Introduction
Want to give your Nissan Patrol serious torque, reliability, and fuel efficiency?
The BMW M57 engine swap is one of the most popular upgrades among off-road enthusiasts.
This post covers everything about the Nissan Patrol M57 conversion kit what’s included, fitment, installation, and why this diesel swap transforms your Patrol into a powerhouse.
Why Choose a BMW M57 Engine for Your Nissan Patrol?
The BMW M57 is a 3.0 liter turbo diesel inline six used in models like the 530d, 535d, and X5.
Here’s why it’s the perfect choice for a Patrol engine conversion:
Proven reliability and massive torque (500–600 Nm).
Excellent fuel economy and tunability (up to 300 hp with simple mods).
Readily available parts and tuning support across Europe.
Smooth integration with modern ECUs and CAN systems when using the right conversion kit.
Compared to the ZD30 or TB42 engines, an M57 powered Patrol delivers more pulling power, smoother throttle response, and greater off road capability.
What’s Included in the Nissan Patrol M57 Conversion Kit
A high-quality Patrol M57 conversion kit usually includes everything you need to bolt the BMW engine in cleanly and reliably:
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Engine Mounts | Direct bolt in mounts for Patrol Y61 / GU chassis |
| Adapter Plate & Flywheel | Matches the Patrol gearbox to the BMW M57 block |
| Heavy-Duty Clutch Kit | Handles the M57’s torque safely |
| Plug-and-Play Wiring Harness | Simplifies ECU connection and dashboard integration |
| ECU (Immo-Off) | Ready to run, no immobilizer issues |
| Cooling & Intercooler Hoses | Keeps engine temps under control |
| Fuel System Components | Pipes, pump, and filter for diesel compatibility |
| Optional Add-ons | EGR delete, non swirl manifold, or Vortex breather |
Step by Step Patrol M57 Engine Swap Process
Remove the stock ZD30 / TB42 engine and prepare the bay.
Install new engine mounts and align gearbox adapter.
Fit flywheel, clutch, and adapter plate.
Mount M57 engine securely.
Connect wiring harness and ECU, check CAN signals and sensors.
Attach intercooler and cooling system hoses.
Fill all fluids (engine oil, gearbox oil, coolant).
Perform a first-start test and ECU tune (Stage 1 or 2).
Check boost, exhaust temps, and road-test under load.
Compatibility: Which Patrol Models Fit the BMW M57 Engine
The Nissan Patrol Y61 / GU series are the best suited for this swap.
Compatible configurations include:
Patrols with manual transmissions (ZD30, TD42, TB48 base).
Models using the MT82 gearbox (with the proper adapter plate).
Suitable for both RHD and LHD vehicles with minimal modification.
Always verify space for turbo clearance, intercooler routing, and wiring layout before installation.
Patrol M57 Conversion Cost & Performance Upgrade Breakdown
| Item | Approx. Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| M57 Engine (donor or reconditioned) | 2,000–4,000 € |
| Conversion Kit | 1,500–3,500 € |
| Fabrication / Labor | 800–1,500 € |
| ECU Tune / Stage 1 Map | 300–600 € |
| Total (average) | ≈ 4,000–7,000 € |
Once installed, your M57 Patrol can reach 250–300 hp and over 600 Nm of torque a huge jump from stock performance.
Common Issues When Installing the M57 Engine in a Patrol
Even a solid swap can face a few challenges. Watch out for:
Turbo placement and exhaust clearance issues.
Oil cooler and hose routing near steering column.
Mismatched coolant sensors or tachometer wiring.
Intercooler size too small for tuned setups.
ECU or CAN signal interference (fix with correct wiring diagram).
A clean install with quality mounts, proper heat shielding, and tuned ECU avoids 90% of these issues.
Buy Your Nissan Patrol M57 Conversion Kit Online
Ready to upgrade your Patrol?
Explore our Nissan Patrol M57 Conversion Kit for full specifications, pricing, and worldwide shipping.
We provide tested, plug and play kits with full support for BMW M57 engines.
Upgrade your Patrol today more torque, better efficiency, and unmatched reliability.
How much does a Nissan Patrol M57 conversion cost?
The average cost of a full Nissan Patrol M57 conversion ranges between €4,500 and €10,000, depending on the engine version and included parts. Our kit includes all essentials. Adapter plate, flywheel, mounts, clutch, wiring harness, and ECU. This makes it a complete plug and play solution for your Patrol Y61 or Y62.
Which BMW M57 engines fit the Nissan Patrol?
The most compatible BMW engines for the Nissan Patrol swap are the M57N and M57N2 versions, specifically the 306D3 and 306D5 units found in BMW 530d and 535d models (E60/E61). These engines deliver excellent torque, durability, and tuning potential, making them perfect for off-road performance.
Can I use my Patrol gearbox with the BMW M57 engine?
Yes. The Nissan Patrol M57 conversion kit is designed to retain the original Patrol gearbox. It includes a precision engineered adapter plate and flywheel setup that allow a direct fit between the BMW M57 engine and your Patrol’s transmission whether manual or automatic.
What power increase can I expect after the M57 swap?
After installation, the Stage 1 tuned M57 engine delivers around 220hp and 450–500Nm of torque. With upgraded intercooler and exhaust, gains can reach 250hp+ while maintaining reliability. The result is stronger pulling power and smooth highway performance compared to the original Patrol diesel engine.
