As a replacement for the 3.2-liter S50B32, the BMW S52B32 engine was designed exclusively for North America. 37,790 S52B32US motors were manufactured between 1995 and 2000. This motor was replaced by the S54B32.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Munich Plant |
| Also called | S52 |
| Production years | 1995-2000 |
| Cylinder block alloy | cast iron |
| Fuel system | injector |
| Configuration | inline |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 89.6 |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 86.4 |
| Compression ratio | 10.5 |
| Displacement, cc | 3152 |
| Power output, hp | 240 /6000 rpm |
| Torque output, Nm / rpm | 320 /3800 rpm |
| Max engine speed, rpm | 6500 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | Euro 2 |
| Weight, kg | 141 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for E36 M3) — city — highway — combined |
16.1 10.1 13.3 |
| Oil consumption, gr/1000 km | up to 1000 |
| Recommended engine oil | 0W-30 / 0W-40 / 5W-30 / 5W-40 / 10W-40 / 15W-40 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 5.5 |
| Normal engine operating temperature, °C | ~90 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~400 000 |
| Transmission — 5MT / — 5AT |
ZF Type C ZF 5HP18 |
| Gear ratios, 5MT | 1 — 4.20 2 — 2.49 3 — 1.66 4 — 1.24 5 — 1.00 |
| Gear ratios, 5AT | 1 — 3.67 2 — 2.00 3 — 1.41 4 — 1.00 5 — 0.74 |
| Final drive ratio — 5MT — 5AT |
3.23 3.38 |
Disadvantages of the S52B32 engine
Condition of overheating. The S52 frequently overheats, which causes the cylinder head to distort. Cleaning the radiator, clearing the system of air, and inspecting the thermostat, pump, and radiator cap are the ways to solve the issue.
Excessive use of oil. The piston rings’ wear is the cause. Replacing the rings is sufficient if the walls are undamaged; if the cylinders are also damaged, a sleeve is needed. The crankcase ventilation valve must also be examined.
Ignition gaps. Coking of hydraulic compensators is the cause. The cylinder performs worse as a result, and the ECU just shuts it off. Hydraulic lifter replacement is a necessary repair.
A red oil lamp came on. A problem with the oil pump or cup is the cause.
S52 Vanos. Wear and tear indicators include rattling, weakness, and speed disruptions caused by jamming. needs to buy a Vanos Repair Kit.
Knee and camshaft sensor breakage, inadequate cylinder head fastening, thermostat leakage, fuel quality sensitivity, and average resource are some of the unit’s other notable issues.