Best BMW engine ever!?

[E93FTW]

Originally Posted by N8N

Local guy has that drivetrain in a 3.0 coupe... quite possibly my ideal BMW car.

How much can that engine in decent condition set you back?

[poosamjam]

Originally Posted by 914kidd

N54

No but really I like the S85 (V10 M5 Engine).

That v10 was hand made. Less power than the new one but the fact that the v8 comes from assembly line and does not make near as much noise makes me sad. Truly one of a kind.


As to OP. The N54 is in my opinion one of the best turbo engines with lots of tuning capabilities. And for NA i like my silky smooth N52

[edirtaynine]

the one from the e30 m3. BADASS. and way ahead of its time.

[maesd74]

S65 in the E9x M3

[mansito]

Originally Posted by yunior12

How much can that engine in decent condition set you back?

Not sure. I sold mine with 169K miles and the engine was still pulling like a train. I miss the mechanical harmony sounds that engine makes. Here are a couple of pics of the car going to its new home in MN. I am glad it went to a BMW enthusiast home.

[3MM3]

S54 has always been a favorite of mine

[UKBasketball]

Originally Posted by LuisBoston

I think the N52 is going to become legendary. That's why I bought another. My e90's N52 is just as smooth as it was when I bought it.

It's the last of the best line of engines BMW has made. The last NA engine. Sigh.

They made some changes/updates to the N52, when making the N51. If I'm not mistaken this would be the last NA straight 6 BMW put in their cars.

My vote for my favorite engine goes to N52/51, but what is the best BMW motor.....? That's a hard call to make- There are so many!

My indy mechanic has always touted the M54B30 as the smoothest and most reliable BMW inline 6.

[srezzo]

Originally Posted by N8N

Local guy has that drivetrain in a 3.0 coupe... quite possibly my ideal BMW car.

That sounds incredible! I'd love to see it!

[kdbryce]

Only one person mentioned the mclaren f1?

That v12 gets my vote. Fastest car in the world for quite some time.

[MrPig]

Originally Posted by E902009

M20B25 gets my vote. Rev-happy and damn near bullet-proof. I had so much fun with it. That and it's easy to work on, except for the valve adjustment, which is kind of a pain, and needs to be done every 15k miles.

Gonna have to agree with that. 314,000km on my M20 and it's still running strong (still has most if not all of it's ponies, too!) with some basic maintenance. Valve adjustement isn't even that bad; just lift the rear, pull out the plugs and spin the wheels in 5th gear. 30-45 minutes and all 12 valves are done.

My only beef with the M20 is the sewing machine noise it produces.

Having said that, I'd love a charged S5x/M5x in my e30 for some tire spinning fun.

[JAL0988]

S54 was always my favorite

[brinkmann]

Originally Posted by ihsanshaik

Reliablity wise is S52 in the e36 m3. M50 is non m have gone over 800,000 miles.

+1
I've had a hell of a lot of fun with the S52 in my E36 M3. And "bulletproof reliability" is an added bonus.

[Eddien123]

Definitely the S85 from the E60 M5/6. Best V10 out I think.

[Eddien123]

S85 V10. What a beast!

[E93FTW]

Originally Posted by mansito

Not sure. I sold mine with 169K miles and the engine was still pulling like a train. I miss the mechanical harmony sounds that engine makes. Here are a couple of pics of the car going to its new home in MN. I am glad it went to a BMW enthusiast home.

Mostly analog cars will always sound better! That is a beauty! Would not mind having it on my driveway.😺 Thanks for sharing it!

[ThEnder]

The S38 from the E28 M5 is probably one of the best engines that BMW ever made for the M cars. The S54 despite it's occasional maintenance issues was also great and can make some pretty unbelievable power with FI.

For mass produced engines, I'd say the M52 and M54 engines were amazing. Both are pretty rock solid, were used throughout the model range, and produced good power with good economy in a silky smooth 6 cylinder package.

[Bavarian Black]

Own an 335i M....E92...however....my vote goes for the E36 no matter what series. My 328is MTech was so fast and I still know the owner. only needs oil and petrol. Master engines in the E36...maybe to much tech is bad or maybe BMW wanted more revenue. U decide....

BB

[BabyZ]

Gotta love the S85!

[techwhiz]

Originally Posted by ihsanshaik

Reliablity wise is S52 in the e36 m3. M50 is non m have gone over 800,000 miles.

What he said. ^^^^^^

The six from an E36 just goes forever.
I had one, never a problem. Just get a Stewart stainless impeller water pump.

[ihc95]

With all thing considered, it has to be the S54 for me. High revving M characteristics coupled with the traditional BMW I6 layout. What's not to love?

[Bavarian Black]

Originally Posted by ihc95

With all thing considered, it has to be the S54 for me. High revving M characteristics coupled with the traditional BMW I6 layout. What's not to love?

All love! My friend that bought my old car (e36) had clocked 216K (KM). No issues but he did replace the tires which I belive is very normal.

Man the E36 is not a piece of beauty...it is beauty. However, I love my twin turbos not matter all the hassle it put me through.

BB

[E902009]

Originally Posted by MrPig

Gonna have to agree with that. 314,000km on my M20 and it's still running strong (still has most if not all of it's ponies, too!) with some basic maintenance. Valve adjustement isn't even that bad; just lift the rear, pull out the plugs and spin the wheels in 5th gear. 30-45 minutes and all 12 valves are done.

My only beef with the M20 is the sewing machine noise it produces.

Having said that, I'd love a charged S5x/M5x in my e30 for some tire spinning fun.

The sewing machine sound is caused by either valves needing adjustment, or the lifters are worn. BTW, the white E30 in your signature looks sweet! I had an '89 E30 325is in red/tan interior combo. I still miss that car to this day.