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.

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+

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.

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?

http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/i...ow/318is12.jpg
http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/i...ow/318is13.jpg

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?

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.:o

So what i'm understanding is your can has the vtack? noooice.

You have to change the date range at the bottom of that forum =P

There are actually 25 threads in there.

leave it to jacki to know tst inside and out.

:o


345

Actually Vanos is more complicated than Vtec as Vtec engages at a certain RPM where as Vanos works constantly.

:confused:LOL That made me laugh.

Oooooo la la. Thanks. :wink:

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

:confused:

Those ****ing Germans...always ****ing thinking.

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!

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.

honda guy is jealous

Well, the motor I have turns out to be an M52. It's the 2.8L that came out of >'96 328i's.

very nice good luck with your car