BMW S50B32 engine

The automotive industry does not stand still. In 1995, the 6-cylinder engine S50B30 was revised. This allowed to increase the output, to make BMW cars even more dynamic, faster. The S50B32 motor became the fastest and most powerful in the M50 series. It was used in BMW M3 and BMW Z3 M coupe and M roadster.

How does the S50B32 motor differ from its predecessors? The characteristics are as follows:

• the cylinder block is made of cast iron;
• injector power system;
• installed 6 cylinders, 4 valves per cylinder;
• piston stroke is 90.1 mm with a compression ratio of 11.3;
• engine displacement is 3201cc;
• torque at 3,250 rpm in 60 seconds is a figure of 350 Nm;
• maximum engine power at 7,600 rpm in 60 seconds is 321 hp.
• oil change is carried out every 7-10 thousand kilometers.

In 2000 the motor was removed from production, after which the BMW M3 E46 began to be equipped with S54B32.

Motor characteristics S50B32

Advantages

The S50B32 is considered the most powerful motor in the M50 series as the engine produces 321 hp at 7,400 rpm, with 350 Nm of torque.

Such impressive results were achieved due to the presence of forged crankshaft, increased to 13.9 cm connecting rods with graphite coating. Manufacturers installed lighter pistons, compression ratio amounted to 11.3.

The cylinder head was finalized. For the first time, the manufacturer used a system of permanent change of timing on the shafts (intake, exhaust). The valves have been modified:

• increased the diameter of the inlet valve to 3.5 cm;
• the diameter of the exhausts remained the same;
• The thickness of the rod was reduced to 6 mm.

Adjusted the dual mass flywheel, exhaust system, intake manifold equal length manifold became a little shorter.

Siemens MSS50 control system is installed.

Disadvantages

The S50B32 engine has the following most common performance issues: increased oil consumption, leaks, overheating, Vanos system failures, floating revs.

The power unit may overheat. If you notice this problem, it is necessary to check the thermostat and radiator. Another common cause is air plugs formed in the cooling system, damage to the radiator cap. It happens that the engine troits. In this case, you need to check the ignition coils and plugs. If the revs are unstable, the reason may be in a failed idle valve to restore the engine operation is enough to clean them.

The characteristic “rumbling” may be due to a failure of the Vanos system. There is also a loss of engine power, unstable revolutions. To solve this problem, you can not do without a vanos repair kit. With increased oil consumption, it is worth checking the gaskets of the valve cover, sump, expansion tank.

Periodically in S50B32 (as well as in all “representatives” of S50) crankshaft, camshaft sensors fail.

Modifications

The company also produced a modification of the engine for South Africa.  The characteristic differences of the engine include:

• 10.5 compression ratio pistons;
• torque at RPM 3250 340 Nm;
• 310 horsepower at 7,400 rpm.

The S52B32 was used for the North American and Canadian car market – the S50B32 engine was not used for BMW M3 E36 cars. The most powerful modification of the engine installed on Australian cars was 324 hp.

Chip – Tuning

To perform chip tuning, you need to purchase a cold exhaust, camshafts, sports exhaust. This will allow you to get a power of more than 360 hp. To increase power, you need to remove the Vanos. It is possible to develop up to 400 hp at 9000 rpm by purchasing lightweight connecting rods and pistons with a compression ratio of 13+ units, enlarged valves, porting the cylinder head, 500 cc injectors.

Also on the base in the S50B32, the BMW turbo manifold can be upgraded, whereby the power will increase to 600 hp.

This engine is installed on the following models:

BMW M3 (E36)