BMW M50 engine – six-cylinder piston engine with two overhead camshafts, submitted in January 1989 on 5-Series E34, thus replacing the previously installed 2-valve M20. A little later, this engine was installed on the BMW 3 Series E36 (sedan, touring, coupe, convertible, and Baur).
BMW M50 engine is available in two versions, with a volume of 2.0 and 2.5 liters, and is produced in the Steyr factory. Until 1996, all 943,795 engines were produced.
BMW M50B20 Engine Specs
| Manufacturer | Munich Plant |
| Also called | BMW M50 |
| Production | 1990-1996 |
| Cylinder block alloy | Cast iron |
| Configuration | Straight-6 |
| Valvetrain | DOHC 4 valves per cylinder |
| Piston stroke, mm (inch) | 66 (2.6) |
| Cylinder bore, mm (inch) | 80 (3.15) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5 11 (TU) |
| Displacement | 1991 cc (121.5 cu in) |
| Power output | 110 kW (150 HP) at 6,000 rpm 110 kW (150 HP) at 5,900 rpm (TU) |
| Torque output | 190 Nm (140 lb·ft) at 4,700 rpm 190 Nm (140 lb·ft) at 4,200 rpm (TU) |
| Redline | 6,500 rpm |
| HP per liter | 75.3 |
| Fuel type | Gasoline |
| ECU | Bosch Motronic 3.1 Siemens MS40.0 Siemens MS40.1 (TU) |
| Weight, kg (lbs) | – |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (mpg) -City -Highway -Combined | for E36 320i 11.2 (21) 6.7 (35.1) 8.6 (27.4) |
| Turbocharger | Naturally aspirated |
| Oil consumption, L/1000 km (qt. per miles) | up to 1.0 (1 qt. per 750 miles) |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30, 5W-40, 10W-40, 15W-40 |
| Engine Oil Capacity, L (qt.) | 5.75 (6.0) |
| Oil change interval, km (miles) | 7,000-10,000 (4,500-6,000) |
| Normal engine operating temperature, °C (F) | ~90 (194) |
| Engine lifespan, km (miles) -Official information -Real | – 400+ (250+) |
| Tuning, HP -Max HP -No lifespan loss | 400+ 190-200 |
BMW M50B20 Engine Oil Capacity
The BMW M50B20 engine requires 6 quarts of 5W-30 oil with a filter replacement.
What Cars Have A BMW M50B20 Engine?
- BMW E34 520i
- BMW E36 320i
M50B20 Engine Problems And Reliability
BMW M50 engine is considered to be one of the most reliable engines of BMW. Listed below are the possible malfunction of the engine, but it is necessary to take into account the proper engine maintenance because with proper maintenance, the engine will show itself in a good way:
- Overheating: advice – check the radiator, pump, thermostat, the presence of air pockets in the cooling system and radiator cap;
- Working with faults: recheck ignition coils, spark plugs and injectors;
- Floating rpm: possible causes of failure – the failure of the valve or idle throttle position sensor;
- Coolant leak – cracked expansion tank;
- Failure of individual ignition coils;
- Burning of power ignition control keys;
- Oil leaking at the junction of the oil filter bowl, valve cover gasket, front cover and tray;
- Lack of the fuel supply;
The BMW M50 engine was replaced by the BMW M52.
Was this helpful?
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. The author and publisher make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of any information presented. The reader is advised to consult a qualified professional, such as a mechanic or dealership, before making any decisions related to their vehicle's engine oil or maintenance.
