Visually, how can u tell the diff between a real M3 ENGINE and a regular 3 series 6?

**Cobra Jet** · 12-04-2002, 04:35 PM

I was just wondering, and I don't recall ever seeing anything online that would answer my question?

How can one tell, just by looking at a BMW 6 cyl inline engine if it is really an E36 M3 engine, or a regular E36 3 series inline 6 cyl "dressed up" to be an M3 engine?

This would be very helpful info for anyone looking to by an M3 engine online, or even when going to see the engine in person. Not all engines are still in the vehicle when buying a used engine, which only makes it harder to tell if the engine actually works, or if it is indeed the correct engine as being advertised.

Are there VIN or BUC numbers/tags to look for, or specific identifiers on the M3 blocks/parts? Is there something that sticks out visually?

I mean, the top plastic "M Power" covers and intake are nothing to confirm a real M3 engine from an ordinary 6, right?

I see so many advertised M3 engines, that I often wonder if it is a REAL, genuine M3 engine, or just a regular E36 6 that someone is trying to pawn off as an M3 engine for more $$$$$.....

Any tips, thoughts or ideas?

What can one do to inspect a used engine that has already been removed from the vehicle? What to look for, or what can be inspected to tell if the engine is still a good running motor, or if you just invested your $$ into a very huge paperweight that was destined for the scrap pile....

?

**Brent_Vino** · 12-04-2002, 04:38 PM

get in and drive it.

**vroo//M** · 12-04-2002, 05:03 PM

I believe the M3's VIN always start with WBSCDxxxxxx.

**eclou** · 12-04-2002, 05:19 PM

Maybe the injector color would be a tip? I don't know if the 2.8's used the 21.5# injectors as well.

Eugene

**MaaadNYCe** · 12-04-2002, 05:33 PM

wouldn't it be stamped somewhere with the engine code [M50, M52]???

**TheDeep** · 12-04-2002, 05:36 PM

Originally posted by vroo//M
I believe the M3's VIN always start with WBSCDxxxxxx.

Not quite. Go here for VIN dissection:

BMW VINs

**vroo//M** · 12-04-2002, 05:40 PM

There you go.... just WBSxxxxxxx then.

Originally posted by TheDeep
Not quite. Go here for VIN dissection:

BMW VINs

**Cobra Jet** · 12-04-2002, 08:31 PM

well, everyone seems to be guessing on this - is there any definitive way to really tell an M3 engine from the regular E36 6 cyl.??

I was thinking that the VIN may be stamped into the block - but in order to do that , BMW would have to have everything in sequence during the production run so the correct engine ends up in the correct car...

There has to be someone that knows...

This is especially useful info for those looking to buy an M3 engine for replacement, or to buy one to build as a performance engine...

Anyone?????

Anyone can just slap on differnet color injectors and the plastic top covers to do a fake....

**Ali** · 12-04-2002, 08:42 PM

Well when the engine is on you can definitly tell. Just give it a rev, the 325/328 motor does not sound like an M3 one throughout the power band.

**///M3 CRAZY** · 12-04-2002, 08:51 PM

there is a code stamped onto the engine. problem is it is on the back side of the engine close to the fire wall. so it is imposible to see the stamp when the motor is still in the car.

**MKit** · 12-05-2002, 02:38 AM

Originally posted by Ali
Well when the engine is on you can definitly tell. Just give it a rev, the 325/328 motor does not sound like an M3 one throughout the power band.

yea! a rev explains alot

Thread: Visually, how can u tell the diff between a real M3 ENGINE and a regular 3 series 6?

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Visually, how can u tell the diff between a real M3 ENGINE and a regular 3 series 6?

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