BMW M52 Engine
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BMW M52 Engine For Sale
The M52 family was introduced to replace the previous M50 engine family.
The general characteristics were the same as those of the M50 family. We find therefore the architecture to 6 cylinders in line and the system distribution variable valve timing VANOS, with double camshaft in head and with four valves per cylinder.
Apparently it was therefore a family of engines not very dissimilar from the previous one (even the displacementswere the same), but actually concealed many innovations, the main of which consisted of the monobloc in aluminum alloy with cylinder liners reported in nikasil, in place of the integral cast iron liners.
In some markets, especially the British one, a fuel rich in sulfur components was used, such as to bring these engines to premature wear due to corrosion of the nikasil liners. This problem was solved by the parent company in September 1998, even if, albeit to a very limited extent, this problem came back from time to time.
In 1999, with the introduction of the M52TU series, the M52 family has adopted the new Bi-VANOS distribution system (in Italy also known as Double VANOS ) and the electronic “drive by wire” accelerator (including a traditional spare mechanical cable, acting in the event of malfunctions; it will then be eliminated in the next M54 ).
During the course of its production, the family of M52 engines was divided into several versions, different from each other by displacement.
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2 liter versions
M52B20
This is the basic version of the M52 family. It is taken from the old 2-liter M50, of which it maintains the dimensional characteristics ( bore and stroke = 80x66 mm ), and therefore also the displacement of 1991 cm³. Compared to the previous edition of this 2-liter, the maximum power and torque performance was also unchanged. In fact, the first remained at 150 hp at 5900 rpm, as did the second, which reached 190 Nm at 4200 rpm. This engine was mounted on: BMW 320i E36 ( 1994 - 99 ; BMW 520i E39 ( 1995 -99).M52TUB20
This engine is an evolution of the previous one, from which it differs for the presence of the electronic accelerator and the bi-VANOS variable valve timing system, which allows to optimize the timing of the distribution according to the rpm, both in intake and in discharge. In any case, the maximum values ​​of power and torque are identical, the latter however expressed at 3500 rpm. This engine was mounted on: BMW Z3 2.0i (1999- 2002 ); BMW 320i / 320Ci E46 (1999- 2001 ); BMW 520i E39 (1999-2001).M52B24 (2.4 liters)
It is a 2.4-liter version used on the BMW 3 Series E36 and 5 Series E39 intended for the Thai market. On the 3 Series it was mounted between 1994 and 1999 in the VANOS version, while on the 5 Series it was mounted between 2000 and 2002 in the bi-VANOS version.2.5 liter versions
M52B25
Similarly to the two previous engines, this too is derived from the previous M50 version, unlike which, however, it is significantly weakened. In practice, compared to a displacement that remained at 2494 cc, the maximum power value fell from 192 hp of the 2.5-liter M50 to 170 hp (which by the way was the power of the 2.5-liter M20 family ). The decision of a weakened 2.5-liter engine was taken since there was no 2.5-liter engine around 190 HP in order not to stay too close to the immediately superior engine, ie the 2.8-liter one. The peak torque, on the other hand, despite having remained at the same level as the previous M50 version, ie 246 N · m, was made available at a speed of 3950 rpm, against the 4700 of the previous 2.5 liters. This engine was mounted on: BMW 323i E36 (1995-2000); BMW 323ti E36 (1995-2000); BMW 523i E39 (1995-99). As you can see, to underline the weakening of the engine, the models have taken the name ending with "23", instead of "25", as has always been the tradition of the Bavarian manufacturer.M52TUB25
It is the evolution with electronic accelerator and "bi-VANOS" distribution of the previous 2.5-liter unit. This engine was mounted on: BMW 323i E36 / Z3 (1998-01); BMW 323i E46 (1998-00); BMW 523i E39 (1998-01).2.8 liter versions
M52B28
It is an engine that derives from the 2.5-liter unit, of which the stroke has been extended, from 75 to 84 mm. The dimensions of each cylinder are therefore 84x84 mm, for a total displacement of 2793 cc. Maximum power was 193 hp at 5300 rpm, with maximum torque of 282 N m at 3950 rpm. It was mounted on: BMW 328i E36 (1995-99); BMW 528i E39 (1995-99); BMW 728i E38 ( 1997 -99); BMW Z3 2.8 (1997-99).M52TUB28
It is the evolution with electronic accelerator and "bi-VANOS" distribution of the M52B28 unit. Few differences in terms of engine performance. This engine was mounted on: BMW 328i E46 (1999-2001); BMW 528i E39 (1999-2001); BMW 728i E38 (1999-2001); BMW Z3 2.8 (1999-02).M52B30 (3 liters)
This engine was mounted solely on the M3 E36 reserved for the US market, where it was marketed between 1996 and 1999. This engine produced a power of 241 HP at 6900 rpm, with a maximum torque of 321 N · m at 3600 rpm. min.(E&OE)