The E39 530d

Engine

The BMW E39 530d was powered by the M57D30 engine, a 3.0-liter inline-six (I6) turbodiesel that was the most powerful and sought-after diesel variant in the E39 lineup. Introduced as part of BMW's M57 engine family, this engine featured common rail direct injection and a variable-geometry turbocharger (VGT), delivering exceptional performance, refinement, and efficiency, while being the most powerful diesel E39 lineup offers (see Alpina D10 version).

Its robust design and engineering also made it popular among enthusiasts for performance modifications, offering the potential to increase power without significant compromises to reliability, and relatively cheap.


Performance

With 193 horsepower (142 kW) at 4,000 rpm and 410 Nm (302 lb-ft) of torque at 2,000 rpm, the 530d was the most powerful diesel variant in the E39 range. This made it a favorite among drivers who wanted strong performance without the higher running costs of the petrol-powered models. Or among those who wanted to reach figures of >300hp without much hassle.

The M57D30 engine's design made it a favorite among enthusiasts for power modifications. With just a remap, the 530d could comfortably achieve outputs of over 230–250 hp and torque well above 500 Nm, transforming it into a performance diesel without significantly impacting reliability when done correctly.

Specs:

  • Power Output: 193 hp (142 kW) at 4,000 rpm
  • Torque: 410 Nm (302 lb-ft) at 2,000 rpm
  • 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) Acceleration: 7.8 seconds
  • Top Speed: 227 km/h (141 mph)

The 530d's strong acceleration and high-speed capabilities set it apart from its smaller diesel siblings, the 520d and 525d. 

530d Sound


530d Acceleration

Fuel Efficiency

Despite its powerful performance, the 530d maintained impressive fuel economy, making it an excellent choice for those seeking both power and efficiency.

Fuel Consumption (Combined): 7.0–7.5 liters per 100 kilometers (roughly 31–34 mpg)
Fuel Tank Capacity: 70 liters (18.5 gallons)


Reliability

The M57D30 engine is known among enthusiasts for its reliability.

It is often referred to as a bulletproof engine when maintained correctly. Also, it is considered to be a much stronger engine than the newer N57's.

Many engines have reportedly achieved a mileage of over 700.000km and are still going strong.