Overview
The story
The S54 is the high-performance six of the E46 M3. Unlike the M54 its block is cast iron, it redlines at 8,000 rpm, and a scavenging oil pump keeps it fed in hard corners. US and Canadian cars make 333 hp and 262 lb-ft. A published reference
Specs
Versions
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3.2L S54 A published reference
333 hp and 262 lb-ft in the US
Figures
- Displacement: 3.2L (3,246 cc) A published reference
- Block: Cast iron A published reference
Watch out
Faults owners and the press report, and how to spot each one.
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Rod bearing wear Mostly 2001 to 2003
One source so far
Check: Ask whether the rod bearings were replaced, and when, and for an oil analysis.
BMW Tuning says it was mostly a problem on 2001 to 2003 engines, that BMW began replacing bearings in affected engines, and that it is less of a concern today. A seller's guide (unofficial)
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VANOS failure Every version
One source so far
Check: Feel for weak low-rev power, hesitation or a rough idle, and read the fault codes.
BMW Tuning calls VANOS failure one of the S54's very few common problems. A seller's guide (unofficial)
Owning
Maintenance
Water pump and thermostat Every version
Replace every 100,000 miles, per a parts seller A seller's guide (unofficial)
Ask the seller: Ask when the water pump was last replaced.
If it was skipped: BMW Tuning says to replace it about every 100,000 miles, that some fail as early as 60,000, often with little warning, and to replace the thermostat at the same time.
What owners and buyers say
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Sought after
Aged well Every version
One source so far
BMW Tuning says the S54 has aged well, and that most of its flaws are wear rather than design. A seller's guide (unofficial)