The M30B35LE is a SOHC, two-valve, lower efficiency variant of the M88/1 engine, commonly referred to as the M90. The cylinder head is taken from the BMW M30 engine family, but it shares the same block, bore, and stroke as the M88. This engine has used both Bosch Motronic and Bosch L-Jetronic engine management systems over the years. Coolant passages on the block’s side and a white L on the block behind the oil filter housing are typically used to identify it.
It had a 9.3:1 compression ratio, no catalytic converter, and produced 160 kW (218 horsepower) because it was sold in Europe and most other markets (apart from North America).
In contrast, the cylinder block geometry of the M30B34 and M30B35 engines is different.
The engine was mounted on:
- BMW E12 M535i in 1979 – 1981;
- BMW E24 635CSi in 1978 – 1982;
- BMW E23 735i in 1978 – 1982.
Specifications
| Production years | 1978-1982 |
| Displacement, cc | 3453 |
| Power output, hp | 218 |
| Torque output, Nm | 310 |
| Cylinder block | cast iron R6 |
| Block head | aluminum 12v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 93.4 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 84 |
| Compression ratio | 9.3 |
| Hydraulic lifters | no |
| Timing drive | chain |
| Phase regulator | no |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 5.75 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 1 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~3500 000 |