The S54 engine, produced at the Munich plant from 2000 to 2011, is one of the most significant and high-performance engines developed by BMW. Used in models such as the BMW M3 E46, BMW Z4 M, BMW Z3 M and Wiesmann Roadster MF3, this engine has become an icon among car enthusiasts due to its performance and tuning possibilities.
Features
The main structural element of the S54 is an inline 6-cylinder engine with a cast iron cylinder block, which provides the necessary strength and durability. The cylinder diameter is 87 mm and the piston stroke is 91 mm, resulting in an engine displacement of 3246 cc. The compression ratio is 11.5, which contributes to the engine’s high level of power and efficiency.
The engine’s power system is an injector system, which ensures precise fuel metering and optimal combustion characteristics. There are 4 valves per cylinder, which contributes to better filling and cleaning of the cylinders. The engine reaches a maximum speed of 8000 rpm, which emphasizes its sporty character.
Power and torque
Engine power varies depending on the modification: 315 hp at 7,400 rpm, 325 hp at 7,400 rpm, 333 hp at 7,900 rpm, 343 hp at 7,900 rpm and 360 hp at 7,900 rpm. Torque also varies depending on the version, from 340 Nm at 4900 rpm to 370 Nm at 4900 rpm.
The S54 stands out for its fuel efficiency despite its high power output. For the BMW M3 E46, fuel consumption is 17.8 l/100 km in the city cycle, 8.4 l/100 km on the highway and 11.9 l/100 km in mixed mode. Oil consumption reaches up to 1000 g/1000 km, which is the norm for engines of this class. The volume of oil in the engine is 6.5 liters, and oil change is recommended every 7000-10000 km.
The engine operating temperature is about 90 degrees Celsius, and the engine resource according to the factory is more than 400 thousand kilometers, which is confirmed by the practical experience of owners.
The S54 engine has a huge potential for tuning, allowing to increase power up to 1000+ hp without significant reduction of resource. For optimal engine performance, 10W-60 oil is used.
This engine is mated to a Getrag Type D 6-speed manual transmission or SMG II automatic transmission to maximize its power characteristics. The gearbox ratios are as follows: 1st gear – 4.23, 2nd – 2.53, 3rd – 1.67, 4th – 1.23, 5th – 1.00, 6th – 0.83. The main pair has a gear ratio of 3.62.
In summary, the S54 is a unique combination of power, reliability and tuning potential, making it one of the best engines ever developed by BMW.
Reliability and repair of the BMW S54 B32 engine
BMW S54 M3With the release of the next BMW M3 model in the E46 body in 2000, it was decided to drop the use of two radically different engines. In the most powerful E46, instead of the S52 and S50B32 engines, only the S54 is found. This motor is the top motor in the M54 series (it also included M54B22, M54B25 and M54B30).
The new S54 inline six was developed on the basis of the European version of the BMW S50B32 engine. The cast iron cylinder block of this engine was slightly modified: the cylinder diameter was increased to 87 mm, forged crankshaft with 12 counterweights was placed in the block, reinforced forged connecting rods, 139 mm long, new pistons with compression ratio of 11.5 and compression height of 32.3 mm were used. Pistons are cooled by oil injectors.
The cylinder head has the following changes: modified Double-VANOS continuous variable valve timing system, new cast iron hollow camshafts (260/260 phase, 12/12 mm lift), reduced weight of the cylinder head itself.
The valves remain the same as on the S50B32. There are no hydrocompensators on S54, so, approximately every 50 thousand kilometers it is necessary to adjust the valves with washers. Clearances on cold: intake 0.18 – 0.23 mm, exhaust 0.28 – 0.33 mm.
On the inlet is still, everyone’s favorite, 6 throttles.
Control system S54B32 – Siemens MSS 54.
These changes have increased the engine output to 343 hp at 7900 rpm, and torque is 365 at 4900 rpm.
In addition to the above modification, for the countries of North America was produced M3 with an engine with an output of 333 hp. Differences of the European M3 E46 from the American one consist in two additional catalytic converters, due to which 10 hp were lost.
For Z3M cars, the S54 engine was further squeezed, to 325 hp in Europe and 315 hp in the US. The differences between the S54 M3 and S54 Z3M engines is a different intake (the intake manifold and air filter housing changed), and the maximum rpm was lowered to 7600 rpm. The difference of 10 hp between American and European is caused by two additional catalytic converters.
The top modification S54 was installed on a lightweight version of the E46 M3 CSL, released in 2004 in a limited edition. From the regular motor of the European M3 E46, this engine is distinguished by a new intake system, aggressive camshafts (phase 288/280, lift 11.6/11.6 mm), exhaust valves and a lightened exhaust system. This allowed to remove 360 hp from the 3.2-liter motor at 7900 rpm, without the use of supercharging.
This powertrain was designated S54B32HP.
The S54 engine was installed on the M3 E46 until 2006, after which the new M-ca was released, with a completely new V8 engine – S65. Nevertheless, the 54 continued to be installed in Z4M, until 2008, and then took a place under the hood of some Wiesmann models and was produced for several more years.
Problems and drawbacks of BMW S54 engines
Compared to the usual M54, the S-version does not have such big problems with oil consumption, but if it appeared, then the problem is in the oil caps, in case of strong burning the matter is in the rings. Occasional overheating happens, but in most cases, the causes are air in the cooling system, dirty radiator, pump, thermostat and radiator cap.
The resource of the S54 engine is quite high and it is able to pass more than one hundred thousand kilometers without problems, but it is worth considering the manner of driving on the M3 E46. These cars in most cases are either dead or corpses and you can expect anything and anytime from the S54B32 engine. On average, shafted M3s drive about 150 thousand kilometers, after which you need to change the liners, timing chain, tensioners. This mainly applies to engines up to 2003, more recent motors have no problems with this. If you managed to buy an engine S54 in a live condition, then do not save on oil and pour only the original, to comply with the timing of replacement, to monitor the condition, regular maintenance and your M3 will drive long and trouble-free.
Tuning the engine BMW S54 B32
S54 Atmo. Camshafts
The S54 motor is the most squeezed of all BMW’s atmospheric inline sixes, it would seem to go farther, but there’s still room to spare. For example, you need to buy an Evolve intake system (or another “CSL Style” intake system) , a full Supersprint sport exhaust and an AEM Infinity EMS brain (or Evolve firmware). All of this will allow your S54 to develop over 370hp without going into the engine. The next step may be to purchase Schrick 288/280 camshafts, 12.5 lift, and to them plates and springs. Once installed, the lows (up to 3000 rpm) will sag a bit, but after 5000 rpm there will be a significant power gain. With these shafts, your M3 will make about 400 hp at 8500 rpm. You can get even more power by using Schrick 304/296 camshafts, lift 14, VANOS off, modified bottom end, 12.5+ compression ratio pistons, ported cylinder head, and spinning the motor 9000+ until the pistons fly off.
The prices for all this are pretty high (even for the very first option), it might be cheaper to buy a BMW M3 E92 outright.
S54 Compressor
For the money needed to build a wicked atm, you can buy a compressor kit from ESS. These kits are pretty reliable and are installed on the stock BMW M3 E46 engine. The maximum boost pressure on the VT1 is 0.4 bar, which will provide 470 hp. More powerful kits can be considered, including other well established manufacturers like VF. The compressor in the S54 can be inflated to under 600 hp, which is enough for almost any driver.
Building a turbo S54 M3 E46 isn’t too profitable, it’s quite expensive and it’s easier to buy a faster Nissan GTR.
MOTOR RATING: 5.