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== Engines ==
{{PAGEBANNER:MyE28_Banner.jpg|toc=yes}}
The E28 was the first 5 Series produced with diesel engines (the 524d and 524td models) and with a petrol engined 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,<ref>BMW: [https://bmw-grouparchiv.de/research/media/cdd55d90-1cc5-4456-a984-4ef3b84ad22e/web 518 520i 525i 528i]. February 1982</ref> 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.
== Engine FAQs ==
 
{| class="wikitable"
A liquid petroleum gas (LPG) option was introduced for some petrol engines in 1984.<ref>{{cite web |title=5er BMW mit Autogasanlage |url=https://bmw-grouparchiv.de/research/detail/index.xhtml?id=6628055 |website=bmw-grouparchiv.de |access-date=22 November 2019 |language=de}}</ref>
 
=== Petrol ===
{{Multiple image
| align = right
| direction = vertical
| width = 220px
| image1 = BMW M20 Engine.JPG
| caption1 = [[BMW M20]] straight-six engine
| image2 = BMW M5 E28 Minervablau Motorraum.jpg
| caption2 = [[BMW M88|BMW M88/3]] straight-six engine
}}
 
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Model !! Engine !! Power !! Torque !! Fuel supply !! Years
|-
|-
|'''518''' || rowspan=2|{{cvt|1766|cc|L|1|disp=flip}}<br>[[BMW M10#M10B18|M10B18]] [[Straight-four engine|I4]] || {{convert|66|kW|PS|abbr=on|0}} <br/> at 5500 rpm|| {{convert|140|Nm|lbft|abbr=on|0}} <br/> at 4000 rpm || Pierburg 2BE <br/> [[carburettor]] || 1981-1984
! FAQ
! Covers
|-
|-
|'''518i''' || {{convert|77|kW|PS|abbr=on|0}} <br/> at 5800 rpm || {{convert|145|Nm|lbft|abbr=on|0}} <br/> at 4500 rpm || [[Jetronic#L|L-Jetronic]] || 1981–1987
| [[M30 Cooling System Bleeding]]
| Bleed an M30 (also works on M20)
|-
|-
| rowspan="4" | '''520i''' || rowspan="4" |{{cvt|1991|cc|L|1|disp=flip}}<br>[[BMW M20#M20B20|M20B20]] [[Straight-six engine|I6]] || rowspan="2" | {{convert|92|kW|PS|abbr=on|0}} <br/> at 5800 rpm || {{convert|165|Nm|lbft|abbr=on|0}} <br/> at 4500 rpm || [[Jetronic#K|K-Jetronic]] || 1981–1982
| [[M30 Valve Adjustment]]
| M30 valve lash / eccentric adjustment
|-
|-
| {{convert|170|Nm|lbft|abbr=on|0}} <br/> at 4000 rpm || [[Jetronic#L|L-Jetronic]] || 1982-1987
| [[TDC Mark on the Harmonic Balancer]]
| Verify the TDC mark
|-
|-
|rowspan="2" | {{convert|95|kW|PS|0|abbr=on}} <br/> at 6000 rpm || {{convert|174|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}} <br/> at 4000 rpm || [[Jetronic#LE|LE-Jetronic]] || 1985-1988
| [[M30 Flywheel]]
| M30 flywheel types and swap notes
|-
|-
| {{convert|164|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}} <br/> at 4300 rpm || [[Motronic]] || 1986-1988
| [[M30 Starter Removal]]
| Tip for dropping the M30 starter
|-
|-
|'''525i''' || {{cvt|2494|cc|L|1|disp=flip}}<br>[[BMW M30#M30B25|M30B25]] I6 || {{convert|110|kW|PS|0|abbr=on}} <br/> at 5500 rpm || {{convert|215|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}} <br/> at 4000 rpm || [[Jetronic#L|L-Jetronic]] || 1981–1987
| [[M30 Engine Rebuild Tips & FAQ]]
| M30 rebuild notes
|-
|-
| rowspan=4 |'''525e, <br/> 528e'''|| rowspan="4" | {{cvt|2693|cc|L|1|disp=flip}}<br>[[BMW M20#M20B27|M20B27]] I6 || {{convert|92|kW|PS|0|abbr=on}} <br/> at 4250 rpm || {{convert|240|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}} <br/> at 3250 rpm || [[Motronic]] || 1982–1987
| [[AFM vs MAF]]
| E28s use an AFM, not a MAF
|-
|-
|{{convert|90|kW|PS|0|abbr=on}} <br/> at 4250 rpm || {{convert|230|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}} <br/> at 3250 rpm || [[Jetronic#L|L-Jetronic]], <br/> [[Motronic]] || 1982–1987
| [[Spark Plug FAQ]]
| Which spark plugs to use
|-
|-
|{{convert|95|kW|PS|0|abbr=on}} <br/> at 4250 rpm || {{convert|240|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}} <br/> at 3250 rpm || [[Motronic]] || 1984–1988
| [[M20 - e2i Conversion]]
| M20B27 eta-to-i conversion
|-
|-
| {{convert|88|kW|PS|abbr=on|0}} <br/> at 4250 rpm || {{convert|240|Nm|lbft|abbr=on|0}} <br/> at 3250 rpm || [[Motronic]] || 1985–1987
| [[Gas Leak Under the Intake Manifold]]
| Cold-start injector / fuel leak under intake
|-
|-
|'''528i''' || {{cvt|2788|cc|L|1|disp=flip}}<br>[[BMW M30#M30B28|M30]] I6 || {{convert|135|kW|PS|abbr=on|0}} <br/> at 5800 rpm || {{convert|240|Nm|lbft|abbr=on|0}} <br/> at 4200 rpm || [[Jetronic#L|L-Jetronic]] || 1981–1987
| [[Fuel Smell After Filling the Tank]]
| Overflow / charcoal canister / filler neck
|-
|-
|'''533i''' || {{cvt|3210|cc|L|1|disp=flip}}<br>[[BMW M30#M30B32|M30]] I6 || {{convert|135|kW|PS|abbr=on|0}} <br/> at 6000 rpm<ref>{{cite web |title=528e, 533i brochure |url=https://bmw-grouparchiv.de/research/media/abdc109b-ddc2-441b-9701-9438b65de2ac/web |website=www.bmw-grouparchiv.de |publisher=BMW USA |access-date=25 September 2021}}</ref> || {{convert|265|Nm|lbft|abbr=on|0}} <br/> at 4000 rpm || [[Motronic]] || 1982–1984
| [[Running Issues Below a Quarter Tank]]
|-
| Fuel pickup / sender issues when low
| rowspan="2" |'''535i, <br/> M535i''' || rowspan="2" | {{cvt|3430|cc|L|1|disp=flip}}<br>[[BMW M30#M30B34|M30]] I6 || {{convert|160|kW|PS|abbr=on|0}} <br/> at 5500 rpm || {{convert|310|Nm|lbft|abbr=on|0}} <br/> at 4000 rpm || [[Motronic]] || 1985–1988
|-
|{{cvt|182|hp|kW|disp=flip|0}} <br/> at 5400 rpm || {{convert|290|Nm|lbft|abbr=on|0}} <br/> at 4000 rpm || [[Motronic]] || 1985–1988 (US)
|-
| rowspan=2|'''M5''' || {{cvt|3453|cc|L|1|disp=flip}}<br>[[BMW M88#M88/3|M88/3]] I6 || {{convert|210|kW|PS|abbr=on|0}} <br/> at  6500 rpm<ref>[https://bmw-grouparchiv.de/research/detail/index.xhtml?id=3943080 BMW M88/3 Automobilmotor]</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=1985 BMW M5 E28 specifications |url=https://www.carfolio.com/bmw-m5-31526 |website=www.carfolio.com |access-date=11 July 2021}}</ref>|| {{convert|340|Nm|lbft|abbr=on|0}} <br/> at 4500 rpm|| [[Motronic]] || 1985–1988
|-
| {{cvt|3453|cc|L|1|disp=flip}}<br>[[BMW S38#S38B35|S38]] I6 || {{cvt|256|hp|kW|disp=flip|0}} <br/> at 6500 rpm<ref>BMW: [https://bmw-grouparchiv.de/research/detail/index.xhtml?id=3944267 S38B35 Automobilmotor]</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=1985 BMW M5 E28 specifications |url=https://www.carfolio.com/bmw-m5-31526 |website=www.carfolio.com |access-date=11 July 2021}}</ref> || {{convert|330|Nm|lbft|abbr=on|0}} <br/> at 4500 rpm || [[Motronic]] || 1986–1988 (US)
|}
|}


'''518:''' Sold only in some European markets where it suited local tax categories, the 518 was the lowest specification model which used a four-cylinder engine with a [[carburettor|carburetor]]. Factory performance figures for the manual transmission cars are a top speed of {{convert|164|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}} and 0–100&nbsp;km/h acceleration in 14.0 seconds.<ref name="E28_518">[https://bmw-grouparchiv.de/research/media/dd27a20d-f46a-4795-a968-dda29aa39fbd/web 518, 520i, 525i, 528i]. Pages 6 and 50</ref>
See also the [https://forums.mye28.com/viewtopic.php?t=60306 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.
 
----
 
=== 6-Cylinder Petrol Engines ===


'''518i:''' The base model in Japan and some European countries, the 518i used a fuel-injected four-cylinder engine. Factory performance figures for the manual transmission cars are a top speed of {{convert|175|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}} and 0–100&nbsp;km/h acceleration in 12.6 seconds.<ref name="BMW-E28-Betriebsanleitung" /> This version was not sold in West Germany until the 1984 facelift, when it replaced the carburetted 518.
==== M20 Series ====


'''520i:''' A mid-range model with the smallest of the available six-cylinder engines. Factory performance figures for the manual transmission cars are a top speed of {{convert|190|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}} and 0–100&nbsp;km/h acceleration in 11.4 seconds.<ref name="BMW-E28-Betriebsanleitung" />
* '''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.


'''525e / 528e:''' The 525e (called 528e in North America and Japan) uses a longer stroke 2.7-litre version of the 6-cylinder [[BMW M20|M20]] petrol engine, is optimised for fuel economy and torque at low engine speed rather than the traditional high revving characteristics of BMW straight-six engines.<ref>{{cite web|title=Curbside Classic: 1984 BMW 528e – The Low Rev Modest Driving Machine|url=http://www.curbsideclassic.com/curbside-classics-european/curbside-classic-1986-bmw-528e-the-low-rev-modest-driving-machine/|website=www.curbsideclassic.com|access-date=15 May 2017}}</ref> The "e" stands for the Greek letter ''eta'', for economy. According to BMW, the 525e is more fuel efficient than the 520i, which has the same rated power of 92&nbsp;kW.<ref>BMW: ''[https://bmw-grouparchiv.de/research/media/14f2b16b-55f6-4221-95a2-94dab1671eda/web 525e 525e Katalysator]''. 1985</ref> Since many markets tax cars based on engine displacement, the eta's larger engine meant that it was not suitable everywhere. The model was expressly developed with the American market in mind. BMW's [[corporate average fuel economy]] was at risk of not meeting requirements by 1984, primarily due to higher sales of their bigger, more expensive cars in the early 1980s.<ref name=AG941>{{cite magazine | ref = AG94 | magazine = De AutoGids | number = 94 | volume = 4 | page = 130 | title = BMW: Met de ETA op de zuinige tor | trans-title = BMW: With Eta on an economy run | first = Vic | last = Heylen | language = nl | date = 1983-04-28 | publisher = Uitgeverij Auto-Magazine | location = Brussels, Belgium }}</ref> In Austria, the 525e was detuned to {{convert|88|kW|hp|0|abbr=on}}.
==== M30 Series ====


Factory performance figures for the manual transmission cars without a catalytic converter are a top speed of {{convert|190|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}} and 0–100&nbsp;km/h acceleration in 10.7 seconds. With a catalytic converter, the figures are a top speed of {{convert|188|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}} and 0–100&nbsp;km/h acceleration in 11.3 seconds<ref name="BMW-E28-Betriebsanleitung" />
* '''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.


'''525i:''' This mid-range model is powered by a 2.5-litre 6-cylinder engine. The 525i was only sold in Europe. Factory performance figures for the manual transmission cars are a top speed of {{convert|201|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}} and 0–100&nbsp;km/h acceleration in 9.8 seconds.<ref name="BMW-E28-Betriebsanleitung" />
==== M88/S38 High-Performance Engines ====


'''528i:''' Initially the highest specification available, the 6-cylinder 528i became a mid-range model following the release of the 533i and 535i models. Factory performance figures for the manual transmission cars are a top speed of {{convert|215|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}} and 0–100&nbsp;km/h acceleration in 8.4 seconds.<ref name="BMW-E28-Betriebsanleitung" />
* '''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.


'''533i:'''
== Diesel Engines ==
Only sold in Japan and North America,<ref>{{cite web|title=BMW E28 5 Series 533i (US) Specs|url=https://www.ultimatespecs.com/car-specs/BMW/1408/BMW-E28-5-Series-533i-(US).html|website=www.ultimatespecs.com|access-date=2 July 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=1984 BMW 533i E28 specifications|url=http://www.carfolio.com/specifications/models/car/?car=227689|website=www.carfolio.com|access-date=2 July 2017}}</ref> the 6-cylinder 533i was the highest specification model during its production years of 1983–1984. It was replaced by the 535i.


'''535i/is:''' Released in 1984, the 535i replaced the 533i and uses the same 6-cylinder drivetrain as the M535i. In the US there was also a 535is model, which included sport seats and spoilers at the front and rear. Factory performance figures for the manual transmission cars without a catalytic converter are a top speed of {{convert|225|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}} and 0–100&nbsp;km/h acceleration in 7.2 seconds. With a catalytic converter, the figures are a top speed of {{convert|212|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}} and 0–100&nbsp;km/h acceleration in 7.9 seconds<ref name="BMW-E28-Betriebsanleitung" />
=== 6-Cylinder Diesel Engines (M21 Series) ===


[[File:1986 BMW M535i (E28) sedan (2015-06-04) 01.jpg|thumb|right|M535i]]
==== M21D24 ====
'''M535i:''' The top of the regular production model range, the M535i uses the drivetrain from the 535i plus M-Technic suspension, and wheels and body panels not found on any other E28. The M535i was assembled on the standard E28 assembly lines in Dingolfing and Rosslyn. Factory performance figures for the manual transmission cars without a catalytic converter are a top speed of {{convert|230|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}} and 0–100&nbsp;km/h acceleration in 7.2 seconds. With a catalytic converter, the figures are a top speed of {{convert|217|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}} and 0–100&nbsp;km/h acceleration in 7.9 seconds<ref name="BMW-E28-Betriebsanleitung" />
{{clear right}}


=== Diesel ===
* '''Turbocharged''':
[[File:BMW_E28_engine_2_16.09_JM.jpg|thumb|right|[[BMW M21]] straight-six engine]]
** Displacement: 2443cc, SOHC.
{| class="wikitable sortable"
** Power: 113 hp (83 kW).
! Model !! Engine !! Power !! Torque !! Aspiration !! Years
** Models: 524td.
|-
** Markets: North America, Europe, South Africa.
|'''524d''' || rowspan=2|2.4 L [[BMW M21|M21]] <br/> straight-6 || {{cvt|86|PS|kW|order=flip|0}} <br/> at 4600 rpm || {{cvt|152|Nm|lbft|0}} <br/> at 2500 rpm || [[Naturally aspirated engine|naturally <br/> aspirated]] || 1985–1987
* '''Naturally Aspirated''':
|-
** Displacement: 2443cc, SOHC.
|'''524td''' || {{cvt|115|PS|kW|order=flip|0}} <br/> at 4800 rpm || {{cvt|210|Nm|lbft|0}} <br/> at 2400 rpm || [[turbocharger|turbocharged]] || 1983–1988
** Power: 86 hp (63 kW).
|}
** Models: 524d.
** Markets: Europe
 
== E28 Engine Swaps ==
Common swaps include
=== M30B35 ===
[[File:M30B35in535is.jpg|thumb|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 [https://www.mye28.com/viewtopic.php?t=60306 M30B35 Swap] Tech FAQ.
 
=== S54 ===
[[File:S54 in an E28.jpg|thumb|300x300px]]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:
 
* [https://www.mye28.com/viewtopic.php?t=115262 E28 M5 with S54]
* [https://www.mye28.com/viewtopic.php?t=108450 E28 S54 Porn, heavy pics]
* [https://www.mye28.com/viewtopic.php?t=137105 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.


'''524d:''' At the 1986 [[Geneva Motor Show]], four years after the introduction of the more powerful 524td model, the naturally-aspirated 524d model was introduced.<ref name="AR87">{{cite book | title = Automobil Revue 1987 | editor-last = Büschi | editor-first = Hans-Ulrich | publisher = Hallwag AG | location = Berne, Switzerland | language = de, fr | volume = 82 | date = March 5, 1987 | isbn = 3-444-00458-3 }}</ref>{{rp|188,190}} It was only sold in some markets.<ref name="AR87" />{{rp|191}}
See [[M20 - e2i Conversion]].


'''524td:''' This [[turbodiesel]] model was the first diesel car produced by BMW. It entered production in late 1982, when 100 pre-series cars were built.<ref name="AK84">{{cite book | title = Auto Katalog 1984 | editor-last = Heitz | editor-first = Rudolf | publisher = [[:de:Motor Presse Stuttgart|Vereinigte Motor-Verlage GmbH & Co. KG]] | location = Stuttgart | page = 242 | volume = 27 | language = de | year = 1983 }}</ref> Factory performance figures for the manual transmission cars are a top speed of {{convert|180|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}} and 0–100&nbsp;km/h acceleration in 12.9 seconds.<ref name="BMW-E28-Betriebsanleitung" />
[[Category:E28 Information]]

Latest revision as of 22:37, 13 August 2026


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.

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:

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.

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