Automotive technology has seen noticeable advancement over the past decade. A lot of improvements in comfort, safety, efficiency, and performance are seen on any new vehicle, regardless of price or manufacturer.
There are still notable German players in the market as you know, but BMW pretty much gives everything from their name. As for the engine, the German car manufacturer wouldn’t accept an unreliable engine in their high-end vehicles.
Yet the BMW B58 is not just as good as publicized, but better. Since introducing the BMW B58 engine in 2015, the design and repetition have grown so much over the past decade competing against the best German engines like the Mercedes-Benz M256 and the Audi 3.0 TFSI.
Reliability has been significantly improved and tuning potential compared to predecessors like N55 and N54. Here is a brief look at the BMW’s B58 engine, its flaws, and the overall development of this powerful reliable engine.
Development and Design
The BMW B58’s design increases the engine boost pressure by 20% compared to its predecessor, the BMW N55. It is designed as a closed-deck engine block with a compression ratio of up to 11.0:1 and an increase in displacement from 2,979-2,998 cc.
BMW B58 also features a twin-scroll design for their turbocharger. The feature has more efficient power delivery and less turbo lag. The engine incorporates a water-to-air design intercooler that intakes the plenum. The system reduces the volume of air between the cylinders and the turbocharger.
The direct fuel injection BMW B58 engine also features a proprietary variable valve timing called double Vanos and a variable valve lift called Valvetronic. A B58 has an engine-mounted heat encapsulation mechanism for reducing engine wear and emission during start-up.
The engine’s rotating assembly comprises a forged steel crankshaft and connecting rods. As part of the BMW’s new modular engine family, the B58 crankcase is a new design identical to the BMW B57 diesel engine.
Development
The BMW B58 was revised in 2018 to B58TU. Notable changes and improvements in the revised B58TU include increased pressure up to 75% due to an updated pressure fuel pump and injectors.
It also features a new particulate filter, a one-part timing chain, and separate cylinder head and crankcase cooling circuits. The 2018 version also integrates the exhaust manifold into the cylinder head housing.
In 2022, another revision of the B58 engine added port fuel injection to complement the direct injection system. Here are some of the versions of the BMW B58 models.
- B58B30M0: 213 kw (286 HP)
- B58B30M0: kw (322 HP)
- B58B30M0: 250 kW (335 HP)
- B58B30M1: 250 kW (335 HP)
- B58B30C: 250 kW (335 HP)
- B58B30O1: 285 kW (382 HP)
- B58B30M2: 280 kW (375 HP)
Reliability and Performance
B58 has been featured in several top-tier BMW models, such as the 5 series or the BMW X3. So, if you’re looking for a motor ready for bolt-on and a tune with increased boost and hard-driving, the B58 should be your first choice.
In fact, even the new Toyota GR Supra is equipped with the B58 Engine as well – You can get the idea. The Japanese firm has been the most reliable car maker in the world for a long time, a fact that isn’t changing anytime soon.
In terms of performance, the BMW B58 has a maximum engine speed rating of 7,000 rpm with a limited top speed of 155 mph using 362 HP and a torque of 369 LB.
You May Also Read: Best Used Luxury Cars
Problems with B58
The B58 turbocharged straight-six engine is great but not without problems. Unfortunately, the BMW B58 suffers typical engine issues, especially when not maintained or appropriately tuned.
In some cases, the vehicles using B58s are modified incorrectly, neglected, or thrashed, leading to higher failure rates than the BMW B58 deserves.
Here are common BMW B58 engine problems.
VANOS Solenoid
BMW’s VANOS proprietary system for dynamic valve timing is similar to Toyota’s VVT-I or Honda VTEC. In a BMW B58, the changes in oil pressure control the VANOS timing, which is triggered by a solenoid. Common symptoms with a failing VANOS include decreased efficiency, loss of power, sluggish throttle response, rough idle, and limp mode.
Failing of the solenoid’s O-ring is the most typical problem of VANOS in BMW B58. The rubber O-ring gets damaged over time due to wear and high engine temperatures. This permits the oil to ooze through, causing the VANOS solenoid to fail when triggered.
To prevent the VANOS problem, since you can’t see it coming, is through proactive maintenance. BMW recommends replacing the O-ring seal every 50,000 miles and replacing it with a new system at 70,000 miles.
Valve Cover Gasket
Another “common problem” of the BMW B58 engine is the valve cover gasket (VCG). The problem is not unique to BMWs alone since any modern vehicle will have a rubber valve cover gasket worn with use.
However, BMW needs to improve on its VCG fails. You should be vigilant for leaks as an owner between 60,000 and 100,000 miles, as oil loss can lead to significant engine damage. Common symptoms include visible leakage by the gasket, soaked spark plugs, smell of burning oil, and low-oil light.
BMW B58’s invention is claimed to counter the problem. B58 heat retention system is aimed at retaining engine temperature for up to 36 hours. The prolonged heat retention allows less temperature shock and a more gradual heat cycle for sensitive parts like VCG.
Oil Filter Disintegration
BMW motors, including B58s, have an odd habit of having their oil filters disintegrate from everyday use. As oil passes, the filter will detach from the housing and eventually tear into multiple pieces.
Engine oil filters are not expensive, including those made by BMW. However, the issue isn’t price. A disintegrated oil filter will not do its job, allowing foreign particles and contaminants to slip through to unwanted areas in your engine.
To avoid the issue, maintain proper oil and filter change intervals. Changing your oil and filter as recommended is essential and will reduce the opportunity for the oil filter to disintegrate.
