How To Check Which BMW Engine Do I Have? Simply Explained

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BMW BMW B48A20E complete engine with only 10K miles for sale at MT Auto Parts for just £3,599.99

Image: BMW BMW B48A20E complete engine with only 10K miles for sale at MT Auto Parts for just £3,599.99

If you own a BMW, you’ve probably seen people talking about BMW B48, B58, N47, N55 and all sorts of other engine codes. It sounds technical, but the truth is this: finding out which BMW engine you have is actually very simple once you know where to look.

If you’re buying BMW parts, checking compatibility, or just curious about what sits under your bonnet, here’s the easiest way to identify your BMW engine — explained in simple terms. 

Why Engine Codes Matter

BMW engine codes aren’t there to confuse you. They help you understand:

  • Which parts fit your car

  • Whether your engine is petrol or diesel

  • What generation it belongs to (N-series, B-series, etc.)

  • Power, reliability notes, and typical issues

  • Compatibility when buying used parts like engines, gearboxes or ancillaries

If you’re ordering any mechanical component, for example, engine turbo, injectors or sensors, knowing your engine code is essential.

1. Check the Sticker Under the Bonnet (Fastest Method)

Most BMWs (especially newer models) have an engine identification sticker located:

  • On the top of the engine cover, or

  • On the left or right side of the engine block, or

  • On a label near the slam panel

This sticker shows either:

  • The engine code (e.g., B47D20A) or

  • The engine type and capacity

If you see something like B48A20B, B57D30, N20B20, N55B30, that’s your engine code.

2. Use Your VIN Number (100% Accurate Method)

Your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is the most reliable way to confirm your engine type.

Where to find your VIN:

  • Inside the driver-side door frame

  • Bottom of the windshield (outside)

  • On your V5C logbook

  • In the iDrive → Vehicle Information → Vehicle Status

Once you have the VIN, you can:

A) Decode it using online tools

There are several free BMW VIN decoders you can use, such as mdecoder.com, bmwvin.com or vindecoderz.com. These tools will show your exact engine type, power output, build date, options and model variant within seconds.

B) Ask a BMW specialist or supplier

At MT Auto Parts, customers simply send us their VIN, and we confirm the exact engine code to ensure every part fits correctly. 

3. Check Inside Your Service Book or Invoice History

Many BMW garages list the engine code on:

  • Service invoices

  • Timing chain replacement paperwork

  • Warranty jobs

  • Major repair documentation

If your BMW ever had engine-related work, the paperwork may include the exact code.

4. Look at the Sticker on the Engine Block (More Technical)

On most newer BMW model engines, the engine code is stamped or labelled directly on the block.

It will look something like:

  • B47D20B

  • B58B30C

  • N57D30A

The problem? It’s sometimes hidden deep in the engine bay, so this method is usually suited only for mechanics.

5. Use the Registration Lookup (Basic but Helpful)

Websites like:

  • Autotrader

  • GOV.UK MOT history

  • Insurance databases

…can show your engine size and fuel type.

They won’t show the full engine code, but they confirm whether you have a:

  • 2.0 petrol (likely B48 or N20)

  • 2.0 diesel (likely B47 or N47)

  • 3.0 petrol (likely B58 or N55)

  • 3.0 diesel (likely B57 or N57)

This helps narrow it down before checking the exact code.

6. Quick Guide: What Engine Do Most BMW Models Have?

1 Series (F20/F21/F40)

  • Petrol: N13, N20, B38, B48

  • Diesel: N47, B47

2 Series (F22/F23/F44/U06)

  • Petrol: N13, N20, B38, B48

  • Diesel: N47, B47

3 Series (F30/G20)

  • Petrol: N20, N55, B38, B48, B58

  • Diesel: N47, N57, B47, B57

4 Series (F32/G22)

  • Petrol: N20, N55, B48, B58

  • Diesel: N47, N57, B47

5 Series (F10/G30)

  • Petrol: N20, N55, N63, B48, B58

  • Diesel: N47, N57, B47, B57

X Series (X1–X7)

  • Petrol: N20, N55, B38, B48, B58

  • Diesel: N47, N57, B47, B57

But remember: the exact variant still depends on your VIN.

Which Method Should You Use?

Fastest:

Under-bonnet sticker

Most Accurate:

VIN check

Most “DIY”:

Engine block stamping

Need Engine Parts? We Can Check Your Engine Code for You

If you’re replacing an engine, gearbox, turbo, injectors, sensors or any mechanical component, we always match parts to your VIN before dispatching.

At mtautoparts.com, we supply all kinds of different BMW spares:

  • Genuine used BMW engines

  • BMW gearboxes

  • Engine ancillaries

  • Sensors, ECUs and drivetrain components

  • Interior parts, body parts and more

All dismantled from 2012+ BMWs with clear photos, 24–48h UK delivery and a 30-day warranty on most parts (T&C apply).

Just send us your VIN — we’ll confirm the exact engine code and find the right part.

Final Thoughts

Checking which BMW engine you have doesn’t need to be complicated. With your VIN, a sticker under the bonnet or a quick check of your paperwork, you can identify your engine code in just a few minutes.

And once you know it, everything becomes easier, from ordering the right BMW auto spares to understanding how your BMW is built.
Location: United Kingdom

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