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BMW M52B20 Engine Specs, Problems & Reliability

The M52B20 is a two-liter inline 6-cylinder engine. It was released in 1994 and belongs to M52-series which also includes the M52B24, M52B25, M52B28 and S52B32 engines. The new engine appeared to replace the old but still popular M50B20 engine.

The cylinder block is made entirely of aluminum alloy with Nikasil layer on bore-liners. The engine got new pistons and connecting rods (the length is 145mm). The M52B20 head is aluminum DOHC 32-valve, which is well known as M50B20TU cylinder head. The engine firstly has the variable timing system VANOS on intake camshaft only, and simple intake manifold made from plastic. The engine uses 154 cc fuel nozzles.

After 1998 the engine got the new name - M52TUB20. There are cast iron sleeves inside new aluminum cylinder block. Connecting rods, pistons, cooling system, everything was redeveloped for this engine. Now this updated version has Double-VANOS system, variable geometry intake manifold called DISA and electronic throttle body. M52TUB20 camshaft specs: duration 244/228 deg, valve lift 9.0/9.0 mm.

The M52B20 was replaced in 2000 by its successor from M54-series - 2.2-liter M54B22 engine.

Engine Specs

Manufacturer
Munich Plant
Production years
1994-2000
Cylinder block material
Aluminum
Cylinder head material
Aluminum
Fuel type
Gasoline
Fuel system
Fuel injection
Configuration
Inline
Number of cylinders
6
Valves per cylinder
4
Valvetrain layout
DOHC
Bore, mm
80.0
Stroke, mm
66.0
Displacement, cc
1991
Type of internal combustion engine
Four-stroke, naturally aspirated
Compression Ratio
11:1
Power, hp
148 hp /5,900 (and TU version)
Torque, lb ft
140 lb-ft (190 Nm)//4,200
140 lb-ft (190 Nm)//3,500 (TU)
Engine weight
-
Firing order
1-5-3-6-2-4
Engine oil weight
0W-30, 0W-40, 5W-30, 5W-40
Engine oil capacity, liter
6.5
Oil change interval, mile
6,000 (10,000 km) or 12 month
Applications
BMW E36 320i, BMW E39 520i, BMW E46 320i, BMW E39 520i, BMW Z3

M52B20 Engine Problems and Reliability

The engine doesn't have unique problems, just those are featured M52-series. Find more information about them in M52B28 engine review.