BMW 3 Series 330i Engine ReplacementCompare Prices & Get Quotes
Get quotes today from trusted UK BMW 3 Series 330i engine specialists. Compare prices on reconditioned, rebuilt and used engines for every 330i generation - from the E46 M54 straight-six to the G20 B48 turbo-four.
Supply & Fit Available
12-Month Warranty
Nationwide Delivery
100+ Suppliers
From £3,000 to £5,500
Used from £1,500 · Reconditioned from £2,800 · Common codes: M54B30, N52B30, N53B30, N55B30, B48B20O0
From £1,500
Tested, bare/short engine
From £2,800
Rod bearings addressed, tested
From quote
Upgraded bearings, full teardown, revised valvetrain
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3 Simple Steps3 Simple Stepsto Finding the Best BMW 3 Series 330i Replacement Engineto Finding the Best BMW 3 Series 330i Replacement Engine
Most replacements completed within 3-5 days.
Variant HistoryBMW 3 Series 330i - Engine History & Specs at a Glance
The BMW 330i has been the performance benchmark of the 3 Series petrol range since its debut in the E46 generation. Over four generations, the 330i badge has moved from a naturally aspirated 3.0-litre straight-six (M54) to the high-output N52, the direct-injection N53, the turbocharged N55, and finally the modular B48 turbo-four - each iteration delivering more power, efficiency and refinement than the last.
Variant HistoryBMW 3 Series 330i - Engine History & Specs at a Glance
The BMW 330i has been the performance benchmark of the 3 Series petrol range since its debut in the E46 generation. Over four generations, the 330i badge has moved from a naturally aspirated 3.0-litre straight-six (M54) to the high-output N52, the direct-injection N53, the turbocharged N55, and finally the modular B48 turbo-four - each iteration delivering more power, efficiency and refinement than the last.
BMW 3 Series 330i
Fuel TypePetrol
Engine Size Range2.0L-3.0L
Power Output Range231-306 hp across the variant's historyEngine History Timeline
M54B30 3.0-litre straight-six (231 hp) - E46 generation, naturally aspirated
N52B30 3.0-litre straight-six (258 hp) - E90/E91/E92/E93 generation, magnesium-aluminium composite block
N53B30 3.0-litre straight-six (268 hp) - E90 LCI/E92/E93, direct injection
N55B30 3.0-litre straight-six turbo (306 hp) - F30 generation, TwinPower Turbo
B48B20O0 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo (252 hp) - F30 LCI, modular engine family
B48B20O1 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo (258 hp) - G20 generation, updated
Key Specs Snapshot
Fuel TypePetrolEngine Size Range2.0L-3.0LPower Output Range231-306 hp across the variant's historyYears Produced2000-presentEvery engine fitted to the BMW 3 Series 330i is covered below, with UK rebuilt pricing and known failure points.
BMW 3 Series 330i Engine Codes - Specifications & Replacement CostBMW 3 Series 330i Engine Codes - Specifications & Replacement Cost
3.0L Petrol (2000-2005)
Power Output231 hpYears Fitted2000-2005
Compatible Trim Levels
- 330i
- 330i SE
- 330i Sport
- 330i M Sport
Find your exact engine code, specs and UK replacement cost guide.
Used
Tested, ready-to-fit engine
£600-£1,500
Reconditioned
Addressed known issues, tested
£1,800-£3,200
Rebuilt
Full teardown, upgraded internals
£2,800-£4,500
Common Failure
The M54B30 is generally robust, but VANOS solenoid failure and oil leaks from the valve cover gasket are common on higher-mileage units. Cooling system components (water pump, expansion tank, radiator) degrade with age and can cause overheating.
The BMW 3 Series 330i's inline-six and turbo-four engines are renowned for their smooth power delivery and reliability, but age and mileage bring common failure points. Timing chain wear affects the B48 and some N-series engines, while oil consumption and VANOS issues plague the naturally aspirated six-cylinders. Rebuilt engines through EnginesMarket include upgraded components addressing the original failure points, plus a minimum 12-month unlimited-mileage warranty.
Why the BMW 3 Series 330i B48 and N-Series Engines Need Attention
Affected Vehicles
BMW 3 Series 330i (B48B20, 2016-present; N52/N53/N55, 2005-2016)
Typical Failure Mileage
60,000-120,000 miles
Root Cause
On B48 engines, the timing chain can experience premature wear due to tensioner or guide failure. On N-series engines, the chain can stretch over time.
Why It Happens
On B48 engines, the timing chain can experience premature wear due to tensioner or guide failure. On N-series engines, the chain can stretch over time.
Dealer (parts + labour)
£1,500-£2,800
Specialist (parts + labour)
£800-£1,800
What it involves
Replace chain, tensioner, guides and sprockets
Suitability
If caught early - rattle on start-up but no performance loss
1 - 2 daysDealer (parts + labour)
£6,000-£10,000
Specialist (parts + labour)
£2,800-£6,500 (matches Section 4 rebuilt pricing)
What it involves
Supply & fit, upgraded timing components, 12-month warranty
Suitability
If timing has jumped or engine is damaged
1 - 2 daysAll prices are indicative UK market ranges based on current UK specialist supplier data.| Repair Tier | Dealer (Parts + Labour) | Specialist (Parts + Labour) | What It Involves | Suitability | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Timing chain replacement (preventative) Minor | £1,500-£2,800 | £800-£1,800 | Replace chain, tensioner, guides and sprockets | If caught early - rattle on start-up but no performance loss | 1 - 2 days |
 Full Replacement - rebuilt/reconditioned engine Best Value | £6,000-£10,000 | £2,800-£6,500 (matches Section 4 rebuilt pricing) | Supply & fit, upgraded timing components, 12-month warranty | If timing has jumped or engine is damaged | 1 - 2 days |
Vehicle Value Check
Vehicle Value Check
A typical BMW 3 Series 330i is worth between £3,000 and £35,000 depending on generation, mileage, and condition [THIRD-PARTY]. For E46/E90 examples under £5,000, a used engine or timing chain repair may offer better value than a full rebuilt unit. For F30/G20 cars worth £10,000+, a rebuilt engine with warranty is a sound investment.
Our Recommendation
Our Recommendation
If you hear a rattling noise from the front of the engine on cold start, get it inspected immediately. Replacing the timing chain and tensioner before failure costs £800-£1,800 at a specialist and can save your engine. If the engine has already jumped timing, a full replacement is usually the most cost-effective route - a specialist rebuild with upgraded components costs less than a dealer replacement and carries a 12-month warranty.
Don't Let Engine Failure Write Off Your BMW 3 Series 330i
Whether you own an E46 M54, an E90 N52, an F30 N55, or a G20 B48, engine failure doesn't have to mean the end of the road. Every rebuilt BMW 3 Series 330i engine through EnginesMarket comes with upgraded components addressing the original failure points, a minimum 12-month unlimited-mileage warranty, and nationwide delivery. Compare specialist prices today - and save thousands over main dealer rates.
Compare rebuilt B48/N-series BMW 3 Series 330i engine prices
12-Month Minimum
UK Specialists Vetted
Best Price GuidanceImportant Information
Important Information
"All prices are indicative UK market ranges based on historical quote data and repair requests from our network of engine specialists. Dealer pricing is estimated based on published main dealer labour rates and genuine OEM parts pricing. Specialist pricing reflects actual quote data from EnginesMarket's UK network. Actual costs vary depending on damage severity, vehicle condition, variant, and workshop location within the UK. Use our free comparison tool to get tailored quotes for your specific BMW 3 Series 330i. Every engine supplied through EnginesMarket carries a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty - always confirm exact terms with your chosen supplier."
BMW 3 Series 330i Engine ReplacementFrequently Asked Questions
Question 1How much does a BMW 3 Series 330i engine replacement cost in the UK-
A BMW 3 Series 330i engine replacement typically costs between £1,500 and £6,500 supply-only, depending on the engine code and condition type.
- Used engines: £600-£3,000 (M54/N52/N53) to £1,500-£3,000 (N55/B48)
- Reconditioned engines: £1,800-£5,000
- Rebuilt engines: £2,800-£6,500 with 12-month warranty
Question 2What are the signs of timing chain failure in a BMW 3 Series 330i-
On B48 and N-series 330i engines, the key warning signs are:
- A rattling or clacking noise from the front of the engine on cold start
- A whining noise that increases with engine RPM
- Rough idle or misfires
- Engine management light with timing-related fault codes
Question 3Is it worth replacing the engine in a BMW 3 Series 330i-
It depends on the age and value of your car:
- E46 330i (worth £3,000-£8,000): repair if possible; full rebuild only if the car is exceptional
- E90 330i (worth £3,000-£10,000): timing chain repair or used engine often makes sense
- F30 330i (worth £6,000-£16,000): rebuilt engine with warranty is usually a sound investment
- G20 330i (worth £15,000-£35,000): replacement cost is small relative to vehicle value
Question 4What's the difference between the BMW 330i and 340i engines-
The 330i and 340i are different engine families entirely:
- 330i (F30/G20): B48 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo, 252-258 hp
- 340i (F30/G20): B58 3.0-litre straight-six turbo, 320-382 hp
Question 5How long does a BMW 3 Series 330i engine replacement take-
A typical BMW 3 Series 330i engine replacement takes 2-5 working days:
- E46/E90 (M54/N52/N53): 10-14 hours labour - around 2-3 days
- F30/G20 (N55/B48): 8-12 hours labour - around 2-3 days
Question 6Does a rebuilt BMW 3 Series 330i engine come with a warranty-
Yes. Every rebuilt BMW 3 Series 330i engine supplied through EnginesMarket comes with a minimum 12-month unlimited-mileage warranty as standard.
- The warranty covers manufacturing defects and parts failure
- Upgraded components address the original failure points (e.g. improved timing chain guides on B48)
- Always confirm exact warranty terms with your chosen supplier
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Comparing quotes for your BMW 3 Series 330i is free, quick, and completely no-obligation. Whether you need a used M54B30 for an E46, a reconditioned N52B30 for an E90, or a rebuilt B48B20 for a G20, our network of UK specialists has the right engine for your exact 330i and engine code. Enter your registration above and start comparing today.
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