BMW is one of the most prestigious car manufacturers around the world. It makes some of the hottest-selling automobiles in its lineup, which means that any car enthusiast would be thrilled with a BMW high-performance Engine.
The S50 and S52 engines are two popular choices when it comes to BMW Engines and this article will compare these two. So, what is the main difference between S50 and S52 engines?
The main difference is the S50 Engine has a bore of 86.4mm and a stroke of 91mm with a total displacement of 3201cc whereas The S52 has a bore of 86.4mm and a stroke of 89.6mm with a total displacement of 3152cc another core difference is S50 has a dual Vanos system whereas the S52 has a single Vanos system
The displacement and other additional features incorporated into the engines make a huge difference between them. These features determine the performance of each engine in the BMW vehicles.
Keep reading to learn other hidden features of S50 and S52 engines. The information will help you make an informed decision before swapping your current engine. Besides that, you’ll get to know the pros and cons of each engine.
Differences between S50 and S52 Engines
History
The S50 engine came into existence in 1993 to replace the S38. The new engine never met the US emission legislation until further modifications were done in 1994.
The S52 was developed in 1995 with a single throttle body. The development was to increase torque and improve the power. The new engine was meeting all the US emission regulations.
The S50 is the oldest engine for BMW made using old-version technology. It is the leading reason for the engine not meeting the US emission regulation. The S52 is the winner in this category.
Design
The S50 has a bore of 86.4 mm and a stroke of 91mm that produce a total displacement of 3201cc. But the technology used to design the S50 is less exotic.
The S52 has a bore of 86.4mm that resembles that of S50. The stroke is about 89.6mm that produces a lower total displacement of 3152cc. The design is more exotic than that of S50.
The S50 design makes the engine more powerful than the S52 design. The additional features in the S50 are what make the difference. The S50 is the winner under this design category.
Horsepower and Toque
The S50 engine is given a rating of 240 hp at 6,000rpm and 236 lb/ft of torque at 3,800 pm and the S52 comes packed with 321 hp at 7,400rpm and 258 lb/ft of torque at 3,250 rpm which is really powerful and makes it a more powerful powerful motor between the two.
Common Problems
The S50 valve clearances need regular adjustment with shims. It helps to reduce the ticking rate and depreciation of the air horses. Consider also regular oil flush and change for better performance.
The S52 control valves are more vulnerable to clogging and other heat-related issues. But the problem is covered by the warranty policy.
The winner under this category is S52 since most of its issues are covered under the warranty policy. The BMW owner will spend less when correcting the problems from a reputable dealer.
Total Displacement
BMW S52 is a higher-performance variant of M52. It has a stroke of 3.5-inches that produces a total displacement of 3152cc. The additional features help to improve power and increase torque.
The S50 is the first BMW engine to use variable valve timing. It has a stroke of 91mm that produces a total displacement of 3201cc. The engine has more power and torque than the S52.
The BMW S50 is the winner under this category due to the more power and torque without modifications or additional features. The S52 needs adjustments for better performance.
Reliability
The BMW S52 is more responsive to modifications to increase its torque and improve power on the road. These modifications make the vehicle more reliable and durable in the long run. The S50 has a robust construction to endure any road abuse.
The construction design makes the engine more reliable and long-lasting. Both S52 and S50 are the winners under this category. These engines are extremely reliable and durable to last for over 200,000 miles.
Similarities between S50 and S52 Engines
Engine Specifications
Both S50 and S52 have a similar bore specification of 86.4mm. Besides that, they have a Vanos system that helps to improve power and generate non-irritating sounds.
Engine Reliability
Both S52 and S50 can handle abusive off-road rides. Thanks to its robust and durable construction design from tank materials.
Transmission Problem
Both S52 and S50 valves are more vulnerable to clogging that requires regular flushing and change for better performance. Other problems are heat-related and oil buildup in the ventilation system.
Pros and Cons (S50 Vs S52)
The BMW S50 and S52 tend to come with their advantages and disadvantages. These pros and cons will help you make an informed decision before swapping the engine.
Pros of S50
- Require minimal maintenance
- Has robust design for longevity
- Has incredible power and torque
Cons of S50
- Valves susceptible to clogging
- Produce irritating sounds when idle
Pros of S52
- Too quiet when driving
- Invoke a sense of permanence
- More responsive to modifications
- Has robust construction design for durability
Cons of S52
- Has less power and torque
- Has low mileage coverage
- Require regular maintenance for better performance
Conclusion on S50 vs S52 Engine
Both S50 and S52 are prime candidates for force induction to consider. They have a cast-iron block with a strong bottom end to handle plenty of boosts.
The BMW S52 is more responsive to modifications than the S50. These modifications help to boost power and increase the torque.
If you are looking for something that invokes a sense of permanence, consider the S52 engine for your BMW series. It also has a robust construction design that outclasses that of S50.
Resources:
https://www.bmw.com/en/innovation/outstanding-bmw-engine-models.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_BMW_engines
