BMW B38K15T0 engine

B38 is a unique family of power units with three cylinders, which embody all modern solutions of the Bavarian concern. The release of these engines began in the middle of 2018, which gave the opportunity to use only new achievements aimed at improving various parameters. The main distinguishing features of such motors are very high performance and efficiency, which makes it possible to open a new era of car engines running on gasoline as fuel. The motors are truly unique, as they combine great power and torque, while being characterized by great economy and compactness. The use of modern materials has also ensured that they are lightweight.

B38K15T0 is a sporty hybrid modification equipped with a TwinPower Turbo supercharger. The development of the power unit was based on the existing modifications of the B38 range. This engine has absorbed all the best qualities of its predecessors. The engine is installed under the hoods of BMWs with the index i.

The increased attention to the B38K15T0 modification is quite justified, due to its technical characteristics. Its maximum power is 231 horsepower, and peak torque reaches 320 Nm. With such indicators, BMW engineers managed to achieve a record for gasoline engines fuel consumption – only 2.1 liters per hundred kilometers of traveled distance. At the same time, the working volume of 1.5 liters also plays a big role.

Engine specifications B38K15T0

Advantages

BMW engineers put a lot of effort to get such characteristics for the B38K15T0 modification. A lot of different modern solutions have been used to reduce fuel consumption. Among the main design features are:

• Front positioning of the coolant pump. In order to realize this solution, special adaptations had to be made to the crankcase. This was done in order to maximize the compactness of the generator and air intake system.
• The oil pump for this modification has been lightened in order to reduce the overall weight of the design to maximize performance.
• The crank bearings have been enlarged in diameter to minimize friction force.
• The timing belt received two additional ribs, which allowed its expansion. The drive belt of the modification has 8 ribs.
• A special cylinder head was produced. The production was carried out in gravity casting, thanks to which the density of the product was much higher.
• The diameter of the exhaust valve shaft was also increased to 6 millimeters. This eliminated the vibrations caused by the pressure from the turbine.
• Changes have also been made to the belt drive together with the tensioners. The power unit is started by a high voltage alternator. The usual starter gears on the engine are missing.
• The force in the belt drive was increased, so reinforced bearings had to be installed on the drive shaft for the motor to work.
• The stability stabilizer was moved to the front of the motor crankcase for better weight distribution.
• The throttle plate has been given additional water cooling.
• The compressor turbine housing was integrated into the manifold.
• The cooling of the supercharger was also revised, and was accomplished through a socket in the bearing.

Thanks to these design changes, it has been possible to achieve maximum performance and impressive technical characteristics with low fuel consumption.

Disadvantages

There are no serious problems with the power units, and this is evidenced by the huge number of reviews from owners of cars with such motors under the hood on various sites. Most of the owners claim about the normal operation of the power units and are satisfied with their purchase. Increased consumption of lubricating fluid in the motor B38K15T0 is not observed. RPM dips and other engine problems are absent. But this may be due to the relatively small age, and it will be possible to finally judge only after 5-7 years.

This engine is installed on the following models:

BMW i8 (l15)

BMW i8 (I12)