Engine Identification: Notes

BMW engines are identified by a combined alpha-numeric code.

M - for standard production engines
S - for Motorsport engines (Motorsport is a separate special racing division of BMW)

After the letter there are two digits that identify the engine. Table below lists engines by number of cylinders.

ENGINE IDENTIFICATION

4 Cylinder

M10:
1.8 & 2.0L 2 Valve Inline

M42:
1.8L 4 Valve Inline ⁽²⁾ from 92

M44:
1.9L 4 Valve Inline ⁽²⁾

S14:
2.3L 4 Valve Inline

6 Cylinder

M20:
2.5 & 2.7L 2 Valve Inline

M21:
2.4 2 Valve Inline Diesel

M30:
2.8, 3.0, 3.2 3.4, & 3.5L 2 Valve Inline Inline

M50:
2.5L 4 Valve Inline

M50⁽³⁾ :
2.5L 4 Valve Inline ⁽¹⁾

M52:
2.5 & 2.8L 4 Valve Inline ⁽¹⁾

M52⁽³⁾ :
2.5 & 2.8L 4 Valve Inline ⁽¹⁾

M54:
2.5 & 3.0L 4 Valve Inline ⁽¹⁾

S38:
3.5 & 3.6L 4 Valve Inline

S50:
3.0L 4 Valve Inline ⁽¹⁾

S52:
3.2L 4 Valve Inline ⁽¹⁾

S54:
3.2L 4 Valve Inline ⁽¹⁾

8 Cylinder

M60:
3.0 & 4.0L 4 Valve V config.

M62:
4.4L 4 Valve V config.

M62⁽³⁾ :
4.4L 4 Valve V config. ⁽¹⁾

S62:
5.0L 4 Valve V config. ⁽¹⁾

12 Cylinder

M70:
5.0L 2 Valve V config.

M73:
5.4L 2 Valve V config.

M73⁽³⁾ :
5.4L 2 Valve V config.

S70:
5.6L 2 Valve V config.

⁽¹⁾	Variable Valve Timing. All engines since 1999 except the M73⁽³⁾ employ variable valve timing.

⁽²⁾	Variable Intake Runner Length and Resonance Charging System.

⁽³⁾	Technicaly Updated.

Fig 1: Identifying Engine Displacement Identification

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.