Engines Market

BMW 130i SPECIALISTS

BMW 1 Series 130i Engine Replacement Compare Prices & Get Quotes

Get quotes today from trusted UK BMW 1 Series 130i engine specialists. Compare prices on reconditioned, rebuilt and used engines for your BMW 130i - the 265 hp naturally aspirated 3.0-litre straight-six that defined the first-generation hot hatch. Covering the N52B30 engine across the E81, E82, E87 and E88 generations from 2005 to 2013.

Supply & Fit Available
12-Month Warranty
Nationwide Delivery
100+ Suppliers
BMW 1 Series 130i Engine
from£1,295 to £3,200
  • Usedfrom £795
  • Reconditionedfrom £1,295
  • Common codesN52B30A, N52B30AF, N52B30B
BMW 1-series 130i Used Engine — N52B30ABMW 1-seriesUsed Engine — N52B30ABMW 1-series 130i Reconditioned Engine — N52B30ABMW 1-seriesReconditioned Engine — N52B30ABMW 1-series 130i Rebuilt Engine — N52B30ABMW 1-seriesRebuilt Engine — N52B30A

Get your free BMW 1-series 130i engine quotes

Secure enquiry — no spam, no pressure. Genuine quotes only from vetted UK specialists.

Instant QuotesNo Obligation100% FreeReconditionedRebuiltUsedSupply & Fit AvailableUK-Wide NetworkInstant QuotesNo Obligation100% FreeReconditionedRebuiltUsedSupply & Fit AvailableUK-Wide NetworkInstant QuotesNo Obligation100% FreeReconditionedRebuiltUsedSupply & Fit AvailableUK-Wide NetworkInstant QuotesNo Obligation100% FreeReconditionedRebuiltUsedSupply & Fit AvailableUK-Wide Network

How it works

3 Simple Steps to Finding the Right Replacement Engine

Clear information first, then the right engine and specialist for your exact vehicle.

Variant History

BMW 1 Series 130i Engine History & Specs at a Glance

The BMW 130i was launched in September 2005 as the flagship petrol model of the first-generation 1 Series. It was the most potent 1 Series of its era, powered by a 3.0-litre naturally aspirated straight-six engine that produced 265 hp - seven horsepower more than the contemporary 330i, 530i and 630i. The 130i represented the pinnacle of BMW's naturally aspirated six-cylinder engineering, featuring lightweight magnesium-aluminium construction, VALVETRONIC valve management and Bi-VANOS variable valve timing. It was the world's lightest six-cylinder production engine at the time. Production ran from 2005 to 2013 across the E81 (three-door), E82 (coupe), E87 (five-door) and E88 (convertible) body styles.

BMW 1 Series 130i
  1. 2005

    N52B30A, 3.0L naturally aspirated straight-six, 265 hp (195 kW), launched in the E87 five-door 1 Series

  2. 2005

    E81 three-door joins the 130i line-up

  3. 2007

    E82 coupe and E88 convertible available with the 130i engine

  4. 2007

    Engine power output varies by market; some variants produce 258 hp

  5. 2013

    First-generation 1 Series production ends; the 130i badge is retired

Every engine fitted to the BMW 1 Series 130i is covered below, with UK rebuilt pricing and known failure points.

Engine Codes & Pricing

BMW 1 Series 130i Engine Codes Specifications & Replacement Cost

Find your exact engine code, specs and UK replacement cost guide.

N52B30A — 3.0L Naturally Aspirated Petrol (2005-2007) engine

N52B30A — 3.0L Naturally Aspirated Petrol (2005-2007)

Power Output
265 hp (195 kW) @ 6,600 rpm
Torque
315 Nm @ 2,500 rpm
Displacement
2,996 cc
Years Fitted
2005-2007

Can’t find your exact engine code?-> Get quotes for N52B30A BMW 1 Series 130i engine replacement

-> Get quotes for N52B30A BMW 1 Series 130i engine replacement

Common Problems

BMW 1 Series 130i Engine Problems Repair Cost vs Replacement

The BMW 1 Series 130i is powered exclusively by the N52B30 engine - a 3.0-litre naturally aspirated straight-six that produces 258-265 hp. The N52 is widely regarded as one of BMW's most reliable engines, with far fewer major failure points than the turbocharged N54 and N55 that followed. However, like all modern BMW engines, it has its common issues - primarily oil leaks and cooling system components. Replacement demand for the BMW 130i is relatively low compared to turbocharged BMWs, but when failures do occur, the N52 is a well-understood engine with straightforward solutions. Every rebuilt engine supplied through EnginesMarket includes upgraded components and a minimum 12-month unlimited-mileage warranty.

Common failure points and repair options

Oil Leaks

Affected
BMW 1 Series 130i (N52B30, higher-mileage examples, 2005-2013)
Typical failure mileage
60,000-120,000 miles
Root cause
The N52 engine uses gaskets that can become brittle and leak over time. The valve cover gasket, oil filter housing gasket and oil pan gasket are the most common leak points. A leaking valve cover gasket can cause oil to drip onto the exhaust manifold, producing a burning smell and white smoke.

Repair options

Repair tierDealer priceSpecialist price
Valve Cover Gasket Replacement£500-£800£300-£500
Oil Filter Housing Gasket Replacement£400-£700£250-£450
Oil Pan Gasket Replacement£800-£1,200£500-£900
Full Replacement - rebuilt engine£3,500-£5,000£2,500-£3,800
Our recommendation
The N52 is a reliable engine, and oil leaks are the most common issue. Address gasket leaks promptly - a £300-£500 specialist repair is far cheaper than dealing with the consequences of a major oil leak. If you notice white smoke or a burning smell, have the valve cover gasket inspected immediately. Unlike the turbocharged N20 and N54, the N52 does not have widespread timing chain issues, making it a more dependable choice for long-term ownership.
-> Compare rebuilt N52B30A BMW 1 Series 130i engine prices

Electric Water Pump & Thermostat Failure

Affected
BMW 1 Series 130i (N52B30, higher-mileage examples, 2005-2013)
Typical failure mileage
60,000-100,000 miles
Root cause
The N52 uses an electric water pump that can fail without warning. Unlike belt-driven pumps, an electric pump failure may not be preceded by a visible leak. If the pump fails, the engine can overheat rapidly, potentially causing head gasket failure or worse.

Repair options

Repair tierDealer priceSpecialist price
Water Pump & Thermostat Replacement£600-£1,000£400-£700
Full Replacement - rebuilt engine£3,500-£5,000£2,500-£3,800
Our recommendation
Water pump and thermostat replacement is recommended as preventative maintenance around 80,000-100,000 miles. If your 130i has not had the water pump replaced, consider doing so proactively - it's significantly cheaper than dealing with an overheated engine.
-> Compare rebuilt BMW 1 Series 130i engine prices

VANOS Solenoid Issues

Affected
BMW 1 Series 130i (N52B30, higher-mileage examples, 2005-2013)
Typical failure mileage
60,000-120,000 miles
Root cause
The N52's VANOS system uses solenoids to control variable valve timing. These solenoids can become clogged or fail, leading to rough idling, reduced power and engine warning lights.

Repair options

Repair tierDealer priceSpecialist price
VANOS Solenoid Replacement£400-£700£250-£450
Full Replacement - rebuilt engine£3,500-£5,000£2,500-£3,800
Our recommendation
VANOS solenoid issues are usually repairable without engine replacement. A diagnostic scan will identify if VANOS codes are present. Cleaning or replacing the solenoids is a straightforward job for a specialist.
-> Compare rebuilt BMW 1 Series 130i engine prices

Don't Let Engine Issues Write Off Your BMW 1 Series 130i

The N52 engine in your BMW 130i is one of BMW's most celebrated naturally aspirated six-cylinders - a reliable, characterful engine that deserves proper maintenance. Oil leaks, water pump failure and VANOS issues are the most common problems, and all are repairable without replacing the entire engine in most cases. Whether you need a preventative water pump replacement or a full rebuilt engine with upgraded components and a 12-month warranty, EnginesMarket connects you with vetted UK specialists who know the N52 inside out. Compare prices today and keep your BMW on the road.

Compare BMW 1 Series 130i Engine Replacement Prices Now ->

FAQ

BMW 1 Series 130i Engine ReplacementFrequently Asked Questions

Everything BMW 1 Series 130i owners usually ask before choosing a rebuilt, reconditioned or used replacement engine.

Why Choose Us

Compare BMW 1 Series 130i Engine Prices Today

Comparing quotes for your BMW 1 Series 130i engine replacement is completely free and carries no obligation. Enter your registration above, tell us your preferred engine condition - used, reconditioned or rebuilt - and receive tailored quotes from vetted UK specialists who know the N52 six-cylinder engine inside out. No spam, no pressure, just genuine prices from trusted BMW 130i experts.

500+500+ BMW 1 Series engines supplied through our network
12-Month12-Month Warranty on every rebuilt BMW 130i engine
NationwideNationwide UK delivery
Get Free BMW 1 Series 130i Engine Quotes ->

Compare quotes from trusted UK BMW 1 Series 130i engine specialists with warranty-backed rebuilt, reconditioned and used options nationwide.