From 2009 to 2018, the German company produced the 3.0-liter BMW N55B30 turbo engine, which was fitted to nearly all of the company’s main models, including X-series crossovers. This engine served as the basis for several of Alpina’s particularly potent power units.
The engine was installed on:
- BMW 1-Series E87 in 2010 – 2013; 1-Series F20 in 2012 – 2016;
- BMW 2-Series F22 in 2013 – 2018;
- BMW 3-Series E90 in 2010 – 2012; 3-Series F30 in 2012 – 2015;
- BMW 4-Series F32 in 2013 – 2016;
- BMW 5-Series F07 in 2009 – 2017; 5-Series F10 in 2010 – 2017;
- BMW 6-Series F12 in 2011 – 2018;
- BMW 7-Series F01 in 2012 – 2015;
- BMW X3 F25 in 2010 – 2017;
- BMW X4 F26 in 2014 – 2018;
- BMW X5 E70 in 2010 – 2013; X5 F15 in 2013 – 2018;
- BMW X6 E71 in 2010 – 2014; X6 F16 in 2014 – 2018.
Specifications
| Production years | 2009-2018 |
| Displacement, cc | 2979 |
| Fuel system | direct injection |
| Power output, hp | 306 (N55B30M0) 320 – 326 (N55B30O0) 360 – 370 (N55B30T0) |
| Torque output, Nm | 400 (N55B30M0) 450 (N55B30O0) 465 (N55B30T0) |
| Cylinder block | aluminum R6 |
| Block head | aluminum 24v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 84 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 89.6 |
| Compression ratio | 10.2 |
| Features | Valvetronic III |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| Timing drive | chain |
| Phase regulator | double VANOS |
| Turbocharging | twin-scroll |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 6.5 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 5 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for BMW 535i 2012) — city — highway — combined |
11.9 6.4 8.4 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~300 000 |
Disadvantages of the N55B30 engine
Although the direct fuel injection system in these engines has become more dependable, there are still many failures; many owners replace fuel injectors and injection pumps at a mileage of less than 100,000 km; this unit does not tolerate non-original oil and instantly cokes; hydraulic lifters, Vanos, and Valvetronic systems are among the first to suffer from coke;
The crankcase ventilation valve is the primary cause of this oil loss.