Compared with its N52 predecessor which was port-injected, the N53 uses direct injection.
The direct injection system uses piezoelectric fuel injectors which inject into the combustion chamber, using a stratified lean mixture operation.
The compression ratio was increased to 12.0:1 for the N53.

As per the N52, the N53 has double-VANOS (variable valve timing) and a magnesium alloy block.
Unlike the N52, the N53 does not have Valvetronic (variable valve lift), due to space limitations in the cylinder head.

The bore of 85 mm (3.35 in) and stroke of 88 mm (3.46 in) are the same as the N52.
Each cylinder has coil-on-plug ignition, as per the N52.
Compared with its N52 predecessor which was port-injected, the N53 uses direct injection. The direct injection system uses piezoelectric fuel injectors which inject into the combustion chamber, using a stratified lean mixture operation. The compression ratio was increased to 12.0:1 for the N53.
As per the N52, the N53 has double-VANOS (variable valve timing) and a magnesium alloy block. Unlike the N52, the N53 does not have Valvetronic (variable valve lift), due to space limitations in the cylinder head.
The bore of 85 mm (3.35 in) and stroke of 88 mm (3.46 in) are the same as the N52. Each cylinder has coil-on-plug ignition, as per the N52.
BMW N53