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SELECT YOUR BMW ENGINE CODE

BMW 2.0 Petrol Engine Codes

BMW 3.0 Petrol Engine Codes

BMW 3.0 Diesel Engine Codes

BMW 3.2 Petrol Engine Codes

BMW 4.0 Petrol Engine Codes

BMW 4.4 Petrol Engine Codes

BMW 5.0 Petrol Engine Codes

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Enter BMW's registration number to locate replacement engine ancillary parts that fit your car.

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Select the part or parts you are searching for your vehicle and confirm contact details.

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View the prices of all the used and reconditioned engine ancillary parts that will fit your vehicle available in stock.

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Order online for a quick delivery or book an appointment for our supply and fit service.

BMW Engine Codes: Find the Correct Replacement Engine

You can use the BMW engine code to be sure about the compatibility of the used, rebuilt or reconditioned replacement engine. All you have to do is enter your registration or provide the VIN and full engine code. BM Engine Works will check the engine family, variant, build specification and available replacement options.

The model badge alone is not enough to confirm compatibility. A BMW 320d, 520d, X3 or X5 can use different engines depending on its production date, power output, emissions equipment, gearbox and drivetrain. We verify these details before confirming an engine for supply or fitting.

Popular BMW Diesel Engine Codes We Deal with

The table covers common BMW diesel engine families found in UK vehicles. The models are representative examples only. Always confirm the complete code, suffix and vehicle specification before ordering.

Engine family Capacity and layout Example BMW applications Replacement matching notes
M47 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel

118d, 120d, 318d, 320d, early 520d and X3 2.0d

Several M47 and M47TU versions exist. Check the build date, ancillaries, electronics and full stamped code.

M57

2.5 or 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel

325d, 330d, 525d, 530d, 535d, 730d, X3, X5 and X6

Turbo arrangement, output and emissions equipment vary between M57 versions. The family name alone does not confirm fitment.

N47

1.6 or 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel

114d, 116d, 118d, 120d, 316d, 318d, 320d, 520d, X1 and X3

Common full codes include N47D16 and N47D20 variants such as N47D20A, B, C and D. Do not treat the suffixes as automatically interchangeable.

N57

3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel

330d, 335d, 430d, 435d, 530d, 535d, 640d, 730d, 740d, X3, X4, X5 and X6

N57D30A, N57D30B and N57D30C can differ in output, turbo system and application. VIN and full-code checks are essential.

B37

1.5-litre three-cylinder diesel

116d, 216d Active Tourer and selected X1 diesel models

Confirm whether the engine uses a transverse installation and check the exact emissions and electronic specification.

B47

2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel

118d, 120d, 218d, 220d, 318d, 320d, 418d, 420d, 518d, 520d, X1, X2, X3 and X4

B47 variants cover different outputs, installation layouts and emissions systems. Confirm the complete B47D20 designation and vehicle build data.

B57

3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel

330d, M340d, 430d, M440d, 530d, 540d, 630d, 640d, 730d, 740d, X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7

Single, multi-turbo and performance variants are not direct substitutes. Check the full B57D30 code, drivetrain and emissions equipment.

Popular BMW petrol and M engine codes

 We have been replacing petrol engines for over 30 years and know better than anyone that BMW petrol engines also use several generations and variants under the same broad family name. Hybrid and M applications require additional checks because their cooling, electrical, control and drivetrain systems may differ from standard models.

Engine family Capacity and layout Example BMW applications Replacement matching notes

N42 / N46

1.8 or 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol

118i, 120i, 316i, 318i, 320i and selected X1 and X3 models

N42 and N46 engines are related but should not be treated as direct substitutes. Check the complete code, electronics and ancillary layout.

N43

1.6 or 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol

116i, 118i, 120i, 316i, 318i, 320i and 520i

Output and injection-system differences make the VIN, build date and full engine code important.

N13

1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol

114i, 116i, 118i and 316i

Confirm output, electronic controls, turbo equipment and the exact N13B16 variant.

N20

2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol

125i, 220i, 320i, 328i, 420i, 428i, 520i, 528i, X1, X3, X4 and Z4

Common full codes include N20B20 variants. Check the sump, drivetrain, power output, DME and ancillary configuration.

N52 / N53

2.5 or 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol

125i, 130i, 325i, 330i, 525i, 530i, 630i, 730i and selected X and Z models

N52 and N53 use different fuel and engine-management systems. Market, year and full code must be confirmed.

N54

3.0-litre twin-turbo six-cylinder petrol

135i, 1 Series M Coupe, 335i, 535i and Z4 sDrive35i

N54B30 versions can differ by application and output. Check the turbo, fuel, DME and transmission specification.

N55

3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder petrol

M135i, M235i, 335i, 435i, 535i, 640i, 740i, X3, X4, X5, X6 and early M2

Confirm the full N55B30 code, production date, power output, sump, wiring and control-unit requirements.

B38

1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol

116i, 118i, 218i, 318i, X1 and X2

Transverse and longitudinal applications require different matching checks. Hybrid installations need further electrical-system verification.

B48

2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol

120i, 125i, 220i, 230i, 320i, 330i, 420i, 430i, 520i, 530i, X1, X2, X3, X4 and Z4

B48A and B48B versions can use different installation layouts. Confirm the complete code, output and hybrid status where applicable.

B58

3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder petrol

M140i, M240i, 340i, M340i, 440i, M440i, 540i, 740i, 840i, X3 M40i, X4 M40i, X5, X6, X7 and Z4 M40i

Several B58 generations and technical updates exist. Match the full B58B30 designation, electrical architecture and drivetrain.

N62 / N63

4.4 or 4.8-litre V8 petrol

545i, 550i, 645i, 650i, 745i, 750i, 850i and selected X5, X6 and X7 models

Naturally aspirated N62 and turbocharged N63 units are separate families. Exact output, turbo system, electronics and cooling package must match.

S54 / S65 / S85

3.2-litre six-cylinder, 4.0-litre V8 or 5.0-litre V10 petrol

E46 M3, Z3 M, Z4 M, E9x M3, E60/E61 M5 and E63/E64 M6

These M engines require model-specific identification, inspection and installation. Confirm the full S-code and original vehicle specification.

S55 / S58

3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder petrol

F80 M3, F82/F83 M4, M2 Competition, G87 M2, G80/G81 M3, G82/G83 M4, X3 M and X4 M

S55 and S58 are not interchangeable. Competition, CS, drivetrain and output variants require full VIN and code verification.

S63 / S68

4.4-litre turbocharged V8 petrol

M5, M6, M8, X5 M, X6 M, BMW XM, newer M5 and selected M Performance V8 models

Generation, hybrid system, cooling, drivetrain and control electronics differ substantially. A family-code match is not sufficient.

Why BMW Engine Codes Matter So Much?

Engine compatibility is paramount when replacing an engine, and a BMW engine code helps you identify the engine family and its technical configuration. short family name such as N47, N57, B47 or B58 is useful for general identification, but it is not enough to order a replacement engine.

The complete designation may identify the fuel type, capacity, performance level and technical revision. For example, N57D30 identifies an N57-family diesel with a nominal 3.0-litre capacity, while the remaining letters or numbers distinguish a particular version. BMW documentation may also use a more detailed internal designation than the shortened code commonly used in adverts.

Spacing and formatting vary between databases. N47D20C and N47 D20 C may refer to the same written designation, but a similar-looking suffix can still represent a different engine specification.

What is the best way to find the code for your BMW

The safest starting point is your registration number or 17-character VIN. This identifies the vehicle's original build specification and helps narrow down the engine fitted when it left the factory.

You can also find an identification marking on the engine itself. Its position varies by engine family and installation, and it may be difficult to see without removing a cover or inspecting the block from a particular angle. A diagnostic scan, BMW parts information and the vehicle's repair history can provide further confirmation. Do not rely only on the badge on the boot. Two vehicles sold as a 320d, 520d or X5 30d can use different engine variants.

How BM Engine Works matches a replacement engine

Our 3 decades of experience have enabled us to develop an excellent identification process that helps us identify the exact replacement engine before we reserve or install it. Here is how our process works.

  1. We identify the BMW from its registration or VIN.
  2. We confirm the original engine family and complete code.
  3. We check the production date, capacity, output, emissions standard, gearbox and drivetrain.
  4. We compare the replacement unit, assembly level and included ancillaries.
  5. We assess the reported fault and any supporting-system risks.
  6. We provide the available used, rebuilt or reconditioned options in a written quotation.
  7. For supply-and-fit work, we install, commission and test the engine at our workshop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your engine code is the factory designation for the engine family and variant fitted to the vehicle. Provide the registration or VIN so the original specification can be checked, and confirm the marking on the engine if it may have been replaced before.
Yes. The same model badge can cover different engine generations, outputs and emissions specifications. Production date, market, gearbox and drivetrain can also change the required unit.
Do not assume they are interchangeable. They belong to the N47D20 family, but their application, power output, ancillaries and electronic requirements can differ. The VIN and complete engine specification must be checked.
Normally, no. B47 and N47 engines use different technical generations, electronics and emissions systems. A normal replacement should match the vehicle's correct engine specification rather than rely on a newer family name.
The VIN identifies the vehicle's original build specification and is one of the best matching tools. If the engine has previously been changed, the marking on the installed unit and the repair history should also be checked.
No. The engine code identifies the design or variant, while the engine number is a unique production identifier for an individual unit. Both can be useful during identification.
Many plug-in hybrids use a combustion engine from a familiar family such as B38, B48 or B58, but the hybrid installation has additional electrical, cooling and control requirements. Compatibility must be checked against the complete VIN and hybrid specification.
Yes. Send the registration or VIN, model, year, fuel type and details of the fault. BM Engine Works can identify the likely engine specification and request a photograph or further information if needed.
Yes. Supply-only BMW engines can be delivered across the UK, subject to availability and delivery terms. The exact assembly level, ancillaries, installation requirements and warranty conditions will be confirmed before purchase.
Yes. Complete supply-and-fit services are carried out at our workshop. Vehicle recovery can also be arranged where required. The quotation will confirm the engine, agreed work, expected turnaround and warranty terms.
Enter your registration or send the VIN, full engine code, current mileage, fault details and postcode. BM Engine Works will check compatibility and explain the available used, rebuilt, reconditioned or original-engine rebuild options.