BMW M52B28 engine

The engine was first installed in March 1995 on the BMW 3-series, with the E36 index.

After that, the power unit was installed on other BMW models: Z3, 3-series E46 and 3-series E38. The end of the production of these engines dates back to 2001. In total, 1 engines were installed in BMW cars.

M52B28 engine modifications

1. The first engine was marked M52B28 and was produced between 1995 and 2000. It is the base unit. The compression ratio is 10.2, the power is 193 hp. at a torque value of 280 Nm at 3950 rpm.
2. The M52TUB28 is the second member of this BMW engine range. The main difference is the presence of the Double-VANOS system on the intake and exhaust stroke. The value of the compression ratio and power have changed, and amounted to 10.2 and 193 hp. respectively, at 5500 rpm. The torque value is 280 Nm at 3500 rpm.

Technical characteristics and design features of the engine

The engine has a square geometry. Overall dimensions are 84 by 84 mm. The cylinder diameter is the same as in the previous generation of engines of the M52 line. The compression height of the piston is 31,82 mm. The cylinder head is borrowed from the M50B25TU engine. The model of the nozzles used in the M52V28 engines is 250cc. In early 1998, a new modification of this engine entered production, which was marked M52TUB28.

Its difference is the use of cast-iron sleeves, and instead of the vanos system, a double vanos mechanism was installed in it. Camshaft parameters: length 244/228 mm, height 9 mm. It has pistons and connecting rods. The DISA variable geometry exhaust manifold has also been reworked.

For the first time in the M52 line, an electronic throttle and cooling system are installed. All cars on which these motors were installed received the i28 index. in 2000, the M54B30 engine entered production, which is the successor to the M52B28, which in turn was discontinued in 2001.

This engine has one vanos with a nikasil coating.

Unlike the M52B25 engine unit, the block of which is made of cast iron, in the M52B28 engine, the weight of the flywheel, as well as the front pulley, designed to dampen torsional vibrations, is much less. This contributes to the fact that the dynamic performance of the car as a whole is improved. The size of the valves is 6 mm, in their design there is one cone-type spring. The cylinder block of the M52V28 engine is made of aluminum. The block strengthening structure is made of special couplers and brackets. This design does not have monolithic rigidity, this allows you to compensate for various deformations when the motor is heated.

The bolts designed for fastening the yokes in the M52B28 aluminum engine block are longer than the bolts used in the cast iron cylinder blocks. The oil nozzles of the engine, whose volume is 2.8 liters, have a more correct location than in its predecessor.

Their tips are directed to the bottom of the pistons in any position of the crankshaft. It is worth noting that the front and rear crankshaft covers are on gaskets of the “Metal package” type. Also crankshaft oil seals, without the use of metal springs. This made it possible to reduce the wear of rubbing surfaces.

The piston system of the M52B28 engine is very high quality. Compared to a smaller engine, the B28 internal combustion engine crankshaft is longer-stroke, therefore, the pistons are used with a reduced compression height. The bottom of the pistons has a flat shape.

Problem areas of M52B28 engines

1. The first thing to note is overheating. Engines from the M52 series, as well as engine installations with the M50 index, which were produced a little earlier, often overheat. To eliminate this drawback, it is necessary to periodically clean the radiator, as well as to expel air from the cooling system, check the pump, thermostat and radiator cap.
2. The second common problem is the oil burner. It appears due to the fact that the piston rings are subject to increased wear. In case of damage to the walls of the cylinders, it is necessary to carry out the sleeve procedure. If they are intact, then you can simply bypass the replacement of the piston rings. It is also necessary to check the condition of the valve, which is responsible for ventilation of crankcase gases.
3. The problem of misfiring occurs when the hydraulic lifters are coked. This leads to the fact that the performance of the cylinder drops and the electronic control unit turns it off. The solution to the problem is the purchase of new hydraulic lifters.
4. An oil lamp lights up on the instrument panel. The reason for this can be either an oil cup or an oil pump.
5. With a run after 150 thousand km. there may be problems with vanos. Symptoms of his exit from standing are: the appearance of rattling, a drop in power and swimming speed. To remedy the situation, you need to buy a repair kit for M52 engines.

There are also problems with the failure of the crankshaft and camshaft position sensors. When removing the cylinder head, it may be difficult to thread the connection. The thermostat is not very good quality and often starts to leak.

Engine oil suitable for use in this engine: 0W-30, 0W-40, 5W-30, 5W-40. Approximate engine life, with careful operation, and the use of high-quality lubricants and fuels, can be more than 500 thousand km.

Tuning engine installation BMW M52B28

One of the easiest tuning options is to buy a good collector, which was installed on the M50B52 ICE. After that, provide the engine with cold air intake and camshafts from SD52B32, and then carry out a general tuning of the engine installation. After these actions, on average, about 240-250 horsepower is obtained. This power will be enough for a comfortable ride both in the city and beyond. The advantage of this method is the low cost.

An alternative option is to increase the volume of cylinders to 3 liters. In order to do this, you need to buy a crankshaft from M54B30. After that, the standard piston is reduced by 1.6 mm. All other elements remain untouched. Also, in order to improve power characteristics, it is recommended to purchase and install an M50B25 intake manifold.

The easiest option is to install a Garrerr GT35 turbocharger. Its installation is carried out on the stock piston system M52B28. The power value can reach 400 horsepower. To do this, it is necessary to adjust the Megasquirt, at a pressure of 0,7 bar.

The reliability of the engine installation does not decrease, despite the huge increase in the amount of power. The pressure value that the standard piston M52B28 can withstand is 1 bar. This suggests that if you spin the engine up to 450-500 hp, then you need to buy a forged piston mechanism, the compression ratio of which is 8.5.

Compressor fans can purchase popular ESS compressor kits based on Lysholm. With these settings, the M52B28 engine develops over 300 hp. with native piston system.

Characteristics of the M52V28 engine

Features	Indicators
Engine index	M52
Release period	1995-2001 years.
Cylinder block	Aluminum
Power system type	injector
Cylinder arrangements	inline
Number of cylinders	6
Valves per cylinder	4
Piston stroke length, mm	84
Cylinder diameter, mm	84
Compression ratio	10.2
Engine volume, cc	2793
Power characteristics, hp / rpm	193/5300
193/5500(TU)
Torque, Nm/rpm	280/3950
280/3500(TU)
fuel type	Petrol (AI-95)
Environmental class	Euro 2-3
Engine weight, kg	~ 170
~180 (TU)
Fuel fluid consumption, l / 100 km (for E36 328i)
- urban cycle	11.6
- extra-urban cycle	7.0
- mixed cycle	8.5
Engine oil consumption, g/1000 km	to 1000
Oil used	0W-30
0W-40
5W-30
5W-40
How much oil is in the engine, l	6.5
Regulated oil change mileage, thousand km	7-10
Operating temperature, deg.	~ 95