The engines utilize variable geometry turbochargers and Bosch piezo-electric injectors.

Applications: In January 2022, BMW released a statement acknowledging the presence of a technical issue with the N57 engine which contributed to instances of police vehicles in the United Kingdom catching fire, including one case in January 2020 which resulted in the death of a British police officer.

[4] This issue led to police forces across the United Kingdom withdrawing, retiring or limiting the speed of vehicles powered by the N57 engine, preventing their use in pursuits.

[4] It was reported that the issue was caused by high-speed driving after long periods of engine idling.

[6] Safety concerns about this engine in 2016, and the 2022 inquest into the death of PC Nicholas Dumphreys on 26 January 2020, had the consequence that in January 2023, BMW stopped supplying cars to UK police altogether and closed down their International and Specialist Sales Division at their dealership in Park Lane, Mayfair.