BMW S54B32HP engine

Engine S54B32HP – is considered to be the TOP version of the engine, the development of which began in 2004. The motor was created for installation on BMW E46 M3 CSL series cars. With its help it was possible to achieve even better power figures – thanks to the conducted ChIP-tuning it is possible to achieve a power of 470 hp.

However, like any motor, the S54B32HP engine has some disadvantages and weaknesses.

Engine specifications S54B32HP

Advantages

The manufacturers have refined the classic version of the engine:

• increased the diameter of the cylinders, it is 8.7 cm;
• installed a forged camshaft with 12 counterweights;
• reinforced forged connecting rods have been fitted – they are 13.9 cm long;
• pistons were replaced: compression ratio was 11.5, compression height was 32.3 mm with cooling by using oil nozzles.

The engine cylinder head was also renewed:

• modified the dual Vano’s variable valve timing system;
• New cast iron camshafts installed;
• the weight of the cylinder head has been reduced.

The engine control system is Siemens MSS 54.
Such changes resulted in:

• The engine output at 7,900 rpm has been increased to 343 hp;
• increasing torque to 365 at 4,900 rpm.

Disadvantages

Compared to the traditional M54 model, the S-series does not have such serious oil consumption problems. But if they appear, in 90% of cases the problem is with oil caps and rings. Overheating can also occur, and the causes of overheating are most often:

• dirty radiator, pumps, radiator;
• air in the cooling system.

The resources of this motor are very high – the motor allows you to pass thousands of kilometers, but it is important to take into account the style of driving, peculiarities of operation – at any moment there may be a breakdown. For example, after 150 thousand kilometers, it is often necessary to replace tensioners, timing chain, liners. And most often the problem concerns engines that were released before 2003 – more modern products are practically devoid of such shortcomings.

To avoid serious problems in the motor, it is worth buying quality oil (use only original tehjidkosti), comply with the terms of replacement of the main components, and regularly undergo maintenance. In this case, the engine will work like clockwork.

Modifications

The top model S54B32HP was produced in 2004 for installation on BMW E46 M3 CSL. It differed from the classic version by a modern intake system, more “aggressive” camshafts, and a lighter exhaust system. Due to this it was possible to achieve a power of 360 hp without the use of supercharging.
Other engine modifications include:

• A variant for the South African market. Engine power was 310 hp (7400 rpm),
  torque was 340 Nm pr 3250 rpm.
• Only S52B32 motors were used for the Canadian and North American markets.

Engine Chip tuning

The easiest method to increase the power of the motor without drastically changing it is to buy an Evolve intake system, Supersprint sports exhaust, and Evolve firmware. This will give the S54B32HP more than 370 hp. Another option is to purchase Schrick camshafts with 12.5 lift (as well as springs and plates for it). Once installed, engine output will increase significantly to 400 hp at 8500 rpm. To increase power even further, you must use:

• Schrick camshafts with lift 14;
• the Vanos system;
• 12.5+ compression ratio pistons;
• an upgraded cylinder-head.

It is also recommended to purchase a compressor kit from ESS with a maximum boost pressure of 0.4 bar. This will provide a power of about 470 hp. But car owners are not limited in choice – to achieve 600 hp, you can choose other kits, for example, from the manufacturer VF. However, the cost of such tuning will be very high.

This engine is installed on the following models:

BMW M3 (E46)