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BMW B58 vs BMW M54: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the BMW B58 carries less risk than the BMW M54: 38/100 (moderate risk) versus 54/100 (high risk). The BMW B58 has 1 documented serious fault, the main one being «Failure of the oil pump with a plastic rotor housing»; the BMW M54 has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Thermostat and water pump failure».

Risk index

BMW B58

38

Moderate risk · 1 serious fault

Lower risk

Risk index

BMW M54

54

High risk · 2 serious faults

The index (0–100) weights the severity and frequency of the three most serious documented faults. How it is calculated

12 sourcesHow we work

Is the BMW B58 reliable?

The B58 (3.0 turbo straight-six, since 2015) is considered robust and less troublesome than the N54/N55 it replaced, and the sources do not document widespread internal failures. The known faults are on the periphery: the plastic oil filter housing, crankcase ventilation, gaskets and coolant. On units built before 2021 there are also US reports of an oil pump with a plastic housing.[1][2][3][4]

See the 6 of the BMW B58 faults

Is the BMW M54 reliable?

The BMW M54 (2000-2006) is a naturally aspirated petrol inline-six with a reputation for longevity, passing 200,000 km if maintained. Its weak points are the crankcase ventilation valve and the plastic cooling system; check that they have been renewed.[5][6][7]

See the 5 of the BMW M54 faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of BMW B58 and BMW M54
BMW B58BMW M54
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement2,998 cm³—
TimingChainChain
Power290–441 hp170–235 hp
Productionsince 2015[8][9]2000–2006[10][11]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)38Moderate risk54High risk
Documented faults65
Of high or critical severity12
Worst severityHigh severityHigh severity
Main faults
  1. High severity: Failure of the oil pump with a plastic rotor housing
  2. Medium severity: Oil and coolant leak from the plastic oil filter housing
  3. Medium severity: Failure of the crankcase ventilation PCV valve (integrated in the valve cover)
  1. High severity: Thermostat and water pump failure
  2. High severity: Cracked expansion tank and coolant leak
  3. Medium severity: Cracked crankcase ventilation valve (CCV) and oil consumption
Most expensive documented repairNo reliable dataNo reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions
  • B58TU2 381 hp (B58B30M2, since 2022)[2][3]
None
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • B58 326 hp (B58B30M0, 2015-2019)[2][3][12]
  • B58 340-360 hp (B58B30M0, 2016-2019)[2][3][12]
  • B58TU 333-340 hp (B58B30M1, since 2018)[2][3]
  • B58TU 374 hp (B58B30O1, M340i, M440i and M240i, since 2019)[3]
AvoidVersions to avoidNoneNone

Severity of each fault: green, low; amber, medium; red, high; dark red, critical. How we rate them

Cars that each one is fitted to

BMW B58

See the 15 models with the BMW B58

BMW M54

Other comparisons

With the BMW B58

With the BMW M54

Compare other engines

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Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. The 5 Most Common BMW B58 Engine ProblemsBMW Tuning · Technical documentation · published 7 February 2020 · consulted 9 October 2026
  2. BMW B58 EngineFCP Euro · Technical documentation · consulted 9 October 2026
  3. The Popular BMW B58 Inline-Six Engine Has One Big Achilles HeelThe Autopian · Motoring press · published 14 June 2024 · consulted 9 October 2026
  4. ¿En qué se diferencian los motores B58 y S58 de BMW?Diariomotor · Motoring press · published 27 April 2024 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in Spanish
  5. BMW M54 Engine Guide: Reliability, Common Problems & Tuning PotentialEuro Premium Parts · Technical documentation · consulted 5 October 2026
  6. Il motore da 6 cilindri che supera agilmente i 300.000 kmAutoblog.it · Motoring press · published 13 February 2026 · consulted 5 October 2026 · in Italian
  7. BMW M54 reliabilityAutoscore · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
  8. BMW B58Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026
  9. BMW B58Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  10. BMW M54Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
  11. BMW M54Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in German
  12. How A Plastic Part On BMW's B58 Engine Can Turn An Oil Change Into A $3,000 RepairThe Autopian · Motoring press · published 28 March 2025 · consulted 9 October 2026