Where the difference comes?

[SimpleS]

Hey peeps,

Just doing some research on engines, specifically the S50B30 and the S50B30US.

How on earth does one tell the difference between the two with out having to open the motor and start measuring and inspecting parts?

And yes, I have looked on wiki and the webs but not entirely helpful…

Anyone fancy giving a "brief" description please?

FANX in advance.

 

[moranor@axis]

head on the euro s50 is completely different most obvious is the ITB and the Vanos unit

the S50B30US is basically a 'tuned' m50 to cut costs in the US market

 

[moranor@axis]

S50b30

S50B30US

 

[444YYY]

Lots of visual differences. No need to strip the engines. See for yourself below
S50B30US
- Does not have Individual throttle bodies.
- Different valve train cover..
Etc etc

S50B30

---

Moranor, how's that for similar thinking!!!

Just shows the power of google. You and I chose the EXACT same pics!

Though you beat me to it.....

 

[Nikhil]

To add on what Moranor said the Us M3 also came with the 328i intake, the one pictured has a M50 325i intake. Oh from what I understand the Us M3 and the E46 330i share the same crankshaft so essentially you can convert your 325i/328i engine into a Us spec “M3” by taking the crank rods and pistons from a 330i and fitting them into a 325i or 328i without any modification. Apart from that the Euro or proper M3 engine is completely different to the US

 

[SimpleS]

Thanx dude, another confusing one for me is:

How does one tell the difference between the M50B25 and the S50B30US?

 

[moranor@axis]

To add on what Moranor said the Us M3 also came with the 328i intake, the one pictured has a M50 325i intake. Oh from what I understand the Us M3 and the E46 330i share the same crankshaft so essentially you can convert your 325i/328i engine into a Us spec “M3” by taking the crank rods and pistons from a 330i and fitting them into a 325i or 328i without any modification. Apart from that the Euro or proper M3 engine is completely different to the US

think the cams are different also?

Thanx dude, another confusing one for me is:

How does one tell the difference between the M50B25 and the S50B30US?

got me there... where you going to find a US spec S50 anyways?

 

[SimpleS]

Well thats the thing - Im trying to figure out if the buddy I'm helping has been told/Sold the wrong engine.

:ty: for the help above regardless.

 

[moranor@axis]

take spark plug out ant measure stroke with a small dowel rod this should tell you if it is 3l or not... other option is to take the engine numbers and trace those

there was a guy on the forum selling a US S50 with a burnt intake manifold is it that one?

 

[SimpleS]

Requested all those details from him, just waiting on them.

How does one trace the engine number?

I don't know if its the same engine.

 

[moranor@axis]

im not sure how to use the engine numbers i would 1st google them and see what i can find and take it from there

maybe someone with more knowledge on BMW engine markings will pop in...