BMW M54

Design

Compared with the final versions of its M52 predecessor (called the 'M52TÜ'), the M54 has a non-return fuel system, a fully electronic throttle (without mechanical backup), Siemens MS 43 engine management, and a revised intake manifold. The displacement of the largest variant increased from 2.8 L to 2979 cc, due to an increase in stroke to 89.6 mm.

As per the M52TÜ, the M54 uses an aluminium block and aluminium cylinder head with cast iron cylinder liners. Variable valve timing is fitted to both camshafts (called "double-VANOS"), a dual length intake manifold (called "DISA") is used and the thermostat is electronically controlled. The redline remains at 6,500 rpm.

There was no "technical update" (TÜ) version of the M54 produced, therefore the engine specifications remained the same throughout its seven-year production run.

Versions

M54B22

The 2171 cc M54B22 produces 125 kW at 6,100 rpm and 210 Nm at 3,500 rpm. Bore is 80 mm, stroke is 72 mm and the compression ratio is 10.8:1.

;Applications

• 2000–2006 E46 320i, 320Ci
• 2000–2003 E39 520i
• 2000–2002 E36/7 Z3 2.2i
• 2003–2005 E85 Z4 2.2i
• 2003–2005 E60/E61 520i

M54B25

The 2494 cc M54B25 produces 141 kW at 6,000 rpm and 245 Nm at 3,500 rpm. Bore is 84 mm, stroke is 75 mm and the compression ratio is 10.5:1.

;Applications

• 2000–2002 E36/7 Z3 2.5i
• 2000–2006 E46 325i, 325xi, 325Ci
• 2000–2004 E46/5 325ti
• 2000–2004 E39 525i
• 2003–2005 E60/E61 525i, 525xi
• 2003–2006 E83 X3 2.5i
• 2002–2005 E85 Z4 2.5i

M54B30

The 2979 cc M54B30 is the largest M54 variant and produces 170 kW at 5,900 rpm and 300 Nm at 3,500 rpm.

In the United States and Canada, a "ZHP" version of the M54B30 used different camshafts and reprogrammed engine management to develop 175 kW at 5,900 rpm and 301 Nm at 3,500 rpm and have a slightly higher redline of 6,800 rpm (although the Canadian cars still show the limiter at 6,500 rpm on the tachometer).

The M54B30 was on the Ward's 10 Best Engines list through 2001–2003.

;Applications

• 2000–2006 E46 330i, 330xi, 330Ci
• 2000–2004 E39 530i
• 2000–2002 E36/7 Z3 3.0i
• 2003–2005 E60 530i
• 2002–2005 E85 Z4 3.0i
• 2003–2006 E83 X3 3.0i
• 2000–2006 E53 X5 3.0i
• 2002–2005 E65/E66 730i, 730Li
• 2000–2002 Wiesmann MF 30

S54

The S54 was marketed as the high performance equivalent to the M54, however it is actually more an evolution of the BMW S50 and shares few parts with the M54. As per the S50, the engine block is made of cast iron, unlike the aluminium engine block used by the M54. Redline is 8,000 rpm.

Compared with the S50, the S54 features:

• Bore increased to 87 mm, resulting in a displacement of 3246 cc
• Revised camshafts
• Finger follower valve actuation instead of bucket-style tappets
• Compression ratio increased from 11.3:1 to 11.5:1
• Siemens MSS54 engine control unit (MSS70 in the later Z4 M)
• Electronic throttle control
• Scavenging oil pump to avoid oil starvation during cornering (this was also present on the S50B30 of the E36 M3 GT and the S50B32, but not the regular S50B30)

There is no direct successor to the S54, since the following generation E90/E92/E93 M3 was powered by the V8 BMW S65 engine.

S54B32

Variations in power and torque outputs are often due to country-specific emissions regulations, or space constraints of a chassis affecting the layout of the intake/exhaust system.

;Applications

• 2000–2006 E46 M3 — produces 252 kW at 7,900 rpm and 365 Nm at 4,900 rpm. Models for the United States and Canada produce 248 kW and 355 Nm.
• 2000–2002 E36/7 Z3 M Roadster, E36/8 M Coupé — produces 239 kW and 354 Nm. Models for the United States and Canada produce 235 kW and 341 Nm.
• 2002–2011 Wiesmann MF 3 Roadster — produces 343 PS and 365 Nm.
• 2006–2008 E85 Z4 M Roadster, E86 Z4 M Coupé — produces 252 kW and 365 Nm - Engine code 326S4. Models for the United States and Canada produce 246 kW and 355 Nm. The Z4 M's engine uses a Siemens MSS70 control unit.

S54B32HP

An upgraded version of the S54 engine was used in the E46 M3 CSL. This engine is designated S54B32HP and the changes include a revised intake made from carbon fiber, revised camshafts, a MAP sensor (instead of the MAF sensor used in the regular S54), a lightweight exhaust manifold with a straighter air path (which later became standard on the regular S54) and a straightened intake manifold.

;Applications

• 2003 E46 M3 CSL 265 kW, 370 Nm
• 2009 Wiesmann MF 3 Roadster "20th Anniversary Edition" — produces 265 kW, 370 Nm

References

References

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