It is no secret that BMW engines are some of the most regarded engines in the world. With the introduction of engines like the N54 and the N55, you might think that is the best that BMW can do.
However, the B58 was introduced. If you’re one of those wondering – “is the B58 reliable?” We have created this post just for you.
In this post, we’ll be discussing the B58 reliability. You will learn if the B58 is reliable and what makes it reliable. Is the B58 better than the N55 and N54? And, what are the most common BMW B58 engine problems?
B58 Engine
The B58 engine is a highly advanced and sophisticated engine that is used in some of the latest BMW cars. It was first introduced in 2015 as a direct successor to the N55 and N54 engines. The engine is a turbocharged inline-six engine that is made of lightweight materials. It also features state-of-the-art technology.
One of the most significant features of the B58 engine is its power output. It has a maximum horsepower of 382 and a torque output of 369 pound-feet, capable of propelling BMW’s cars from 0 to 60 mph in less than 4 seconds. This level of performance puts it on par with some of the most powerful engines on the market.
Another significant feature of the B58 engine is its fuel efficiency. Despite its impressive performance, the B58 engine is designed to be fuel-efficient, with an EPA rating of up to 30 mpg on the highway. This makes it an excellent choice for drivers who want a powerful engine without sacrificing fuel economy.
Overview of The BMW B58 Reliability
The BMW B58 engine has gained a reputation for being a reliable option in the automotive industry. Despite some changes made to the engine with the B58TU1 update in 2019, the engine has continued to be a dependable choice for car buyers.
Its reliability, combined with its power and versatility, has made the B58 engine a popular option for a range of BMW models.
Overall, the B58 engine’s reliability has contributed to its significance in the automotive industry and helped establish it as a formidable force in the market.
Factors that Can Affect the B58 Engine’s Reliability
1. Maintenance
Just like any other engine, the B58 requires regular maintenance to keep it in good condition. Failure to perform regular oil changes, tune-ups, and other routine maintenance tasks can lead to premature wear and tear on the engine and this can impact its reliability over time.
2. Driving Style
The B58 engine is designed to provide high levels of power. Still, aggressive driving and constant high-speed driving which are not unusual with most BMW drivers can put a strain on the engine and reduce its reliability over time.
3. Modifications
Many BMW owners like to modify their engines to improve performance, but these modifications can impact the engine’s reliability. Unapproved modifications can increase the stress on the B58 engine and lead to failures over time.
4. Environmental Factors
Extreme weather conditions, such as high heat or cold, can impact the reliability of the B58 engine. In addition, continuous exposure to harsh chemicals or pollutants can also lead to premature wear and tear on the engine.
5. Quality of Parts Used
The quality of the parts used in the maintenance of the B58 engine can also impact its reliability. Low-quality parts can lead to premature failures and reduce the overall reliability of the engine.
Features That Make the B58 Engine Reliable
1. It’s a 3.0-liter Turbocharged Inline-6 Engine
The BMW B58 is a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 engine produced by BMW since 2015. The B58 was developed as a replacement for the naturally aspirated N54, which was phased out after 2012. It has been available in the G20 5 Series sedan, G30 6 Series Gran Turismo 7 Series (G11/G12), and F90 M5.
The B58 engine features dual VANOS variable valve timing on both camshafts and Valvetronic throttle-free operation for increased efficiency.
The pistons are forged aluminum with oil jets for cooling lubrication; the crankshaft has been updated as well, now featuring a torsional vibration damper instead of a balancer shaft.
2. It’s the Successor to the N54 Engine
The B58 is the successor to the N54 engine and was launched in the F30 340i. It has a displacement of 2,998 cc (183 cu in) and is used on the facelifted E46 and F01 320d models, as well as all-new BMW diesel models. It still uses a single chain-driven camshaft instead of double overhead camshafts.
3. Single Twin-Scroll Turbocharger, Direct Fuel Injection, Valvetronic Variable Valve Timing, and Double-Vanos Variable Camshaft Timing
Like its predecessor, the B58 features a single twin-scroll turbocharger, direct fuel injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve timing, and Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing.
It is also equipped with BMW’s Valvetronic system. The Valvetronic system allows the engine to optimize power output by adjusting intake cam timing on the fly.
Valvetronic can adjust valve lift and duration in real time as needed throughout the rev range for optimal performance at all times. The new engine also features an integrated exhaust manifold that combines all four cylinders into one unit before passing through a high-performance catalytic converter located inside the exhaust manifold itself.
This design was first used by BMW on its M3/M4 engine family. It reduces weight compared to other designs while reducing complexity and cost over traditional systems which rely on individual mufflers for each bank of cylinders (two per bank).
4. Reinforced Cylinder Block
The B58 has a reinforced cylinder block with higher-pressure die-cast cores and redesigned crankcase bearings for increased stiffness. The cylinder block is made of aluminum, which helps to reduce the weight of the engine. It also offers improved heat management, thanks to its cast-iron liners that absorb more energy from engine oil before it reaches your hot rod’s pistons.
The high-pressure die-cast cores provide extra strength and rigidity while also helping to keep temps down by increasing surface area contact between the piston rings and cylinder walls. Meanwhile, redesigned crankcase bearings are made of aluminum instead of steel—which can fatigue over time—and they feature a thin layer of oil film between each bearing surface so there’s less friction in this critical component (which improves efficiency).
5. Larger Intake Valves, Exhaust Valves, and Injectors were also Used Over the N55
The B58 engine has larger intake valves, exhaust valves, and injectors than the N55. This makes it more efficient than the N55, which means increased power output without any increase in fuel consumption. The end result is a healthy bump in horsepower and torque over the previous generation of M3 engines.
6. Power
The B58 is a turbocharged straight-six petrol engine. It is BMW’s most powerful straight-six petrol engine and has been used since then in a variety of models including the M2, M3, M4, M5, and X6M. The first vehicles with a B58 engine were the 340i (2015), 440i (2015), and 540i (2016).
The B58’s major selling point is its power: it produces between 335 and 462 hp depending on the model. The engine also has a low-inertia turbocharger and direct injection, which allows for good fuel economy and emissions levels despite the high output.
7. Inexpensive to Maintain
The B58 is powerful and efficient thanks to its twin turbochargers, which allow it to produce a respectable 355 horsepower at 6300 RPM in the M240i. It also offers great mileage for an engine in this class: 26 mpg city, 35 mpg highway on premium fuel (regular fuel will yield even better results).
It is relatively cheap to maintain—you’ll pay about $750 per year for maintenance on average—and it’s easy enough for any DIYer who wants to get their hands dirty under the hood of their car.
Finally, if you’re worried about parts availability or repair costs down the line, rest assured that plenty of mechanics know how these engines work inside and out.
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BMW B58 Engine Problems
1. Coolant Loss
Coolant loss is a common issue with the B58 engine. It can be caused by leaking head gaskets or cracked cylinder heads. The coolant that leaks is expensive, so it’s important to check your car’s coolant levels regularly and change them if they are low.
If you notice that your car has been losing coolant but the fluid level remains unchanged, this may indicate a leak in one of these components.
Coolant leaking out of a cracked cylinder head or leaking head gasket is difficult to detect because there are no visible signs of damage until the point at which damage becomes severe enough for an engine overheating situation to occur.
At this point, serious damage can occur if steps aren’t taken quickly enough to fix it before the heat causes serious internal failure within your engine.
2. 3.0 Inline-6 Oil Leaks
Oil leaks are common on the B58 engine. The most likely culprit is a faulty valve cover gasket. If you notice any oil leaks, take your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as possible. Oil leaks can seep into your engine and cause damage that costs thousands of dollars to repair.
The other possible culprits include faulty turbocharger oil seals or an oil filter housing seal. If you have an extended warranty on your car, it’s worth taking it in for warranty work before doing the repair yourself; otherwise, this could be a costly fix.
3. 3.0L Turbo Carbon Build-Up
Carbon build-up is a common problem with BMW engines. The 3.0L turbocharged engine can lose power and overheat if it has carbon buildup in the intake manifold, intercooler, and catalytic converter.
Carbon build-up occurs when unburned fuel deposits on the walls of the combustion chamber, causing a loss of power and poor fuel economy. There are many reasons why this happens, including poor fuel quality and incomplete combustion caused by dirty air filters or clogged injectors.
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FAQ
Is the B58 Reliable?
Yes, the B58 engine is generally considered to be a reliable powertrain option. It has received positive reviews from both owners and industry experts for its performance and durability.
Conclusion
The B58 engine is a reliable and powerful straight-six engine. It is available in a variety of models from BMW, including the F30 340i, 440i, and 540i. The B58 has been designed to be more powerful than its predecessor, the N55 engine.
It has improved turbocharging technology which makes it more efficient at high revving. This engine also features direct injection technology which improves fuel efficiency by reducing emissions per horsepower output.
In addition to being powerful and efficient, the B58 also has low emissions levels due to its catalytic converter system that uses platinum as an active ingredient.
In other words, the B58 is highly reliable and will give you little to no problems as long as they are fixed immediately after they are detected.