With a production run of 27 years, it is BMW's longest produced engine and was used in many car models.

[1] As per the BMW M10 four-cylinder engine from which the M30 was developed, the M30 has an iron block, an aluminium head and an overhead camshaft with two valves per cylinder.

[4][5][6] Common features between the M10 and M30 include a profile lowering 30-degree slant to the right, a crossflow cylinder head, and chain-driven camshaft with rocker arm valve actuation.

This version uses dual Solex Zenith 35/40 INAT carburettors, has a compression ratio of 9.0:1 and produces 110 kW (150 PS; 148 bhp) in most applications.

The M30B25 has previously been called the M06 and M68, prior to BMW retroactively renaming it the M30B25V (V for Vergaser- carburettor in German).

[9] Applications: In 1981, Bosch L-Jetronic electronic fuel injection was added to the 2,494 cc (152.2 cu in) version.

Applications: In its original form, the carburetted 2.8 used two Solex Zenith "35/40 INAT" carburetors, the compression ratio is 9.0:1 and the engine produces 125 kW (170 PS; 168 hp) and 235 N⋅m (174 lb⋅ft).

Applications: In 1977, Bosch L-Jetronic electronic fuel injection was added to the 2,788 cc (170.1 cu in) version.

Based on the M30B28V version with a 3 mm (0.12 in) larger bore, the M30B30V produces 132 kW (180 PS; 178 bhp) and 255 N⋅m (188 lb⋅ft),[26][27] uses dual Zenith 35/40 INAT carburettors and has a compression ratio of 9.0:1.

[31] The M30B30 produces up to 147 kW (200 PS; 197 bhp) and 272 N⋅m (200 lb⋅ft),[32] depending on the model year and whether a catalytic converter is fitted.

Applications: The M30B34 engines sold in Europe and most other markets used a 10.0:1 compression ratio and produced 160 kW (218 PS; 215 hp).

[15] It was also offered without a catalytic converter for certain markets; this version produces 162 kW (220 PS; 217 hp) and 315 N⋅m (232 lb⋅ft) at the same engine speeds.

[56] The M102 was not available in right-hand drive cars, leading to the South African 745i using the BMW M88 naturally aspirated DOHC straight-six engine instead.

These upgrades include Bosch Motronic engine management and an increased displacement to 3,430 cc (209.3 cu in).