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BMW 528i SPECIALISTS

BMW 5 Series 528i Engine Replacement Compare Prices & Get Quotes

Get quotes today from trusted UK BMW 5 Series 528i engine specialists. Compare prices on reconditioned, rebuilt and used M52B28, M54B30, N52B30 and N20B20 engines for your E39, E60 or F10 528i with our free, no-obligation quote comparison.

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BMW 5 Series 528i Engine
from£2,500 to £5,500
  • Usedfrom £800
  • Reconditionedfrom £2,125
  • Common codesM52B28, M54B30, N52B30
BMW 5-series 528i Used Engine — M30B28BMW 5-seriesUsed Engine — M30B28BMW 5-series 528i Reconditioned Engine — M30B28BMW 5-seriesReconditioned Engine — M30B28BMW 5-series 528i Rebuilt Engine — M30B28BMW 5-seriesRebuilt Engine — M30B28

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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 5 Series 528i Engine History & Specs at a Glance

The BMW 528i has been a mainstay of the 5 Series range since 1976, representing the sweet spot between performance and refinement across five generations. From the carburetted M30 straight-six of the E12 through to the turbocharged four-cylinder N20 of the F10, the 528i badge has always stood for accessible straight-six performance - until the downsizing era arrived.

BMW 5 Series 528i
  1. 1976

    E12 528i launched with M30B28 2.8-litre straight-six, carburettor-fed, 184hp

  2. 1979

    E12 facelift introduces Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection, power rises to 184hp

  3. 1981

    E28 528i replaces E12, carrying over the M30B28 with Motronic fuel injection, 184hp

  4. 1995

    E39 528i launched with M52B28 2.8-litre straight-six, 190hp, aluminium block, double-VANOS

  5. 1996

    M52B28 gains single VANOS on intake cam, 193hp

  6. 1998

    M52TUB28 introduces double-VANOS and drive-by-wire throttle

  7. 2004

    E60 528i (US-only initially) arrives with N52B30 3.0-litre straight-six, 215hp, magnesium-aluminium composite block

  8. 2007

    E60 facelift 528i gets N52B30 with 230hp

  9. 2010

    F10 528i launched with N20B20 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, 242hp, twin-scroll turbo, Valvetronic

  10. 2013

    F10 LCI 528i power rises to 245hp

Every engine fitted to the BMW 5 Series 528i is covered below, with UK rebuilt pricing and known failure points.

Engine Codes & Pricing

BMW 5 Series 528i Engine Codes Specifications & Replacement Cost

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

M30B28 — 2.8L Straight-Six Petrol (1976-1987) engine

M30B28 — 2.8L Straight-Six Petrol (1976-1987)

Power Output
184hp
Years Fitted
1976-1987 (E12: 1976-1981; E28: 1981-1987)

Can’t find your exact engine code?-> Get quotes for M30B28 BMW 5 Series 528i engine replacement

-> Get quotes for M30B28 BMW 5 Series 528i engine replacement

Common Problems

BMW 5 Series 528i Engine Problems Repair Cost vs Replacement

The BMW 528i's engine reliability varies dramatically by generation - earlier M30 and M52 units are generally robust but age brings cooling system and VANOS issues, while the later N20 turbo four suffers from well-documented timing chain failures. Rebuilt 528i engines through EnginesMarket include upgraded components addressing the original failure points, plus a minimum 12-month unlimited-mileage warranty.

Common failure points and repair options

N20 Timing Chain Failure

Affected
BMW 5 Series F10 528i (N20B20, 2010-2016)
Typical failure mileage
60,000-100,000 miles
Root cause
The N20's timing chain tensioner can fail, allowing the chain to slacken and wear against plastic guides. If the guides break, the chain can jump teeth or snap, causing catastrophic piston-to-valve contact.

Repair options

Repair tierDealer priceSpecialist price
Preventative timing chain & tensioner replacement£2,500-£4,000£1,500-£2,500
Full Replacement - rebuilt/reconditioned engine£7,000-£10,000£4,800-£6,500
Our recommendation
If your F10 528i's N20 engine makes a whining or rattling noise on startup, have the timing chain inspected immediately - catching it early can save the engine. If the chain has already failed, a rebuilt N20 with upgraded timing components and warranty is the sensible route.
-> Compare rebuilt N20B20 BMW 5 Series 528i engine prices

Cooling System Failure

Affected
BMW 5 Series E39 528i (M52B28 / M54B30, 1995-2003)
Typical failure mileage
80,000-120,000 miles (often age-related)
Root cause
The M52 and M54's cooling systems use plastic components - water pump impellers, expansion tanks, and radiator end tanks - that become brittle with age and heat cycles. Failure leads to rapid coolant loss and overheating, which can warp or crack the aluminium cylinder head.

Repair options

Repair tierDealer priceSpecialist price
Cooling system refresh£800-£1,200£500-£800
Cylinder head repair (warped/cracked)£2,500-£4,000£1,500-£2,800
Full Replacement - rebuilt/reconditioned engine£6,500-£9,000£3,500-£5,500
Our recommendation
Preventative cooling system maintenance is cheap relative to the alternatives. Replace the water pump and expansion tank proactively. If your E39 528i has overheated, get the head inspected promptly - catching a minor warp early can save the engine. Given the E39's growing classic status, a quality rebuild often makes more sense than repeated patch-up repairs.
-> Compare rebuilt M52B28 / M54B30 BMW 5 Series 528i engine prices

VANOS & DISA Failure

Affected
BMW 5 Series E39 528i (M52B28 / M54B30, 1995-2003)
Typical failure mileage
60,000-100,000 miles
Root cause
The M52 and M54's VANOS (variable valve timing) system uses rubber seals that degrade with age and heat, causing oil pressure loss and poor camshaft timing adjustment. The DISA valve (variable intake manifold) can fail, causing a loss of low-end torque and a rattling noise.

Repair options

Repair tierDealer priceSpecialist price
VANOS seal replacement£1,200-£1,800£700-£1,200
DISA valve replacement£400-£600£250-£400
Full Replacement - rebuilt/reconditioned engine£6,500-£9,000£3,500-£5,500
Our recommendation
VANOS seal degradation is almost inevitable on high-mileage M52 and M54 engines. Replacing the seals with upgraded Viton units is a cost-effective repair that restores low-end torque and smooth idle. Do not ignore the DISA rattle - a failed DISA flap can break apart and be ingested into the engine.
-> Compare rebuilt M52B28 / M54B30 BMW 5 Series 528i engine prices

Don't Let Engine Failure Write Off Your BMW 5 Series 528i

The BMW 528i has been a cornerstone of the 5 Series range for five generations - from the classic E12 to the modern F10. Whether you're facing N20 timing chain failure, an E39 cooling system crisis, or simply planning ahead, EnginesMarket connects you with UK specialists who understand these engines inside out. Every rebuilt 528i engine comes with upgraded components addressing the original failure points, a minimum 12-month warranty, and nationwide delivery options.

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FAQ

BMW 5 Series 528i Engine ReplacementFrequently Asked Questions

Everything BMW 5 Series 528i owners usually ask before choosing a rebuilt, reconditioned or used replacement engine.

Why Choose Us

Compare BMW 5 Series 528i Engine Prices Today

Comparing BMW 5 Series 528i engine quotes is free and carries no obligation. Whether you need a used M52B28 for your E39 classic, a rebuilt N20 for your F10 daily driver, or anything in between, EnginesMarket connects you with vetted UK specialists who know the 528i inside out. Enter your registration above and get tailored quotes for your exact 528i and engine code today.

1,000+1,000+ M52/M54/N52/N20 engines supplied through our network
12-Month12-Month Warranty on every rebuilt 528i engine
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