The BMW S38B38 engine appeared in 1992 and was developed on the basis of the S38B36: a crankshaft with a piston stroke of 90 mm and with 12 counterweights was used, connecting rods were 142.5 mm long, the cylinder diameter was increased to 94.6 mm, new lightweight pistons with a compression height of 30.7 mm, the compression ratio increased to 10.5, and the working volume reached 3.8 liters.
The S38 cylinder head was also modified: the intake valves increased in diameter to 38.5 mm, the exhaust valves to 32.5 mm, and the intake and exhaust channels were finalized. The camshafts on the S38B38 are 264/108, 10.7mm lift. The intake manifold has been redesigned, the throttle bodies have increased in diameter to 50 mm. The release is also new, the control unit is Bosch Motronic DME 3.3.
All this made it possible to improve the behavior of the car at low and medium speeds and increase power to 340 hp at 6900 rpm.
S38 family: S38B36, S38B38.
Specifications
| Production years | 1992-1996 |
| Displacement, cc | 3795 |
| Fuel system | injector |
| Power output, hp | 340 /6900 rpm |
| Torque output, Nm | 400 /4750 rpm |
| Cylinder block | cast iron R6 |
| Block head | aluminum 24v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 94.6 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 90 |
| Compression ratio | 10.5 |
| Oil consumption, gr/1000 km | up to 1000 |
| Hydraulic lifters | no |
| Timing drive | chain |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30, 5W-40, 10W-40, 15W-40 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 5.75 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for E34 M5) — city — highway — combined |
18.0 8.3 9.6 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~400 000 |
| Weight, kg | ~151 |
The engine was installed on:
- BMW M5-Series E34 in 1991 – 1995 (European specification).
Disadvantages of the S38B38 engine
Among the impressive list of breakdowns, the likelihood of cracks in the cylinder block in the unit stands out. The formation of cracks occurs near the threads where the cylinder block bolts are fixed. The presence of oil in the thread, as well as frequent disassembly of the unit, provokes the appearance of such a breakdown. This breakdown is easy to spot. Its presence is immediately reflected in an increase in the consumption of antifreeze and the presence of an emulsion in the oil. The only option that allows you to get rid of this breakdown is to install a new unit.
The s38b38 motor overheats only in three situations. Clogged radiator, pump or thermostat. Sometimes this trouble occurs in the event of a plug in the cooling system.
Lack of crankshaft operation during engine start. The failure of the starter, poor fastening of the terminal, or disconnection of the ground bus present on the engine body can provoke the appearance of this breakdown;
Frequently asked questions about the BMW S38B38
How much power does the BMW S38B38 make?
Power output of the BMW S38B38, hp: 340 /6900 rpm. Torque, Nm: 400 /4750 rpm.
How much oil does the BMW S38B38 take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 5.75 liters. Recommended oil: 5W-30, 5W-40, 10W-40, 15W-40.
Does the BMW S38B38 have a timing belt or chain?
The BMW S38B38 uses a timing chain.
Is the BMW S38B38 turbocharged?
No, the BMW S38B38 is naturally aspirated.
Does the BMW S38B38 need valve clearance adjustment?
Yes, there are no hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances have to be checked and adjusted periodically.
How long does the BMW S38B38 last?
The typical lifespan of the BMW S38B38 is ~400 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the BMW S38B38?
E34 M5: city 18.0, highway 8.3, combined 9.6 L/100 km.
What cars was the BMW S38B38 installed on?
BMW M5-Series E34 in 1991 - 1995 (European specification).
What engines are related to the BMW S38B38?
S38 family: S38B36.
