The BMW M50 is an I6 piston engine. It was introduced in 1989 to replace the BMW M20 and was replaced by the BMW M52 in 1994. Displacement ranges from 2.0 L to 3.0 L. It is a DOHC 24-valve engine. A Technical Update or M50TU version from 1992 introduced VANOS variable valve timing.

The M50 was related to the M20 with the same 91 mm cylinder spacing, bore, and stroke at 2.0 L and 2.5 L.

M50B20

The 2.0 L (1991 cc) M50B20 was introduced with the 1989 520i. It has an 80 mm bore and 66 mm stroke and produces 150 hp (112 kW).

Applications:

• 1991-1995 E36 3-Series
• 1991-1995 E34 5-Series

M50B24

This is a 2.4 L engine based on the 2.5 L M50B25, with a reduced stroke. This engine is only fitted to CKD kits assembled in Thailand. Power output is 188 hp (140 kW) and torque is 177 ft.lbf (240 Nm).

Applications:

• 1993-1997 E36 3-Series (Thai specification)
• 1993-1997 E34 5-Series (Thai specification)

M50B25

The 2.5 L (2494 cc) M50B25 was introduced with the 1992 525i. It has an 84 mm bore and 75 mm stroke and produces 192 hp (143 kW).

Applications:

• 1991-1995 E36 3-Series
• 1992-1995 E34 5-Series

Note: This is the engine from which the M50TU evolved. The VANOS update was added late 1992 and sold for 1993 model year E34s.

M50B30

The M50B30 was a 3.0 L version, which powered the US-spec E36 M3.

Applications:

• 1992-1997 E36 M3

S50B30

The S50B30 was a special sports-oriented 3.0 L version, which powered the RoW spec E36 M3. Power is 286 hp (213 kW).

Applications:

• 1992-1995 E36 M3

See also

• BMW World