Engine BMW M20B25

The M20B25 – 2.5 liter engine without catalytic converter. It was originally released with a carburetor, and over time it was equipped with a fuel injection system – Bosch. The engine management system was used by Bosch Motronic 1.1/1.3. In 1987, the B25 was upgraded after which the capacity was increased.

In 1987, a catalyzed model with Motronic 1.3 engine management was introduced. The compression ratio was reduced to 8.8:1 but thanks to the more sophisticated electronics power remained nearly as before, at 125 kW (170 PS; 168 hp). The uncatalyzed engine was kept in production for Southern Europe and other markets where unleaded petrol was not regularly available.

M20 family: M20B20, M20B25.

Specifications

Production years	1986-1993
Displacement, cc	2494
Fuel system	injector
Power output, hp	163/5800 171/5800 170/5800
Torque output, Nm	215/4000 226/4000 222/4300
Cylinder block	cast iron R6
Block head	aluminum 12v
Cylinder bore, mm	84
Piston stroke, mm	75
Compression ratio	9.7 9.7 8.8
Hydraulic lifters	no
Timing drive	belt
Turbocharging	no
Recommended engine oil	5W-30 / 5W-40 / 10W-30 / 10W-40 / 10W-50 / 15W-40 / 15W-50
Engine oil capacity, liter	4.75
Fuel type	petrol
Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for E30 325i) — city — highway — combined	12.9 7.2 9.0
Engine lifespan, km	~300 000
Weight, kg	~117 (dry)
Family	M20
Oil consumption, gr/1000 km	up to 1000

The engine was installed on:

• BMW 3-Series E30 in 1985 – 1993;
• BMW Z1 (E30/Z) in 1988 – 1991;
• BMW 5-Series E34 in 1989 – 1990.

Disadvantages of the BMW M20B25 engine

1. Temperature rise. Due to a malfunction in the cooling system, the cylinder head overheats and leads. Check for air blockages, general condition of the radiator, thermostat and pump functionality.
2. Camshaft pastels worn out. A characteristic feature is the knock of the camshaft when passing more than 200 thousand km. Repair – installation of a new cylinder head.
3. The cylinder head is cracked. Typical ailment M20. The reason is overheating. The crack usually occurs between the 4th and 5th cylinder. Cylinder head needs to be replaced.

In the M20B25 unit, the condition of the timing belt and the condition of its tensioner roller also needs a thorough inspection. If the belt breaks, the valve bends cannot be avoided, and sometimes even the complete destruction of the pistons. As they age (it should be borne in mind that they have been produced since 1986), the engines of this series exhibit characteristic aging defects. For this reason, buying a car equipped with this unit is not a very promising undertaking, in terms of its trouble-free further service.

Frequently asked questions about the BMW M20B25