Especially for the BMW M5 E34 released in 1988, a new sports engine called the S38B36 was designed. The basis for this engine was the aspirated M88/3 (S38B35), with a colleague in the series, M30B34, S38 has less in common.
A lightweight forged crankshaft with a piston stroke of 86 mm (was 84 mm) and 12 counterweights was installed in the M88/3 cylinder block. The cylinder diameter remained unchanged (93.4 mm), the pistons were modified, their compression height was 31.5 mm, and the compression ratio was 10, the length of the connecting rods was 144 mm.
The cylinder head of the BMW S38 is a two-shaft 24-valve with mechanical pushers. Valve adjustment is carried out as necessary, cold clearances 0.28 / 0.33 mm. Camshaft parameters S38B36: phase 264/110, lift 10.7 mm. Intake valves are 37mm, exhaust 32mm. The intake has a variable geometry manifold and, of course, 6 throttles, one for each cylinder, the diameter of each throttle is 46 mm. The nozzles have a capacity of 270 cc.
Control unit – Bosch Motronic M1.2. At the outlet, an equal-length collector is used. The timing drive uses a double-row chain, which is quite reliable.
These innovations made it possible to remove the power of 316 hp at 6900 rpm.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Munich Plant |
| Also called | S38 |
| Production years | 1988-1996 |
| Cylinder block alloy | cast iron |
| Fuel system | injector |
| Configuration | inline |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 86 |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 93.4 |
| Compression ratio | 10.0 |
| Displacement, cc | 3535 |
| Power output, hp | 316 /6900 rpm |
| Torque output, Nm / rpm | 360 /4750 rpm |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Weight, kg | ~151 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km — city — highway — combined |
18.0 8.3 9.6 |
| Oil consumption, gr/1000 km | up to 1000 |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 / 5W-40 / 10W-40 / 15W-40 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 5.75 |
| Normal engine operating temperature, °C | ~90 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~400 000 |
Disadvantages of the S38B36 engine
The main problems of the BMW S38 engine are cracks in the cylinder block, overheating. Cracks form around the threads for the cylinder head bolts. The reasons for the breakdown are oil that has not been removed from the thread, disassembly of the motor. The problem can be diagnosed by the high consumption of antifreeze, the appearance of an emulsion in the oil. The optimal solution is to replace it with a non-cracked block.
If overheating occurs, the problem must be solved quickly so that the cylinder head does not move. Overheating occurs when a thermostat, radiator or pump needs cleaning, or when there is a blockage in the cooling system.
Frequent malfunctions include wear of the elements of the gas distribution system, the complexity and inability to adjust the valve. To solve the problem, eccentrics, guide bushings and valves are changed. Poor performance may be related to the MAF. During the warming up of the car, a whistle is heard, there are frequent leaks of the rear crankshaft oil seal.
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