BMW Knowledge Base

Technical articles, diagnostic guides and deep dives into problem BMW components.

951 articles in the base · updated regularly

All Cooling System 22 OBD-II Diagnostics 34 Transmission 16 Buying Guide 60 Engine Mechanical 377 Car Overview 327 Maintenance 47 Suspension 1 Electrical System 24

Engine series:

All B47 B48 B57 B58 N20 N47 N52 N57 S55 S58

Engine Mechanical Overview

BMW Timing Chain Inspection: N47, N57, N20, N13, B47

Checking the timing chain and tensioner on the N47/N57 and N20/N13—acoustically, mechanically, and via live camshaft position data.

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Engine Mechanical ⚡ Express

BMW B47: The Complete Diesel Engine Guide for BMW Owners

A complete guide to the BMW B47 diesel: specs, real-world fuel economy, common problems (balance shaft, oil leaks), the service schedule, and a used-car buyer's checklist. Find out how to extend engine life to 186,000 miles.

Engine Mechanical ⚡ Express

BMW N52 Engine: Complete Guide to Ownership, Problems, and Tuning

A complete guide to the BMW N52 engine: specs, common problems, service intervals, a pre-purchase checklist, and tuning advice. Learn how to make this naturally aspirated inline-six last.

Engine Mechanical ⚡ Express

BMW N52 Engine: Service Life, Common Problems, and Valve Stem Seal Repair

BMW N52 engine overview: design, common problems (worn valve stem seals, coked piston rings, PCV valve failure, timing chain stretch), pre-purchase inspection, a step-by-step seal replacement guide, mechanic tips, and a maintenance schedule to extend engine life.

Engine Mechanical ⚡ Express

BMW E39 Chip Tuning: The Complete Guide to Power Gains and Choosing a Tune

A complete guide to chip tuning the BMW E39: M52, M54, and M57 engines, common problems, pre-flash prep, Shark Injector vs. BMW Standard Tools, and post-flash checks. Here's how to add 15–60 hp safely.

Engine Mechanical ⚡ Express

BMW N52 Engine: Reliability, Problems, and the Complete Owner’s Guide

A complete guide to the BMW N52 engine: specs, common problems (oil consumption, timing chain, overheating), maintenance tips, and a pre-purchase checklist. Find out whether a car with this engine is worth buying.

Engine Mechanical Overview

BMW B58 (Gasoline) vs. B57 (Diesel): Which Six-Cylinder Should You Pick?

BMW's B58 gasoline and B57 diesel inline-sixes share the modular 500 cc-per-cylinder architecture, produce 286–374 hp, and are considered structurally stout. The real differences are torque, fuel economy, range, maintenance costs, and resale value. Here's which six-cylinder fits which driving profile.

Engine Mechanical ⚡ Express

BMW Knowledge Base

BMW Timing Chain Inspection: N47, N57, N20, N13, B47

BMW B47: The Complete Diesel Engine Guide for BMW Owners

BMW N52 Engine: Complete Guide to Ownership, Problems, and Tuning

BMW N52 Engine: Service Life, Common Problems, and Valve Stem Seal Repair

BMW E39 Chip Tuning: The Complete Guide to Power Gains and Choosing a Tune

BMW N52 Engine: Reliability, Problems, and the Complete Owner’s Guide

BMW B58 (Gasoline) vs. B57 (Diesel): Which Six-Cylinder Should You Pick?

BMW N57 Engine: Timing Chains, Service Life, and the Complete Repair Guide

BMW M3 F80: Complete Guide to the S55 Engine, Problems, and Tuning

BMW E60 M54: Complete Guide to Ownership, Problems, and Tuning