High-pressure fuel pump
usually 40,000–140,000 km · High risk
Signs: Long crank, limp mode
Fix: Replace the HPFP
€700–1,500
Engine: common problems, timing drive and oil
3.0 twin-turbo petrol (BMW N54)
Petrol · 2,979 cm³ · 225–250 kW
7
model generations
4
known faults
Enter your VIN and mileage and get a plan built for your exact engine and gearbox.
Fuel: Petrol. Timing drive: chain.
In our database this engine is fitted to 7 model generations, among them: BMW 3 Series (E91/E92/E93), BMW 3 Series (E90), BMW 1 Series (E81/E82/E88), BMW 5 Series (E60), BMW 1 Series (E87), BMW Z4 (E89) and 1 more.
The most expensive known risk is wastegate rattle / turbo oil leaks: it usually appears at 80,000–160,000 km and costs €2,000–4,500 to fix.
Key facts
| Fuel | Petrol |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,979 cm³ |
| Power | 225–250 kW |
| Years | 2006–2013 |
| Timing drive | Chain |
| Oil | 5W-30 / 0W-40 · BMW LL-01 · ~6.5 L · every 10,000 km |
| Engine codes | N54B30 |
Known engine faults
Faults that belong to the engine itself. They apply to every model with this engine, and each model has its own extra faults on its model page.
Wastegate rattle / turbo oil leaks
usually 80,000–160,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Rattle on overrun, smoke
Fix: Turbo replacement
€2,000–4,500
Injectors (index)
usually 60,000–150,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Misfire, rich codes
Fix: Replace with the latest index
€300–1,800
Electric water pump / thermostat
usually 80,000–150,000 km · High risk
Signs: Overheating warning without early signs
Fix: Replace pump and thermostat
€700–1,200
Engine-related service
Intervals and typical prices, using the BMW 3 Series (E91/E92/E93) as an example. The app gives the exact plan for your car.
| Item | Interval | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil + oil filterEngine | every 10,000 km or every 12 months | €70–150 |
| Air filterEngine | every 30,000 km or every 24 months | €15–45 |
| Spark plugsIgnition | every 60,000 km or every 48 months | €50–160 |
| Auxiliary (serpentine) beltEngine | every 120,000 km | €70–180 |
| Coolant replacementCooling | every 150,000 km or every 96 months | €70–150 |
| Timing chain inspection (listen on cold start)Engine | every 150,000 km | €0–120 |
Models with this engine
Model generations this engine is fitted to.
BMW 1 Series (E81/E82/E88) 2007–2013BMW 1 Series (E87) 2004–2011BMW 3 Series (E90) 2005–2012BMW 3 Series (E91/E92/E93) 2005–2013BMW 5 Series (E60) 2003–2010BMW X6 (E71) 2008–2014BMW Z4 (E89) 2009–2016
Common questions
Does the 3.0 twin-turbo petrol (BMW N54) engine have a timing chain or a timing belt?
Chain.
What oil does the 3.0 twin-turbo petrol (BMW N54) engine take?
5W-30 / 0W-40 · BMW LL-01 · ~6.5 L · every 10,000 km.
What are the known problems with the 3.0 twin-turbo petrol (BMW N54) engine?
The faults with the highest risk: high-pressure fuel pump (40,000–140,000 km, €700–1,500); electric water pump / thermostat (80,000–150,000 km, €700–1,200); wastegate rattle / turbo oil leaks (80,000–160,000 km, €2,000–4,500); injectors (index) (60,000–150,000 km, €300–1,800).
Which cars have the 3.0 twin-turbo petrol (BMW N54) engine?
BMW 3 Series (E91/E92/E93), BMW 3 Series (E90), BMW 1 Series (E81/E82/E88), BMW 5 Series (E60), BMW 1 Series (E87), BMW Z4 (E89) and 1 more.
Sources and notes
Faults, intervals and prices are indicative and collected from public sources and owner experience; always rely on the service book and a qualified workshop. Test statistics: DVSA – Anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0. Dutch tests: RDW Open Data (CC0). Owner complaints: NHTSA ODI (public domain). Recalls: DVSA Vehicle Safety Branch Recalls Database, OGL v3.0. Brand and model names are trademarks of their owners and are used only to describe the vehicles.
Updated 08/10/2026