BMW Engine codes
A Comprehensive Guide to BMW Engine Codes
Introduction:
BMW, known for its precision engineering and performance-oriented vehicles, utilizes a sophisticated system of engine codes to identify and classify its wide range of engines. Understanding BMW engine codes is essential for enthusiasts, owners, and technicians alike, as they provide valuable information about the engine’s specifications, performance characteristics, and technical details. In this guide, we will delve into the intricacies of BMW engine codes, exploring their structure, significance, and how they contribute to the driving experience.
Structure of BMW Engine Codes:
BMW engine codes consist of a combination of letters and numbers that convey specific information about the engine. The structure of BMW engine codes typically follows a standardized format, which includes the following components:
- Series designation: The first letter or letters in the engine code indicate the series designation, which corresponds to the model series or platform on which the engine is based. For example, “N” denotes engines from the N series, “S” indicates engines from the S series, and “B” represents engines from the B series.
- Cylinder configuration: The next set of numbers in the engine code indicates the cylinder configuration, specifying the number of cylinders and their arrangement. Common configurations include inline engines (e.g., “I” for inline-six), V engines (e.g., “V” for V8), and W engines (e.g., “W” for W12).
- Engine displacement: Following the cylinder configuration, BMW engine codes often include numbers that represent the engine’s displacement in liters. For example, “30” may indicate a 3.0-liter engine, while “40” may indicate a 4.0-liter engine.
- Fuel type and technology: Additional letters or numbers in the engine code may denote specific features, technologies, or fuel types associated with the engine. For example, “T” may indicate turbocharging, “D” may indicate diesel fuel, and “H” may indicate hybrid technology.
Significance of BMW Engine Codes:
BMW engine codes serve several important purposes, providing valuable information to both enthusiasts and technicians:
- Identification: Engine codes allow individuals to identify and differentiate between different BMW engines based on their specifications and characteristics. By decoding the engine code, enthusiasts can determine key details such as displacement, cylinder configuration, and technology features.
- Performance: BMW engine codes offer insights into the performance capabilities of the engine, including horsepower, torque, and fuel efficiency. Enthusiasts can use engine codes to gauge the performance potential of a particular BMW model and compare it to other vehicles in the lineup.
- Maintenance and repairs: Engine codes assist technicians in diagnosing and repairing issues with BMW engines more efficiently. By referencing the engine code, technicians can access technical information, diagnostic procedures, and repair instructions specific to the engine model.
- Compatibility: Engine codes play a crucial role in ensuring compatibility between engine components, parts, and accessories. Enthusiasts and technicians can use engine codes to verify that replacement parts or upgrades are compatible with a particular BMW engine model.
Interpreting BMW Engine Codes:
Deciphering BMW engine codes requires a basic understanding of the key components and their meanings. Here’s a simplified example to illustrate how to interpret a typical BMW engine code:
Example: N55B30T0
- “N55”: Series designation (N series)
- “B”: Cylinder configuration (inline-six)
- “30”: Engine displacement (3.0 liters)
- “T”: Turbocharged
- “0”: Additional identifier or variant
In this example, the engine code “N55B30T0” identifies an inline-six engine from the N series with a displacement of 3.0 liters and turbocharged technology.
Conclusion:
BMW engine codes serve as a fundamental tool for understanding and classifying BMW engines, providing valuable insights into their specifications, performance characteristics, and technical details. By decoding engine codes, enthusiasts, owners, and technicians can gain a deeper understanding of BMW’s engineering prowess and the driving experience each engine delivers. Whether it’s identifying engine models, assessing performance capabilities, or diagnosing maintenance issues, BMW engine codes are an invaluable resource for anyone with an interest in BMW vehicles.
BMW Engine codes
|
Engine code |
Years |
Displacement |
|---|---|---|
|
M10 |
1960–1988 |
1.5–2.0 L |
|
S14 |
1986–1990 |
2.0–2.5 L |
|
M40 |
1987–1995 |
1.6–1.8 L |
|
M42 |
1989–1996 |
1.8 L |
|
M43 |
1991–2002 |
1.6–1.9 L |
|
M44 |
1996–2001 |
1.9 L |
|
N40 |
2001–2004 |
1.6 L |
|
N42 |
2001–2004 |
1.8–2.0 L |
|
N46 |
2004–2007 |
1.8–2.0 L |
|
N45 |
2004–2011 |
1.6–2.0 L |
|
N43 |
2007–2011 |
1.6–2.0 L |
|
N20 |
2011–present |
1.6–2.0 L |
|
N13 |
2011–present |
1.6 L |
|
N26 |
2012–2016 |
2.0 L |
|
B48 |
2013–present |
2.0 L |
BMW Straight-six engine.
|
Engine code |
Years |
Displacement |
Induction System |
|---|---|---|---|
|
M78 |
1933–1950 |
1.2-1.9 L |
TBD |
|
M328 |
1936–1940 |
2.0-2.1 L |
TBD |
|
M335 |
1939–1941 |
3.5 L |
TBD |
|
M337 |
1952–1958 |
2.0-2.1 L |
TBD |
|
M30 |
1968–1994 |
2.5-3.5 L |
TBD |
|
M20 |
1977–1993 |
2.0-2.7 L |
Naturally Aspirated |
|
M66 S38 |
1978–1989 |
3.5-3.8 L |
TBD |
|
M102 |
1980–1982 |
3.2 L |
Turbocharged |
|
M106 |
1982–1986 |
3.4 L |
Turbocharged |
|
M50 |
1989–1996 |
2.0-2.5 L |
Naturally Aspirated |
|
S50 |
1992–1999 |
3.0-3.2 L |
Naturally Aspirated |
|
M52 |
1994–2000 |
2.0-2.8 L |
Naturally Aspirated |
|
S52 |
1996–2000 |
3.2 L |
Naturally Aspirated |
|
M54 |
2000–2006 |
2.2-3.0 L |
Naturally Aspirated |
|
S54 |
2000–2008 |
3.2 L |
Naturally Aspirated |
|
P54 |
2003-2005 |
2.0 L |
TBD |
|
M56 |
2002–2005 |
2.5 L |
Naturally Aspirated |
|
N52 |
2005–2015 |
2.5-3.0 L |
Naturally Aspirated |
|
N54 |
2006–2016 |
3.0 L |
Twin Turbocharged |
|
N53 |
2007–2014 |
2.5-3.0 L |
Naturally Aspirated |
|
N55 |
2009–present |
3.0 L |
Single Twin Scroll Turbocharged |
|
S55 |
2014–present |
3.0 L |
Twin Turbocharged |
|
B58 |
2015–present |
3.0 L |
Single Twin Scroll Turbocharged |
|
S58 |
2019–present |
3.0 L |
Twin Turbocharged |
BMW Engine code V8 engine
|
Engine code |
Years |
Displacement |
|---|---|---|
|
OHV V8 |
1951–1965 |
2.6-3.2 L |
|
M60 |
1992–1996 |
3.0-4.0 L |
|
M62 |
1996–2005 |
3.5-4.8 L |
|
S62 |
1998–2006 |
4.9 L |
|
P60 B40 |
2000–2005 |
4.0 L |
|
N62 |
2001–2010* |
3.6-4.8 L |
|
S65 |
2007–2013 |
4.0-4.4 L |
|
N63 |
2008–present |
4.4 L |
|
S63 |
2009–present |
4.4 L |
BMW Engine code V10 engine
|
S85 |
2005–2010 |
5.0 L |
BMW Engine codes V12 engine
|
Engine code |
Years |
Displacement |
|---|---|---|
|
S70 |
1992–2000 |
5.6-6.1 L |
|
P75 |
1999–2000 |
6.0 L |
|
N74 |
2009–2023 |
6.0-6.75 L |
|
N73 |
2003–2016 |
6.0-6.75 L |
|
M73 |
1993–2002 |
5.4 L |
|
M70 |
1987–1996 |
5.0 L |
BMW Engine code DIESEL ENGINES
BMW Straight-three engine
|
Engine code |
Years |
Displacement |
|---|---|---|
|
B37 |
2012–present |
1.5 L |
BMW Inline-four engine
|
Engine code |
Years |
Displacement |
|---|---|---|
|
M41 |
1994-2000 |
1.7 L |
|
M47 |
1998-2006 |
2.0 L |
|
N47 |
2006-2014 |
2.0 L |
|
B47 |
2013-present |
2.0 L |
BMW Straight-six engine
|
Engine code |
Years |
Displacement |
|---|---|---|
|
M21 |
1983-1993 |
2.4 L |
|
M51 |
1991-2000 |
2.5 L |
|
M57 |
1998-2011 |
2.5-3.0 L |
|
N57 |
2008-2015 |
3.0 L |
|
B57 |
2015-present |
3.0 L |
BMW V8 engine
|
Engine code |
Years |
Displacement |
|---|---|---|
|
M67 |
1998–2009 |
3.9-4.4 L |
