One of BMW's most reliable engines, powering big cars from Bavaria's in the 60s, 5 and 6 Series cars in the 70s and 80s to long-wheelbase 7 Series Sedans in the 90s.

With the 1986 introduction of the new BMW large-car class (E32), the engine program for the large six-cylinder engines was reorganized.

The new type designations of the self-explanatory numbering system, which had previously been used in parallel with the old designations, were exclusively used for these engines.

The six-cylinder engines were continued in only two variants, both with digital engine electronics and, in principle, only with a catalytic converter. In order to maintain power and torque at the same levels as the previous models without catalytic converters, the valve timing and the porting were amended.

The 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine M30B30 which was to replace the 2.8 liter M86* engine developed 188 bhp. The 3.5-liter version produced 211 bhp. Production of the M30B35 was halted in 1992 to make way for the introduction of the V-8 engine. The M30B30 was built until 1994 as the entry-level engine for the large-car class.

The six-cylinder engines of this generation, with a cylinder center distance of 100 mm, were in production for 25 years like their four-cylinder counterparts. They made a lasting contribution to the BMW product reputation.