How Do You Know What Kind Of Engine Do You Have! - BMW Forum

Silverninja · 08-08-2005, 06:23 PM

I have a 1997 M3 and I 'm not sure what kind of engine I have. Some people have told me that my engine should say M Power on it. My engine doesn't say that........Is it possible that a 97 M3 engine might not say it or is my engine a regular V6. How do you find that out? Need help!

toast_mcmann · 08-08-2005, 07:12 PM

You should have an s52 block, which is the 3.2 liter inline six. That is interesting that your engine doesn't say M power. Just because you don't have the plastic valve cover that says M power doesn't mean that its not an s52. I'm not saying it's imposible for the last owner to have switched it with an m50 (2.5 liter, inline six), and sold the car as an m3. I mean come on light the thing up, does it fel like 240 hp, or 189hp. Post a picture of your engine bay.

Silverninja · 08-08-2005, 07:45 PM

How do you post a pic? I'm not sure how to do it exactly.

toast_mcmann · 08-08-2005, 09:57 PM

I wouldn't know either

Dentz · 08-08-2005, 11:48 PM

to add an attachment (aka. Picture) on your post you'll notice a box near the bottom that says "Attachment" and a browse button (see picture) click browse and select the picture. Your done!

Cruzin 323is · 08-08-2005, 11:55 PM

how do u know its an m3....? many bmw (e36) drivers put on the factory body kit and just put the badge on... take some pics... and post them up.. and we can tell ya... also, take a couple pics of the interior.. and the seats... we'll help!

Storamin · 08-09-2005, 01:22 PM

It's all in the VIN, baby. If your vin starts with WBS, you're good. If your vin starts with WBA, it is NOT a factory m3. It may have an m3 engine, but it is not a factory m3 (and therefore according to many people ), is not a true m3.

94BMW325i · 08-09-2005, 02:47 PM

another way to tell is, does it haul up to around 80.

Bear · 08-09-2005, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Storamin@Aug 9 2005, 12:22 PM
It's all in the VIN, baby. If your vin starts with WBS, you're good. If your vin starts with WBA, it is NOT a factory m3. It may have an m3 engine, but it is not a factory m3 (and therefore according to many people ), is not a true m3.

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you are coorect, it is the "S" in the VIN that separates the MOTORSPORT machines from the rest.

Bear · 08-09-2005, 06:19 PM

Another thing, if you have a "V"6, then you really do have a non, BMW engine .

4evrwyntr · 08-09-2005, 06:47 PM

Wow guys, didn't know about that VIN code... anything you can derive from a WBSC? It's like reading palms, I swear...
Yeah, I hope to god you don't have a badged and kitted car posed to look as an m3 and sold as such. Or even an m3 with the engine swapped; although it should at least have the suspension of an m3, which is something if not the engine.