m50, m52, s50, s52 heads all the same????

[BMWMPow3r]

Are the above stated heads the same on alll engines? I mean just the heads with valves/lifters, no cams. If not, whats the difference? Which ones are compatible, and which ones are considered an upgradable complement to the block? I've got 2 good m50 heads and 1 bad m50 block, please help, I'm looking to upgrade.

[EMC]

I think the OBDII heads may lack a threaded port for a coolant temp sensor. The OBD2 cars have a single sensor with 4 wires instead of two sensors with 2 wires each. Other than that, I haven't noticed any differences.

Make sure the M50 heads have Vanos capability. There may be some differences there as well. I have both types, but its been a while since I've looked them over.

[BMWMPow3r]

My m50 heads have the vanos unit with therm. Is there different vanos units in different years? Well since the m50 head has 2 switch ports like I would need in the first place I'm ok on that one. So the timing chain cover area will be the same? Timing components the same? Assesories the same, Alternator, does it differ what type, I know theres atleast 2 model alt.'s. What about fitting and hoses for the clutch and coolant. Accesory mounting points the same? Can I use the same drive shaft for the m3 tranny? thanks

[EMC]

Transmissions will bolt up, but you need a different driveshaft. I think the ZF box on the M3 and 328 is a tiny bit longer than the Gertrag box on the 325.

If you have an OBD2 block and you want to make it OBD1, there is a coolant fitting that you buy and add lock-tite to, then tap into place. This allows the use of OBD1 coolant hoses. Turner or AA should have this part handy.

I think there are a couple different power steering pumps and brackets since my M3 parts differ from 325 parts.

Vanos units are the same and should all fit with no issues. Timing chains are the same.

Mostly, everything is pretty much interchangeable.

[BMWMPow3r]

So all parts I would need to put on my accesories are brackets which can be bought. The blocks bare without brackets are all the same except that coolant fitting?

[Sneaky]

Yes

[BMWMPow3r]

Thanks everyone.:)
You've been a great help.

[DTRguy]

So... will then an M50 head fit an otherwise normal M52 block? I wonder if there were any technical changes made to the M52 that make them better in one way or the other. I would like to make a non Vanos M52 for my turbo project... I have the head on a complete non Vanos M50. I want to swap all of the accessories over from the complete engine over to the long block.

[BMWMPow3r]

i believe theres a difference between vanos and non vanos heads. Maybe the valve steam thickness. I think that the non vanos heads flow better, not sure though. Is the block the same though? 2.5 non vanos/ 2.5 vanos?

[DTRguy]

i believe theres a difference between vanos and non vanos heads. Maybe the valve steam thickness. I think that the non vanos heads flow better, not sure though. Is the block the same though? 2.5 non vanos/ 2.5 vanos?

The block that I intend to install the non vanos m50 head on is a m52 (vanos)... I am learning that there are small differences in regards to the cam sensor but otherwise very similar. Learning a lot through mad research. Looks like I am going to try to install the M50 head on the 2.8 block with some cleaning of the piston tops (due to the M52 head crashing slightly into the pistons) and the use of a .140 mls headgasket, e34 525 oil pan, pump and pickup as well as the VAC motorsports pump upgrade. And see how much power I can raise (or is that hell?)

[BMWMPow3r]

why is the e34 525i oil pan, pump and pick up better than stock m52 or m50 setup. In what ways?

[gotboost?]

Bavauto
they're not better, they are neccessary to install an m50 variant in an e30.

[BMWMPow3r]

ok, thanks