BMW S50 engine

In this dossier

• VersionsEach version, and every model that had it
• Watch outKnown faults and what to check
• OwningMaintenance and what owners say

The story

History: facts, each with its source

Wikipedia says the US E36 M3 of 1994 and 1995 used the S50B30US, a compromise closer to the ordinary M50 than to the European S50, with its own cams, crank, rods and pistons. It made 240 hp to Europe's 282, and redlined at 7,000 rpm.¹

In 1996 the S52 replaced it in the US and Canada only, growing from 3.0L to 3.2L.¹

• Block and head: Cast-iron block, aluminium head, four valves per cylinder¹

Sources

1. Wikipedia (S50)