This Months Featured Car
1998 BMW M3
Owner/Salvador
About
S52B32 I6 3.2L
History of the BMW M3
History of the BMW M3
BMW S52B32
While the S50 engine is based on the M50, the S52 engine is based on the newer M52 platform that succeeded the M50. For that reason, the S52 has a lot more in common with the M52 than it does the S50. The S52 is essentially a bored and stroked M52 with some additional internal changes. Like the S50US, the S52 features 2-step VA
BMW S52B32
While the S50 engine is based on the M50, the S52 engine is based on the newer M52 platform that succeeded the M50. For that reason, the S52 has a lot more in common with the M52 than it does the S50. The S52 is essentially a bored and stroked M52 with some additional internal changes. Like the S50US, the S52 features 2-step VANOS on only the intake side. Other than that, the S50 and S52 both use cast iron blocks and aluminum cylinder heads.
If we look at the S50B32 and S52B32 specifically, it is much easier to point out the differences than the similarities. The S50 head has much bigger intake and exhaust ports and bigger intake and exhaust valves, fed through 6x50mm butterflies and released through a tuned length exhaust manifold. The S50B32 features dual-VANOS on both the intake and exhaust sides, which is infinitely variable, compared to the S52’s two-step intake-only VANOS.
Additionally, the S50 features larger cams (for dual VANOS), a higher redline (7,600 rpm vs 6,500 rpm), a larger 3.5” MAF, bigger injectors, and a more sophisticated engine management system. The S50 also uses individual throttle bodies while the S52 does not.
On paper, it doesn’t look like the S52 has a lot going for it when compared side-by-side with its snobby European cousin. However, perspective is everything. If anything, the comparison should show that the S50B32 is a masterpiece of an engine, and the S52 is a great one.
Stock BMW S52 Engine Performance
While the S52 might be less powerful than the S50, it still puts out an impressive 241 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. Low-end torque might be the most standout feature of the S52, as it produces peak torque at just 3,800 rpm. Most of BMW’s naturally aspirated inline-6 engines are known for their extremely linear powerband and the S52 is no exception. It delivers power very smoothly and evenly all the way up to 6,500 rpm.
While the S52 is often said to be just a souped-up M52, there are some important distinctions that make the S52 far superior. Obviously, the most significant advantage is the S52’s 0.4L of extra displacement over the M52B28. That accounts for most of the 50 horsepower discrepancy. In addition, the S52 has more aggressive, and lighter, cams than the M52, which directly translates to more top-end power. It also has upgraded valve springs and a less restrictive exhaust from the factory.
While the S52’s stock performance might be mediocre by today’s standards, the E36 M3 wasn’t a slouch back in the day. It would be hard to consider it one today. The S52 redeems itself in reliability and modifiability where it might lack in off-the-shelf power. Its cast-iron bottom end makes it an extremely strong and dependable engine that is also highly receptive to modification.
History of the BMW M3
History of the BMW M3
History of the BMW M3
The M3 model of the E36 3 Series was released in November 1992 and was initially available as a coupé only, with a convertible version added in 1994. A sedan version was also added in December 1994, to fill in the gap caused by the lack of the M5 sedan model between the end of E34 M5 production in 1995 and the launch of the E39 M5 in 199
The M3 model of the E36 3 Series was released in November 1992 and was initially available as a coupé only, with a convertible version added in 1994. A sedan version was also added in December 1994, to fill in the gap caused by the lack of the M5 sedan model between the end of E34 M5 production in 1995 and the launch of the E39 M5 in 1998.
In September 1995, a facelift version of the coupé was introduced. Changes included the engine displacement increasing to 3.2 L (195 cu in), the manual transmission upgrading from a 5-speed to a 6-speed, different wheels and clear indicator lenses. The facelift changes were applied to the sedan model in November 1995 and the convertible model in February 1996.[The kerb weight of the 1996 M3 coupe in European specification is 1,515 kg (3,340 lb).
The facelift also saw the introduction of a 6-speed "SMG" automated manual transmission, the first time an automated transmission was available on an M3 outside the United States. The SMG transmission was praised for its fast shift times and operation in performance situations, but criticized for behavior in everyday driving situations.
In 1996, BMW M hand-built an E36 M3 Compact prototype as an M-car which would appeal to younger customers. It included various performance and styling features of the E36 M3, including the 3.2-litre S50 engine. The M3 Compact was reviewed in the German magazine "Auto Motor und Sport", but never reached production.
