Engines

Engine FAQs

FAQ	Covers
M30 Cooling System Bleeding	Bleed an M30 (also works on M20)
M30 Valve Adjustment	M30 valve lash / eccentric adjustment
TDC Mark on the Harmonic Balancer	Verify the TDC mark
M30 Flywheel	M30 flywheel types and swap notes
M30 Starter Removal	Tip for dropping the M30 starter
M30 Engine Rebuild Tips & FAQ	M30 rebuild notes
AFM vs MAF	E28s use an AFM, not a MAF
Spark Plug FAQ	Which spark plugs to use
M20 - e2i Conversion	M20B27 eta-to-i conversion
Gas Leak Under the Intake Manifold	Cold-start injector / fuel leak under intake
Fuel Smell After Filling the Tank	Overflow / charcoal canister / filler neck
Running Issues Below a Quarter Tank	Fuel pickup / sender issues when low

See also the M30B35 Swap forum FAQ.

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.

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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.