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BMW engine codes are a series of alphanumeric designations that identify specific engines used in BMW vehicles. These codes convey information about engine type, fuel type, cylinder count, and more. Below is a breakdown of the engine code structure and examples of BMW engines by type.


BMW Engine Code Structure

BMW engine codes typically follow this format: [Prefix] [Engine Family] [Displacement] [Suffix], where each section represents specific characteristics of the engine.

  • Prefix:
    • M: Standard production engines.
    • N: Newer generation standard engines.
    • B: Latest generation modular engines.
    • S: Motorsport or high-performance engines used in M models.
  • Engine Family:
    • 10, 20, 30, 40, 50: Indicates a series within an engine family.
  • Displacement:
    • The displacement is usually represented by the first one or two digits after the family code (e.g., 30 for 3.0L).
  • Suffix (Optional):
    • These indicate special features such as turbocharging, hybrid technology, etc.
    • TU: Technical Update (improved version of the engine).
    • d: Diesel engine.
    • i: Petrol engine.
    • e: Electric or hybrid engine.
    • O: LPG (liquefied petroleum gas).

Examples of BMW Engine Codes

Below is a list of some important engine families and their corresponding engine codes.

Older Generation Engines (M Series)

  • M10: 4-cylinder engine (1.5L to 2.0L), used from 1962 to 1988.
    • Example: M10B18 (1.8L).
  • M20: Inline 6-cylinder SOHC engine (2.0L to 2.7L), used in the 1970s-1990s.
    • Example: M20B25 (2.5L).
  • M30: Inline 6-cylinder SOHC engine (2.5L to 3.5L), a robust engine used in BMWs from the 1960s to the 1990s.
    • Example: M30B35 (3.5L).
  • M50: Inline 6-cylinder engine with DOHC and 24 valves (2.0L to 2.5L), introduced in the early 1990s.
    • Example: M50B25 (2.5L).
  • M52: Inline 6-cylinder engine, successor to the M50, featuring VANOS variable valve timing (2.0L to 2.8L).
    • Example: M52B28 (2.8L).
  • M54: Another iteration of the inline 6-cylinder engine (2.2L to 3.0L), used in the early 2000s.
    • Example: M54B30 (3.0L).

Modern Engine Series (N Series)

  • N20: Turbocharged 4-cylinder engine (1.6L to 2.0L), introduced in 2011.
    • Example: N20B20 (2.0L turbocharged engine).
  • N52: Inline 6-cylinder naturally aspirated engine (2.5L to 3.0L), known for its aluminum-magnesium block.
    • Example: N52B30 (3.0L).
  • N54: Twin-turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine (3.0L), a fan-favorite for tuners and performance enthusiasts.
    • Example: N54B30 (3.0L twin-turbo).
  • N55: Single-turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine, successor to the N54 (3.0L).
    • Example: N55B30 (3.0L single-turbo).
  • N63: Twin-turbo V8 engine, used in higher-end BMW models like the 7 Series and X5.
    • Example: N63B44 (4.4L twin-turbo V8).

Latest Generation Engines (B Series)

  • B38: 3-cylinder turbocharged engine (1.2L to 1.5L), used in smaller cars and hybrids.
    • Example: B38A15M0 (1.5L turbocharged 3-cylinder).
  • B48: 4-cylinder turbocharged engine (2.0L), found in many modern BMWs.
    • Example: B48B20 (2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder).
  • B58: Inline 6-cylinder turbocharged engine (3.0L), part of BMW's new modular engine family, used in models like the G20 3 Series and Toyota Supra.
    • Example: B58B30 (3.0L turbocharged inline-6).
  • B57: Diesel inline 6-cylinder engine, turbocharged.
    • Example: B57D30 (3.0L diesel turbocharged).
  • B58TU1: Updated version of the B58 engine with technical improvements.
    • Example: B58B30M1 (3.0L turbo inline-6 with improved performance).

High-Performance Engines (S Series)

Used in BMW M models (Motorsport).

  • S14: 4-cylinder engine used in the iconic E30 M3.
    • Example: S14B23 (2.3L naturally aspirated 4-cylinder).
  • S54: Naturally aspirated inline 6-cylinder engine (3.2L) used in the E46 M3.
    • Example: S54B32 (3.2L).
  • S55: Twin-turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine, used in modern M3 and M4 models.
    • Example: S55B30 (3.0L twin-turbo).
  • S63: Twin-turbocharged V8 engine, used in high-performance models like the M5 and M8.
    • Example: S63B44 (4.4L twin-turbo V8).
  • S58: Latest high-performance inline 6-cylinder engine used in the G80 M3 and G82 M4.
    • Example: S58B30 (3.0L twin-turbo inline-6).

Diesel Engines

  • M57: Turbocharged inline 6-cylinder diesel engine (2.5L to 3.0L).
    • Example: M57D30 (3.0L turbo diesel).
  • N47: 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine.
    • Example: N47D20 (2.0L diesel).
  • B47: Latest 4-cylinder diesel engine.
    • Example: B47D20 (2.0L turbo diesel)


These engine codes offer a structured way to identify specific BMW engines, helping enthusiasts and professionals alike understand the characteristics and lineage of each power unit. If you're curious about a specific engine or need more details, feel free to ask!