The N53B25 inline 6-cylinder engine, which is part of the N53 family (which also includes the N53B30), was designed to replace the raw predecessor in 2007. It was based on the N52B25. The pistons were altered, the compression ratio rose to 12, and the cylinder block mostly stayed the same. The Valvetronic valve lift change system vanished, a direct fuel injection system emerged, and the cylinder head with Double-VANOS was completed. The motor remains the same, but the engine control system has changed from Siemens MSV70 to Siemens MSD81. BMW vehicles with the 23i index were equipped with this motor.
Specifications
| Production years | 2007-2010 |
| Displacement, cc | 2497 |
| Fuel system | direct injection |
| Power output, hp | 190 |
| Torque output, Nm | 235 – 240 |
| Cylinder block | aluminum R6 |
| Block head | aluminum 24v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 82 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 78.8 |
| Compression ratio | 12.0 |
| Features | no |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| Timing drive | chain |
| Phase regulator | double VANOS |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 6.5 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 5 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for E60 523i) — city — highway — combined |
10.0 5.7 7.3 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~275 000 |
Disadvantages of the N53B25 engine
The direct fuel injection system is the main cause of this unit’s issues.
Piezoelectric injectors and their high pressure fuel pump rapidly fail due to poor gasoline.
Water hammer in the motor can be caused by malfunctioning injectors after a prolonged stop.
Additionally, spark plugs and ignition coils are frequently changed by owners of vehicles with this engine.
The Vanos phase control system frequently needs to be repaired on runs longer than 100,000 kilometers.