BMW S14B23 engine
Content
The BMW S14B23 engine is a cult example of German quality, which remains popular today.
This motor was characterized by high power potential and reliability, due to which it was more than once amenable to tuning by craftsmen and reinstalled on home-made and custom vehicles.
History of development: how and when the BMW S14B23 engine was invented
Serial production of the engine began in 1986 in several variations at once: versions for 2.0 and 2.5 liters were available for purchase. The engine was widely known for its installation on the first generation of BMW M3 cars, which were the benchmark of a sports car and were often used for both professional and semi-legal races.
Also during production, the engine was installed on limited versions of such models as:
- BMW M3 E30 Johnny Cecotto;
- Roberto Ravaglia;
- BMW 320is E30;
- Europe champion.
The motor was aimed at a wide range of consumers and was equipped with cars for the American, Italian and Portuguese car markets. The ancestor of the BMW S14B23 was the BMW S50 engine, which, after modernization, began to be equipped in subsequent generations of the M3.
This is interesting! Differences in the power of the BMW S14B23 engines depended on the market for which the equipment was produced. Due to the peculiarities of the taxation system for Italy, the motor was produced with reduced power, and for America - with increased power potential.
Specifications: what is special about the motor
The BMW S14B23 engine is a four-cylinder in-line engine, and in comparison with its predecessor, is equipped with a catalytic catalyst and upgraded camshafts and intake valves. Also from the features of the motor should be highlighted:
- Carter assembled on the basis of the M10;
- Cylinder head made by analogy with S38;
- Enlarged intake valve openings up to 37,5 mm;
- Exhaust valve openings up to 32mm.
The motor was equipped with an independent fuel supply system, where a separate throttle valve went out to each cylinder. The DME electronic system was responsible for the uniform distribution of fuel into the cylinders.
| Working volume, cm³ | 2302 |
|---|---|
| Maximum power, h.p. | 195 – 215 |
| Maximum torque, N*m (kg*m) at rpm | 240 (24) to 4750 |
| Liter power, kW/l | 68.63 |
| Compression ratio | 10.5 |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Cylinder diameter, mm | 93.4 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| The piston stroke, mm | 84 |
| Engine weight, kg | 106 |
The BMW S14B23 engine is notable for its unpretentious appetite: the engine design runs on low-octane fuel without compromising the service life of components.
The average consumption of gasoline per 100 kilometers is 11.2 liters in the city and from 7 liters on the highway. The motor runs on 5W-30 or 5W-40 brand oil, the average consumption per 1000 km is 900 g. The technical fluid must be changed every 12 km or after 000 years of operation.
It is important to know! The VIN number of the motor is located on the top cover on the front side.
Weaknesses and design flaws
The BMW S14B23 engine is considered reliable and functions quietly up to a guaranteed resource of 350 km. 
During operation, depending on the intensity of use and driving style, the following problems may occur:
- Idle speed breakdowns - the appearance of a malfunction can be observed regardless of the engine mileage and depends on a loose throttle valve on one of the cylinders. Also, the situation appears if there is a quarrel on the idle control sensor;
- Problems with starting the engine - is a factory defect in the anti-theft device of the vehicle. To eliminate the malfunction, it is necessary to reflash the equipment at the dealer service station or turn off the alarm;
- High vibration load - engine nozzles are faulty. Neglecting to repair a malfunction significantly shortens the life of the engine;
- Late ignition is a problem with the functioning of the air mass meter. Corrected by adjusting the equipment and replacing the air cleaning filters.
Is it worth buying a BMW S14B23
A car based on the BMW S14B23 engine will delight the owner with reliable and safe operation: despite the moral obsolescence of components, the engine calmly produces nameplate power and has a moderate appetite.
A feature of the BMW S14B23 is the mass of original components found in the secondary car market, which is explained by the popularity of the model: finding suitable parts for repairing or tuning the engine is not difficult. A car based on the BMW S14B23 is the best option for lovers of measured driving and healers of quality cars. Also, the engine is suitable for acquaintance with the sports car industry - the stability of the assembly and moderate power will allow the owner to reveal their potential.
