Overview
The story
Most markets got the M52 with an aluminum block lined with Nikasil, which wore early on high-sulfur fuel. US and Canadian cars kept a cast-iron block, apart from the Z3 2.8, so most US engines avoided the problem. A published reference
The M52TU of 1998 used an aluminum block with iron sleeves everywhere and added VANOS on the exhaust cam. The M54 replaced it in late 2000. A published reference
Specs
Versions
-
2.5L and 2.8L M52 A published reference
2,494 cc, 168 hp; 2,793 cc, 190 hp. Iron block in the US
In E36 BMW 3 Series, 1996–1999; E36 BMW 3 Series, 1998–1999; E39 BMW 5 Series, 1997–2000
-
Updated, double VANOS M52TU A published reference
Aluminum block with iron sleeves · 1998–2001
Figures
- Valvetrain: Twin overhead cams driven by a chain, VANOS on the intake cam A published reference
Watch out
No warning is written up yet. That means none is recorded, not that there are none.
Owning
Maintenance
No service schedule is added yet.
What owners and buyers say
No source singles out a version yet, for good or bad.