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Old 01-06-2009, 10:21 AM   #1
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motor codes

I can't believe there aren't any threads in this section. lol Anyway...

Can you guys please tell me where the motor code is stamped on the block of a 325i? I just bought a 318is with a 325i motor swap and I'm going to need to replace the alternator soon. So I'd like to know exactly what motor I have for parts purposes in the future (and for right now). Thanks.
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Old 01-06-2009, 02:33 PM   #2
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So here's what I found. I copied only what's relevant. How do I figure out which motor is in my car?

M50 I-6 4 Valve 2.5 liter 325i 92-95, 525i 91-95
M52 I-6 4 Valve 2.5, 325i 96-99
M52TU I-6 4 Valve 2.5, 323i 99-00
M54TU I-6 4 Valve 2.5, 325, 01+
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Old 01-06-2009, 02:58 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by russiankid View Post
M50 engines cames with two different alternators. They either came with a Bosch 140amp, or some other brand which was 105amp. Most E36's have an M50, however the 328's had an S52; which is basically an M50 just different internals. E30's came with M20 engines. Go to www.realoem.com and you can look up all the parts for the specific BMW with the use of the production date. If you have any questions let me know.

P.S. Most likely, if its an E36, you're going to need a Bosch alternator.


Edit: Since yours is a 318 with a 325 swap you have an M50 with Vanos. If you need to know how to take off the alternator, let me know I've done it twice and I can make it really easy for you. it takes about 30 minutes.
How do you know that and what does that mean?
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Old 01-06-2009, 03:20 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by twastheglow View Post
How do you know that and what does that mean?
I know that because 325i's all came with an M50. Easy way to tell what altrnator have is by checking if you have a cooling fan on the pulley or not. If you don't, you have Bosch 140amp. If you do, you have the other brand 105amp.

M50 is just the type of engine it is. Its a DOHC with 4 valves per cylinder. It has Vanos which is variable timing. The DME, which is the computer, controls how much the intake valves open. This helps with low end torque and mid-range. Later models(E46, E39's) came with double vanos which the DME controls both intake and exhaust. Vanos is not bad, but after a while they begin to rattle and not function properly. Easy way to tell if you have Vanos or not is look at the valve cover. If you have a lump up front, you have Vanos. If yours is flat, pretty much a perfectly rectangle, it does not have Vanos.

Everything swaps between the M50 Vanos and M50 non-vanos except for the oil filter housing and head. the oil filter housing is equiped with a special oil feed line for the Vanos unit. All of the other parts are interchangable without a problem. You also have the option of having a direct swap for an S52 or S50 motor. S52 came in the M3's, and the S50 came in the 328's. Both of these motors look alike but internally they are different. Forgot to mention the wiring harness's and DME's are different.

The motors that came in the E46 require a fair bit of work to drop in. However, an E36 motor into another E36 or an E30 is a fairly simple swap so most likely you have an M50TU. TU is a reference for Vanos.
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Last edited by russiankid; 01-06-2009 at 03:27 PM.
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Old 01-06-2009, 03:29 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by russiankid View Post
I know that because 325i's all came with an M50. Easy way to tell what altrnator have is by checking if you have a cooling fan on the pulley or not. If you don't, you have Bosch 140amp. If you do, you have the other brand 105amp.

M50 is just the type of engine it is. Its a DOHC with 4 valves per cylinder. It has Vanos which is variable timing. The DME, which is the computer, controls how much the intake valves open. This helps with low end torque and mid-range. Later models(E46, E39's) came with double vanos which the DME controls both intake and exhaust. Vanos is not bad, but after a while they begin to rattle and not function properly. Easy way to tell if you have Vanos or not is look at the valve cover. If you have a lump up front, you have Vanos. If yours is flat, pretty much a perfectly rectangle, it does not have Vanos.

Everything works swaps between the M50 Vanos and M50 non-vanos except for the oil filter housing and head. the oil filter housing is equiped with a special oil feed line for the Vanos unit. All of the other parts are interchangable without a problem. You also have the option of having a direct swap for an S52 or S50 motor. S52 came in the M3's, and the S50 came in the 328's. Both of these motors look alike but internally they are different.

The motors that came in the E46 require a fair bit of work to drop in. However, an E36 motor into another E36 or an E30 is a fairly simple swap so most likely you have an M50TU. TU is a reference for Vanos.
WOW! Ummmm, let me try to digest all this craziness! LOL When it comes to the alternator alone, you're saying no matter how I look at it, I have one of two, correct? And to determine which one, I have to look to see if I have a cooling fan on the alternator pulley, correct? Ok, with that being said, how much do either of these run ($$)?

Secondly, you think I have an M50TU? What makes you think that? Can you tell by photos?


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Old 01-06-2009, 04:01 PM   #6
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That looks to be like the M50TU. I can tell because if you look at the valve cover in the top right hand corner. Notice how there's a "lump" for something like a cam gear? That is the Vanos unit.


And you are correct about the alternator.
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Old 01-06-2009, 04:05 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by russiankid View Post
That looks to be like the M50TU. I can tell because if you look at the valve cover in the top right hand corner. Notice how there's a "lump" for something like a cam gear? That is the Vanos unit.


And you are correct about the alternator.
Excellent. So what year 325i's did the M50TU motor come in?

And about the alternator, what kind of prices am I looking at to get one? And can I just get one at Autozone or some place?
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Old 01-06-2009, 08:30 PM   #8
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Originally Posted by twastheglow View Post
Excellent. So what year 325i's did the M50TU motor come in?

And about the alternator, what kind of prices am I looking at to get one? And can I just get one at Autozone or some place?
All E36 325i's had the M50TU if I am not mistaken. As far as alternator pricing, I am not sure because I never had to replace one.
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Old 01-06-2009, 08:33 PM   #9
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So what i'm understanding is your can has the vtack? noooice.
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Old 01-06-2009, 08:36 PM   #10
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I can't believe there aren't any threads in this section. lol Anyway...
You have to change the date range at the bottom of that forum =P

There are actually 25 threads in there.
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Old 01-06-2009, 08:37 PM   #11
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leave it to jacki to know tst inside and out.
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Old 01-06-2009, 08:38 PM   #12
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Old 01-06-2009, 08:38 PM   #13
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Actually Vanos is more complicated than Vtec as Vtec engages at a certain RPM where as Vanos works constantly.
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Old 01-06-2009, 11:21 PM   #14
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So what i'm understanding is your can has the vtack? noooice.
LOL That made me laugh.

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Originally Posted by omgjacki View Post
You have to change the date range at the bottom of that forum =P

There are actually 25 threads in there.
Oooooo la la. Thanks.

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leave it to jacki to know tst inside and out.
Leave it to TST to know Jacki inside and out. LMFAO!!!

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Quote:
Originally Posted by russiankid View Post
Actually Vanos is more complicated than Vtec as Vtec engages at a certain RPM where as Vanos works constantly.
Those ****ing Germans...always ****ing thinking.
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But what if they encouraged it AND the stickers turn out to be awesome? They COULD POSSIBLY say something like "I love Mike and would turn gay for his tattooed, bmw driving, new york living ass". just saying.
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Old 01-07-2009, 02:03 AM   #15
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mike you can buy the alternator at autozone...they are idiots and won't comprehend that your car is swapped so just tell them you need the alternator for a 325.

expect to pay close to $200 iirc... it's been a few years.

you should familiarize yourself with bimmerforums.com

sometimes the guys are complete dip****s, but there is great info and an awesome classifieds section.

we just got done swapping an s50 (95 M3 drive line) into a 92 318is...we haven't gotten to enjoy the car yet, but i'm anxious!
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Old 01-07-2009, 02:42 AM   #16
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Originally Posted by russiankid View Post
Actually Vanos is more complicated than Vtec as Vtec engages at a certain RPM where as Vanos works constantly.
how would that be more complicated if it is always engaged?
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Old 01-07-2009, 09:40 AM   #17
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how would that be more complicated if it is always engaged?
Because it controls how much the intake valves open. Therefore, it has to determine it by how much throttle is applied.
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Old 01-11-2009, 04:14 PM   #18
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honda guy is jealous
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Old 01-11-2009, 07:45 PM   #19
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Well, the motor I have turns out to be an M52. It's the 2.8L that came out of >'96 328i's.
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Old 01-12-2009, 01:04 AM   #20
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very nice good luck with your car
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