Which BMW Has the B58TU Engine? Updated Model List
Most BMW owners don't spend much time thinking about engine codes. Fair enough — that's what mechanics are for. But if you've ended up here, something has probably prompted the question. Maybe a garage mentioned the B58TU. Maybe you're buying a used BMW and want to know what you're getting. Maybe your current car has developed a problem, and you're trying to make sense of it.
Whatever brought you here, this is the no-nonsense guide. We'll tell you what the B58TU actually is, which BMWs have it, and what it's like to run day to day. Short sentences. Plain English. Everything you actually need.
The B58TU — What Is It?
BMW's B58 engine launched in 2015. It's a 3.0-litre, six-cylinder petrol engine — the kind BMW has always been known for. From the moment it arrived, it was clear this one was special. Smooth, punchy, and remarkably well-built for a modern turbocharged unit.
A few years later, BMW went back in and improved it. The updated version is called the B58TU. TU stands for Technical Update. That's BMW's way of saying: same engine, done better.
The key changes BMW made are genuinely worth knowing about:
• The fuel pump was upgraded to handle up to 350 bar of pressure — nearly double the 200 bar of the original. More pressure means fuel burns more completely, which is good for both economy and performance.
• The timing chain was redesigned. The older B58 had a two-piece chain. The TU replaced it with a single, stronger piece, quieter, more reliable, and less prone to stretching over time.
• The crankshaft was made 2.3 lbs lighter. That might not sound like much, but it reduces the rotational stress the engine puts on itself every time you drive.
• Cooling was split into two separate circuits — one for the engine block, one for the cylinder head. Each part now runs at its ideal temperature rather than sharing one system.
• The exhaust manifold was integrated directly into the cylinder head. The practical effect? The engine responds more quickly when you press the accelerator.
The B58 engine family, across all its versions, has now been fitted to more than 41 different vehicles worldwide. That includes BMW saloons, estates, coupes, SUVs, the Toyota GR Supra, the Morgan Plus Six, and even the Ineos Grenadier. It is, by any reasonable measure, one of the most successful and trusted engines BMW has ever produced. Ward's Auto, the American industry publication that has been rating engines since the 1990s, named it one of the world's ten best engines five times between 2016 and 2024.
Which BMWs Have the B58TU?
The B58TU started appearing in BMW's lineup in 2019, depending on the model. The table below covers every car on which it was fitted.
The Toyota at the bottom is not a typo. BMW and Toyota developed the A90 Supra together, and the engine BMW supplied is identical to the one in the Z4 M40i — same code, same spec. Supra owners sourcing a replacement BMW engine can use a Z4 M40i unit directly.
Does My BMW Have the B58TU?
BMW didn't put a sticker on the boot saying 'B58TU inside.' So here's how to work it out.
Open the driver's door and look at the door frame. There's a sticker with your car's build date on it. That date tells you roughly which engine you have:
• Before 2019: Almost certainly the original B58, not the TU.
• 2019 to late 2021: Almost certainly the B58TU — the one this article is about.
• 2022 onwards: Likely the B58TU2, which is the next generation.
Want to be completely sure? Find your VIN — the 17-character code stamped on a plate at the base of your windscreen on the driver's side. Type it into BMW's official parts catalogue online, and it will tell you your exact engine code. Takes about two minutes.
What About the B58TU2 — Is That Different?
Yes, and it matters if you ever need BMW engine parts or a replacement engine.
From 2022, BMW started fitting the B58TU2 to updated models, including the M340i, M440i, and M240i. It produces slightly more power, 386 hp in the M340i versus 374 hp in the TU, and adds a 48-volt mild hybrid system on some versions.
The two engines are not interchangeable. If you're sourcing anything, a full engine, a fuel pump, a timing chain, you need to know which version you have before you order. The engine codes are different and the parts won't simply swap over.
Is the B58TU Reliable?
Genuinely, yes. This isn't something BMW owners say about every engine; ask anyone who owned an N54, but the B58TU has earned its reputation honestly. It's regularly described by independent BMW specialists as one of the most dependable modern petrol engines the brand has made.
That said, a few things come up on higher-mileage cars. Worth knowing.
Oil around the valve cover
The seal between the valve cover and the top of the engine can start to weep oil after 60,000 to 80,000 miles on some cars. It's not dangerous, but it will leave residue and make a mess if ignored. When viewing a used car, run your hand along the edges of the valve cover and check for dried oil staining. If you see it, factor in the repair cost; it's not expensive, but it's worth knowing about.
Carbon on the intake valves
All modern direct injection engines, not just BMWs, develop carbon deposits on the intake valves over time. The B58TU is no different. Below 60,000 miles, you'll barely notice it. Beyond that, performance and economy can gradually soften. The fix is called a walnut blast clean, crushed walnut shells blasted through the inlet ports to scrub the valves. Any decent BMW specialist offers it. Budget a few hundred pounds and consider it routine maintenance rather than a fault.
The coolant expansion tank
The plastic tank that holds the coolant can crack as it ages, especially on early G-generation cars. A cracked tank means sudden coolant loss, which means overheating, and that's a problem you don't want. It's a cheap part, so if a car is over 50,000 miles and the tank looks original, ask a specialist to check it over.
Keep up with the oil changes
More than anything, the B58TU rewards regular servicing. BMW specifies 0W-30 or 5W-30 long-life synthetic oil. A car with a patchy service history or the wrong oil is a much bigger risk than mileage alone. Always ask to see the full service history before buying. If it's not there, think carefully.
Need a Replacement Engine?
Because the B58TU was fitted to so many models, used BMW engine units are reasonably well-represented in the market. That said, quality varies; a low-mileage engine from an unknown source with no inspection history is still a gamble.
At MT Auto Parts, we stock inspected used BMW engines, including B58TU units, with warranty options and fast delivery across the UK. If you need a second-hand BMW engine you can rely on, take a look at what we currently have available at www.mtautoparts.com.
Quick Answers
What does B58TU mean?
B58 is the engine family. TU stands for Technical Update, the revised version BMW introduced from 2018/2019 with a stronger timing chain, upgraded fuel pump, lighter crankshaft, and better cooling.
Is the B58TU better than the original B58?
Yes, in most ways. The fuel system is more capable, the timing chain is more robust, and the overall engineering is a step forward. If you're choosing between the two, the TU is the one to go for.
Which models have the B58TU?
The M340i, M440i, 540i, 740i, 840i, X3 M40i, X4 M40i, X5/X6/X7 40i, Z4 M40i, and the Toyota GR Supra. Full details in the table above.
How do I find my engine code?
Check your VIN against BMW's official parts catalogue online. The engine code will show as B58B30O1 (standard output) or B58B30M1 (higher output). Alternatively, any BMW specialist can tell you in minutes.
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only. BMW engine fitment can vary by market, production date and specification. Always verify the exact engine code using your VIN before buying parts or a replacement engine.
