BMW Z3 1995-2002 3.0L Engine Engine Specifications
BMW Z3 1995-2002

BMW Z3 1995-2002 3.0L Engine Specifications

Detailed technical specifications and documentation for the 3.0L M54B30 engine in the 1995-2002 BMW Z3. Includes performance metrics, system details, and maintenance guidelines.

Updated

Overview Specifications

Comprehensive description of the 3.0l-engine specifications for the 1995-2002 BMW Z3, including key features, measurements, and technical details

How to Use

Use the search function to locate specific 3.0l-engine specifications by entering keywords such as 'torque', 'horsepower', or 'compression ratio'.

Navigate through the documentation sections using the table of contents or by scrolling through the major sections labeled 'Engine Design', 'Performance Specifications', 'Fuel System', and 'Cooling System'.

Key Specifications

Displacement

3.0 liters (2979 cc)

Horsepower

228 hp (170 kW) at 5900 rpm

Torque

221 lb-ft (300 Nm) at 3500 rpm

Compression Ratio

10.2:1

Fuel Economy

18 mpg city / 25 mpg highway

Available Specifications

Engine Design

Detailed information about the design and construction of the 3.0l-engine

Engine Block and Cylinder Head
  • Cast iron engine block with aluminum alloy cylinder head
  • Inline 6-cylinder configuration
  • DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft) design
  • Bore: 84.0 mm, Stroke: 89.6 mm
  • Compression ratio: 10.2:1
Valvetrain and Timing
  • 24-valve setup with hydraulic lifters
  • Variable Valve Timing (VANOS) on the intake camshaft
  • Timing chain-driven camshafts
  • Valve diameter: Intake 34 mm, Exhaust 30 mm

Note: VANOS system improves low-end torque and high-end power.

Performance Specifications

Technical details about the engine's performance metrics

Power and Torque
  • Maximum power output: 228 hp (170 kW) at 5900 rpm
  • Maximum torque: 221 lb-ft (300 Nm) at 3500 rpm
  • Redline: 6500 rpm
  • Fuel cutoff: 6700 rpm
Acceleration and Top Speed
  • 0-60 mph acceleration: 5.5 seconds
  • Top speed: 155 mph (electronically limited)
  • Drag coefficient: 0.38

Note: Performance figures may vary slightly depending on transmission type.

Fuel System

Details about the fuel delivery and management system

Fuel Injection
  • Sequential multi-port fuel injection
  • Electronic throttle control (Drive-by-Wire)
  • Fuel pressure: 3.5 bar (50.8 psi)
  • Fuel tank capacity: 13.7 gallons (52 liters)
Emission Control
  • OBD-II compliant engine management system
  • Dual catalytic converters
  • Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system
  • Meets Euro 3 emission standards

Cooling System

Technical details about the engine's cooling mechanism

Cooling Components
  • Aluminum radiator with electric cooling fan
  • Thermostat opens at 88°C (190°F)
  • Coolant capacity: 10.5 liters (11.1 quarts)
  • Water pump driven by timing belt
Temperature Management
  • Engine oil cooler integrated into the system
  • Coolant temperature sensor monitors engine heat
  • Optimal operating temperature: 90-100°C (194-212°F)

Note: Regular coolant checks are recommended to prevent overheating.

Engine Specifications

General

Engine Code
M54B30
Displacement
3.0 liters (2979 cc)
Configuration
Inline 6-cylinder
Aspiration
Naturally aspirated
Fuel System
Sequential multi-port fuel injection
Manufacturer
BMW
Production Years
1995-2002

Performance

Horsepower
228 hp @ 5900 rpm
Torque
221 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Redline
6500 rpm
Compression Ratio
10.2:1
Fuel Type
Premium unleaded (91 octane or higher)

Dimensions

Bore
84 mm
Stroke
89.6 mm
Cylinder Spacing
91 mm
Deck Height
220 mm
Engine Weight
165 kg (dry)

Cooling System

Coolant Capacity
10.5 liters
Thermostat Opening Temperature
97°C
Radiator Cap Pressure
1.4 bar
Coolant Mixture
50% distilled water, 50% BMW coolant
Coolant Part Number
83192468445

Lubrication System

Oil Capacity
6.5 liters (with filter)
Oil Type
BMW LL-01 approved 5W-30 or 5W-40
Oil Pressure
3.0-4.5 bar @ 2000 rpm
Oil Filter Part Number
11427541709
Oil Change interval
15000 miles or 12 months

Ignition System

Ignition Type
Coil-on-plug
Spark Plug Gap
0.032 inches (0.8 mm)
Spark Plug Torque
23 Nm
Spark Plug Part Number
12120037664
Ignition Coil Part Number
12137548061

Fuel System

Fuel Pressure
3.5 bar
injector Flow Rate
190 cc/min
Fuel Filter Part Number
13327541709
Fuel Pump Part Number
16146758756
Fuel Tank Capacity
14.5 gallons (55 liters)

Valvetrain

Valve Configuration
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Valve Clearance
Hydraulic lifters (self-adjusting)
Camshaft Material
Forged steel
Valve Spring Part Number
11341403795
Timing Chain Tensioner Part Number
11317501510

Emissions

Emission Standard
EURO 3
Catalytic Converter Part Number
18301402495
Oxygen Sensor Part Number
11781437984
Evap System Part Number
13907541709
Egr System
Not applicable

Maintenance

Timing Chain Replacement Interval
Lifetime (inspect at 100,000 miles)
Valve Cover Gasket Part Number
11127541709
Serpentine Belt Part Number
11287541709
Belt Tensioner Part Number
11287541710
Recommended Service interval
15000 miles or 12 months

Diagnostics

Obd2 Compliance
Yes
Common Fault Codes
  • P0171 - System too lean
  • P0300 - Random/multiple cylinder misfire
  • P0420 - Catalyst system efficiency below threshold
Diagnostic Connector Location
Under dashboard, driver's side
Diagnostic Tool Compatibility
BMW DIS, INPA, or compatible OBD2 scanner

Service Information Service

Detailed service requirements and schedules for the 3.0L engine

15000
12
  • Oil and filter change
  • Inspect spark plugs
  • Check coolant level and condition
  • Inspect serpentine belt and tensioner
  • Check for leaks and unusual noises

Use only BMW-approved fluids and parts

30000
24
  • Replace air filter
  • Replace fuel filter
  • Inspect valve cover gasket
  • Check ignition system components
  • Inspect cooling system hoses and connections

Perform a full diagnostic scan for fault codes

60000
48
  • Replace spark plugs
  • Replace serpentine belt
  • Inspect timing chain and tensioner
  • Check and replace oxygen sensors if necessary
  • Flush and replace coolant

Inspect and replace worn components as needed

Common Questions

Find answers to common questions about torque specifications

Q1

What is the horsepower and torque output of the 3.0L engine in the 1995-2002 BMW Z3?

The 3.0L M54B30 engine produces 228 horsepower at 5900 RPM and 221 lb-ft of torque at 3500 RPM. These figures are specific to the Z3 models equipped with this engine.

Q2

What type of fuel system does the 3.0L engine use?

The 3.0L engine utilizes a sequential multi-port fuel injection (SFI) system, which ensures precise fuel delivery and optimal combustion efficiency.

Q3

What is the recommended oil type and capacity for the 3.0L engine?

BMW recommends using synthetic oil with a viscosity of 5W-30 or 5W-40. The oil capacity is approximately 6.9 liters (7.3 quarts) when including the oil filter.

Q4

What is the compression ratio of the 3.0L engine?

The compression ratio of the M54B30 engine is 10.2:1, which contributes to its high performance and efficiency.

Q5

What is the service interval for the timing chain on the 3.0L engine?

The timing chain on the 3.0L engine is designed to last the lifetime of the engine under normal operating conditions. However, regular inspections during routine maintenance are recommended to ensure its integrity.

Q6

What is the firing order for the 3.0L engine?

The firing order for the 3.0L inline-6 engine is 1-5-3-6-2-4. This sequence ensures smooth engine operation and balanced power delivery.

Factory Service Resources

Access official service manuals, technical documents, and repair guides. These resources provide detailed procedures, specifications, and diagrams directly from the manufacturer.

BMW Z3 3.0L Engine Technical Specifications

Coming Soon

Detailed technical specifications for the 3.0L M54B30 engine, including performance metrics, dimensions, and component details.

BMW Z3 3.0L Engine Maintenance Guide

Coming Soon

Comprehensive guide covering routine maintenance procedures, recommended service intervals, and troubleshooting tips for the 3.0L engine.

BMW Z3 3.0L Engine Repair Manual

Coming Soon

Step-by-step repair instructions for common issues and component replacements specific to the 3.0L engine.

BMW Z3 3.0L Engine Performance Upgrades

Coming Soon

Information on aftermarket upgrades and modifications to enhance the performance of the 3.0L engine.

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Technical Information
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About the Author

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Alan Montanye - Automotive Technical Specialist
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Alan Montanye

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