BMW M52B28 Engine: Specs, Problems, Reliability, & More. The inline six-cylinder 2.8-liter engine is the most significant engine of the M52-series. The M52B28 was released in 1995 as a new engine for the E36 328i, E39 528i, as well as E38 728i versions. The M52 engine collection replaced the M50-series.
This engine, like M50 engines, got a light weight aluminum cyndrical tube block with Nikasil layer on cylinder wall surfaces. For the North American market, the M52B28 features a cast iron engine obstructs rather than light weight aluminum ones, as well as just BMW Z3 design got engines with an aluminum cylinder block. That choice was made as a result of high levels of sulfur in the US gas, which has a destructive impact on Nikasil bring about fast wear.
Connecting rods are 135 mm long. Light weight aluminum pistons have a compression height of 31.82 mm. Those numbers enabled entering outcome “square engine” (84.0 x 84.0 mm bore as well as stroke). The M52 2.8 L engine has an aluminum 24-valve DOHC cyndrical tube head with variable shutoff timing system only for the intake (solitary VANOS). The M50TUB25 as well as M52B28 cylinder heads are interchangeable.
The M52TU was released in 1998. It has some updates contrast to the M52B. The large distinction is double VANOS (variable shutoff timing system for both camshafts), variable geometry intake manifold (DISA) as well as cast iron sleeves inside the block. Additionally, the engine obtained new pistons, connecting rods, digital throttle body. M52TUB28 camshaft specs: duration 244/228 deg, valve lift 9.0/ 9.0 mm.
The M52B28/M52TUB28 engine was generated until 2000 after that was replaced by the latest M54B30 engine of M54 family.
Table of Contents
M52B28 Engine Problems and Reliability
- The M52B28 engine conveniently can be overheated. Any type of overheating will certainly destroy a cylindrical tube head.
- The engine has unstable oil rings as well as takes in oil in big quantity when they are actually negative.
- Clogged hydraulic tappets/lifters can trigger ignition problems. The ECU will switch off the ignition for cylindrical tubes in which valves are not shut tight.
The M52B28 has a more complex layout. Its engine life is shorter than M50 engines.
Some issues prevail to all M52 engines. You can find detailed details concerning them in other M52-series engine evaluations.
Engine Specs
- Manufacturer: Munich Plant
- Production years: 1995-2000
- Cylinder block material: Aluminum
- Cylinder head material: Aluminum
- Fuel type: Gasoline
- Fuel system Fuel: injection
- Configuration: Inline
- Number of cylinders: 6
- Valves per cylinder: 4
- Valvetrain layout: DOHC
- Bore, mm: 84.0 mm
- Stroke, mm: 84.0 mm
- Displacement, cc: 2793 cc
- Type of internal combustion engine: Four-stroke, naturally aspirated
- Compression Ratio: 10.2:1
- Power, hp: 193 hp /5,300 – 193 hp /5,500 (TU)
- Torque, lb ft: 210 lb-ft (280 Nm)//3,950 – 210 lb-ft (280 Nm)//3,500 (TU)
- Engine weight: –
- Firing order: 1-5-3-6-2-4
- Engine oil weight: SAE 0W-30, 0W-40, 5W-30, 5W-40
- Engine oil capacity, liter: 6.5 l
- Oil change interval, mile: 6,000 (10,000 km) or 12 month
- Applications: BMW 328i E36, BMW 328i E46, BMW 528i E39, BMW 728i E38, BMW Z3, Land Rover Defender
