Characteristics of the M52B20 engine
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing | Munich Plant |
| Engine make | M52 |
| Years of production | 1994-2001 |
| Cylinder block material | Aluminum |
| Power system | Injector |
| Type | Ready |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 66 |
| Cylinder diameter, mm | 80 |
| Compression ratio | 11 |
| Engine displacement, cc | 1991 |
| Engine power, hp/rpm | 150/5900, 150/5900 (TU) |
| Torque, Nm/rpm | 190/4200, 190/3500 (TU) |
| Fuel | 95 |
| Environmental standards | Euro 2-3 |
| Engine weight, kg | ~165, ~175 (TU) |
| Oil consumption, gr./1000 km | Upto 1000 gr |
| Engine oil | 0W-30, 0W-40, 5W-30, 5W-40 |
| How much oil in the engine, liters | 6.5 |
| Oil change is carried out, km | 7000-10000 |
| Engine life, thousand km in practice | ~250 |
| Tuning, hp – potential | 400+ |
| The engine was installed on cars | BMW 320i E36, BMW 320i E46, BMW 520i E39, BMW Z3 |
Reliability of the engine
The first representative of the new family of inline sixes M52 (which included M52B24, M52B25, M52B28, S52B32), called M52B20, appeared in 1994 and replaced the popular M50B20. The cylinder block of the new engine is now lightweight aluminum with Nicasil coated cylinders, new and pistons with connecting rods. The M52B20’s connecting rod length is 145mm and the piston compression height is 31.64mm. Also used a new intake, the cylinder head came from the M50B20TU. The injectors on the M52B20- 154 cc.
After a technical update in 1998, the motor received a new cylinder head with dual vanos on both shafts, the camshafts themselves are now 244/228 lift 9. The cylinder block received cast iron liners, changed connecting rods, pistons, cooling system, electronic throttle, intake manifold received DISA geometry change system and so on.
This motor was used on BMW cars with the index 20i.
In 2000, the low-volume six received a successor, it became a motor of a new series BMW M54, with a working volume of 2.2 liters – M54B22.
Modifications of the BMW M52B20 engine
- M52B20 (1994 – 1999) – the basic variation of the engine. Compression ratio 11, power 150 hp at 5900 rpm, torque 190 Nm at 4200 rpm.
- M52TUB20 (1998 – 2001) – Double-VANOS on intake and exhaust camshafts, shafts with phase 244/228 lift 9. Replaced the spindle, in the block cast iron liners, different intake, compression ratio 11, power 150 hp at 5900 rpm, torque 190 Nm at 3500 rpm.
Benefits
M52B20 engines are characterized by quite a lot of advantages, which Bavarian engineers managed to get thanks to design features, as well as the application of new solutions at that time. Among the distinctive qualities we can highlight the following:
- The engine is equipped with catalytic converters inside the catalytic collector, which work on two streams. This makes it possible to ensure the minimum emission rates of harmful substances into the environment.
- The lubricant filter element support is characterized by the presence of a temperature sensor. This makes it possible to obtain the maximum information that is necessary for the normal operation of the power unit.
- In the intake manifold there is a resonance type damper, which is controlled electronically. This control provides the opportunity to ensure the most precise control possible.
- Mixture formation is of the vortex chamber type. This makes it possible to ensure a minimum requirement of the engine to the quality of fuel used due to the fact that a simple fuel equipment is used, and also allows the engine to work stably at different speeds.
- The standard cooling system is equipped with pipes that are attached with quick-release couplings. This makes it possible to get quick access to all assemblies, as well as significantly reduce the cost of repair.
- The engine cooling system has been modernized, in the form of installation of an adapted pump. This increases the flow capacity for the coolant, so that the engine cools faster.
- The piston is manufactured in an improved form. The use of such a sample allows you to extend the life of the power unit, because the motor is characterized by a larger cooling area of the piston.
- The engine uses the minimum amount of lubricants and coolants required. This significantly reduces costs during maintenance of the power unit.
Disadvantages
The BMW M52B20 engine is characterized by a very high tendency to overheat. A large tendency to such a phenomenon can entail a bent cylinder head. If overheating of the engine is noticed, it is necessary to clean the radiator, try to expel air plugs from the standard cooling system, as well as check the functionality of the standard pump, thermostat and radiator cap.
The power unit is characterized by increased consumption of lubricating fluid. Piston rings are used in the design of the power unit, which are subject to increased wear. If there are situations where the cylinder walls remain intact, a simple replacement of the piston rings is possible. If the cylinder walls are worn, it will be necessary to give the block to the procedure of installing liners. In addition, it is worth checking the condition of the crankcase ventilation valve.
Often, owners of cars with such motors under the hood, you can face the problem of ignition skipping. This arises due to the fact that the hydraulic compensators are encrusted. The malfunction leads to a drop in the performance of one of the cylinders, which is then disconnected by the electronic control unit. Buying and replacing the hydraulic compensators will help to correct the fault.
The lubricant volume indicator may start to light up. Often, such a problem can be caused by the oil cup or lubricant pump. It is worth checking the condition of these parts and replacing them if necessary.
The use of the clever Vanos system from the Bavarians has not only positive qualities. Owners of the power unit may have problems with rumbling, power reduction and unevenness of work. Most often, this is caused by wear and tear of the Vanos system. Repair this is very simple – with the help of a repair kit.
In addition, the M52B20 may not start, which indicates the failure of the crankshaft and camshaft position sensor. The threads for the cylinder head mounting bolts are also not very reliable. The thermostat can leak. The average life is somewhat less than that of the previous line.
Tuning the BMW M52B20 engine
Stroker
For a small increase in power of the 2.0-liter M52, a stroker is excellent. To get 2.6 liters of displacement, we will need to buy a crankshaft, connecting rods, injectors from M52B28, standard pistons, intake manifold from M50B25, tune and get about 190-200 hp.
M52B20 Turbo. Compressor
Those who 200 hp in the atmospheric version is not enough and need even more power, you can pay attention to turbines. The simplest option is to buy a turbo kit for M52B20 based on Garrett T04E (or Garrett GT30), with turbo manifold, westgate, block-off, oil supply, intercooler, pump and fuel regulator, boost controller, piping, injectors 250-300 cc, sensors for boost, oil pressure, fuel-air mixture and exhaust temperature. With similar kits comes ECU, if you collect yourself, then take Megasquirt. As a result, you will get 250++ hp on a standard piston.
An alternative can be a compressor kit from ESS on the basis of supercharger Lysholm, installation of such a kit will provide the same 250 hp on stock pistons.
ENGINE RATING: 4