The engines of the E87 models are essentially very similar to the engines that are found in the E90 or E91 models, except the 3.0 L inline-6 which is somewhat modified to generate more power. At the starting period of the year 2006 5 speed manual transmission in the both 116i and 118i models were phased out and all the models are furnished with the 6-speed by default.

Petrol engines:

• 2006 - 130i: N52B30 2996 cc I6, 24 valves, 265 hp/195 kW, 315 Nm
• 2005 - 118i: N46B20 1995 cc I4, 16 valves, 129 hp/95 kW, 180 Nm
• 2004 - 116i: N45B16 1596 cc I4, 16 valves, 115 hp/85 kW, 150 Nm
• 2004 - 120i: N46B20 1995 cc I4, 16 valves, 150 hp/110 kW, 200 Nm

Upcoming versions:

• 2007 - 135ti: N54B30 2979 cc I6, 24 valves, 306hp/225 kW, 400Nm
• 2006 - 125i: N52B30 2996 cc I6, 24 valves, 218 hp, 295 nm

Diesel engines:

• 2004 - 120d: M47TU2D20 1995 cc I4, 16 valves, 163 hp/120 kW, 340 Nm
• 2004 - 118d: M47TU2D20 1995 cc I4, 16 valves, 122 hp/90 kW, 280 Nm