Which BMW Has the B57 Engine?
Image: Complete B57D30A Engine For Sale At mtautoparts.com
If you’ve ever started reading about BMW diesel engines, chances are you didn’t mean to go very far. But somehow, you keep seeing the same engine mentioned again and again: the B57. And at some point, you realise it’s probably worth paying attention to.
This 3.0-litre straight-six diesel hasn’t built its reputation by shouting about performance figures. It’s earned it by being quietly excellent. The kind of engine that just gets on with the job, day after day, mile after mile, without asking for much in return.
BMW didn’t tuck the B57 away in a single model. They trusted it with everything important, executive saloons, family cars, and their biggest luxury SUVs. That tells you more than any brochure ever could. This is an engine for people who actually use their cars. People who do long journeys, load the boot, tow occasionally, or just want something that feels strong and calm without constantly glancing at the fuel gauge.
Naturally, a few questions follow. Which BMWs actually have the B57 under the bonnet? What do names like B57D30A or B57D30B really mean once you’re behind the wheel? And how does this diesel stack up against BMW’s much-loved petrol straight-six, the B58? Let’s slow things down and explain it properly.
Firstly, What Is the BMW B57 Engine?
BMW introduced the B57 in 2015, replacing the older N57 diesel. Officially, it was part of BMW’s response to tighter emissions rules. Unofficially, it was BMW admitting the old engine could be better, and then going away and fixing it.
The brief was simple: make it cleaner, smoother and more refined, but don’t lose the thing diesel drivers actually care about, effortless torque. And that’s exactly what happened.
At its core, the B57 sticks to BMW tradition. It’s a 3.0-litre inline-six turbo diesel, a layout BMW has always been very good at. Over time, it’s been offered in different versions, with different power outputs and turbo setups depending on the car it’s fitted to. But the character never really changes.
This is an engine designed to feel unbothered. It pulls strongly from low revs, settles into motorway cruising without fuss, and never feels like it’s trying too hard. As BMW refined the B57, they updated injection systems, emissions hardware and electronics, but the philosophy stayed the same: make large BMWs feel easy, confident and relaxing to drive.
BMW Models with the B57 Engine: Full List by Series
Below is a clear overview of the BMW models that came fitted with the B57 engine.
Why the B57 Engine Is So Well Regarded
1. Strong, effortless torque
This is where the B57 really earns its reputation. Depending on the version, it produces around 265 to just over 330 horsepower, but it’s the torque that defines the driving experience. With roughly 620–700 Nm available low in the rev range, the engine always feels ready to respond. Motorway overtakes are calm and decisive, towing feels natural rather than forced, and even in larger SUVs like the X5 or X7, the engine never feels like it’s working hard. You rarely need to push it; the strength is always there when you ask.
2. Noticeably smoother than older BMW diesels
If you’ve driven older BMW diesels, the difference is immediately obvious. The B57 is quieter, smoother and far more refined, especially at cruising speeds. Paired with BMW’s ZF automatic gearbox, it delivers power in a way that feels almost petrol-like in everyday driving, just with far more low-end pull. Vibration is well controlled, cold starts are calmer, and long journeys feel noticeably less tiring behind the wheel.
3. Excellent long-distance economy
Despite its size and performance, the B57 remains impressively efficient in real-world driving. In everyday mixed use, most owners tend to see mid-30s to low-40s MPG, depending on the model and how it’s driven. Settle into a steady motorway cruise and mid- to high-40s MPG is entirely achievable, particularly in saloons and lighter SUVs. Around town, consumption naturally falls, but even then, the engine remains sensible for the level of power on offer. That combination of effortless performance and strong fuel economy is exactly why the B57 suits high-mileage drivers so well.
B57 Engine Variants Explained
BMW didn’t build just one B57; there are slight differences. The most common versions you’ll see are B57D30A, B57D30B, and B57D30C. While the names sound intimidating, the reality is much simpler. These aren’t different engines; they’re different levels of the same engine.
B57D30A is the lower-output, efficiency-focused version, usually found in earlier or lower-spec 30d models.
B57D30B is the version most people think of when they say “B57”. It offers the best balance of power, smoothness and long-term reliability, which is why it appears so widely in cars like the 530d, X5 30d and X7 40d.
B57D30C pushes things further, delivering more power through more aggressive tuning and, in some cases, more complex turbo setups. It’s quicker, but it also comes with more complexity.BMW also used internal or performance-focused codes like B57D30O0/O1 for early or market-specific versions, and B57D30S0, the quad-turbo engine found in M Performance diesels such as the M50d. Even then, the foundation stays the same. What changes are the turbos, software, emissions systems and cooling. For most owners, B57D30B remains the sensible sweet spot.
Is the BMW B57 Engine Reliable?
In short: yes. The B57 is generally regarded as one of BMW’s more dependable modern diesel engines. BMW learned from earlier generations and improved cooling, timing components and emissions systems.
That said, it’s still a modern diesel. Regular servicing, correct oil changes and proper care of EGR and AdBlue systems matter. Look after it, and the engine usually looks after you.
A Note on B57 Engines for Sale at MT Auto Parts
Many people start searching for a B57 engine after an accident, high mileage, or a major mechanical issue. Getting the right replacement makes all the difference. At MT Auto Parts, we stock complete BMW B57 engines for sale, including B57D30A units removed from newer BMW models such as the X5 xDrive 30d and other G-generation models. These are used, genuine BMW engines, typically sourced from low-mileage donor cars and listed clearly with mileage, compatibility and warranty details (T&C apply). For many owners, this is a far more realistic alternative to expensive dealer prices.
Conclusion: Is the B57 Engine a Good Choice When Buying a BMW?
Absolutely. The B57 is about as good as modern BMW diesel engines get. It delivers the torque diesel drivers want, the premium BMWs demand, and the efficiency that makes long-distance driving easy.
If it’s in a 530d daily driver, a 740d luxury saloon, or a 40d X5 or X7, the B57 consistently proves its worth. If you’re looking at a BMW and see B57 listed under the bonnet, that’s usually a very good sign.
Frequently Asked Questions – BMW B57 Engine
What is the BMW B57 engine?
The BMW B57 is a 3.0-litre inline-six turbo diesel engine introduced in 2015. It replaced the older N57 and was designed to deliver strong torque, improved refinement and better efficiency while meeting modern emissions standards.
Which BMW models use the B57 engine?
The B57 is found across much of BMW’s G-generation range, including the 3 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series GT, 7 Series, X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7, most commonly in 30d and 40d variants.
What do B57D30A, B57D30B and B57D30C mean?
These codes refer to different output levels of the same engine, not completely different engines.
B57D30A is the lower-output, efficiency-focused version
B57D30B is the most common and best-balanced version
B57D30C delivers higher power, but with added complexity
All share the same core engine design.
How much power and torque does the B57 produce?
Depending on the version, the B57 produces around 265 to just over 330 horsepower, with torque figures typically ranging from 620 to 700 Nm. The torque arrives low in the rev range, which is why the engine feels so effortless to drive.
Is the B57 engine fuel-efficient?
Yes. In real-world driving, most owners see mid-30s to low-40s MPG in mixed use. On steady motorway journeys, mid- to high-40s MPG is realistic, particularly in saloons and lighter SUVs. Urban driving will reduce figures, but efficiency remains strong for an engine of this size and output.
Is the BMW B57 engine reliable?
Overall, yes. The B57 is widely regarded as one of BMW’s more reliable modern diesel engines. BMW improved cooling, timing components and emissions systems compared to earlier generations. Like any modern diesel, proper servicing and care of EGR and AdBlue systems are essential.
How does the B57 compare to the B58 petrol engine?
The B57 focuses on torque, efficiency and relaxed long-distance driving, while the B58 petrol engine offers higher revs and a sportier character. Neither is “better” overall; it depends on how you drive and what you value most.
Is the B57 good for towing or heavy vehicles?
Yes. Thanks to its high torque output at low RPM, the B57 is particularly well suited to towing, fully loaded driving and larger vehicles like the X5 and X7.
Do modern B57 engines use AdBlue?
Most B57-equipped models are Euro 6 compliant and use AdBlue. This helps reduce emissions but does require periodic refilling and proper system maintenance.
Can you buy a replacement BMW B57 engine?
Yes. Complete used BMW B57 engines are available from specialist breakers. At MT Auto Parts, complete B57 engines (including B57D30A units) are stocked from low-mileage donor models, clearly listed with mileage, compatibility and warranty details (T&C apply).
Is the B57 a good choice when buying a used BMW?
Absolutely. If you’re buying a used BMW and see B57 under the bonnet, it’s generally a very positive sign. It’s an engine known for strength, refinement and efficiency, particularly for drivers covering higher annual mileage.
Disclaimer: All performance figures, fuel consumption ranges and model details in this article are provided as general guidance only and may vary depending on vehicle specification, driving style, road conditions and maintenance history. Always check the exact specifications and condition of any vehicle or engine before making a purchase decision.
