Engines Market

BMW 325e SPECIALISTS

BMW 3 Series 325e Engine Replacement Compare Prices & Get Quotes

Get free, no-obligation quotes today from trusted UK BMW 3 Series 325e engine specialists. Compare prices on reconditioned, rebuilt and used engines for the iconic E30 325e - powered by the legendary 2.7-litre M20B27 'Eta' six-cylinder.

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BMW 3 Series 325e Engine
from£1,800 to £3,500
  • Usedfrom £800
  • Reconditionedfrom £1,500
  • Common codesM20B27

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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 3 Series 325e Engine History & Specs at a Glance

The BMW 325e (the 'e' standing for 'Eta' - the Greek letter used by BMW to denote efficiency) was introduced in 1984 as a torque-focused, fuel-efficient alternative to the higher-revving 325i. Powered by the 2.7-litre M20B27 six-cylinder, the 325e prioritised low-end grunt over peak power, making it a relaxed and economical cruiser. The 325e was produced throughout the E30 generation's lifespan, with a catalyst-equipped version arriving in 1985.

BMW 3 Series 325e
  1. 1984

    1985 (E30 pre-facelift) - M20B27, 2.7-litre 12-valve SOHC, 121hp, Bosch Motronic fuel injection

  2. 1985

    1987 (E30 facelift, catalyst) - M20B27, 2.7-litre 12-valve SOHC, 122hp (catalyst version 129hp in some markets), 230Nm torque

  3. 1987

    1988 (E30 facelift, late) - M20B27, 2.7-litre 12-valve SOHC, continued with minor emissions updates

Every engine fitted to the BMW 3 Series 325e is covered below, with UK rebuilt pricing and known failure points.

Engine Codes & Pricing

BMW 3 Series 325e Engine Codes Specifications & Replacement Cost

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

M20B27 — 2.7-litre Petrol (1984-1988, E30 325e) engine

M20B27 — 2.7-litre Petrol (1984-1988, E30 325e)

Power Output
121hp (early) / 122-129hp (catalyst)
Torque
170 lb-ft at 3,250rpm
Years Fitted
1984-1988
Notable Features
Long-stroke 'Eta' engine design (84mm bore x 81mm stroke); Bosch Motronic fuel injection; interference engine design

Can’t find your exact engine code?-> Get quotes for M20B27 BMW 3 Series 325e engine replacement

-> Get quotes for M20B27 BMW 3 Series 325e engine replacement

Common Problems

BMW 3 Series 325e Engine Problems Repair Cost vs Replacement

The BMW 325e is powered by the M20B27 'Eta' six-cylinder - a long-stroke, torque-focused engine that is generally robust when properly maintained. However, age and neglect bring several well-documented failure points. The M20B27 is an interference engine, meaning timing belt failure is catastrophic. Rebuilt engines through EnginesMarket include new timing components and are backed by a minimum 12-month unlimited-mileage warranty.

Common failure points and repair options

Timing Belt Failure

Affected
BMW 3 Series 325e (M20B27, 1984-1988)
Typical failure mileage
50k-60k (or 4 years, whichever comes first)
Root cause
The M20B27 uses a rubber timing belt, not a chain. Over time, the belt stretches, frays, or snaps. As an interference engine, if the timing belt breaks, the camshaft stops turning while the crankshaft continues - valves collide with pistons, bending valves and often destroying the cylinder head.

Repair options

Repair tierDealer priceSpecialist price
Timing belt & water pump replacement (preventative)£600-£1,000£400-£700
Cylinder head rebuild (after belt failure, minor damage)£1,200-£2,000£900-£1,600
Full engine replacement - rebuilt/reconditioned£3,500-£5,500£1,800-£3,500
Our recommendation
Prevention is everything on the M20B27. If you have no record of the timing belt being changed in the last 4 years or 50,000 miles, replace it immediately - a £400-£700 preventative job is far cheaper than a £1,800-£3,500 engine replacement. If the belt has already snapped, assess the damage carefully; if the head is cracked or pistons damaged, a reconditioned or rebuilt engine is the most reliable path forward.
-> Compare rebuilt M20B27 BMW 3 Series 325e engine prices

Vacuum Leaks & Idle Issues

Affected
BMW 3 Series 325e (M20B27, 1984-1988)
Typical failure mileage
Age-related - rubber components degrade regardless of mileage
Root cause
The M20B27 is very sensitive to vacuum leaks. Over time, rubber intake boots, vacuum hoses, and intake manifold gaskets become brittle and crack, allowing unmetered air into the engine. This causes rough idle, stalling, and poor drivability.

Repair options

Repair tierDealer priceSpecialist price
Vacuum leak diagnosis & repair£200-£400£150-£300
Full engine replacement - rebuilt/reconditioned (if neglected)£3,500-£5,500£1,800-£3,500
Our recommendation
Vacuum leaks are one of the most common and easily fixable issues on the M20B27. A specialist smoke test will quickly identify the source. Replacing all the perished rubber hoses is a relatively inexpensive job that transforms drivability.
-> Compare vacuum leak repair vs replacement costs for BMW 325e

Don't Let Engine Failure Write Off Your BMW 3 Series 325e

The E30 325e is a modern classic - and with only a handful of years of production, keeping yours on the road with the correct M20B27 engine is essential. Whether you need a preventative timing belt change or a full engine replacement, our network of vetted specialists can help. Compare quotes today and keep your 325e running for years to come.

Compare BMW 3 Series 325e Engine Replacement Prices Now ->

FAQ

BMW 3 Series 325e Engine ReplacementFrequently Asked Questions

Everything BMW 3 Series 325e owners usually ask before choosing a rebuilt, reconditioned or used replacement engine.

Why Choose Us

Compare BMW 3 Series 325e Engine Prices Today

The BMW 3 Series 325e is a modern classic - and finding the right engine for it requires specialist knowledge. Our network of vetted UK specialists understands the unique M20B27 'Eta' engine and can supply the correct replacement for your car. Enter your registration, get free, no-obligation quotes, and keep your 325e on the road with the engine it deserves.

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