BMW N57 Reliability

[Levi1501]

Hi,

Was just wondering how reliable the N57 BMW 3 litre straight 6 diesel is? Apart from obvious stuff like EGR Valves, DPFs etc, what are common issues to look out for on the N57? How strong are they compared to the M57? And how strong are the timing chains?

Thanks

[Touring442]

Chains are better than the N47, but still a concern. By 100k it's not a bad plan to replace - I've seen them so worn that valves are just touching pistons.

[naturalaspiration]

N57 and N47 engines share the same chain, chain tensioner and a guide rail, not the sprockets though.

Chain:
http://bmwfans.info/parts-catalog/11318570649/

Due to inherently less vibrations in N57 vs N47 and lower push/pull forces on the sprockets chain failures are much rarer - this is my understanding at least.

The same chain is still used in today in B47/57 engines - the latest revision of the chain came out in 03/14.

[helix402]

The N57 is more reliable than the N47 but less than the M57. There has been the odd bearing failure in N57s.

You often see ex Police N57 engines cars for sale that have either had a new engine or are in need of one.

[Levi1501]

Would you expect an N57 to last 150-200,000 miles with frequent servicing?

[Touring442]

Yes, but by 150k I'd really be replacing the chain and guides. Hard driven cars and especially 535d's knock the cranks out. Like all BMW engines, they're just not as tough as the old stuff.

[JWH]

Isolated examples mean almost nothing but.......
My 2009 330d is on 195k, I've owned it from 56k and it's had a thermostat and an oil filter housing in that time. Original clutch, DMF, turbo, injectors with no DPF issues. I'm quite happy with that.

[Touring442]

JWH said:

Isolated examples mean almost nothing but.......
My 2009 330d is on 195k, I've owned it from 56k and it's had a thermostat and an oil filter housing in that time. Original clutch, DMF, turbo, injectors with no DPF issues. I'm quite happy with that.

That's not bad. I think long trips and oil changes are the key. I've seen these do well over 200k in 730d airport run cars.

[Levi1501]

How long do the timing chains, turbo and DPF usually last on an N57? Or if you plan on keeping the car a very long time are you just better off with an N53 naturally aspirated straight 6?

[helix402]

BMW DPFs never need changing. If they get blocked due to a fault with the engine operation they can be cleaned by either a forced regen or a chemical clean.

A lot of mechanics don’t understands DPFs and just change them without rectifying the fault that caused the blockage. Then the new DPF blocks again .

[ultramarine91]

Had my 2009 330d manual from new, it’s just had its first clutch (it’s been used for towing Caterhams) at 126000 miles and the EGR valve replaced. Regularly serviced but that’s been it. Still pulls like a train and uses no oil.

Great engine!

[AZCollins]

I have a 325d with an N57 in it. Apart from servicing, in the past 40k miles I've just had a CEL come on for a sticky EGR in the last 2 months. My car has 115k miles on the clock.

Check the gearbox changes smoothly and consistently if its an auto is my advice. Even after changing the oil and filter at a cost of £500 I'm still not happy with mine.

[chillo]

My 2012 604d is on 209k and was running great until it developed a noisy rattling in what appears to be the top of the motor, no lights or apparent performance loss. It’s getting looked at by the main dealer as under extended warranty.
Apart from that had low pressure turbo replaced at about 165k miles (slight whistle when cold), egr valve/cooler replaced in August.
My daily commute is 190 motorway miles.

[Kingelfer]

chillo said:

My 2012 604d is on 209k and was running great until it developed a noisy rattling in what appears to be the top of the motor, no lights or apparent performance loss. It’s getting looked at by the main dealer as under extended warranty.
Apart from that had low pressure turbo replaced at about 165k miles (slight whistle when cold), egr valve/cooler replaced in August.
My daily commute is 190 motorway miles.

Hi there, can I ask how much you pay for the extended warranty on a car with that mileage?

[ultramarine91]

Similar story for me, 130K with regular servicing, EGR valve and injectors at 120K and that's all. Never lost a drop of oil and pulls like a train. Fantastic motor.

[Ducatilovebeast]

2013 530d...140k miles..changed oil every 10k and runs sweet as a nut. Not one issue. It's how you treat them. Change oil every 10k. It's cheap and simple. No excuse.

[rottenegg]

That's a nice 4.5 year thread exhumation.

The only issues I've had with my N57 are emissions crap related. Not had one single issue with the engine itself.

That said, as annoying as the EGR crap is, and not a BMW issue per se, all I have to do is jet wash the EGR cooler out every 40K miles with Mr Muscle oven cleaner, and blow out the pre-turbine pressure sensor tube, and that's it. Both are a peice of piss and free

[P4TO24]

ultramarine91 said:

Had my 2009 330d manual from new, it s just had its first clutch (it s been used for towing Caterhams) at 126000 miles and the EGR valve replaced. Regularly serviced but that s been it. Still pulls like a train and uses no oil.

Great engine!

I think judging by your description I might have your 330d now. The mileage in August 2019 was 123,000. (You posted 126,000 in December 2019) the previous owner told me that the original owner had the factory tow bar option fitted for towing his caterhams to track days. Could just be a coincidence. I’d be interested to know if it is or not. It’s a black 330d with cream interior reg ending in skf. Now on 175,000 still going strong and pulls even harder now with a map, still uses no oil.