M52B28
BMW M52B28 / M52TUB28 Engine
M52B28 / M52TUB28 Specs
| Manufacturer | Munich Plant |
| Also called | BMW M52 |
| Production | 1995-2001 |
| Cylinder block alloy | Nikasil-coated aluminum |
| Configuration | Straight-6 |
| Valvetrain | DOHC 4 valves per cylinder |
| Piston stroke, mm (inch) | 84 (3.3) |
| Cylinder bore, mm (inch) | 84 (3.3) |
| Compression ratio | 10.2 |
| Displacement | 2793 cc (170.4 cu in) |
| Power output | 142 kW (193 HP) at 5,300 rpm 142 kW (193 HP) at 5,500 rpm (TU) |
| Torque output | 280 Nm (210 lb·ft) at 3,950 rpm 280 Nm (210 lb·ft) at 3,500 rpm (TU) |
| Redline | 6,500 rpm |
| HP per liter | 69.1 |
| Fuel type | Gasoline |
| ECU | Siemens MS41.0 Siemens MS42.0 (TU) |
| Weight, kg (lbs) | ~170 (375) ~180 (397) |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (mpg) -City -Highway -Combined |
for E36 328i 11.6 (18.1) 7.0 (35.1) 8.5 (26.1) |
| Turbocharger | Naturally aspirated |
| Oil consumption , L/1000 km (qt. per miles) |
up to 1.0 (1 qt. per 750 miles) |
| Recommended engine oil | 0W-30 0W-40 5W-30 5W-40 |
| Engine oil capacity, L (qt.) | 6.5 (6.9) |
| Oil change interval, km (miles) | 7,000-10,000 (4,500-6,000) |
| Normal engine operating temperature, °C (F) | ~95 (203) |
| Engine lifespan, km (miles) -Official information -Real |
– ~250 (155) |
| Tuning, HP -Max HP -No life span loss |
500+ – |
| The engine is installed in | BMW 328i E36 BMW 328i E46 BMW 528i E39 BMW 728i E38 BMW Z3 Land Rover Defender |
BMW M52B28 engine reliability, problems and repair
The eldest representative of M52 family was firstly introduced in 1995. The series of engines also includes M52B20, M52B24, M52B25 and S52B32. This motor was used on E36, E39 models as well as on E38 728i autos produced by major Bavarian automaker. Cylinder block was made of aluminum with the exception of autos which were exported to the USA. M52B28 engine is square: Bore x Stroke – 84×84 mm. Cylinders diameter is the same as in M52B25. Crankshaft has increased stroke, piston compression height is 31.82 mm while connecting rods are 135 mm long. The size of injectors is 250 cc.
M52TUB28 modified version was produced in 1998. It was equipped with cast iron sleeves located in the cylinder block. Double-Vanos engine included new connecting rods and pistons as well as renewed and improved cooling system and electronic throttle body. Specifications of M52TUB28 camshaft are the following: duration – 244/288 deg, lift – 9 mm.
This motor was mainly used on BMW autos with 28i index.
In 2000 successor from new M54 series was introduced. M54B30 engine replaced its predecessor in 2001 and production of was stopped.
BMW M52B28 engine modifications and differences
1. M52B28 (1995 – 2000) is a basic engine modification. Specifications are as follows: compression ratio – 10.2, power – 193 HP at 5,300 rpm, 280 Nm of torque at 3,950 rpm.
2. M52TUB28 (1998 – 2001) Double-Vanos engine on both shafts. It is also equipped with cast iron sleeves and other camshafts (duration – 244/228 deg, lift – 9 mm). Specifications are as follows: compression ratio – 10.2, power – 193 HP at 5,500 rpm, 280 Nm of torque at 3,500 rpm.
BMW M52B28 disadvantages and problems
Disadvantages of 2.8-liter engine are the same as its related M52B25 has. HERE you can find detailed information on reliability of the given engine.
BMW M52B28 engine tuning
M52B28 Stroker 3.0. M50 Manifold. N/A
The easiest way to increase the level of power is to install M50B25 intake manifold as well as cold air intake. At the same time you need to upgrade camshaft and tune ECU. S52B32 camshaft will be the best bet for this purpose. Such kit will guarantee from 240 to 250 HP which is perfect for a city ride and will not cost you a fortune.
There is another alternative to turn your engine into 3-liter M52B30. You need to purchase M54B30 crankshaft to implement this project. Standard pistons should be milled down to 1.6 mm. The rest of bearings should be left stock. M50B25 intake manifold is recommended for improvement of HP characteristics.
M52B28 Turbo. Supercharger
The easiest way is to buy and install Garrett GT35 turbo kit using M52B28 stock internals. After Megasquirt tuning is completed M52B28 Turbo will perform 400 HP when the boost is 10 psi/0.7 bar. It will be followed with a perfect acceleration. Such kind of engine will be the best bet for your everyday drive. It will also show high level of reliability.
BMW M52B28 stock bearings are able to handle with 14 psi/1 bar pressure. Sometimes this rate can be a bit higher. If the HP rate is higher than 450-500, stock pistons should be replaced by forged pistons with 8.5 compression ratio.
If you are a true fan of superchargers, you will certainly benefit from ESS TS2 supercharger kit which is produced on base of Lysholm supercharger. Such systems make it possible to upgrade your engine up to 300 HP and more without replacing stock pistons.
