BMW M52B20 engine

M52B20 is an engine from the Bavarian manufacturers, which is characterized by a working volume of 2 liters, and is capable of producing a maximum output of 150 horsepower. The installation of this power unit was made on the BMW third and fifth series.

M52B20 engine specifications

Advantages

M52B20 engines are characterized by quite a lot of advantages, which Bavarian engineers managed to obtain due 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 has catalytic converters inside the catalytic converter, which are dual flow. This makes it possible to ensure minimum emissions into the environment.
• The lubricant filter element support is characterized by the presence of a temperature sensor. This provides the maximum information required for the normal operation of the power unit.
• Inside the intake manifold is an electronically controlled resonance type damper. This control makes it possible to provide the most precise control possible.
• The mixture is formed in a vortex chamber type. This makes it possible to minimize the engine’s requirements to the quality of the fuel used, thanks to the simple fuel equipment used, and allows the engine to run stably at different speeds.
• The standard cooling system is equipped with spigots that are attached with quick-release couplings. This allows quick access to all components and significantly reduces the cost of repairs.
• The engine cooling system has been modernized by the installation of an adapted pump. This increases the flow capacity of the coolant, so that the engine cools faster.
• The piston is manufactured in an improved form. The use of such a sample allows to extend the service life of the power unit, as 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 has a very high tendency to overheat. A large tendency to this phenomenon may result in a warped cylinder head. If the engine overheating 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 lubricant consumption. The power train is characterized by piston rings that are subject to increased wear. If there are situations where the cylinder walls remain in good condition, 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 can face the problem of ignition skipping. This occurs due to the fact that the hydraulic compensators are clogged. The malfunction leads to a drop in the performance of one of the cylinders, which is then disconnected by the electronic control unit. The purchase and replacement of hydraulic compensators will help to eliminate the malfunction.

The lubricant volume indicator may begin to light up. Often, this problem can be caused by the oil cup or the 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, reduced power and uneven operation. Most often, this is caused by wear and tear of the Vanos system. Repairing it is very simple – with the help of a repair kit.

In addition, the M52B20 may not start, indicating a 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 shorter than in the previous range.

Modifications

Only one improved version of the engine, the M52TUB20, was produced from 1998 to 2001. As an addition, Double-VANOS system was used on the intake and exhaust camshafts. Shafts are installed other – with a phase 244/228 lift 9. The piston group was also modified, and cast iron liners were installed in the block. A different power system was installed, which made it possible to provide a compression ratio of up to 11. Engine power reaches 150 horsepower at 5900 rpm.

Maintenance

Any power unit requires competent maintenance. The M52B20 engine is not much different in this respect. It is characterized by classic procedures that can be performed at any service. Manufacturers recommend the following:

• The lubricating fluid together with the appropriate filter elements should be changed after 7-10 thousand kilometers, depending on operating conditions.
• Spark plugs do not pass more than 50-60 thousand kilometers, as well as the standard battery, so you need to replace components in a timely manner.
• The attachment is driven by a belt, which must be replaced after 40,000 kilometers.
• The fuel filter element should be replaced after about 40 thousand kilometers. The air filter cartridge should be replaced after 20 thousand kilometers.
• Since the powertrain has pistons without recesses, the valves will start to bend when the timing chain breaks. It is best to change the chain after every 100,000 kilometers.

Tuning

You could try building a stroker. To get a slight increase in output from a 2-liter power unit, you can try to expand its displacement to 2.6 liters. To achieve these figures you will have to buy a crankshaft, connecting rods and injectors from the M52B28 engine. Pistons remain standard, and the intake manifold is installed from the M50B25 engine. With competent program tuning it is possible to remove about 200 horsepower of maximum power.

For those who don’t have enough maximum output of 200 horsepower in the atmospheric version and want to get even more power, you can try building a turbo version. The simplest option is to purchase a turbo kit for this motor, which is based on a Garrett T04E or GT30 turbo, which is accompanied by a turbo manifold, westgate, block-off, oil supply, intercooler, pump and fuel regulator, boost controller, piping, injectors 250-300 cc, sensors supercharger, oil pressure, fuel-air mixture and exhaust temperature. These kits come with an electronic motor control unit, but if you don’t have one, you can install a Megasquirt. As a result, you can get more than 250 horsepower of maximum power on the standard piston group.

Technical specifications

The M52B20 is the first powertrain to represent the M52 family of inline six-cylinder engines. The first appearance of this engine was recorded in 1994, and it was intended to replace the common M50B20 motor. The cylinder block on the new power unit was now made of aluminum with nikasil coating on the cylinders themselves, which reduced its weight. New connecting rods and pistons were used. The length of connecting rods installed on the motor is 145 millimeters, and the compression height of pistons reaches 31.64 millimeters. In addition, a new fuel injection system is used, and the cylinder head is taken from the predecessor M50B20TU. The fuel injectors are from the 154 cc M52B20 engine.

This power unit was installed on BMW cars, which were characterized by the index 20i. In 2000, the production of the motor was stopped, as the successor was the engine of a new series M54B22 with a working volume of 2.2 liters.

This engine is installed on the following models:

BMW 3-Series (E36)

BMW 5-Series (E39)