ST JAMES

I have decided that I'm buying a 530i because of the m54. What are the years that have this engine? just the 2004s? I don't like the turbo or the newer engines. I've also heard of the older engines having a problem with the oil pump gear nut giving out when playing around over 6,000 rpm to much. Did they fix this problem with the m54 engines? I'm most likely going to get one with 90,000-160,000 miles so I was thinking of replacing the ignition coils, spark plugs, and basic tune up stuff. Anyone ever have to change motor mounts yet? Anyone explain the life of their m54s please, thanks!

KyleB

04 and 05. N52 was introduced for model year 06.

Good luck with the car search.

roboe60

The M54 was used in other BMW models as well, from 2000-2006.

ST JAMES

Correct me if i'm wrong, statistically the 530i is the best and last m54 engine right?
and thanks Kyleb

KyleB

M54 is the last variant of the M5X family of engines. M50 was introduced in 1991, and later developed into M52, S50 and S52 (US versions), and finally M54.

For the E60, there are two variants of the M54; one is 2.5L, the other the 3L. The E60 is a big car, I'd look for a 3L powered car if I were you.

audiophool

We have an M54 powered X5. It's a slug. 5 speed autobox has extremely close ratios and it spins around 3k at 100kph. Should have got a 4.4...

KyleB

Big weight difference between the two, and the E60 has one extra cog in the gearbox

latitude39

Yes, a 4.4 works very well in the 5000 lb X5. I had one. Lots of power.

We have an '07 530xi now (N52B30) - Plenty of power and I've had no problems but I worry about it's aluminum cylinder walls (coated with a thin, hard coating). Those cylinders can *not* be machined as can the steel-lined walls in the M54.

I would like to have had the M54 for the E60 AWD, which is about 3600 lbs. 3.0 is the way to go with either the M54 or N52, in my opinion.

My 325xi also has an M54, which I love and adore, but it's not going to win any races.

Durability: My M54 in the 325 has 150,000 miles and still runs like a top. I met a guy with one who had 253,000 miles and he still sung praises.

tjackson9810

Owner of an 04 2.5l. My mileage is 85,000 approximately and I've changed my engine mounts. Is the 2.5l as reliable as the 3.0l?

KyleB

Most definitely.