BMW M54B30 3.0L Engine – Complete Low-Mileage VANOS Swap Engine for E46, E39, E60 & More

Complete, Low-Kilometer M54B30 Engine – The Ultimate 6-Cylinder Swap or Replacement Core.

This is a complete, used BMW M54B30 3.0L inline-6 petrol engine, featuring the double-VANOS variable valve timing system. With a low documented mileage of approximately 94,000 km (~58,410 miles), this fully assembled engine is the ideal plug-and-play core for a direct replacement or high-performance swap into a wide range of BMW E-chassis models. Renowned for its smooth power delivery and tuning potential, this engine delivers proven BMW straight-six performance.

Product Overview & Core Specifications

• Engine Code: M54B30

• Displacement: 3.0L (2979cc) Inline-6 Petrol

• Technology: Double-VANOS (Variable Valve Timing)

• Power: ~230 HP (170 kW) / ~300 Nm (Stock)

• Mileage: ~94,000 km (~58,410 mi) – Documented Low

• Condition: Used, Complete & Assembled (Ideal for Swap)

• Management: Bosch ME7 Engine Management

Primary Vehicle Compatibility & Swap Potential

This engine is a direct bolt-in replacement for models originally equipped with the M54B30. It is also the most popular upgrade engine for swaps due to its power, electronics, and availability.

• Direct Replacement For:

  • BMW E46 330i / 330Ci / 330xi (2000-2005)

  • BMW E39 530i (2001-2003)

  • BMW E60/E61 530i (Early models, 2004-2005)

  • BMW X3 (E83) 3.0i

  • BMW Z4 (E85) 3.0i

• Popular Swap Candidate Into:

  • BMW E36 (requires custom mounts, wiring, and exhaust)

  • BMW E30 (classic performance swap)

  • BMW E34 (upgrade from M50/M60)

  • Other RWD platforms seeking a modern, tunable inline-6.

What’s Included – The Complete Package

This engine is sold as a complete, assembled unit ideal for a swap. It typically includes:

• Complete long block (block, head, internals)

• Double-VANOS assembly and valve cover

• Oil pan (style specific to donor car – verify fitment for your chassis)

• Intake manifold with DISA valve

• Engine wiring harness and ECU (DME) – Critical for swaps

• All sensors, alternator, and often the starter motor as pictured

• Exhaust manifolds and possibly the MAF sensor

Critical Buyer & Swapper Advisory

 Verification and Planning are Essential.

• Condition: Sold as a used, complete assembly. VANOS health, DISA valve integrity, and oil leak history should be assessed. A pre-purchase compression test report is highly valuable.

• Swap Specifics: For non-native applications, you will need custom engine mounts, an adapted exhaust, possibly a different oil pan/sump, and detailed wiring integration. The included ECU may require immo-deletion or coding to work in a different chassis.

• Direct Replacement: For a direct replacement, you must match the engine’s attachment points (e.g., E46 vs. E39 oil pans and engine mounts differ) and confirm the ECU is compatible with your vehicle’s immobilizer system.

• Action Required: Contact seller before purchase. You must:

  1. Confirm the exact donor vehicle (chassis) this engine was removed from.

  2. Obtain a complete list of included components with photos.

  3. For swaps, research the specific adapter parts needed for your target chassis.