Ladies and Gentlemen, hold on to your seats! We’re taking a deep dive into the heart and soul of one of the most reliable BMW engines ever created – the BMW B58. This turbocharged powerhouse is the heartbeat of some of the most sought-after BMW models, like the BMW M140i, M240i, 330i, M340i, 540i, X3 M40i, and Z4 30i, among others.
The B58 is a marvel of engineering, combining top-notch performance with impressive efficiency. So buckle up and get ready to learn all about the BMW B58 engine and why it’s a game-changer in the world of high-performance vehicles.
A Look at its Modular Design and Efficient Dynamics
The BMW B58 6-cylinder engine is a member of the new in-line engine family and boasts innovative technology such as double VANOS, TwinPower turbocharger, and indirect charge air cooling integrated into the intake system. The EfficientDynamics strategy of the N engine generation is carried over to the B58 engine, resulting in lower fuel consumption and fewer emissions, and complying with Euro 6 in ECE and ULEV II in the US.
One of the key features of the B58 engine is its modular design, which simplifies inspection work, and repairs, and allows for greater flexibility and versatility. This new engine generation features a high number of common and interchangeable parts with other BMW engines such as the Bx7 diesel engines and the Bx8 gasoline engines.
The B58 engine also incorporates an automatic engine start-stop function and intelligent generator control as further efforts to increase efficiency and conserve energy. All in all, the BMW B58 engine’s modular design and efficient dynamics make it a truly remarkable piece of engineering.
Throughout the course of the product development and life cycle, the modular strategy seeks to achieve various effects. Costs associated with development and manufacturing, for instance, can be reduced by using uniform processes. Production reduces the complexity of planning and implementing the manufacturing process. Because there are fewer different parts in Service, warehousing is made simpler, and product handling is done more safely.
The new, common, and modified components of the new engine generation are summarized in the following graphic.
TwinPower Turbo: The Power Behind the BMW B58 Engine
The BMW B58 engine is equipped with the latest in TwinPower Turbo technology. TwinPower Turbo is a BMW umbrella term that refers to the combination of several cutting-edge technologies, including VANOS, Valvetronic, direct injection, and turbocharging. These technologies work together to deliver outstanding power and performance, making the B58 engine one of the most capable engines on the market.
VANOS and Valvetronic ensure optimal valve timing and control for maximum efficiency and performance, while the high-precision direct injection system provides more precise fuel delivery for better performance and fuel economy. The turbocharging system, meanwhile, provides the extra boost needed for high-powered acceleration and top-notch performance.
Comparing the N55 and B58 Engines: A Technical Breakdown
The BMW N55 and B58 engines are two of the most capable engines in the BMW lineup. The N55 has long been the go-to engine for BMW enthusiasts, but the B58 is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the most advanced and capable engines on the market. Here’s a closer look at how the N55 and B58 compare in terms of technical data:
- A number of Cylinders: Both engines feature 6 cylinders in an inline configuration.
- Displacement: The N55 has a displacement of 2979 cc, while the B58 boasts a larger displacement of 2998 cc.
- Bore/Stroke: The bore of the N55 measures 84.0 mm, while the stroke is 89.6 mm. The B58, on the other hand, has a bore of 82 mm and a stroke of 94.6 mm.
- Power Output: The N55 engine produces 225 kW (300 HP) of power, while the B58 produces 240 kW (320 HP).
- Torque: The N55 engine produces 400 Nm (300 lb-ft) of torque, while the B58 produces 450 Nm (330 lb-ft).
- Compression Ratio: The compression ratio of the N55 is 10.2:1, while the B58 has a slightly higher compression ratio of 11:1.
In conclusion, both the N55 and B58 engines are highly capable and advanced engines that offer plenty of power and performance. However, the B58 engine takes things to the next level with a larger displacement, higher power output, and more torque. Whether you’re a BMW enthusiast or just looking for a powerful and reliable engine, both the N55 and B58 engines are sure to impress.
Engine Housing
The BMW B58 engine is a successor to the N55 engine, with improved technical specifications and design modifications. One of the modifications includes the mounting of the VANOS solenoid valve actuators, which are no longer bolted onto the cylinder head but instead attached to the cylinder head cover using bayonet fitting and retaining clips. A new special tool has been developed to facilitate removal and installation without causing damage.
The crankcase ventilation in the B58 engine is designed as a two-stage system that regulates internal engine pressure, cleans blow-by gases, and recirculates the cleaned blow-by gases in the intake area. This prevents excessive pressure from building up in the crankcase and results in oil leakage from the seals. The blow-by gases are routed to the clean air pipe, while the separated oil droplets return to the oil sump.
The cylinder head of the B58 engine is made of AlSi7MgCu0.5 material, with transverse flow cooling for uniform heat distribution and prevention of loss of pressure in the cooling circuit. The cylinder head also includes four valves per cylinder, valve gear, Valvetronic and Valvetronic servomotor, and high-pressure pump.
The crankcase is a completely new design that takes into account the requirements of both gasoline and diesel engines.
Crankcase
The B58 engine crankcase is designed with advanced features to improve its performance and durability. The crankcase is made from heat-treated aluminum alloy (AlSiMgCu 0.5) and features electric arc wire-sprayed cylinder walls for added strength.
The main bearing cap of the crankshaft is weight-optimized for improved fuel efficiency. Additionally, the crankcase features a closed deck design and a deep skirt for increased rigidity and stability.
Furthermore, the oil ducts in the crankcase are designed for use with a map-controlled oil pump for optimized oil flow and distribution. These design features ensure that the B58 engine crankcase provides reliable performance in a variety of driving conditions.
Crankshaft, Tie Rods, and Pistons
The B58 engine is equipped with a crankshaft made of high-strength forged steel. This crankshaft is designed to meet the demands of high performance, with a focus on reliable operation. The crankshaft features integrated pinions for the timing chain drive and oil pump, making it a compact and efficient design.
The connecting rods in the B58 engine are drop-forged and designed to handle the increased loads generated by high performance. The IROX coating on the bearing shells ensures smooth operation and reduces wear during start-stop cycles.
The IROX coating is applied only on the connecting rod side, where the load is the greatest, and is recognizable by its distinct red color.
The pistons used in the B58 engine are similar to those used in the B48 engine, offering enhanced weight for improved performance.
In summary, the B58 engine’s crankshaft, rods, and pistons are all designed with high performance and reliability in mind, making it a powerful and efficient engine.
Timing Chain Drive
The timing chain drive of the B58 engine is designed to reduce rotary oscillations and loads acting on the chain drive. It is located on the transmission side and features simple sleeve-type chains, plastic tensioning and guide rails, and a hydraulic chain tensioner with spring preload.
The bottom timing chain drives the camshaft sprocket of the intermediate shaft in both gasoline and diesel engines. The lubrication of the bottom timing chain is ensured by oil mist and oil dripping off in the crankcase. The combined oil-vacuum pump is driven by the crankshaft via a separate drive chain.
Valve gear: VANOS & Valvetronic
The Bx8 engine features a Double VANOS system that provides improved engine performance and reduced emissions. VANOS adjusts the camshaft timing to optimize valve overlap, resulting in increased torque in the low to the medium-speed range and high power at high speeds. The Valvetronic 4th generation has also been integrated with the Bx8 engine, offering a fully-variable valve lift control and a double VANOS.
Valvetronic operates based on throttle-free load control and reduces the consumption and emissions of harmful nitrogen oxides (NOx). The Valvetronic components in the B58 engine have been revised for improved performance, including an increased adjustment range, smaller worm gear ratio, and more powerful Valvetronic servomotor. Lubricating oil is supplied to the Valvetronic worm gear to ensure proper operation of the eccentric shaft with fast adjustment speeds and a wide adjustment range.
Air Intake System
The B58 engine features an intake air system that filters incoming air and directs it to the turbocharger. The compressed, warm air is then sent to the charge air cooler where it is cooled and sent back to the intake system for optimal combustion conditions.
The charge air cooling is achieved through an integrated, indirect charge air cooler located in the intake plenum. This cooler cools the air using a coolant-based heat exchanger, which leads to improved performance, increased intake pressure, and better response characteristics. The charge air cooler is located in the low-temperature coolant circuit and can be replaced individually if necessary. The electrical auxiliary coolant pump is controlled by the DME and circulates about 5 liters of coolant in the low-temperature coolant circuit.
The two-shell intake neck housing is made of polyamide 6 and reinforced with glass fiber to provide high rigidity and material strength while being impact resistant. The integration of the charge air cooler into the low-temperature coolant circuit and the use of small turbocharger results in a reduction in fuel consumption by modifying the ignition point and transmission ratio.
Turbocharger
The B58 engine features an exhaust turbocharger which is a twin-scroll turbocharger. It features a 6-in-2 exhaust manifold, with the exhaust manifolds of the 3rd and 4th cylinders and the turbocharger housing forming a single-cast steel part.
The exhaust manifolds of the 1st/2nd and 5th/6th cylinders are made up of multiple parts including stainless steel pipes and forged stainless steel flanges, with an expansion compensation unit made of nickel and chrome alloy between the turbine housing and the exhaust manifold.
The expansion compensation units ensure tension-free connections and prevent material expansion and contraction. In case of repairs, the replacement part must be inserted and installed with transport protection caps, and the tightening sequence of all bolt connections must be followed.
The charging pressure control in the B58 engine is electrically adjusted via an electrically controlled wastegate valve. This eliminates the need for a vacuum unit, vacuum lines, electro-pneumatic pressure converter, and vacuum reservoir, leading to faster control speed, more precise control, simpler diagnosis, fewer components, and a larger opening angle of the wastegate valve.
The actuator of the electrically adjustable wastegate valve has a direct current motor and a sensor, resulting in five electrical connections. The wastegate valve is opened or closed by the movement of the linkage. The actuator can be replaced separately, but the system must be re-adjusted with the BMW diagnosis system ISTA. In case of replacement of the entire turbocharger, the linkage is supplied preset.
Fuel injection system
The BMW B58 engine features a direct fuel injection system with a newly developed direct rail that integrates a high-pressure sensor. The direct rail, which replaces the traditional systems, is more compact and has fewer interfaces, resulting in reduced volume and fewer leak problems. The solenoid valve injectors are attached to the rail with a bayonet fitting, and utmost cleanliness must be maintained when working on the fuel system.
The B58 engine uses the Bosch HDEV 5.2 solenoid valve injector, which operates by a magnetic field produced by the solenoid coil that attracts the armature and moves the nozzle needle to release the fuel into the combustion chamber. The rotational angle at the shank of the injector must be carefully monitored to avoid damage and leaks.
An additive approved by BMW (part number 83 19 2 183 738) is recommended to prevent coking in direct injection systems. To meet the EURO 6 emission standards, technical changes were made to the solenoid valve injectors.
Digital Motor Electronics (DME) is the latest generation of engine management technology in vehicles. The newest version, DME 8, has different variants based on the number of cylinders, vehicle electrical system architecture, and whether it is a hybrid or not. The different variants of DME 8 are encoded as follows:
DME 8.4.0 = B48
DME 8.4.0H = B48 PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle)
DME 8.6.0 = B58
DME 8.8.0 = N63 TÜ2
B58 Tuning Potential
The B58 engine, designated as DME 8.6.0, has significant tuning potential due to its high-performance capabilities. With the right modifications, B58 engines can produce increased horsepower and torque, leading to improved acceleration and overall driving experience.
However, it is important to note that these modifications should be made by experienced professionals using high-quality parts to ensure the engine’s longevity and reliability.
Some popular tuning options for the B58 engine include:
- Upgrade to a high-flow air intake system
- Installation of performance exhaust systems
- ECU (Engine Control Unit) tuning to remap fuel and ignition maps
- Upgraded intercooler to reduce engine heat and increase power
- Installation of turbochargers or superchargers for increased air flow and boost
It is recommended to start with smaller modifications and gradually increase the engine’s performance as the engine’s internals can only handle so much power. Over-tuning can result in engine damage and decreased reliability. It is always best to consult with a professional tuner to find the right balance of performance and reliability for your specific B58 engine.
The amount of increased power the B58 engine can handle depends on various factors such as the engine’s hardware, tuning, and modifications made.
Generally, the B58 engine has been shown to handle increases in power up to around 60-70 horsepower and 60-70 lb-ft of torque with conservative tuning and bolt-on modifications. However, more aggressive tuning and significant engine modifications can increase its power handling capabilities further. It’s important to note that pushing the engine beyond its limits can result in reliability and longevity issues.
Most Common B58 Issues
Stuck Oil Filter
This is a known issue with the BMW B58 engine and is referred to as the “Stuck Engine Oil Filter Insert.” It can result in difficulty removing the engine oil filter insert during oil service, or the insert breaking apart and remaining stuck in the oil filter housing. If this issue occurs, it is recommended to replace the complete engine oil filter housing and not try to remove or clean the fragments from the housing. After removing the housing, allow time for the residual oil to drain before returning it to the WPRC, and avoid using any solvents.
Here’s the SIB https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2021/MC-10199292-9999.pdf
Rough running and hesitation
Another common issue with the B58 engine is rough running or hesitation when accelerating from a stationary position, which may result in the storage of fault code 21A02D in the DME fault memory. This is caused by a software error in the Digital Motor Electronics (DME). To correct this issue, the vehicle software needs to be updated using ISTA 4.10.20 or higher, with an integration level of 18-03-520 or higher. Before updating the software, it is important to perform any necessary repairs or address any other faults stored in the vehicle, as specified in the procedure outlined above.
Engine vibration and noise
If you’re experiencing engine trouble like erratic running, vibrations, or grinding noise coming from the engine compartment, your vehicle may have one of the following check control messages or fault codes stored:
-Vehicle battery not being charged!
-Engine too hot! Drive carefully.
-Engine overheated! Stop with caution.
The cause of these issues may be a separation of the rubber insulator in the vibration damper, causing vibrations and noise, and in some cases, belt damage.
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2019/MC-10163027-9999.pdf
Oil Pressure Management
The B58 engine may experience an issue where a fault code “1C0102 – oil pressure control, plausibility, static: Pressure too low” is stored in the Digital Motor Electronics (DME) fault memory, but there are no other engine oil pressure faults present. This is due to a software error in the DME on certain integration levels (17-11-5xx and 18-03-5xx). This fault will not cause any noticeable issues for the customer or display a Check Control Message. However, it can be identified during unrelated diagnostics. The correction for this issue is to ignore it until the release of ISTA 4.12.1x and then have the vehicle reprogrammed after the release.
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2018/MC-10138375-9999.pdf
Electrical wastegate issue
The issue with the electrical wastegate is causing the engine to run with reduced power and lighting up the emissions warning lamp. This is due to problems with electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) causing faults on the wastegate valve controller’s 5V supply line and the position sensor signal.
The cause is a pulse-width-modulated actuation of the heat management module. To fix the problem, the vehicle wiring harness has been improved in production since June and July 2016 by twisting individual wires to reduce incompatible electromagnetic radiation.
However, due to the number of engine and vehicle combinations, specific correction dates cannot be assigned to individual models.
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2016/MC-10146784-9999.pdf
The BMW B58 engine is a powerful and reliable powerplant that has been used in a variety of BMW vehicles. However, like all engines, it is not immune to problems. Some of the most common issues include difficulty removing the engine oil filter, rough running or hesitation when accelerating, and engine vibrations and noises. In these cases, the solution may range from updating the vehicle software, replacing the vibration damper, or replacing damaged parts.
It’s always important to stay vigilant and keep an eye out for these issues. However, with proper maintenance and quick action, the BMW B58 engine will continue to provide a smooth and powerful driving experience for years to come.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the BMW B58 engine is a powerful and advanced engine that offers a smooth and enjoyable driving experience. Despite some common issues with its electrical wastegate, overheating and battery charging, these problems can be easily resolved with proper diagnosis and maintenance. With improved vehicle wiring harnesses and updated software, the BMW B58 engine is a reliable and high-performing engine that will provide drivers with years of thrilling and efficient driving. So, buckle up, put the pedal to the metal, and enjoy the ride with the BMW B58 engine!
