The M60 lineup is one of the smallest series that BMW pleases its customers with. The lineup includes only two powertrains – the M60B30 engine for three liters, and the M60B40, which has a working volume of 4 liters. The release of the BMW M60B30 meant only one thing – the return to the manufacture of V layout engines, which provide the presence of 8 cylinders and work on gasoline. Prior to that, the concern had not produced such power units for 25 years. Since 1992, the motors were produced at the concern’s plants, and in 1998 their production was stopped. BMW e32 M60B30 – one of the brightest representatives of the line of bodies, which were equipped with such power units. The popularity of cars was simply stunning in all countries of the world, and Russia was no exception.
M60B30, the characteristics of which will be discussed below, was quite a logical solution from German manufacturers. With the help of this engine was able to close the free space in the motor lines between the power units for 6 cylinders with in-line arrangement, and huge twelve-cylinder engines with V configuration. What sets the E38 M60B30 and other bodies with these powertrains apart is the unique design of the motors. For its design, an automated CAD design system was used. This made it possible to make the most compact engines with minimal dimensions.
Characteristics of the M60B30 engine
| Characteristics | Data |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing | BMW Plant Dingolfing |
| Engine make | M60 |
| Years of manufacture | 1992-1996 |
| Cylinder block material | aluminum |
| Power system | injector |
| Type | V-type |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 67.6 |
| Cylinder diameter, mm | 84 |
| Compression ratio | 10.5 |
| Engine displacement, cc | 2997 |
| Engine power, hp/rpm | 218/5800 |
| Torque, Nm/rpm | 290/4500 |
| Environmental standards | Euro 1 |
| Engine weight, kg | ~200 |
| Fuel consumption, l/100 km (for 730i E38) | – city: 14.6, highway: 8.5, mixed: 10.8 |
| Oil consumption, gr./1000 km | to 1000 |
| Engine oil | 5W-30, 5W-40, 10W-40, 15W-40 |
| How much oil in the engine, liters | 7.5 |
| Oil change is carried out, km | 7000-10000 |
| Engine operating temperature, deg | 95-100 |
| Engine life, thousand kilometers | – according to the factory data: -, in practice: 300+ |
| Tuning, hp | – potential: 300+, without loss of resource: – |
| The engine was installed on | BMW 530i E34, BMW 730i E32, BMW 730i E38 |
Reliability of the BMW M60B30 engine
The junior variant of the eight-cylinder V-series BMW M60, was developed in 1992, as a replacement for the big inline six M30B30. The base for the small V8 was the M60B40, in the cylinder block of which a short-stroke cast crankshaft was installed (stroke 67.6 mm vs. 80 mm in the M60B40), and the cylinder bore was reduced to 84 mm (was 89 mm). The pistons and connecting rods have been changed accordingly.
Cylinder heads from the 4-liter engine, with reduced intake valves to 32 mm (was 35 mm), exhaust valves to 28.5 mm (was 30.5 mm). Characteristics of standard BMW M60B30 camshafts: phase 246/242, lift 9.7/9.4 mm.
The M60B30 still uses individual ignition coils, a dual-row timing chain and a plastic intake manifold, but compared to the M60B40, with smaller ducts, the throttle linkage has also been reduced to 70 mm.
The engine management system is Bosch Motronic 3.3.
This power unit was used on BMW cars with the index 30i.
The engine was replaced in 1996, when the 60-series was replaced by the new 62-series, with a successor in the person of M62B35.
Problems and disadvantages of BMW M60B30 engines
Benefits
In 1992, the little brother of the M60 powertrain lineup was developed, which was also a V-twin. This engine was intended to be a replacement for the M30B30, which featured larger dimensions and an in-line arrangement of six cylinders. As a base for the creation of a V8 with compact dimensions served as a power unit of the same line, but with a volume of 4 liters. This causes some controversy among owners – what is better M60B40 or M60B30. The cylinder block of this power unit was equipped with a cast crankshaft, which was characterized by a reduced stroke length. In this version of the engine it was 6.76 centimeters, while in the predecessor – 8 cm. The cylinder diameter was also changed and became 8.4 centimeters, instead of 8.9 as in the B40. The connecting rods and pistons also succumbed to modifications and were completely changed.
The M60B30, reviewed below, had the cylinder head from the previous version. The intake and exhaust valves succumbed to changes – their diameter was slightly reduced. Depending on what gearbox should stand on the motor, it was possible to change the characteristics of the standard camshafts. This power unit provides for the use of individual ignition coils, chain-driven timing and a plastic intake manifold. Another difference from its predecessor is the reduced diameter of the ducts and the size of the throttle plate. The powertrain is controlled by Bosch Motronic 3.3.
MKPP with M60B30 were installed on cars of the German concern, which were characterized by the index 30i. In 1996, the production of this line was completely stopped, and it was replaced by new motors M62B35.
Disadvantages
This power unit can be characterized by a large vibration during idling. The reason for this can be a failed dmrv BMW M60B30, which provides air suction. It is also worth trying to adjust the timing. If this does not help, then you need to check the EGR valve and lambda probes.
BMW 730i e32 M60B30 has a cardan shaft device that differs from the usual cars. Therefore, there may be a problem with the repair of this unit of the car. Questions also arise about where the temperature sensor is located, which goes to the brains, since it is not characterized by great reliability and often fails. Increased oil consumption is also a common problem for owners of such motors. The malfunction can be eliminated by replacing the oil caps and rings, or replace the crankcase gas ventilation valve.
Taking into account the quality of domestic fuel, blocks with nikasil coating are not particularly reliable. There is a high probability of rapid wear and loss of compression. Therefore, it is better to look at the variants released after 1994, which were equipped with liners made of alusil.
It is rather expensive to service this engine. High fuel consumption is also difficult to call an advantage of these power units. Age disadvantages are also added to all of the above, since the age of the engines is decent. Do not forget that you need to know what spark plugs to put on the engine, what oil is best to pour and use only quality fuel. This will make it possible to significantly extend the life of the motor.
Tuning the engine BMW M60B30
Shafts. Compressor
A simple and easy way to increase the power of the M60B30 is to install an intake from its 4.0-liter counterpart. A full throttle and intake manifold can increase power to 240-250 hp. Further tuning is similar to what is done on M60B40, shafts still +/- 30 hp, compressor will bring power to 300-330 hp.
MOTOR RATING: 4