BMW M57N 306D2 Single-Turbo Diesel Swap
Donor: BMW M57N 306D2 (E60 530d / E83 X3 3.0d / E53 X5 3.0d)
The single-turbo predecessor to the popular M57N2 twin-turbo swap. Cheaper donor engines, simpler intake and turbo plumbing, and still comfortably 204 bhp / 410 Nm — a very popular reliable diesel conversion for Td5 and early Puma trucks that need more torque without the M57N2 complexity.
ECU Solution
BMW DDE5 with EWS delete (dealer-flash or aftermarket) or Nefmoto standalone. Immobiliser must be removed.
Gearbox Options
Native BMW GS6-53DZ 6-speed manual, ZF 6HP26 auto with adapter loom, or LT230 transfer via bespoke adapter plate to LR R380 / MT82.
Compatible Models
Defender 90 · Defender 110 · Defender 130
Requires custom engine mounts, propshaft shortening on 90s, driveshaft geometry check, and a heat-shielded intercooler routing. Stock DDE5 ECU must be unlocked and CAS/EWS deleted, or replaced with a standalone (Nefmoto or DIT). Retain BMW starter and alternator — LR items will not fit the M57 bell housing.
Step-by-step guide
0 stepsHouse of Torque · M57 Conversion Parts
12 items · GBP ex-VATCurated single-source list from House of Torque — the reference supplier for M57 swap adapters, mounts, standalone looms and DDE ECUs. Prices are indicative UK trade (ex-VAT and shipping); confirm on the product page before ordering. Not affiliated.
| System | Part | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mounting | Mount Kit — M57N2 + ZF Auto to TDCI chassis Bolt-in engine + gearbox mount kit for RHD Defender TDCI chassis. Pairs with the 6/8HP to LT230 adapter. · Only 2 left | £320 | View at HoT → |
| Mounting | Mount Kit — M57N + ZF Auto to TDCI chassis For M57N (single-turbo) donors. Same TDCI chassis fitment as the N2 kit. | £320 | View at HoT → |
| Mounting | Pre-Puma Engine Mounts M57 engine mounts for Td5 / 300Tdi chassis (pre-2007 Puma). | £110 | View at HoT → |
| Mounting | Pre-Puma Bolt-in LT230 Mounts LT230 transfer-case mounts for pre-Puma chassis. Pairs with the pre-Puma engine mount set. | £130 | View at HoT → |
| Driveline | 6/8HP ZF to LT230 Adapter Kit Mates BMW ZF 6HP26X / 6HP28X / 8HP70X to Land Rover LT230 transfer case. Includes spigot and input shaft. · In stock | £830 | View at HoT → |
| ECU / Loom | DDE 5/6 EDC16 Standalone Wiring Harness Standalone loom for DDE5 / DDE6 EDC16 ECUs — removes BMW body-CAN dependencies. | £200 | View at HoT → |
| ECU / Loom | DDE 5/6 Standalone Harness (TDCI Pedal Plug) Same DDE5/6 standalone loom with a Puma TDCI throttle-pedal plug pre-fitted. Currently on sale. · Backorder OK | Sale — POA | View at HoT → |
| ECU / Loom | M57 204 Euro 3 DDE ECU Pre-programmed Euro-3 DDE for 204 bhp M57N donors. Immobiliser delete applied. | £280 | View at HoT → |
| ECU / Loom | M57 204 Euro 4 DDE ECU Pre-programmed Euro-4 DDE for 204 bhp M57N donors. Immobiliser delete applied. | £400 | View at HoT → |
| ECU / Loom | Immobiliser / EWS Delete Service Send-in service — HoT flashes your existing DDE to remove CAS/EWS handshake. | £135 | View at HoT → |
| Cooling | Defender Aluminium Radiator + Intercooler Package Uprated ally rad and front-mount intercooler sized for M57 heat load. Bolts to Defender front panel. | £700 | View at HoT → |
| Induction | M57 Aluminium Inlet Manifold Cast-ally replacement for the plastic OE manifold — eliminates the common cracked-runner failure. · Check availability | £250 | View at HoT → |
Bolt-in engine + gearbox mount kit for RHD Defender TDCI chassis. Pairs with the 6/8HP to LT230 adapter.
For M57N (single-turbo) donors. Same TDCI chassis fitment as the N2 kit.
LT230 transfer-case mounts for pre-Puma chassis. Pairs with the pre-Puma engine mount set.
Mates BMW ZF 6HP26X / 6HP28X / 8HP70X to Land Rover LT230 transfer case. Includes spigot and input shaft.
Standalone loom for DDE5 / DDE6 EDC16 ECUs — removes BMW body-CAN dependencies.
Same DDE5/6 standalone loom with a Puma TDCI throttle-pedal plug pre-fitted. Currently on sale.
Pre-programmed Euro-3 DDE for 204 bhp M57N donors. Immobiliser delete applied.
Pre-programmed Euro-4 DDE for 204 bhp M57N donors. Immobiliser delete applied.
Send-in service — HoT flashes your existing DDE to remove CAS/EWS handshake.
Uprated ally rad and front-mount intercooler sized for M57 heat load. Bolts to Defender front panel.
Cast-ally replacement for the plastic OE manifold — eliminates the common cracked-runner failure.