BMW X3 35i Engine ReplacementCompare Prices & Get Quotes
Get quotes today from trusted UK BMW X3 35i engine specialists. Compare prices on reconditioned, rebuilt and used engines for your xDrive35i - powered by the 306hp N55B30 3.0-litre twin-scroll turbo straight-six.
Supply & Fit Available
12-Month Warranty
Nationwide Delivery
100+ Suppliers
From £2,200 to £6,000
Used from £1,800 · Reconditioned from £2,800 · Common codes: N55B30, N55B30A
From £1,800
Tested, bare/short engine
From £2,800
Rod bearings addressed, tested
From quote
Upgraded bearings, full teardown, revised valvetrain
Secure enquiry - no spam, no pressure. Genuine quotes only from vetted UK BMW X3 35i specialists.
3 Simple Steps3 Simple Stepsto Finding the Best BMW X3 35i Replacement Engineto Finding the Best BMW X3 35i Replacement Engine
Most replacements completed within 3-5 days.
Variant HistoryBMW X3 35i - Engine History & Specs at a Glance
The BMW X3 35i arrived with the F25 generation in 2010 as the performance-oriented petrol flagship, powered by the N55B30 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six - BMW's first mass-produced single twin-scroll turbo engine. It delivered 306hp and 400Nm of torque, making the X3 35i the quickest petrol X3 of its generation.
Variant HistoryBMW X3 35i - Engine History & Specs at a Glance
The BMW X3 35i arrived with the F25 generation in 2010 as the performance-oriented petrol flagship, powered by the N55B30 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six - BMW's first mass-produced single twin-scroll turbo engine. It delivered 306hp and 400Nm of torque, making the X3 35i the quickest petrol X3 of its generation.
BMW X3 35i
Fuel TypePetrol
Engine Size3.0L (2,979cc)
Power Output306hp (225kW) at 5,800rpmEngine History Timeline
N55B30 3.0-litre twin-scroll turbo straight-six petrol, 306hp, launched in the F25 X3 xDrive35i
xDrive35i available across SE Sport and M Sport trims
N55B30A updated variant with revised engine management
F25 LCI facelift; xDrive35i continues with N55B30A
G01 generation launches; xDrive35i replaced by X3 M40i with B58 engine
F25 production ends; the 35i badge is discontinued in the X3 range
Key Specs Snapshot
Fuel TypePetrolEngine Size3.0L (2,979cc)Power Output306hp (225kW) at 5,800rpmTorque400Nm (295 lb-ft) at 1,200-5,000rpmDrivetrainxDrive all-wheel drive0-62mph5.6 secondsYears Produced2010-2017 (F25)Every engine fitted to the BMW X3 35i is covered below, with UK rebuilt pricing and known failure points.
BMW X3 35i Engine Codes - Specifications & Replacement CostBMW X3 35i Engine Codes - Specifications & Replacement Cost
3.0L Twin-Scroll Turbo Petrol (2010-2013)
Power Output306hp (225kW) at 5,800rpmTorque400Nm (295 lb-ft) at 1,200-5,000rpmDisplacement2,979ccCompression Ratio10.2:1Years Fitted2010-2013 (F25 X3 xDrive35i)
Compatible Trim Levels
- xDrive35i SE
- xDrive35i Sport
- xDrive35i M Sport
Find your exact engine code, specs and UK replacement cost guide.
Used
Tested, ready-to-fit engine
£1,800-£3,200
Reconditioned
Addressed known issues, tested
£2,800-£4,500
Rebuilt
Full teardown, upgraded internals
£3,500-£6,000
Common Failure
Electric water pump failure, valve cover gasket oil leaks, high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure, and turbocharger wastegate rattle.
The BMW X3 35i's N55 straight-six is BMW's first mass-produced turbocharged petrol engine - responsive, powerful, and generally reliable. However, age and mileage bring well-documented issues with the cooling system, oil leaks, and high-pressure fuel system. Rebuilt BMW X3 35i engines through EnginesMarket include upgraded components addressing the original failure points, plus a minimum 12-month unlimited-mileage warranty.
Why X3 35i Engines Overheat Without Warning
Affected Vehicles
BMW X3 35i (N55B30 / N55B30A, 2010-2017)
Typical Failure Mileage
50,000-80,000 miles
Root Cause
The N55 uses an electric water pump that can fail without warning. Unlike belt-driven pumps, there is no gradual deterioration - failure is often sudden, leading to rapid overheating and potential head gasket failure. This is one of the most common N55 engine problems.
Why It Happens
The N55 uses an electric water pump that can fail without warning. Unlike belt-driven pumps, there is no gradual deterioration - failure is often sudden, leading to rapid overheating and potential head gasket failure. This is one of the most common N55 engine problems.
Dealer (parts + labour)
£700-£1,100
Specialist (parts + labour)
£450-£800
What it involves
Replace water pump, thermostat, coolant flush
Suitability
Essential preventative maintenance at 60k miles
1 - 2 daysDealer (parts + labour)
£5,500-£7,500
Specialist (parts + labour)
£3,500-£6,000
What it involves
Supply & fit, new water pump, 12-month warranty
Suitability
If overheating has damaged the engine
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Electric water pump replacement Minor | £700-£1,100 | £450-£800 | Replace water pump, thermostat, coolant flush | Essential preventative maintenance at 60k miles | 1 - 2 days |
 Full Replacement - rebuilt/reconditioned engine Best Value | £5,500-£7,500 | £3,500-£6,000 | Supply & fit, new water pump, 12-month warranty | If overheating has damaged the engine | 1 - 2 days |
Vehicle Value Check
Vehicle Value Check
A typical 2010-2017 BMW X3 35i is worth approximately £5,000-£15,000. Replacement cost is usually justified on higher-value examples; for cars under £6,000, evaluate carefully. These are performance SUVs - engine replacement is often worthwhile if the body and transmission are sound.
Our Recommendation
Our Recommendation
On the N55, the electric water pump is a consumable item. Replace it preventatively at 60,000 miles or 8 years - a £450-£800 specialist job is cheap insurance against a £3,500+ engine replacement. Watch for warning signs: overheating warnings, limp mode, or the radiator fan running at maximum speed.
Don't Let Engine Failure Write Off Your BMW X3 35i
The N55 straight-six is one of BMW's most characterful turbo engines, but electric water pump failure, oil leaks, and fuel system issues can become costly if ignored. Rebuilt engines through EnginesMarket come with upgraded components addressing the original failure points, a minimum 12-month unlimited-mileage warranty, and nationwide delivery or supply-and-fit options. Compare prices from vetted UK specialists today - and keep your X3 35i performing at its best.
Compare rebuilt N55B30 BMW X3 35i 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 X3 35i. Every engine supplied through EnginesMarket carries a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty - always confirm exact terms with your chosen supplier."
BMW X3 35i Engine ReplacementFrequently Asked Questions
Question 1How much does a BMW X3 35i engine replacement cost-
A BMW X3 35i engine replacement typically costs between £1,800 and £6,200 for the engine itself, depending on condition (used, reconditioned or rebuilt). The N55B30 high-output turbo unit commands premium pricing due to specialist rebuild requirements.
- Used engine: £1,800-£3,500
- Reconditioned: £2,800-£4,800
- Rebuilt: £3,500-£6,200
- Labour (supply & fit): £500-£900 for independent specialist
Question 2What are the signs of water pump failure in a BMW X3 35i-
The N55's electric water pump can fail without warning. Common signs include overheating warnings, the radiator fan running at maximum speed, coolant loss, and the engine entering limp mode.
- Overheating warning or temperature gauge in the red
- Radiator fan running at full speed constantly
- Coolant loss with no visible external leak
- If ignored: engine overheating and potential head gasket failure
Question 3Is it worth replacing the engine in a BMW X3 35i-
Yes, replacing the engine on a BMW X3 35i is usually worthwhile given the vehicle's performance credentials and strong residual values. A typical 2010-2017 X3 35i is worth £5,000-£15,000 - replacement cost is often justified, particularly on well-maintained examples.
- X3 35i values remain strong for performance SUV buyers
- Rebuilt engine costs significantly less than vehicle replacement
- Supply and fit service minimises downtime
- Engine replacement extends vehicle life by 80,000+ miles
Question 4How long does a BMW X3 35i engine replacement take-
A BMW X3 35i engine replacement typically takes 2-4 days for a specialist to complete, including removal of the old unit, fitting the replacement engine, ECU coding, and full road testing.
- Typical labour time: 12-16 hours
- Allow 2-4 working days for the full job
- xDrive system calibration adds additional time
Question 5What's the difference between the BMW X3 35i and the X3 28i-
The 35i uses the 306hp N55B30 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six, while the 28i uses either the N52B30 naturally aspirated straight-six (272hp) or the N20B20 turbo four-cylinder (245hp). The 35i is significantly faster and more responsive, with 400Nm of torque available from just 1,200rpm.
- 35i: 306hp, 3.0L turbo straight-six, 400Nm torque
- 28i: 245-272hp, 2.0L turbo four or 3.0L naturally aspirated
- 35i offers superior performance and the classic straight-six soundtrack
Question 6Are BMW X3 35i engines reliable-
The N55 is generally reliable, but common issues include electric water pump failure, valve cover gasket oil leaks, high-pressure fuel pump failure, and charge pipe cracking. Regular maintenance and preventative replacement of known weak points can extend engine life significantly.
- N55 is generally robust with proper maintenance
- Electric water pump is the most common failure point
- Oil leaks from valve cover and oil filter housing are common
- Regular cooling system and fuel system inspections are essential
Why Choose UsCompare BMW X3 35iEngine PricesToday
1,000+ BMW X3 engines supplied through our network
12-Month Warranty on every rebuilt BMW X3 35i engine
Nationwide UK delivery
supply & fit available
Comparing quotes for your BMW X3 35i engine replacement is free, quick and carries no obligation. Enter your registration above, tell us your engine code (N55B30 or N55B30A), and receive tailored prices from vetted UK specialists. Whether you need a used, reconditioned or rebuilt unit - with or without fitting - we'll connect you with the right supplier for your exact X3 35i.
Enter your registration
and get matched with verified BMW X3 35i specialists.