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Thread: Questions about M52B28 in the Z3s

  1. #1
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    Questions about M52B28 in the Z3s

    I'm looking into alternative motor swaps. I've heard that the 2.8 found in the Z3 is an all-aluminum version of the 328 motor. The ETK seems to veryify this with a 70lb advantage on the engine assembly. Is this correct? Has anyone seen one of these engines for sale and how much? Where are good places to look for salvaged Z3s?

    I'd love an S52, but if I can get an aluminum 2.8 cheaper to save some money and weight it may be the better route for me. The 2.8s make decent power with some bolt-ons running OBDI and I'll likely go FI after its all said and done anyway.

    Sorry for all the questions, but I'm tired of searching. TIA

    -Ryan

  2. #2
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    Quote Originally Posted by Atl3
    I'm looking into alternative motor swaps. I've heard that the 2.8 found in the Z3 is an all-aluminum version of the 328 motor. The ETK seems to veryify this with a 70lb advantage on the engine assembly. Is this correct? Has anyone seen one of these engines for sale and how much? Where are good places to look for salvaged Z3s?

    I'd love an S52, but if I can get an aluminum 2.8 cheaper to save some money and weight it may be the better route for me. The 2.8s make decent power with some bolt-ons running OBDI and I'll likely go FI after its all said and done anyway.

    Sorry for all the questions, but I'm tired of searching. TIA

    -Ryan
    I might be wrong but AFAIK, all M52B28 blocks are the same regardless of which car they are installed in. That is a '97 328 has the same block as a '97 2.8 Z3. So I think any M52 single VANOS will work for you. I think that it is still better to get the heavier S52B32 since by the time you mod the M52 to the power of the S52, you'd spent the same amount of money and probably not gain any weight advantage.
    Try asking these same questions in the FI forum, as those guys would have more experience with different engine blocks.
    Good luck

  3. #3
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    Actually, there is an (alu) alloy M52B28 block... but AFAIK it's only been used in Europe. As I understand, concerns about the sulphur levels in US fuel made BMW produce an iron block for that market. The sulphur can wear out the Nikasil liners in the alloy engines.

    I happen to have that alloy block by the way, and it is a bit lighter than the iron version, but to my novice eyes the difference isn't huge when looking at the total weight of the car; about 25kg or so.

  4. #4
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    I remember reading that the 2.8 was an all aluminum engine. I thgouht it was this way for all 2.8s, until I read that non-Z3 cars got a version without the aluminum block.

    Be aware, if you go FI, that the 2.8 aluminum block is more prone to heat expansion, so it could be an issue that you wouldn't have on an iron block engine.

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  5. #5
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    some more info here for you: (thanks to Hugo)

    taken from:
    Engine Specs

    M52B28 142KW(190hp)/5300rpm, 280Nm(207lb.ft)/3950rpm

    The M52B28 engine was available on the E36 328i and E39 528i in CKD form. The earlier batch of M52 engine incorporate a cast iron cylinder block while the later batch was make of alunimium silicone alloy. An earlier batch of 328i use the same cylinder head as the M50TU. The different is in the number of holes for cooling has increased. There are other differences in the cam design and hydraulic lifters and that is why we don't hear M52 engine overheat that often. Engine control is via the Siemens MS41.1 system.

    When the E46 was launch in 1999, the M52TU engine was introduced in E46 323i, E46 328i and the E39 528i. The major changes in this Technical Update is the redesigned crankcase, modified pistons, Double VANOS for the camshaft drive, and Siemens MS42 DME syste. Later the E39 523i was introduced with the M52B25TU engine.

    M52B28TU 144KW(193hp)/5500rpm, 280Nm(206lb-ft)/3500rpm
    Quote Originally Posted by Hugo
    Goddamn post whore... 6.27 vs. my measly 6.24.

  6. #6
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    Hmm, still no concrete answers.

    scy, I know the 3.2 would produce more power, but I like to be different. A 3.2 swap has been done soooooo many times, I'm thinking all-aluminum 3.0 using the 2.8 block with 3.2 crank. I'd rather have $6k in a rebuilt aluminum 3.0 than $4k in a used, wrecked 3.2. JMO.....I plan on keeping my E36 for many more years.

    Dazed, I know BMW switched to Alusil on the later US E34 540 engine due to the nikosil problem, so I imagine *if* there is an Al blocked 2.8 in the states it uses the alusil liners.

    Hugo, I thought about the possible problems with aluminum, but I can't find anyone thats had problems FI'ing any other all-aluminum engine. I would only go S/C'd and likely run low boost (8lbs or so) anyway. I'm really eyeing that TS.....but may go with the ASA since I know the importer. Heat really shouldn't be much of an issue.

    I just checked the ETK again and the 2.8 Z3 block is part #11 00 9 071 271 (US and ECE), and weighs in at 259.04lbs (117.5kg). The 328i 2.8 part #11 00 9 071 240 weighs in at 299.16 (135.7kg). So its only ~40 lbs.....but every little bit helps.

    Just wish I had a confirmation, ETK does not specify the material used.

  7. #7
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    Hi Bremsen,
    I'm doing the a TS Alu 2.8 in my M3. Motor is in, running, competed with at SCCA nationals... just waiting on the TS to show up at my door.
    http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...d.php?t=402458

    If you have any questions, I'm more than happy to help.

    Ryan

  8. #8
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    Nice...

    1999 Cosmos Black/Dove Grey BMW ///M3 convertible - 5 speed - SOLD

    2005 Atlantic Blue Pearl/Taupe Leather Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT Wagon - 5 speed
    - SOLD

    2014 Tenorite Grey/Black Mercedes-Benz GLK 250 - bone stock.

    2013 Bianco/Rosso Abarth 500c - 5 speed

    2016 Oxford White/Grey Ford Transit 250 Powerstroke 148 MR (DIY RV conversion)

  9. #9
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    hopefully bremson has found what he was looking for by now

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  10. #10
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    whoops sorry guys, saw this thread searching for another one, didn't realize the date.

  11. #11
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    Nice project (and great pics!) megatron... got any dyno numbers yet?

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