The BMW S52B32 engine was intended only for North America, as an alternative to the 3.2-liter S50B32. The S52B32US motor was produced from 1995 to 2000, and 37,790 units were produced. The replacement for this motor was the S54B32.
Specifications
| Production years | 1995-2000 |
| Displacement, cc | 3152 |
| Fuel system | injector |
| Power output, hp | 240 /6000 rpm |
| Torque output, Nm | 320 /3800 rpm |
| Cylinder block | cast iron R6 |
| Block head | aluminum 24v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 86.4 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 89.6 |
| Compression ratio | 10.5 |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| Timing drive | chain |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 0W-30 / 0W-40 / 5W-30 / 5W-40 / 10W-40 / 15W-40 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 5.5 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | Euro 2 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for E36 M3) — city — highway — combined |
16.1 10.1 13.3 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~400 000 |
| Weight, kg | 141 |
| Max engine speed, rpm | 6500 |
| Oil consumption, gr/1000 km | up to 1000 |
| Transmission — 5MT / — 5AT |
ZF Type C ZF 5HP18 |
| Gear ratios, 5MT | 1 — 4.20 2 — 2.49 3 — 1.66 4 — 1.24 5 — 1.00 |
| Gear ratios, 5AT | 1 — 3.67 2 — 2.00 3 — 1.41 4 — 1.00 5 — 0.74 |
| Final drive ratio — 5MT — 5AT |
3.23 3.38 |
The engine was installed on:
- BMW M3-Series E36 in 1995 – 1999;
- BMW Z3 M-Series E36 in 1997 – 2000.
Disadvantages of the S52B32 engine
- Overtemperature condition. The S52 often overheats, resulting in cylinder head deformation. The solution to the problem is cleaning the radiator, removing air from the system, checking the thermostat, pump and radiator cap.
- Excessive oil consumption. The reason is the wear of the piston rings. Solution – if the walls are intact, it is enough to replace the rings, and if the cylinders are also damaged, a sleeve is required. You also need to check the crankcase ventilation valve.
- Gaps in the ignition. The reason is coking of hydraulic compensators. As a result, the cylinder works worse and the ECU simply turns it off. Required repair – replacement of hydraulic lifters.
- A red oil lamp lit up. The reason is a malfunction of the oil cup or oil pump.
- Vanos S52. Signs of wear and tear – rattling, loss of strength, interruptions in speed with jamming. Requires purchase of Vanos Repair Kit.
Among other problems of the unit stand out: breakage of knee and camshaft sensors, poor cylinder head fastening, thermostat leakage, sensitivity to fuel quality and average resource.
Frequently asked questions about the BMW S52B32
How much power does the BMW S52B32 make?
Power output of the BMW S52B32, hp: 240 /6000 rpm. Torque, Nm: 320 /3800 rpm.
How much oil does the BMW S52B32 take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 5.5 liters. Recommended oil: 0W-30 / 0W-40 / 5W-30 / 5W-40 / 10W-40 / 15W-40.
Does the BMW S52B32 have a timing belt or chain?
The BMW S52B32 uses a timing chain.
Is the BMW S52B32 turbocharged?
No, the BMW S52B32 is naturally aspirated.
Does the BMW S52B32 need valve clearance adjustment?
No, the BMW S52B32 has hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances do not need to be adjusted.
How long does the BMW S52B32 last?
The typical lifespan of the BMW S52B32 is ~400 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the BMW S52B32?
E36 M3: city 16.1, highway 10.1, combined 13.3 L/100 km.
What cars was the BMW S52B32 installed on?
BMW M3-Series E36 in 1995 - 1999; BMW Z3 M-Series E36 in 1997 - 2000.
