BMW N53

BMW N53 engine
Overview
Production2006–2013
Layout
ConfigurationStraight-6
Displacement2,497 cc (152 cu in)
2,996 cc (183 cu in)
Cylinder bore82 mm (3.2 in)
85 mm (3.3 in)
Piston stroke78.8 mm (3.10 in)
88 mm (3.5 in)
Cylinder block materialMagnesium-Aluminium
Cylinder head materialAluminium
ValvetrainDOHC, with VVT
Combustion
Fuel typePetrol
Chronology
PredecessorBMW N52
SuccessorBMW N54

The BMW N53 is a naturally aspirated straight-6 petrol engine which was produced from 2006 to 2013. The N53 replaced the BMW N52 in certain markets and debuted on the post-facelift E60 5 Series.

In European markets, the N53 began to replace its port injected parent, the BMW N52 in 2007. Markets such as the United States, Canada, Australia and Malaysia retained the N52 as the N53 was deemed unsuitable due to the high sulphur content of local fuel.[1]

The N52 and N53 are the last naturally aspirated straight-six engines produced by BMW, ending a history of continuous production of this engine configuration since the BMW M30 in 1968. In 2011, the N52 began to be replaced by the BMW N20 turbocharged four-cylinder engine. N53 production ceased in 2013.

There is no BMW M version of the N53. The BMW N54 turbocharged straight-6 engine was produced alongside the N53.

  1. ^ "BMW's N52 versus N53 - what are we missing?". paultan.org.