CONCERNS ALL MODELS
" The N57D30 , a 3.0-liter turbo diesel from BMW, stands as a symbol of the technical expertise and durability with which BMW equips its vehicles. Embedded in the model range for years in various power levels, the N57 demonstrates the company's consistent development philosophy. However, despite the impressive integration and the diverse application of this engine in current BMW models, a significant Achilles' heel reveals itself.
OIL PRESSURE MEASUREMENT
Low oil pressure in the lower RPM range and idle can lead to significant damage to the N57. The insidious thing about the low oil pressure is that the vehicles do not display it, and the vehicle owner is not warned of an impending engine damage through warning messages. Therefore, during a repair, we always install a more powerful and durable upgrade oil pump that can deliver more pressure than the factory pump. This greatly increases the reliability and lifetime of the N57 engine.
DEATH SENTENCE
A fundamental vulnerability The N57D30 engine has an undersized oil pressure. As mileage increases, the problem manifests itself by the oil pressure at idle dropping to values below 1.2 bar.
This critical threshold undermines the necessary lubrication of bearings and other essential components, seriously jeopardizing the reliability of the engine. Particularly insidious about this issue is the fact that the engine electronics provide no warning. Unknowingly, operations continue until an abrupt and often costly engine failure occurs.
Werkshops often diagnose a connecting rod bearing damage in such cases. However, upon disassembling the engine, it turns out that there is actually a main bearing damage – a problem that cannot simply be resolved by replacing parts. A comprehensive and correspondingly expensive repair is unavoidable.
To counteract the vulnerability of the N57D30 engine, we have developed the innovative solution: A N57 Upgrade Oil Pump, which is specifically designed to significantly extend the lifetime of the engine. By increasing the pump speed and using larger impellers, both the oil pressure and the flow rate are increased. An integrated oil pressure control valve ensures precise control of the oil pressure curve to prevent exceeding the limits. This technical innovation ensures that the appropriate oil pressure is present at every speed to effectively protect the engine and especially the turbo unit – which can consist of up to three turbochargers and also incurs high costs in the event of damage.
Originally, the N57 upgrade oil pump was developed for use in our services and exchange engines. Due to high demand and the extremely tight order situation, we have started selling the N57 upgrade oil pump to other engine rebuilders and vehicle owners, as well as workshops, to prevent major engine damage to the BMW N57 engine preventively.
TOTAL FAILURE OF N57
One of the most common causes of a major engine failure in the N57 is a Storage damage in the area of the main bearings oder in the area of the connecting rod bearings between a mileage of 150,000 and 200,000 kilometers. Almost always, the damage is preceded by a long mileage with far too low oil pressure. The original oil pump of the BMW N57 engine is simply undersized and must be replaced with an N57 upgrade oil pump.
Problematic about this damage is that not only the main bearings and the crankshaft of the N57 are affected, but also the engine block is severely damaged as a result of the main bearing damage and is written off as a total loss by many businesses.
The N57 engine is characterized by a modern design: The entire crankcase is made of aluminum, while the cylinder liners are made of gray cast iron, providing good running properties. The bearing blocks of the crankshaft bearings (main bearings) are made of sintered steel and are bolted to the crankcase. Thus, the upper half of the main bearing bore is made of aluminum and the lower half is made of steel. One can imagine that machining this basic bore presents some challenges when there is damage to one of the seven N57 main bearings.
To align the main bearing's base bore and ensure absolute roundness, Let's hone our storage aisles After spinning, the last hundredths of a millimeter are adjusted to size. Since honing is a significantly more precise process than spinning, we achieve maximum roundness and alignment of the individual bearing seats in the crankcase of the N57 engine.
N57 Upgrade Oil Pump
Low oil pressure at idle and during engine operation can lead to a variety of damages to the N57 engine:
Chain rattling/damage:
Storage damages:
Piston damage:
We therefore offer an upgraded oil pump based on the M50d (strongest N57 engine) oil pump and additionally equip it with a smaller sprocket. This increases the oil pressure at idle to 1.3 - 1.5 bar (with the engine at operating temperature). As the RPM increases, an integrated pressure relief valve regulates the oil pressure and limits it to a maximum of 5-6 bar. This ensures that your N57 engine is always supplied with enough oil.
Low oil pressure and its effects
Low oil pressure at idle and during engine operation can lead to a variety of damages. Here are some of the most common problems and their effects:
Chain rattling/damage: A low oil pressure can cause the timing chains in the engine to be insufficiently lubricated. This leads to an unpleasant rattling and, in the worst case, to premature wear of the chain links and associated components.
Storage damages: The bearings in the engine, especially the main bearings, rely on adequate lubrication. If the oil pressure is insufficient to lubricate the bearings, it can lead to excessive wear and damage, ultimately rendering the engine unusable.
Piston damage: Low oil pressure can cause the pistons to be insufficiently lubricated, leading to excessive friction and wear. This can damage piston rings and result in a significant loss of power.
For whom is the upgrade oil pump kit:
- Mileage from 130,000 km
- Idle oil pressure is less than 1.2 bar (at operating temperature!)
- You want to get a long time out of your engine.
- There are already first symptoms
- You want to do something good for your engine
ADDITIONAL KNOWLEDGE DOCUMENTS
Discussion 😍 😮 😇😫 😤😉
We invite you to share your experiences with us and to present and discuss solutions to make the OM642 a significantly better engine.
The longevity of your engine is our mission!
Suggestions for additional articles and self-study are very welcome!
2 comments
Grüße aus Berlin,
mit welchen Anschaffungskosten muss ich rechnen in Bezug auf die Ölpumpe. Des Weiteren die Frage, muss aus der mechanische Austausch noch elektronikseitig etwas angepasst oder geändert werden. Sind alles Dichtungen dabei?
Fahrzeug: 335d F31 LCI Baujahr 11/2015 Laufleistung 190tkm.
Ich möchte gerne diese Oelpumpe kaufen