Engines

The BMW E28, produced from 1981 to 1988, was the second generation of the 5 Series and featured a wide range of engines tailored to different markets worldwide.

Summary by Region

• Europe: Full range, including low-displacement economy models like the 518 and 518i, as well as high-performance models like the M535i and M5.
• North America: Emphasis on larger engines like the 528e, 533i, 535i, and the M5, with stricter emissions requirements reducing power output.
• South Africa: Unique combinations like the S38-powered M5 and the 518 with the M10 engine.
• Other Regions: A mix of economy models and mid-range offerings like the 520i and 528i, depending on local demand and taxation rules.

Petrol Engines

4-Cylinder Petrol Engines

M10 Series

• M10B18 (518):
  • 1766cc, SOHC, carbureted.
  • Power: 90 hp (66 kW).
  • Markets: Europe and other regions with an emphasis on economy.
• M10B18 LE-Jetronic (518i):
  • 1766cc, SOHC, fuel-injected.
  • Power: 105 hp (77 kW).
  • Markets: Europe.

M30 Series

• M30B20 (520i):
  • 1991cc, SOHC, fuel-injected.
  • Power: 123 hp (92 kW).
  • Markets: Europe.

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6-Cylinder Petrol Engines

M20 Series

• M20B20 (520i):
  • 1991cc, SOHC, fuel-injected.
  • Power: 125 hp (93 kW).
  • Markets: Europe.
• M20B27 (525e/528e):
  • 2693cc, SOHC, low-revving, economy-focused.
  • Power: 121–129 hp (90–95 kW).
  • Markets: North America, Europe, and other regions.

M30 Series

• M30B28 (528i):
  • 2788cc, SOHC, fuel-injected.
  • Power: 181 hp (135 kW).
  • Markets: Europe and other global markets.
• M30B30 (530i):
  • 2986cc, SOHC, fuel-injected.
  • Power: 177 hp (132 kW).
  • Markets: North America (1981–1982 models only).
• M30B32 (533i):
  • 3210cc, SOHC, fuel-injected.
  • Power: 181 hp (135 kW).
  • Markets: North America (1983–1984).
• M30B34 (535i, 535is):
  • 3430cc, SOHC, fuel-injected.
  • Power: 182–218 hp (135–162 kW) depending on market and emissions equipment.
  • Markets: North America, Europe, and other regions.

M88/S38 High-Performance Engines

• M88/3 (M5):
  • 3453cc, DOHC, individual throttle bodies.
  • Power: 286 hp (210 kW).
  • Markets: Europe.
• S38B35 (M5):
  • 3453cc, DOHC, individual throttle bodies.
  • Power: 256 hp (191 kW).
  • Markets: North America, South Africa.

Diesel Engines

6-Cylinder Diesel Engines (M21 Series)

M21D24

• Turbocharged:
  • Displacement: 2443cc, SOHC.
  • Power: 113 hp (83 kW).
  • Models: 524td.
  • Markets: North America, Europe, South Africa.
• Naturally Aspirated:
  • Displacement: 2443cc, SOHC.
  • Power: 86 hp (63 kW).
  • Models: 524d.
  • Markets: Europe

E28 Engine Swaps

Common swaps include

M30B35

M30B35 in an 87 535is

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:

• E28 M5 with S54
• E28 S54 Porn, heavy pics
• Minerva: The S54 powered, better than new, E28

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.