BMW S14
A long-lived engine, but the cylinder head does not tolerate overheating.
BMW M3 engines
The BMW M3 is a sports version of a series of German cars of the compact class BMW 3, produced since 1985 by BMW M GmbH. The fifth generation F80 came out in 2014, and an updated version was launched a year later. The car was assembled in Germany, South Africa and Mexico. The letter “M” in the name of the car indicates belonging to the Motorsport sports line. The M series differs from standard models in design, a more powerful engine and an improved suspension system.
The BMW M3 was offered with 6 engines between 1986 and 2013 (6 petrol). Displacement ranges from 2.0 to 4.0 liters, power output from 192 to 420 hp. All of them use a timing chain. The longest rated lifespan belongs to the BMW S50B30 (about 400,000 km).
BMW M3 engines by generation
| Engine | Years | Volume | Power | Fuel | Timing | Oil | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW M3 E30 1986–1991 | |||||||
| BMW S14 | 1986–1991 | 2.0 L R4 | 192 hp | petrol | chain | 4.5 L | ~250,000 km |
| BMW M3 E36 1992–1999 | |||||||
| BMW S50B30 | 1992–1995 | 3.0 L R6 | 243–295 hp | petrol | chain | 7 L | ~400,000 km |
| BMW S52B32 | 1995–1999 | 3.2 L R6 | 240 hp | petrol | chain | 5.5 L | ~400,000 km |
| BMW S50B32 | 1995–1999 | 3.2 L R6 | 310–321 hp | petrol | chain | 5.5 L | ~400,000 km |
| BMW M3 E46 2000–2006 | |||||||
| BMW S54B32 | 2000–2006 | 3.2 L R6 | 315–360 hp | petrol | chain | 6.5 L | ~400,000 km |
| BMW M3 E90 2008–2013 | |||||||
| BMW S65B40 | 2008–2013 | 4.0 L V8 | 420 hp | petrol | chain | 8.8 L | ~200,000 km |
BMW M3 engine FAQ
What engines were used in the BMW M3?
BMW M3 E30 (1986–1991): BMW S14; BMW M3 E36 (1992–1999): BMW S50B30, BMW S52B32 and BMW S50B32; BMW M3 E46 (2000–2006): BMW S54B32; BMW M3 E90 (2008–2013): BMW S65B40.
Which BMW M3 engine is the most durable?
By rated service life the most durable BMW M3 engines are: BMW S50B30 — about 400,000 km; BMW S50B32 — about 400,000 km; BMW S52B32 — about 400,000 km. Actual lifespan depends heavily on maintenance and oil change intervals.
How much oil does the BMW M3 engine take?
Engine oil capacity with filter: BMW S14 — 4.5 L (10W-40); BMW S50B30 — 7 L (5W-30 / 5W-40 / 5W-50 / 10W-40 / 15W-40); BMW S50B32 — 5.5 L (0W-30 / 0W-40 / 5W-30 / 5W-40 / 10W-40/ 15W-40); BMW S52B32 — 5.5 L (0W-30 / 0W-40 / 5W-30 / 5W-40 / 10W-40 / 15W-40); BMW S54B32 — 6.5 L (10W-60); BMW S65B40 — 8.8 L (10W-60).
Does the BMW M3 have a timing belt or chain?
Timing chain: BMW S14, BMW S50B30, BMW S50B32, BMW S52B32, BMW S54B32 and BMW S65B40.
Was the BMW M3 available with a diesel engine?
No, all BMW M3 engines in our database run on petrol.
