Engine & Tuning

The turbocharged BMW diesel engines lend themselves to modifications. This page aims to serve as a guide for the different 6 cylinder engine types and their tuning potential.

M57 engines were available with many different power versions. These were released in different car models across the years. The powers are: 184, 193, 197, 204, 218, 231, 235, 272, 286HP. The main hardware differences are turbo, injectors and ECU.

The M57 and later versions (M57N, M57N2) differ slightly in the engine capacity of 2926 cm3 vs.2993 cm3.

It is also worth pointing out that the M57 (184 and 193 hp) and the M57n from an E46 have a smaller bellhousing. All later models have a larger bellhousing. This needs to be considered when selecting a gearbox as the bellhousings are not interchangeable.

Tuning potential

The M57 diesel engine is renowned for its robust tuning potential. When performed correctly, professional tuning is a safe and effective way to unlock significant power and torque. However, it can reveal pre-existing weaknesses, such as failing injectors or a faulty turbo control solenoid. Identifying these issues beforehand is critical, as a problem like a faulty vacuum solenoid can lead to damage if amplified by increased power.

We would always recommend taking your vehicle to a reputable tuner and have them conduct the tuning in person, this will ensure that your engine is healthy before winding up the power, and issues can be dealt with as they occur.

Our tuning services, developed in partnership with GKR Performance on their dynamometer, are designed for healthy M57 engines. This ensures any underlying problems are addressed before remapping.

Please note that all power and torque figures are estimates based on our extensive experience with the M57 platform. For major modifications like hybrid turbochargers or non-standard injectors, would require in-person tuning and data logging; these are not offered as part of our tuning services.

 M57 184/193

Stage 1: 220-225hp and 480Nm 

Stage 2: 240hp and 530Nm (requires map sensor replacement – we have this available in our shop). For stage 2 you should have a larger intercooler and free flowing exhaust.

Further power increases are possible on this engine by fitting a GT2260v turbo, this is a bolt on modification and with tuning you could expect around 270hp and 550Nm.

We do not recommend tuning if you have the GM automatic gearbox as it is overstretched at stock power. 

M57N (204hp + 218hp)

Stage 1: 250-260hp and 550Nm 

Stage 2: 270hp (euro 3) or 300hp (euro 4 and up to 600Nm. Decat, DPF removal (where applicable) and larger intercooler required.

More can be achieved with a hybrid turbo and injector upgrades.

M57N2 (231hp + 235hp)

Stage 1: 270hp and 600Nm

Stage 2: 300hp 650Nm (required DPF removal decat and larger intercooler)

Further power increases can be made using a hybrid turbo and fuel pump upgrade to CP3 R90.

M57N2 (197hp)

Stage 1: 260hp 550Nm

More power is possible with injector changes. 

 M57N (272hp)

Stage 1: 340hp 650Nm

Stage 2: 360Hp 700Nm (DPF removal and larger intercooler required.

M57N2 (286hp)

Stage 1: 340hp 680Nm

Stage 2: 370hp 730Nm (requires dpf removal and larger intercooler. 

Engine control units:

184hp, 193hp – EDC15C4 (DDE 4)
204hp, 218hp, 272hp – EDC16C31 (DDE 5)
197hp, 231hp, 235hp, 286hp – EDC16CP35 (DDE 6)

Servicing

When installing your engine we would recommend doing the following services/inspections:

Oil and filter * change
New fuel filter*
EGR blank*
Swirl flap blank*
Check injectors, refurbish if necessary
Check turbo, refurbish if necessary
Change the rocker cover gasket*. This might seem like overkill but we have seen countless go brittle and fail, usually resulting in an oily mess in the engine bay
Change oil breater for votrtex type
Change vacuum lines

*Currently available in our web shop.

Sensors you should keep

It is quite common for customers completing engine swaps to want to bin as many sensors as possible – this is understandable.
We have put together the following list of sensors that should be kept and the reasons why.
MAF sensor – This can be removed but needs modifications in the ECU map.
Boost temp sensor – Found in the boost pipe between the intercooler and inlet manifold of M57N/M47N engines and later. It is important this is kept to enable the ecu to accurately calculate AFR (Air/Fuel ratio).
Lambda sensor – Found in the exhaust downpipe of M57N/M47N engines and later. Should be kept to enable live AFR adjustments.
EGT (Exhaust-gas temperature) sensor – Found in the exhaust downpipe of M57N/M47N engines and later. Should be kept to allow for EGT protection.
Swirl flap and EGR vacuum solenoids – Keep these plugged in even if you have deleted the valves. We have seen this cause intermittent boost issues by being unplugged.