BMW S54B32
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Manufacturer | BMW M GmbH | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Production | 2001–2008 | ||||
| Predecessor | BMW S50B32 | ||||
| Configuration | Straight-6 | ||||
The S54B32 was a high-performance engine used in BMW M vehicles. The block was made from grey cast iron rather than aluminum to achieve greater rigidity from the same dimensions. It is a 3.2 L (3246 cc) engine; bore is 87 mm (3.4 in) and stroke is 91 mm (3.6 in). It has reinforced forged steel connecting rods, graphite coated cast aluminum pistons and a forged steel crankshaft.
The S54 is the final, most powerful evolution of the M50 engine line, incorporating individual throttle bodies, drive-by-wire throttle control, and variable valve timing (VANOS) for both intake and exhaust camshafts.
At launch the non-US versions fitted to the E46 M3 produced 343 hp (256 kW) at 7900 rpm, with 269 ft·lb (365 Nm) of torque at 4900 rpm and a 8000 rpm redline. The US version required some modifications to meet US emissions standards (such as close-coupled catalytic converters closer to the engine exhaust ports) and thus produced slightly less power in each application. In addition, air intake and exhaust differences, as well as a lower RPM limit, resulted in different performance figures for the Z3 M Roadster and Z3 M Coupé.
BMW also produced an even more powerful version of the S54B32, for the limited edition E46 M3 CSL. This engine lacked a conventional mass airflow meter, and BMW installed modified intake and exhaust camshafts, as well as a more efficient air intake system. This version yielded 360 hp (270 kW) at 7900 rpm with 273 lb·ft (370 N·m) of torque at 4300 rpm.
The S54 won the International Engine of the Year award overall for 2001, and also claimed the "Best New Engine" that year as well as won the 3-4 L category for six straight years in a row from 2001 through 2006. The S54 was also on the Ward's 10 Best Engines list for 2001 through 2004.
Despite its great success and critical acclaim, the S54 was plagued with rod bearing failures in early production. BMW attempted to blame vehicle owners for the failures early on but eventually started replacing rod bearings, oil pumps, and whole engines under warranty. This fault was attributed to a problem with the connecting rod bottom-end bearing shells that were supplied to BMW by a third party that did not meet BMW's specifications. This problem was fully corrected by BMW on engines produced after 06/2003. A recall was issued to retrofit all M3 cars with affected engines to swap to the proper bearing shells. The recall did not include M Roadster or M Coupe cars with affected S54 engines due to the lower RPM limit.
BMW has since retired the S54 engine, but it is still used by Wiesmann for their MF3 Roadster.
E24 M6/M635CSi (1983–1989)
 |
|
| Production | 1983–1989 |
|---|---|
| Assembly | Dingolfing, Germany |
| Body style | 2-door coupe |
| Engine | 3.5 L I6 286 PS (210 kW; 282 hp) USA and catalyst version 256 hp (191 kW) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Wheelbase | 2,620 mm (103 in) |
| Length | 4,755 mm (187.2 in) USA 193.8 in (4,923 mm) |
| Width | 1,725 mm (67.9 in) |
| Height | 1,354 mm (53.3 in) |
In 1983 BMW took the M88/3 six-cylinder engine, a modified version of the M88/1 from the BMW M1 and put it in the E24 chassis of the BMW 6-Series, creating the M635CSi (called the M6 in North America). It was the only M6 generation having just a manual transmission as its only transmission offering at the time.
The M6 was critically acclaimed throughout its lifespan for its
elegant, aggressive "shark-nose" styling, its luxury equipment, and its
performance. A top speed of 158 mph (254 km/h) makes the European version the second fastest BMW ever built next to
the M1. This is due to all other BMW models being electronically
restricted to 249 km/h (155 mph). However, Rug Cunninham BMW ran a bone
stock 1987 BMW M6 in the La Carrera Classic Race in Mexico in 1989, and
reportedly recorded a top speed of 176 mph indicated. An M6 can be distinguished from other E24 models by a larger front air
dam, a rear spoiler, BBS wheels, colour matching side view mirrors, M
badges on the grille and back, and slightly larger front brakes.
In North America (United States and Canada), the E24 M6 was fitted with the catalyzed
S38B35 motor, producing 191 kW (256 bhp) and 329 N·m (243 lbf·ft) of
torque. The non-catalyzed version produced 213 kW (286 bhp) and 340 N·m
(251 lb·ft) of torque. The non-catalyzed versions were only available in
Europe, though there were 538 catalyzed M635csi models sold in Europe
in 1988 and 1989. The 1988 and 1989 the M6 was a "world car" with the same bumpers and aerodynamic treatments in all markets.
The M6 achieved 0–97 km/h (0–60 mph) time of 6.0 and 6.8 seconds for the European and American versions, respectively.
Quarter mile times for the European version have been recorded at
14.5 seconds while 161 km/h (100 mph) is achieved in 15 seconds.
However, Car and Driver Magazine tested the U.S. M6 in July 1987 and
achieved a 0–97 km/h (0–60 mph) time of 6.1 seconds.[citation needed] Also in 1987 Road and Track featured the U.S. M6 as one of the 10 fastest cars in America.[citation needed] Production of the M6 ended in 1989, with 5,859 cars sold, 1,767 of which were North American (U.S. & Canada) models.
