Since 1978, all BMW engines sold in the US are covered by this information. On the engine block are codes that can be used to determine the engine’s displacement size, country version, fuel system, revision state, and serial number.
The engine block may have a variety of codes imprinted into it. These symbols stand for:
1. ENGINE CODE AND NUMBER:
Engine No. :
An eight-digit engine number, made up of two sets of four digits, will be assigned to a series production engine. Information on the assembly line and the serial number of the engines produced each day is contained in the first block’s first four digits. The factory code and manufacturing day are displayed in the second block.
An engine designation code is stamped in series manufacturing engines in addition to the eight-digit engine number for model identification. With the aid of Chart 1, these numerals can be decoded.
Note: The codes for new/remanufactured engines obtained from the parts department are different from those for production engines and should not be confused with them. This code (see list below) contains details on the nation version, change status, fuel system, and number of cylinders for engines fitted during production:
The information for the remanufactured engine is now die-stamped in the same location as for new engine identification after the digits for the original engine data were ground off.
Similar to engines in series production, the 8-digit engine number is made up of 2 blocks of 4 numbers, however they represent distinct information:
- Information on the daily production of engines is given in the first block of four digits.
- The month and year of production are also included in the second block, along with a code for either a new or remanufactured engine.
Engine Code
codes applied to engines in series production:
Chart 2 for engines of the U.S. version can be used to decode these figures. The engine’s precise part number is identified by this decoding.
In This Article...
Meanings of BMW Engine Codes and Their Location
Finding out what type of engine is in front of you and whose automobile it belongs to will be quicker and easier if you comprehend the logic behind the labels used on engines.
BMW engines are identified by a sequence of numbers and letters that correspond to the engine’s technical specifications. This set may appear to have no logic and that the numbers are random at first glance. Contrary to popular belief, the VIN Number (also known as the vehicle identification number) is used by manufacturers to identify the version of a vehicle it is.
The upper-left corner of the tables below shows an example of the engine code. The symbol whose meaning is clear from this table is marked in red.
Why must I know what model BMW I have?
It goes without saying that BMW series, models, and model years vary from one another in terms of safety features, engine size, body and chassis style, transmission type, and OEM equipment they are equipped with. The current BMW model lineup is divided into 18 different series, some of which are updated iterations of their vintage forebears. However, there is much more to it than that, and we confess it can be a little perplexing given the overlap in BMW model naming.
- Before you purchase the car of your dreams, you should be thoroughly informed on the qualities of a particular model. A car can feel like a second home to some of us, and you should experience this when driving.
- After choosing to purchase a BMW, you must keep in mind that it will eventually need repairs or replacement parts. Regardless of whether you choose a physical location or an online store, you will undoubtedly be questioned about your series, model, and year of production.
You’ll ultimately feel the desire to improve your BMW, we’re pretty confident of that. Understanding your model and consequently original OEM gear is crucial for that.
Which motor powers my BMW 328i?
The BMW N52 engine’s specifications for the E90 and E92 328i are as follows:
The 3.0L inline-6 N52 engine of the 328i is naturally aspirated. To assist keep weight off the front axle, it incorporates a block made of lightweight magnesium and aluminum. Additionally made of aluminum, the head has 24 DOHC valves. Electronic throttle control, double-VANOS, and valvetronic are features of the BMW N52 328i engines. Better performance and fuel efficiency are delivered thanks to all of this technology.
How powerful is a BMW’s engine?
BMW is well recognized for its history with inline-six (straight-six) engines; in spite of most other manufacturers converting to a V6 architecture, BMW still uses this layout today. BMW also manufactures the more popular inline-four and V8 engine configurations, as well as inline-3, V10, and V12 engines on occasion.
Although prototype V16 engines have been built, they have not yet entered production. These prototype engines were the 9.0 liter 2004 Rolls-Royce 100EX engine and the 6.7 liter 1987 BMW Goldfisch V16 engine.
How can I tell which engine is a BMW?
The year, make, and model of your car are always requested at auto parts retailers. That is not difficult. However, they also require information regarding your engine. Don’t know exactly what’s inside or what year it is? Everything is contained in the engine code (also known as the engine number) and vehicle identification number (VIN). The VIN is located on the driver’s side of your windshield in the lower corner.
The model year is indicated by the tenth number from the left, while the engine code is indicated by the eighth number. You only need to mention those two characters to the store clerk to get started.
Now that you know where to look for your VIN engine code, find out what a mechanic thinks these odd automobile noises indicate.
When did the BMW N52 engine debut?
From 2004 to 2015, the BMW N52 was a naturally aspirated straight-six petrol engine. The N52 made its début on the E90 3 Series and E63 6 Series, taking the place of the BMW M54.
The N52 was the first water-cooled engine with an engine block made of a composite of magnesium and aluminum. Additionally, in 2006 and 2007, it was named one of Ward’s 10 Best Engines.
The BMW N53 was introduced in 2007, and this caused the N52 to start being phased out in European markets. However, because of the high quantities of sulfur in the gasoline, the N53 was ruled inappropriate in markets like those in the United States, Canada, Australia, and Malaysia. The BMW N20 turbocharged four-cylinder engine started to replace the N52 in 2011 and continued doing so until the N52’s manufacture ceased in 2015.
How do I read the engine number on my BMW?
The N54B30 was mentioned previously. With regard to the model names we were describing, this code didn’t make sense. That is so because it is not a model name for a BMW. In actuality, it is an engine code, and each digit stands for a distinct component of the engine.
The initial letter, an N, stands for the family of engines that BMW uses. It will be one of the following six: M, N, B, S, P, or W. The W is the only one not built by BMW. The M range of engines was produced up to 2001, and the N range later. Modular engines called B engines have been developed since 2013. P engines are racing engines for motorsport, while S engines are production engines for motorsport. W is a category for outside engine providers.
The first number, the second component of the BMW engine code, can alternatively be one of the following six: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8. These show how many cylinders there are.
The engine variety is indicated by the third component of the code, the second number. Up to ten reasonably significant alterations, with 0 representing the original, are possible for the engine (marked as 1-9 in the code).
The last two figures represent the engine size multiplied by 10. Thus, the N54B30 from our earlier example would have a 3.0L engine.
Our BMW engine code’s optional addendum “TU,” which stands for “technical upgrade,” makes up the sixth component. These improvements are not as significant as engine variations and do not necessitate a new numerical categorization for the engine. Consider the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s as the same model, but with Siri on one and not the other.
How can I tell whether my BMW is a N51 or N52?
N51 vs. N52 in BMW Checking the emissions label on the underside of your car’s hood is the simplest way to determine what engine is in it. While the N52 will have “ULEV,” the N51 will say “SULEV.”
What automobiles feature the N52 engine?
One of the most popular and successful inline-6 engines made by BMW is the N52. The N52 was primarily used in the E90 325i, 328i, and 330i as well as the E60 525i and 528i models. It was also used in a number of other vehicles, such the 128i, X1, and Z4, to name a few. From 2004 until 2015, the N52 was manufactured before being superseded by the turbocharged N20 engine. The M54, which was utilized in a number of E36, E39, and E46 models, was replaced by this model.
BMW was able to refine several parts of the engine during the course of manufacture thanks to the lengthy production history. Even top 10 best engines awards were given to the engine in 2006 and 2007. The N52 still experiences a good number of typical dependability issues, though. We’re going to talk about the top 7 engine problems that the N52 has.
The N52 has proven to be more dependable than its larger sibling, the N54, thanks to the engine design. Drivers of the N52 won’t have to worry about these two typical N54 problems because the N52 lacks an HPFP or direct injection. You may read our tutorial on N54 engine issues to compare the two as well!
How can I tell what engine I have?
“The VIN, which can be located in the owner’s manual or on the engine, will tell you what kind of engine your automobile has. The engine information can be found in the eighth digit.”
The VIN, which may be found in the owner’s manual or beneath the hood, makes it simple to determine what kind of engine is in your car. In most situations, the front of the dashboard on the driver’s side will also display the VIN. The eighth character of a VIN’s 17 digits gives details about your car’s engine. Find out what kind of engine your automobile has by deciphering it. You may find out what kind of engine your model has by conducting an internet search using the precise model, year of production, and trim level of your automobile.
The arrangement of an engine’s cylinders determines how car engines are classified:
- Cylinders in straight engines are arranged in a single row that runs parallel to the vehicle. They are typically used for saloon-style vehicles.
- The most popular type is an inline engine, which is frequently utilized in compact family vehicles like hatchbacks. Similar to the straight kind, but at a right angle to the automobile, they feature a row of cylinders organized in the engine compartment, allowing parts like the radiator, battery, and cooling system to be easily fitted around the sides.
- When viewed from the front, the cylinders of an engine with a V configuration are positioned at an angle to one another. Supercars and other high-end vehicles are better off with this configuration.
- Cylinders are arranged horizontally in two lines, pointing outwards, in a flat engine architecture. Even though this type of engine is less frequently employed than other designs, sports cars can handle more comfortably thanks to its lower center of gravity.
Engines are further divided into three categories: GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection), MPI (Multi Point Injection), and CRDI based on the fuel injection technology (Common Rail Direct Injection).
- The most popular gasoline engine technology, GDI, raises the efficiency of gasoline engines by sprinkling fuel directly into the combustion chamber. This kind of technology is more powerful and fuel-efficient than other gasoline engines, but it is also more expensive and noisy and vibrational than those engines.
- In comparison to GDI, MPI is less powerful and fuel-efficient, but it also offers better longevity and less vibration and noise.
- Diesel engines use CRDI, which offers a high combustion rate, minimal emissions, and increased engine power.