Difference between revisions of "S5x"

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The [[BMW]] '''S5x''' range of engines are a line of  6-cylinder engines, fitted to BMW Motorsport models between 1992 and 2001. The range is comprised of two main units; the [[MSx#S50|S50]] and the [[S5x#S52|S52]]. All S5x engines are fundamentally based on the [[M5x]] series of engines that powered the [[E34]] M5 and [[E36]] M3, and are therefore very popular [[Engine_Swaps|engine swaps]].
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The [[BMW]] '''S5x''' range of engines are a line of  6-cylinder engines, fitted to BMW Motorsport models between 1992 and 2001. The range is comprised of two main units; the [[S5x#S50|S50]] and the [[S5x#S52|S52]]. All S5x engines are fundamentally based on the [[M5x]] series of engines that powered the [[E34]] M5 and [[E36]] M3, and are therefore very popular [[Engine_Swaps|engine swaps]].
 
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=Versions=
 
=Versions=
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==S50==
 
==S50==
  
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The S50 engine first saw action under the bonnet of the [[E34]] and [[E36]] as a 3.0 engine. These phenomenal units were complete rebuilds of [[M50]] engines; the blocks had a wider bore, the crank had a longer stroke and the whole compression was raised to 11.8:1. Compared to the simple 24V head of the M50, these engines featured Double [M5x#VANOS|VANOS]] technology and independent throttle bodies (six in all) for improved top-end performance.
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The S50 engine first saw action under the bonnet of the [[E36]] M3 as a 3.0 engine. These phenomenal units were complete rebuilds of [[M50]] engines; the blocks had a wider bore, the crank had a longer stroke and the whole compression was raised to 10.8:1. Compared to the simple 24V head of the M50, these engines featured [[VANOS]] technology and independent throttle bodies (six in all) for improved top-end performance.
  
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In 1995 they went through an upgrade, with an increased bore and stroke taking displacement to 3.2 litres.
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In 1995 they went through an upgrade, with an increased bore and stroke taking displacement to 3.2 litres. To cope this this, the heads were fitted with [[VANOS#Double_VANOS|Double VANOS]] to regulate both the intake and exhaust valves. Continuing to serve duty in the E36, these bigger lumps were also stuffed into the [[Z3]] M-Coupe.
  
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S50 engines weigh '''138kg'''
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S50 engines weigh '''151kg'''
  
 
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Rather than rebuilding the S50, BMW adapted the existing [[M50]] design to offer a tuned engine that performance half way between. Power and torque output are significantly decreased in contrast to the "original" S50, but are a massive improvement on the M5x design. At 240hp, the S50B30US slots neatly between the M50B25 at 191hp, and the S50B30 at 282hp.
 
Rather than rebuilding the S50, BMW adapted the existing [[M50]] design to offer a tuned engine that performance half way between. Power and torque output are significantly decreased in contrast to the "original" S50, but are a massive improvement on the M5x design. At 240hp, the S50B30US slots neatly between the M50B25 at 191hp, and the S50B30 at 282hp.
  
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After letting the [[M5x#M50|M50]] prove itself, BMW released a Technical Update for the engine in September 1992, announcing the new engine as the '''M50TU'''. These units featured an even more complex head design incorporating [[M5x#VANOS|VANOS]] technology; a variable-valve timing system that modifies the position of the intake [[M5x#Cam|camshaft]]. This has no effect on the overall power of the engine, but does improve torque at lower revs.
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This S50B30US is a strange beast. It features a VANOS head, but not the same VANOS system as the "genuine" S50 - it's stepped rather than variable -  and also hasn't undergone the significant porting and polishing required to get the best gas flows. Most importantly, it lacks the independent throttle bodies found on every Motorsport engine since the [[M1]] back in 1978.
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Because of this increased complexity, VANOS engines are best avoided for first-time engine swappers.
 
  
 
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|305 N·m (225 ft·lbf) @ 4250
 
|305 N·m (225 ft·lbf) @ 4250
 
|6500
 
|6500
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|86mm
 
|85.8mm
 
|85.8mm
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|86mm
 
 
|1994
 
|1994
 
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Revision as of 18:12, 25 February 2013

The BMW S5x range of engines are a line of 6-cylinder engines, fitted to BMW Motorsport models between 1992 and 2001. The range is comprised of two main units; the S50 and the S52. All S5x engines are fundamentally based on the M5x series of engines that powered the E34 M5 and E36 M3, and are therefore very popular engine swaps.

Versions

S50

The S50 engine first saw action under the bonnet of the E36 M3 as a 3.0 engine. These phenomenal units were complete rebuilds of M50 engines; the blocks had a wider bore, the crank had a longer stroke and the whole compression was raised to 10.8:1. Compared to the simple 24V head of the M50, these engines featured VANOS technology and independent throttle bodies (six in all) for improved top-end performance.

In 1995 they went through an upgrade, with an increased bore and stroke taking displacement to 3.2 litres. To cope this this, the heads were fitted with Double VANOS to regulate both the intake and exhaust valves. Continuing to serve duty in the E36, these bigger lumps were also stuffed into the Z3 M-Coupe.

S50 engines weigh 151kg

Engine Displacement Power Torque Redline Bore Stroke Year
S50B30 3.0 L (2990 cc/182 in³) 210 kW (282 hp) @ 7000 320 N·m (236 ft·lbf) @ 3600 7200 86mm 86mm 1992
S50B32 3.2 L (3201 cc/195 in³) 236 kW (321 hp) @ 7400 350 N·m (258 ft·lbf) @ 3250 7600 86.4mm 91mm 1995

S50US

Unfortunately for the US market, the phenomenal performance of the S50 engine came at too high a cost, both in dollars and pollution. To import such an engine and tune it to meet stringent emissions regulations would put a standard M3 far above the price bracket at which it was marketed.

Rather than rebuilding the S50, BMW adapted the existing M50 design to offer a tuned engine that performance half way between. Power and torque output are significantly decreased in contrast to the "original" S50, but are a massive improvement on the M5x design. At 240hp, the S50B30US slots neatly between the M50B25 at 191hp, and the S50B30 at 282hp.

This S50B30US is a strange beast. It features a VANOS head, but not the same VANOS system as the "genuine" S50 - it's stepped rather than variable - and also hasn't undergone the significant porting and polishing required to get the best gas flows. Most importantly, it lacks the independent throttle bodies found on every Motorsport engine since the M1 back in 1978.

Engine Displacement Power Torque Redline Bore Stroke Year
S50B30US 3.0 L (2990 cc/182 in³) 177 kW (241 hp) @ 6000 305 N·m (225 ft·lbf) @ 4250 6500 86mm 85.8mm 1994

S52

Despite being heavily based on the M50, the M52 was a whole new engine, and it feels it. 20kg slimmer and a lot more responsive at the pedal, these engines are the most desirable of the M5x swaps.

S52 engines weigh 118kg

Engine Displacement Power Torque Redline Bore Stroke Year
S52B20 2.0 L (1990 cc/121 in³) 110 kW (148 hp) @ 5900 190 N·m (140 ft·lbf) @ 4700 6500 80mm 66mm 1994
S52B25 2.5 L (2494 cc/152 in³) 123 kW (170 hp) @ 5500 245 N·m (181 ft·lbf) @ 3950 6500 84mm 75mm 1995
S52B28 2.8 L (2793 cc/170 in³) 142 kW (193 hp) @ 5300 280 N·m (207 ft·lbf) @ 3950 6500 84mm 84mm 1995

S52TU

Another Technical Update came in 1998, affecting all the M52 engines with a system called Double-VANOS, which applied the existing VANOS technology to the exhaust camshaft as well. Alongside that, the Block of the engine was changed from cast iron to aluminium, and the engine management system was upgraded. Unfortunately, all this complexity somehow robbed the M52 of its charm, and these Double-VANOS units are best avoided.

Engine Displacement Power Torque Redline Bore Stroke Year
S52TUB20 2.0 L (1990 cc/121 in³) 110 kW (148 hp) @ 5900 190 N·m (140 ft·lbf) @ 3500 6500 80mm 66mm 1998
S52TUB25 2.5 L (2494 cc/152 in³) 123 kW (170 hp) @ 5500 245 N·m (181 ft·lbf) @ 3500 6500 84mm 75mm 1998
S52TUB28 2.8 L (2793 cc/170 in³) 142 kW (193 hp) @ 5500 280 N·m (207 ft·lbf) @ 3500 6500 84mm 84mm 1998
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