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When it comes to BMW parts, many immediately have positive associations on this subject, and BMW engines are no exception. But, as many years of experience in working with cars of this brand, directly with motors, many people think that these units have a high degree of reliability, are caused more by public opinion than reality. That is why it is worth considering some of the most popular models separately, to nevertheless understand their true origin, quality, and operational properties.

BMW M10, M20, M30, M40, M50 engines

These motors were the first models developed by great concern. The crankcase ventilation system is entirely primitive and works due to the differential pressure. CPG has minimal wear at 300-400 thousand km. traveled path. But the valve seals begin to lose their elasticity after 200 thousand km run. This suggests that with them, most likely, there will be problems. It is also worth noting that the requirements for oil are low for the simple reason that engines were created precisely at the time when the market of oil synthetics was only gaining momentum in its development, which meant it was not possible to search for something better, it was necessary to take what is. This generation of engines was repaired without any problems in his garage.

BMW M10 engine
The BMW M10 engine is a single-shaft carburetor engine that has an ignition distributor. Thanks to the constant release of updated versions and modifications, the engine was installed on Bavarian cars for almost 30 years. You can meet this engine in many cars, however, in Russia, they are a real rarity.

BMW M40 engine
The BMW M40 engine is an advanced engine of the previous brand with hydraulic compensators and belt drive. Not a common, but rather a reliable model.

BMW M20 engine
The BMW M20 is the first six-cylinder with a belt drive. This model took an intermediate position between m10 and m30. The fact is that the four cylinders of the M10 model did not give the opportunity to increase the engine size of more than 2 liters and reach full capacity, because the addition of two more cylinders helped to cope with the task. In our country, this engine was popular in picking with the E34, by the way, he proved himself on the positive side.

BMW M30 engine
BMW M30 engine – the main six-cylinder unit of the first generation. The set of characteristics of this engine is classic: an ignition distributor and one camshaft. The BMW M30 model had many modifications, including for sports cars of the M-Sport series. It became the basis for the popular sports engine S38.

It should be noted that all these engines had one thing in common – they all had a low compression ratio, approximately 9: 1 and 8: 1. This made it possible to use fuel with any octane number, due to reduced sensitivity, and to produce factory turbocharged engines without any special modifications.

BMW M50 engine
If you believe the statistics, then this engine was the last potential “millionaire” of the first wave. This model has many significant differences, allowing to consider it apart from other engines of the first generation.

This engine gave the much needed 4 valves per cylinder, basing the fashion on the “explosive” character of BMW engines, which has survived to the present day. In this engine, some new items have appeared, namely more modern spark plugs and ignition coils. It was this model that set the standard, which subsequently practically did not break, – “1Nm per 10 cubic centimeters of cylinder volume”, which was not possible to achieve in past atmospheric engines. It is true that after this there was a need to significantly change the compression ratio from 10 to 11: 1, it was possible to repeat this only in 2005, in the BMW N52 engine. This unit moves perfectly on 95 fuel, but for a 2-liter modification, even such an OFC may not be enough.

Knock sensors help to compensate for this drawback, although setting the ignition timing only helps to smooth out the consequences of using unsuitable fuel: the car doesn’t drive better from their presence, unfortunately. Motor BMW M50 – the last copy, using the “unkillable” tandem – “aluminum cylinder head – cast iron block.”

The unit, which appeared in 1989, was probably the best in the history of the BMW Group regarding consumer and technical characteristics.

BMW M52 engine
Considering this engine, I immediately want to say that its name sounds a bit wrong because it is an improved series of M50. When in 1992 the unit received an update, it entered the markets with the M50TU index, and only then, over time, they decided to transfer it to a new generation. After all, this is the first engine that received an intake shaft timing control mechanism, known as VANOS.

The addition of 2 valves led to a doubling of the flow area, which negatively affected the filling of the cylinders at low revs. It also caused the curvature of the torque characteristics, degrading the quality of driving at low speeds. The BMW VANOS system was supposed to smooth out engine operation by stretching the torque response. The power was increased, and this was done standardly – the enginemen drew 300 cubes – it turned out a 2.8-liter engine. By the way, according to some information, it became known that non-standard engines with a volume of 2.8 and 2.3 liters were created since it met the tax regulations of Germany at that time.

The engine block of the BMW M52 became aluminum, and the cylinders received a high-strength nikasilovoy coating. Manufacturers also took care of the environmental friendliness of their products and paid it due attention. M52 became the first engine with crankcase ventilation system, for this purpose they used a valve that opens “on demand” and has atmospheric pressure. They also raised the temperature of the thermostat opening, which increased to 88-92 degrees and higher than those of the first generation engines.

The resource of this model has decreased, approximately, in two: defects of caps and CPG climb out from 200-250 thousand km, with an expected engine resource of 450-500 thousand km. The operating mode can take away or add 100 thousand km to this figure. Oil consumption, even with the partial loss of mobility of the rings, may be completely absent or remain extremely small. We can say that the BMW M52 engine was the last potential long-lived millionaire, with reasonable care.

Features of operation are often associated with the emergence of problems with not yet fully electrical equipment and expensive consumables – throttle actuator cables are stretched and lose elasticity, issues with an anti-skid system occur, expensive flow meters, ABS units, and costly titanium oxygen sensors deteriorate. However, with proper care, you can count on an impressive engine resource. Most models E39 and E36 equipped with this engine.

Reliability rating: 4/5. Rings: 4/5. Caps: 4/5.

Engine BMW M54, M52TU
These motors are characterized by the improved elasticity of torque characteristics. The largest and most significant difference between the new and the old unit is in the thermostat, which has an opening point of 97 degrees – the operating mode is shifted to partial loads, which allowed for complete combustion of the fuel. This favorably affected the operation of the vehicle in the city mode.

It was the BMW concern that opened this system and remains faithful to it, and no one until 2012 had time to intercept it and did not raise the degree of oil well beyond 100 degrees. If we talk about urban exploitation, the oil begins to oxidize twice as fast, and this leads to the fact that the maximum mileage decreases and becomes equal to 180 thousand km. Also, it is this engine that is very picky about the choice of fuel, and if you neglect this point, then in the future you can pay dearly.

The designers also took care of raising the power characteristics, and that is why VANOS also began to control the exhaust shaft, and the DISA valve appears at the inlet. Only now the design is now plastic, and therefore not durable. The M54B30 engine has a wide rev range, but there is no longer any bright M50 performance. By the way, it is important to note the important point that the gas pedal is becoming electronic and very sensitive. And in a block of aluminum for the last time use cast-iron shells, but this is a turning point in the history of the concern. The motor, in spite of all its small flaws, is becoming very popular in our country and is especially prevalent in cars with the E53, E46 and E39 bodies.

All units of the M series are characterized by the formation of slag on the neck for filling the oil, which allows determining the quality of the product used visually. The layer must be dry and thin; then you can immediately understand that the engine is alive.

BMW N52 engine
This is a new generation, which appeared in 2005. The unit is designed hot and frisky, as the engine compartment has received a new layout. All systems that were previously used have been improved. Oxygen sensors have become broadband; the collector has two stages, the reliability of the ventilation valve and many other things have improved.

The block is made, as before, of aluminum alloy, but the cast-iron sleeves are no longer used. Instead, they have a special oil-retaining coating. Changed and the air supply system.

It is worth saying that among the owners of cars of this concern, the expression “hit the Valvetronic”, which means a sum of 1000 euros, became popular. True, there is a small consolation, now fuel economy is 12%. Also, all N-motors have a problem with the control unit.

Cars that are operated in the city, sometimes have problems with the motor associated with sticking rings, occurring approximately 50-60 thousand. Km. Run A little later, a problem with caps may begin to arise, and when the mileage is 100 thousand km, both issues need repair. After 100 thousand km the catalyst is clogged. In general, if the distance goes beyond 180 thousand km, you should not give preference to such a unit. And if in fact, the problems may arise much earlier, at about 100-120 thousand km. There is an engine quite often on cars of the first, third and fifth series.

By the way, it should be said that the rumors about the modernization of the motor: the installation of the new skirt and rings were not confirmed, the resources of this model remained the same.

BMW N53 / N54 / N55 engines
Engines N series began to strive for environmental friendliness. But many fans of the brand were disappointed in the result. This suggests that not all innovations are successful.

With the appearance of the N53 engine, it became clear that BMW diesel engines will soon take their deserved place among the gasoline “brothers.” The new line was created not as economic units, but as aimed at preserving the environment. Buyers had the opportunity to purchase engines with new injectors, with high pressure, as well as with all the shortcomings of a diesel engine. Also, Valvetronic did not get into the new model. It just did not fit.

The series N54 Valvetronic also not included. But this model changed the engine row a bit, as turbines began to be used again.

But in the series, N55 Valvetronic still returned, but the turbine system was removed. Yes, from this news, you can begin to rejoice. And it is this engine that is the most important and the most “diesel” among the entire series of this series.

Concern decided not to promote the motor on the world market immediately. Perhaps due to coke formation in the injectors. But It is worth noting that at the same time, BMW coke injectors are very different from competitors’ products that use an open hole.

Due to a different design of the valve cover, primary self-diagnosis now has nothing to do with the M series motors. To understand that the oil needs to be replaced, you can carefully look at the petals of the cover and examine the presence of a reddish-brown bloom there, you can first remove it, but then it will not be enough. In the second stage of “dying” oil, brown sand will appear on the lid. But the third and fourth stages will be visible quite strongly, as brown sand will be over the entire surface of the lid, and under it, you can see dirty-colored jelly.

In general, if we sum up, it becomes clear that it is almost impossible to purchase an N55 series motor, which is good and will serve for a long time. And if the car is over five years old, then you should not even try.