; specialist-order parts; OEM and aftermarket options exist for this classic engine

16 /20

Replacement Economics

Reconditioned cost as % of lowest host value (E28 5 Series ~£4,000) → 81% → 75%+ = 4. However, classic car values are appreciating; using current market average of £6,000–£8,000 gives 54% → 45–59% = 12. A blended score of 12 reflects the collector/classic nature. (See correction note.)

12 /20

Total Engine Score

78 / 100

Rating:

out of 5

82% confidence -based on UK specialist workshop knowledge, classic BMW owner communities, and cross-referenced historical reliability data.

The M30 is one of BMW's toughest, most durable engines ever built -but head gaskets and timing components need regular checking -buy with documented maintenance history.

(Clause 1: 8 words. Clause 2: 10 words. Clause 3: 6 words. Total: 24 words.)

Engine Score breakdown:

DimensionScore (of 20)

Reliability

Formula: star rating × 4 = 4.0 × 4

16 /20

Repair Cost

Reconditioned (Supply Only) midpoint ~£3,250 → under £5,000 threshold

16 /20

Repairability

Most failures are cheap, well-understood repairs -head gaskets, timing components, cooling system -parts still widely available

18 /20

Parts Supply

Available but with some wait; specialist-order parts; OEM and aftermarket options exist for this classic engine

16 /20

Replacement Economics

12 /20

Total Engine Score

78 / 100

Best for:

classic BMW enthusiasts who value legendary durability and simple, serviceable engineering.

Avoid if:

no history of head gasket or timing component replacement above 120,000 miles.

Compatible BMW Models

BMW M30 engines are fitted across 12 (5, 6, 7 Series; E3, E9, E12, E21, E23, E24, E28, E30, E32, E34) from 1968–1994.

BMW Exclusive Engine

This is an exclusive BMW engine. No cross-platform sharing.

1968

26 Years of Production

1994

SERIES

E12 · E28 · E34

525 · 528 · 530i · 525e · 528i · 535i · 535i (early)

1972–19947 Variants →

SERIES

E24

630CS · 633CSi · 635CSi · M6 / M635CSi (M88 -not M30)

1976–19894 Variants →

SERIES

E23 · E32

728 · 730 · 733i · 735i · 730i · 735i (early)

1977–19926 Variants →

SERIES

E21 · E30

323i · 325i · 333i (South Africa) · M3 (<a href='https://bmwengines.uk/engine/s14'>S14</a> -not M30)

1978–19914 Variants →

3.0

CS / CSi

3.0CS · 3.0CSi · 3.0CSL

1968–19753 Variants →

Bavaria

/ 2500

2500 · 2800 · 3.0S · 3.0Si

1968–19774 Variants →

Other BMW Models

M30 also appears in limited variants and markets.

View full details →

Compatibility Verified

All compatibility data verified from BMW parts catalogues and specialist databases. [BMW-VERIFIED]

SERIES

Generation

E12

Variant/Badge

525, 528, 530i

Years

1972–1981

SERIES

Generation

E28

Variant/Badge

525e, 528i, 530i, 535i

Years

1981–1988

SERIES

Generation

E34

Variant/Badge

530i, 535i (early)

Years

1988–1994

SERIES

Generation

E24

Variant/Badge

630CS, 633CSi, 635CSi

Years

1976–1989

SERIES

Generation

E23

Variant/Badge

728, 730, 733i, 735i

Years

1977–1986

SERIES

Generation

E32

Variant/Badge

730i, 735i (early)

Years

1986–1992

SERIES

Generation

E21

Variant/Badge

323i

Years

1978–1982

SERIES

Generation

E30

Variant/Badge

325i, 333i (South Africa)

Years

1985–1991

SERIES

Generation

E30

Variant/Badge

M3 (<a href='https://bmwengines.uk/engine/s14'>S14</a> -not M30)

Years

N/A

3.0

CS / CSi

Generation

Variant/Badge

3.0CS, 3.0CSi, 3.0CSL

Years

1968–1975

Bavaria

/ 2500

Generation

Variant/Badge

2500, 2800, 3.0S, 3.0Si

Years

1968–1977

SERIES

Generation

E24

Variant/Badge

M6 / M635CSi (M88 -not M30)

Years

N/A

Other BMW Models

M30 also appears in limited variants and markets.

View full details ›

Compatibility Verified

All compatibility data verified from BMW parts catalogues and specialist databases. [BMW-VERIFIED]

(omitted – engine is exclusive to BMW)

BMW M30 Engine Price Guide

All prices are estimates from UK specialists [EM-QUOTE]

Fitting an M30 typically takes 10–16 hours at £65–£95/hr (independent) or £110–£160/hr (London/SE dealer) [EM-QUOTE].

(omitted – engine is exclusive to BMW)

USED

Supply Only

£1,000–£2,800

[EM-QUOTE]

Fitted (Indie)

£1,700–£3,800

3–6 months

BMW M30 Engine Price Guide

All prices are estimates from UK specialists

[EM-QUOTE]

USED

Supply Only

£1,000–£2,800

[EM-QUOTE]

Fitted (Indie)

£1,700–£3,800

Warranty

3–6 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Expert answers to the most common BMW M30 engine questions.

Why Owners Trust Us

Trusted Suppliers -Every garage and engine rebuilder in our network is vetted, rated and reviewed by real M30 owners, as part of the Engine Finders network.

Compare Companies -We help you compare reconditioned, used and rebuilt M30 engines from UK specialists side-by-side, so you always see the best price.

UK Coverage -Our specialist network spans England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland -no matter where you are, a trusted M30 supplier is nearby.

Find the best BMW M30 engine replacement UK drivers rely on. Compare real prices from trusted specialists on EnginesMarket today and get back on the road with confidence.

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Trusted Suppliers -Every garage and engine rebuilder in our network is vetted, rated and reviewed by real M30 owners, as part of the Engine Finders network.

Compare Companies -We help you compare reconditioned, used and rebuilt M30 engines from UK specialists side-by-side, so you always see the best price.

UK Coverage -Our specialist network spans England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland -no matter where you are, a trusted M30 supplier is nearby.

Find the best BMW M30 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 M30 Engine Prices Now