BMW 3 Series Cylinder Head Replacement Parts

No — the E46 (1998–2006) and E90 (2005–2013) are entirely different generations with different engine families, so the cylinder heads are not interchangeable even if the engine displacement looks the same on paper. The engine code is what really matters here, not the generation badge or the litre figure. Always confirm your exact engine code from your V5 or a VIN check and supply it to the breaker before ordering.

Both years sit within the E90 generation (2005–2013), but BMW updated the N47 engine family during this period, so a head from an earlier car may not be a straight swap for a later one even with the same 320d badge. The engine code — not just the model year — is the detail that tells the breaker whether the head will physically match yours. Give your breaker your full engine code and registration so they can check against their stock before you commit.

The E90 received its LCI (Life Cycle Impulse) facelift in 2008, and while many engines carried across, BMW made running changes to some engine variants around that point that can affect cylinder head specification. Whether a pre-facelift head crosses to an LCI car is something you should confirm with the breaker against your registration and engine code rather than assume it will fit. Supplying your engine code directly is the safest approach.

No — body style makes no difference to cylinder head fitment on the 3 Series. A cylinder head from an E90 saloon, an E91 Touring or an E92 coupe with the same engine code will be mechanically equivalent, so don't limit your search by body style. Focus on matching the engine code, fuel type and year, and let the breaker worry about where the donor car was built.

Trim level — whether SE, Sport or M Sport — has no effect whatsoever on the cylinder head; these are cosmetic and equipment packages, not mechanical ones. A cylinder head from an SE is the same part as one from an M Sport provided the engine codes match, so don't filter breaker searches by trim. Do double-check fuel type and engine code, as different engines were available within each trim level.

No — petrol and diesel cylinder heads are completely different components even within the same generation and cannot be swapped between fuel types. The combustion chambers, valve sizing and prechamber arrangements are entirely different on diesel units like the M47 compared with petrol units such as the M52 or M54. Always match the head to both the correct fuel type and the exact engine code, and confirm with your breaker before purchasing.