motor codes

[xeclipsegtx]

vanos started in 93 so its gotta be a 93 and up.. nice whip dude. Get to know bimmer dudes they can help you with everything you need. I had a 93 325i if u need help with anything let me know

[twastheglow]

Originally Posted by xeclipsegtx

vanos started in 93 so its gotta be a 93 and up.. nice whip dude. Get to know bimmer dudes they can help you with everything you need. I had a 93 325i if u need help with anything let me know

Well, I've found based on the oil filter cartridge it takes, it's from a '96+ 328i. I have an M52 motor and not the M50 I thought I had.

[Xuracing]

Originally Posted by twastheglow

Well, I've found based on the oil filter cartridge it takes, it's from a '96+ 328i. I have an M52 motor and not the M50 I thought I had.

I have no idea what you are talking about man, All m5x and s5x motors take the same oil filter.

There is no way to externally tell what engine you have expect for the vin on the back of the head, you can run that to see what the car was. Or you can check the engine block itself its right above the oil dipstick.

Your car does have single vanos, and only 92 didn't come with them.
Now all the alternators are also the same, IIRC.

if you want an alternator contact my buddy mike he just registered as well, white325is. he blew his m50 he has a lot of left over parts!

If you have any other bmw questions, feel free to shoot one of us down (not literally) we'll most likely answer them for you!
thanks
Jason

[Xuracing]

here is a picture for reference of what it looks like
If the two digits on the second line start with
25 you have a m50
28 you have a m52
30 you have a s50
32 you have a s52

this is only block designation. it will tell you your displacement

[twastheglow]

Well they definately DO have different oil filter cartridges because I sat there in the garage and watched filter after filter for the M50 motor not work. There were like 2-3 different parts numbers for different filters for the M50. Then, we measured the filter dimensions and asked the guy over the phone at the part store to measure the filters he has there to find the right one. The one that fit the bill was for an M52 2.8L.

I don't know man, I'm just telling you what I watched happen. I'm obviously new to this car.

[twastheglow]

Originally Posted by Xuracing

here is a picture for reference of what it looks like
If the two digits on the second line start with
25 you have a m50
28 you have a m52
30 you have a s50
32 you have a s52

this is only block designation. it will tell you your displacement

THAT'S WHAT I'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR!!! Where EXACTLY is that stamped?

[twastheglow]

PS...I am going to need an alternator. But it would probably be a good idea to get that engine code first. lol

[Xuracing]

its on the block let me find you a better picture you have aim?

[twastheglow]

Originally Posted by Xuracing

its on the block let me find you a better picture you have aim?

No, I'm at work. Is this something I can view easily just looking at the engine without tearing **** apart?

[Xuracing]

you dont have to tear it apart, but it is kind of tricky to get at. let me try to find a picture i can circle for you

[twastheglow]

Sweet. Thanks. How big is that "plaque" that it's imprinted on? 2"?

[Xuracing]

This picture is the intake side of m50 looks exactly the same as the other engines listed.
This is the intake side if you cant tell. that small block/flat spot is where it is. usually has a lot of gunk on it so you may need a wire brush to get it off and see. You will probably need to get under the car to access this as well. The top is just too convoluted to get down to.

[twastheglow]

Originally Posted by Xuracing

This picture is the intake side of m50 looks exactly the same as the other engines listed.
This is the intake side if you cant tell. that small block/flat spot is where it is. usually has a lot of gunk on it so you may need a wire brush to get it off and see. You will probably need to get under the car to access this as well. The top is just too convoluted to get down to.

Exactly what I was looking for.

I sure I knew it was there when I had my car up on the lift. I guess I'll be jacking it up when it gets a little warmer.

Thanks for the info!

[Xuracing]

as for the oil filter thing i am almost 100% positive its the same
the m50, m52, s50, s52 share the same block. Exact same cast everything. The are derivatives of each other, only difference is the bigger ones are bored. I wouldn't see why the oil channels would be different to use different tanks and filters

Maybe the guy was using m42 filters instead. Even that that i think they maybe compatible but not sure.

[Xuracing]

Originally Posted by twastheglow

Exactly what I was looking for.

I sure I knew it was there when I had my car up on the lift. I guess I'll be jacking it up when it gets a little warmer.

Thanks for the info!

no problem man glad i could help.
-Jason

[twastheglow]

Originally Posted by Xuracing

as for the oil filter thing i am almost 100% positive its the same
the m50, m52, s50, s52 share the same block. Exact same cast everything. The are derivatives of each other, only difference is the bigger ones are bored. I wouldn't see why the oil channels would be different to use different tanks and filters

Maybe the guy was using m42 filters instead. Even that that i think they maybe compatible but not sure.

The filter cartridges were different sizes. The first filter's inner hole diameter was WAY too small to fit that long plastic tube piece that's connected to the lid on the oil filter housing. The next one the whole filter was too short. It wasn't until the third one that it actually fit like the one we removed.

[Xuracing]

oh well. its all good.

[Xuracing]

here is some food for thought
http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/cata..._pg1.htm#item0

pelican parts super reputable bmw parts provider.

check out all the 92-99 3 series. the filter kits offered. Look at manufacture names then their part numbers. They all match up for all of the engines.

enjoy, where ever you are going to get stuff done. i would probably recommend not going there again, because they have no idea what they are talking about

[twastheglow]

Originally Posted by Xuracing

here is some food for thought
http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/cata..._pg1.htm#item0

pelican parts super reputable bmw parts provider.

check out all the 92-99 3 series. the filter kits offered. Look at manufacture names then their part numbers. They all match up for all of the engines.

enjoy, where ever you are going to get stuff done. i would probably recommend not going there again, because they have no idea what they are talking about

Honestly dude, I totally understand what you're saying. I'm certainly not new to cars...just this car. I guess I'm at a loss for words. I don't at all blame the garage...I sat there and looked through the books with the manager (that I know). There really were different part numbers and definately different filters. I guess I would blame that book somehow. Next time I'm up there I'll take some pics of what I was looking at and post them.

I do 99% of my own work anyway. I just go there for inspections, tire mounting and balancing, alignments, etc. I'm not concerned with them doing something ****ed up on my car. That's my job. lol

But anyway, I know/see what you mean and I guess I just don't have an answer. *shrugs shoulders*

[Xuracing]

Its all good i just wanted to point something out. but anyways if you do run into any other troubles let us know. If we can't provide an answer we will find someone that will.! enjoy your e36!