[Jules59]

What are the differences between the M57 and N57 diesel engines, including differences in ancilliaries between the 330D versions.
Before anyone suggests "do a search" I have looked on various forums, google and wiki.

[ukbeemerboy]

Main difference was M57 had an iron block, N57 is an alloy block and so lighter. On top of that the differences were mainly improvements over the M57 for lower emissions and Euro 5 compliance I think.

[Jules59]

Originally Posted by ukbeemerboy

Main difference was M57 had an iron block, N57 is an alloy block and so lighter. On top of that the differences were mainly improvements over the M57 for lower emissions and Euro 5 compliance I think.

Thanks - so M57 information should work for the N57 in alot of areas.

[Icekube]

Originally Posted by Jules59

Thanks - so M57 information should work for the N57 in alot of areas.

when you say "information" what are you referring to?

the blocks are totally different (for example the M57 has the timing chain at the front of the engine, the N47 has it at the back) for starters, not to mention different turbo chargers and no doubt countless other items the changed between the M series and N series

[jean019]

Main difference? M57 is reliable for sure. For N57....

[ukbeemerboy]

Originally Posted by jean019

Main difference? M57 is reliable for sure. For N57....

What??? Swirl flaps, injectors, timing chain issues, turbos.... The list goes on with M57 engines let alone the higher fuel economy and emissions.

[Icekube]

Originally Posted by ukbeemerboy

What??? Swirl flaps, injectors, timing chain issues, turbos.... The list goes on with M57 engines let alone the higher fuel economy and emissions.

its not the M57 engine that has timing chain issues, it was the N47/57 series engines that were imploding due to timing chain failures, not heard anything about that on the M57?

Swirl flaps, fair enough, but easy to remove, Turbo's are pretty much the same between the two engines, both using Garrett GT22xx units

they do have higher fuel consumption compared to the N47

[jean019]

There is some issue in m57n2 but you can solve it easily, especially if the car has less than 70000 miles.
And the car is really reliable IF maintenance is done correctly (ie not like the dealer, for example oil breather has to be changed every 20000 miles, nobody do that except forumers), and the car driven correctly.
No timing chain issue, no turbo issue. Maybe injectors but it depends on the diesel quality you put in it, and if you change diesel filter regularly (maintenance...).

The N57 however has one big issue : it shares exactly the same timing chain parts that fail on N47.
The issue happens at a higher mileage on N57 (approx 100000 miles), and the repair cost is between 4000 euros and 13000 euros (new engine). It's better to know it before buying it...

Consumption? lol... I do prefer consume 1L more per 100km and not break the engine.

[oldbilly]

The m57 is about as bullet proof as you can get also the later M57 swirl flaps circa 2005 are the upgraded cartridge types with no noted failures.

[jean019]

Originally Posted by oldbilly

The m57 is about as bullet proof as you can get also the later M57 swirl flaps circa 2005 are the upgraded cartridge types with no noted failures.

The later flaps leak because the oil breather is not changed frequently (there is a puma page about it). Replace them by blank plates, it costs 50 euros (only...) , and you will sleep better.
Nothing like the 4000 euros timing chain issue.

[dj219957]

Ive read about chain failure in equal amounts on low mileage cars too. id say its more luck of the draw/servicing/start-stop/type of use.

[Jules59]

Originally Posted by Icekube

when you say "information" what are you referring to?

the blocks are totally different (for example the M57 has the timing chain at the front of the engine, the N47 has it at the back) for starters, not to mention different turbo chargers and no doubt countless other items the changed between the M series and N series

How to change the thermostat.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by Jules59

How to change the thermostat.

Thermostat is different, much simpler design on the N47/57 engines and only the main thermostat, as the EGR system is a different design, as is the inlet manifold.

N57 thermostat is much easier to access for replacement.

HighlandPete

[Jules59]

Originally Posted by HighlandPete

Thermostat is different, much simpler design on the N47/57 engines and only the main thermostat, as the EGR system is a different design, as is the inlet manifold.

N57 thermostat is much easier to access for replacement.

HighlandPete

thanks - know any links to a DIY for it ?

[Ajs_435d]

How do i know what type i have?

I have a late 2007 335D

[ukbeemerboy]

Originally Posted by ajs_335d

How do i know what type i have?

I have a late 2007 335D

M57 engine on E9x 335d....

[jean019]

M57tu1top or M57tu2top (don't know the difference i think it's a tu2 because of the year)

[bayerischer]

yes you are talking about blanking the swirl flaps. well guess what. my mechanic just did that coz my flaps were leaking, and that was probably due to the oil separator not being ever changed, so i will look at it. however, i am now considering buying a new intake manifold with swirl flaps, coz i lost power delivery, as others mention that too, however, some just refuse to acknowledge it. my mechanic and also other mechanics are suggesting to blank it saying you wont lose a drop of the power, but guess what, owners are complaining they lost some and i did too, so who is right!? and i suspect my fuel consumption went up and i think those flaps are there for a reason. i am even trying to eitgher call or visit and engine plant in Steyr austria where these engines and built, and ask someone who really knows his shit and not some joe knows it all without any credible claims

[Mboon]

Originally Posted by Icekube

its not the M57 engine that has timing chain issues, it was the N47/57 series engines that were imploding due to timing chain failures, not heard anything about that on the M57?

Swirl flaps, fair enough, but easy to remove, Turbo's are pretty much the same between the two engines, both using Garrett GT22xx units

they do have higher fuel consumption compared to the N47

Im ploding N57 engines? Really? I would like to see some evidence on that one?

The N47 (2.0d) engine yes I agree. But the N57 (3.0d) engine is solid.

I run an N57 and a M57. The N57 is much better on fuel, no swirl flap issue, thermostats dont need replacing every service, glow plug sensors are not a serviceable item and the air filter is no a pita to change.

I can actually find no reason why you would have the M57 over the N57. And like I said, I run both. The N57 has 172,000 miles on and the M57 has 160,000 miles.

Both still have the DPFs in but the N57 has not once complained about it being clogged etc where as the M57 is constantly moaning if it is not on a motorway every other day.

[ChawenHalo]

Originally Posted by Mboon

Im ploding N57 engines? Really? I would like to see some evidence on that one?

The N47 (2.0d) engine yes I agree. But the N57 (3.0d) engine is solid.

I run an N57 and a M57. The N57 is much better on fuel, no swirl flap issue, thermostats dont need replacing every service, glow plug sensors are not a serviceable item and the air filter is no a pita to change.

I can actually find no reason why you would have the M57 over the N57. And like I said, I run both. The N57 has 172,000 miles on and the M57 has 160,000 miles.

Both still have the DPFs in but the N57 has not once complained about it being clogged etc where as the M57 is constantly moaning if it is not on a motorway every other day.

Sorry Icekube but you're talking complete balls
Not the same parts look at real OEM... Not the same configuration either.
Very few reported broken chains on the 6L ie: no more than random incident that would affect any manufacturers engine with a chain.

If you're going to make such blatant comments to someone who is just seeking info. please you ought to make sure you have the right info. Its all easy for any of us to make a "mass" statement on something we thought we read somewhere on the old litterweb.

We had the same nonsense about Vanos with the S54 to the point where EVO wrongly stated it in a buying guide.

I've had both engines and TBH both are pretty bombproof if well looked after as most cars, but these engines are certainly into a different league of performance and reliability than their competitors.

[Rob330d]

Intriguing discussions on engine issues.
Can anyone please tell me which type I have? (2006 e 92 330d se pre lci) Interested to learn if I've been wise with my 330d choice.
Love the car for all the reasons you guys do but it's the first car I've owned that I'm afraid of breaking!!
It's easily the most powerful car I've had but the first automatic. Tried a hard kick down last night at about 80 mph in D and dropped to 3rd from 6th. Is a 3 gear downshift normal at that speed?
Are the auto boxes able to withstand hard revving.
I know I've wandered off topic a bit here but can't help feeling that I need to be careful with this car as forums seem full of loving owners living in dread of lights on dash, DPF clogged, swirl flaps and the list goes on....
Funny that when I had less desirable cars in the past I worried less.

I really love the 330d coupe for its looks and power......but are they as bulletproof as some say?
Cheers
Rob

[nick46]

You have M57