Engines
Engines
The E28 was the first 5 Series produced with diesel engines (the 524d and 524td models) and with a petrol model specifically aimed at increased fuel economy (525e/528e model).
The four models available at the launch of the E28 were the 518, 520i, 525i and 528i. With the 518 using a straight-four petrol engine and the other three models using a straight-six petrol engine. Over the course of the E28 model, the following models were added: the 524d and 524td using diesel engines, the 518i (a fuel-injected version of the 518), the 525e/528e as fuel-economy models, and the upper-specification 533i, 535i, M535i, and M5 models.
A liquid petroleum gas (LPG) option was introduced for some petrol engines in 1984.
E28 Engine Swaps
Common swaps include
M30B35
The M30B35 is the final iteration of BMW's M30 engine series, featuring a displacement of 3430cc and a compression ratio of 9:1. It was installed in late-production 1987-1989 E24 635CSi, 1988-1992 E32 735i/L, and 1988-1993 E34 535i models. This engine produces 208 hp at 5700 rpm and 225 ft-lb of torque at 4000 rpm. Notable identifiers include a valve cover labeled "BMW" and an intake manifold with "3.5" cast on the plenum.
See the M30B35 Swap Tech FAQ.
S54
The S54 is the high-performance iteration of BMW's inline-six engine series, featuring a displacement of 3246cc and a compression ratio of 11.5:1. It was installed in the 2001–2006 E46 M3, 2001–2002 Z3 M Coupe/Roadster, and 2006–2008 Z4 M Coupe/Roadster models. This engine produces 333 hp at 7900 rpm and 262 ft-lb of torque at 4900 rpm in its standard configuration. Notable identifiers include an individual throttle body system for each cylinder, a high-revving valvetrain, and a distinctive cast aluminum valve cover labeled "BMW M Power."
These threads have tons on info on S54 swaps:
M54
The M54 is a naturally aspirated inline-six engine from BMW's M family, featuring a displacement range of 2494cc to 2979cc depending on the variant (M54B25, M54B30). It was installed in a wide range of BMW models from 2000 to 2006, including the E46 3 Series, E39 5 Series, E60 5 Series, E53 X5, Z3, and Z4. In its most powerful form, the M54B30 produces 225 hp at 5900 rpm and 214 ft-lb of torque at 3500 rpm. Notable identifiers include a magnesium valve cover, a variable-length intake manifold, and the use of BMW's VANOS variable valve timing system for improved efficiency and performance.
M20 - e2i Conversion
The M20 "e2i" conversion is a popular modification for BMW enthusiasts seeking to enhance the performance of the M20B27 engine found in "eta" models by integrating components from the higher-revving M20B25 "i" engine. This conversion combines the torque-rich characteristics of the eta engine with the improved airflow and higher RPM capabilities of the "i" engine.
See M20 - e2i Conversion.
