BMW M20
Encyclopedia
The M20 is an inline-6 piston engine by BMW
.
Initially designated M60, the 12-valve, belt driven SOHC design was introduced in the 1977 BMW 520/6 and 320/6 as an entirely new design. With displacements ranging from 2.0 to 2.7 liters, it was the "little brother" to the larger BMW M30
engine. It had 91 mm (3.6 in) bore-spacing instead of 100 mm (3.9 in) of the M30. It was intended to replace the larger displacement 4-cylinder motors and was born out of BMW's conviction that a small six had more development potential than a large four (i.e. 2 liters+)
Powering the E21
and E30
3-Series, as well as E12
, E28
and E34
5 Series
cars, it was produced for nearly two decades, with the last examples powering the E30 325i touring built until April 1993. By that time, the newer twin-cam M50
engines with 4 valves per cylinder had already been used in the E36
and E34
for a couple of years.
Three different head castings were used over the engine's production run. The earliest was #1264200 aka the "200". These were used in all e21 320/6 and 323i and e12 520/6 engines and later in the e28 and e30 eta engines (eta denoting the 'efficiency' version of the engine, with a lower engine redline amongst other focused differences aimed at increasing fuel economy). The next version was #1277731 aka the "731". This head was the same as the 200 but featured larger intake ports. The final version was #1705885 or "885" introduced in the 325i. Ports were further enlarged, valves were larger and the combustion chamber was redesigned to improve flow and thermodynamic efficiency.
As the BMW M21
, it became a diesel engine
that was also available with a turbocharger
.
Applications:
The early E30 323I, had more torque and was quicker.
The 2.3 liter motor was superseded by the more powerful 2.5 in 1985.
Applications:
Applications:
Output was 122 hp at 4250 rpm for all models produced through model year 1987 and 127 hp at 4800 rpm for the final year of production in 1988. Peak torque is 170 ft.lbf at about 3250 rpm for all years of the eta. BMW built this engine with fuel economy and low-rev drivability as the top priority. In production it was coupled to a 2.93:1 differential for the E28 5 series and E30 3 series models starting model year 1986. The earlier 325e used a 2.79:1 ratio. The tall final drive gearing was required to keep the engine in its best operating range at various road speeds. These features did achieve exceptional efficiency, but at the expense of the sparkling performance typically associated with the marque.
All eta engines used Bosch Motronic engine management systems that were calibrated for maximum fuel economy. The result were very conservative spark advance and fuel delivery curves. In addition, the Motronic had a built-in rev limiter that engaged at about 4750 rpm. While this was hardly sporting, due to the very low overlap and short duration of the cam and the long, narrow intake tubing, the motor would not have made much power over 5,000 rpm anyway. The low redline was an added safety margin to compensate for the four bearing cam and soft valve springs.
In cars produced from September 1987, the eta engine got a substantial refresh from the factory. This included the more recent Bosch Motronic version 1.1/1.3 with adaptive idle control and revised circuitry, the "885" head casting with the larger valves, ports and revised combustion chambers; new pistons to fit the 2.7 L stroke with the 2.5 L head; a special one year only intake manifold with even narrower runners that opened up at the flanges to match the larger ports of the new head; a dual exhaust system; a special eta-tuned 7-bearing cam; and a 5300 rpm rev limit. A new 6000 rpm tachometer was also used.
Applications:
Exhaust upgrades also produce good results from the use of tubular exhaust manifolds (headers) and freer flowing exhausts in general. It must be noted that with the possible exception of the muffler, the original BMW exhaust system from the 325i already flows quite well. Eta exhausts and 320 exhausts(except for late production examples) are more restrictive.
Motronic cars can benefit from high performance chips that remap fuel and spark maps to run on higher-octane fuel. Manufacturers include E.A.T, Conforti as well as many others. Chip selection should be based on the maker's reputation and feedback from current users. K-Jet cars can accommodate flow upgrades and displacement boosts with relative ease and usually require only basic mixture and fuel pressure adjustments for street cars. K-jet does not tolerate radical cams though since it needs a continuous vacuum to actuate the air-flow plate correctly. L-jet cars are more limited since they cannot be chipped and adjustments to fuel pressure and to the air-flow sensor need to be done with extreme care to ensure good results. Simply boosting fuel pressure or adjusting the AFM spring tension without checking the resultant change in mixture can lead to more problems than it solves.
Various intake manifolds were used on injected cars. K-jet cars can only use the original intake since the others do not accommodate mechanical injectors. The intakes on all other models are interchangeable with the best one being from the 325i owing to the larger throttle body, wider tube diameter and shorter overall length for better flow and more power at higher revs. Eta cars up to September 1987 using the "200" head should get the ports opened up to match the wider tubes of the 325i manifold while cars using the 731 head (E30 320i and 323i) require no such modification.
Carbureted 320s have a different manifold configuration and the only easy improvements to an otherwise stock engine are porting and carburetor upgrades. The manifold can also be deleted outright in favor of a custom triple side-draft setup but this would only yield satisfactory results when combined with a cam and some porting.
If you are starting with a eta equipped car, this will require an upgrade to Motronic 1.1/1.3 from a 325i in order to get the desired revs and fuel/spark mapping. This will require the use of the entire engine harness, ECM, front crank pulley with crank sensor and bracket, all the sensors (including AFM), injectors (Etas built before September 1987 with the older Motronic system use low-impedance injectors, wereas the 325i computer must use high-impedance injectors) , also 325i plug wires and the EVAP purge solenoid. An instrument cluster with the 7000 rpm tachometer and a small wiring modification to make the tach work will also be necessary. Owners of Etas made before December 1986 will need to widen the hole where the engine wiring harness goes into the car. Owners of older Etas that have a rectangular plug joining the engine harness to the fuse box instead of a round one will have to change to the later model fuse box or splice all the wires and make a custom connection.
Non-Eta-based strokers use the forged crankshafts from an M52, S50US, S52US, or M54 engines. These cranks all fit neatly into the M20 block with little modification. Block clearance should be checked and adjusted accordingly especially if using E30 325i rods. The installation of a spacer on the front of the crankshaft is needed to accommodate the front crank seal on the M20 and a different front crank bolt must be used. Sometimes a modified intermediate shaft is used where block clearance issues arise. All of these extra parts should come with any stroker kit sold by a reputable vendor.
Performance will vary depending on what other mods, if any, are made (cams, porting, exhausts etc.)and the quality of tuning.
Option 2: m52 84mm crank (casting number 1748751 or part numbers [not found on crankshaft]11211433026 or 11211709059) with 325i pistons and ETA rods. This is the only stroker other than the 2.7 to use all stock parts. Using the m52 crank, 130 mm (5.1 in) ETA rods and 325i pistons results in the same compression height as a stock 325i, plus the increased displacement results in 9.7:1 compression ratio. Some have commented that this is a less than ideal rod stroke ratio of 1.54, but in fact the s52 is even worse at 1.51.
am e block or extensive modification to the bottom of the cylinder in order to clear the counterweights/connecting rods during a rotation
though the pistons will require modification in order to clear the counterweights of the crank, or the crank needs to be lightened by removing surface from the outer radius of the crank in order to clear the pistons.
this nets about a 50 horsepower and 65 torque gain over stock do to the massive increase in stroke
Option 2: Bore unchanged (84mm), Install 89.6 mm (3.5 in) crank from S52US or M54B30 for 3.0 liters.
the single fastest way to gain horsepower with nearly no modification is a standalone engine management, gains of 45 wheel horsepower and 50 wheel torque have been known on 87 pump gas, and as much as 80 wheel hp running e85 (the only additional modification is 36lb fuel injectors)
-Extrude hone intake: an abrasive clay-like material is fed through the manifold to eliminate imperfections deep inside. Costly and worthwhile only if building larger stroker.
-P-Flow/Cold air intake: Will change induction sound to something more throaty but will accomplish little if anything at all on a stock motor since the stock intake is already well designed and located. A badly executed system will do more harm than good while a well-executed one will only yield slight results.
-M30 AFM: Larger flap for more intake airflow. Consists in installing the electronic section of the M20 AFM onto the larger M30 AFM. Tricky to do and difficult to tune correctly. Don't bother unless building larger stroker. Results generally overstated.
-MAF conversion: replaces AFM with hot-wire style MAF on Motronic cars. Needs software to run correctly. Consider only on larger engines.
-M30 injectors: Higher flow injectors generally help prevent mixture from leaning out at higher revs on modified engines. Good easy mod just be sure to be using correct impedance injector for given injection system. As a rule, E34 535i injectors will work with Motronic 1.1/1.3 systems on M20s. Any others should be checked by consulting with Bosch technical help.
-ITBs: Expensive and require extensive custom fabrication and standalone injection system. Not worthwhile unless building a race engine.
-Forced induction: By far the most effective means of increasing power output, with tremendous potential available for far less than the cost of a NA stroker engine. A stock engine with head studs will reliably support over 20 psi (1.4 bar) with intercooling, a good tune and a sufficiently large turbine. Standalone engine management should be considered mandatory for boost pressures over 1 bar. The bottom ends are very robust and will be the last parts to sustain damage if detonation occurs. The head gasket will fail first, which can crack the cylinder head if the engine is run for very long in that condition. They tolerate a considerable amount of detonation at lower boost pressures but become more sensitive as boost increases. The driver must listen carefully to the engine to avoid damage if detonation occurs. Aftermarket MLS head gaskets resist detonation slightly better which can result in damage to the piston ring lands in the event of severe, sustained detonation. Even slight detonation is audible with a full exhaust system while moderate detonation can usually be heard over an "open dump" wastegate.
BMW
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG is a German automobile, motorcycle and engine manufacturing company founded in 1916. It also owns and produces the Mini marque, and is the parent company of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. BMW produces motorcycles under BMW Motorrad and Husqvarna brands...
.
Initially designated M60, the 12-valve, belt driven SOHC design was introduced in the 1977 BMW 520/6 and 320/6 as an entirely new design. With displacements ranging from 2.0 to 2.7 liters, it was the "little brother" to the larger BMW M30
BMW M30
The BMW M30 is an inline-6 cylinder engine built by BMW and was used in many different models since 1968. It was originally developed in the late 1960s as an extended 2.5-liter version of the robust inline four-cylinder BMW M10 first used in the 'Neue Klasse' BMW 1500, with which it shares a...
engine. It had 91 mm (3.6 in) bore-spacing instead of 100 mm (3.9 in) of the M30. It was intended to replace the larger displacement 4-cylinder motors and was born out of BMW's conviction that a small six had more development potential than a large four (i.e. 2 liters+)
Powering the E21
BMW E21
BMW E21 is the body designation for the first BMW 3 Series compact executive car, produced by the German automaker BMW from 1975 to 1983. This series was the immediate successor to the BMW 2002 and was superseded by the BMW E30 platform....
and E30
BMW E30
The BMW E30 was a compact executive car produced by BMW. It was replaced by the BMW E36 in 1990. BMW continued to produce the cabriolet E30 well into 1993. The Touring remained in production until 1994 when the E36 touring replaced it...
3-Series, as well as E12
BMW E12
The BMW E12 BMW 5-Series was made between 1972 and 1981. The E12 was the first series to bear the 5 Series name: the '5' denoting BMW's fifth 'New Class' platform. Designed as a replacement for the popular BMW New Class mid-size sedan, the E12 5-Series models were smaller than the large BMW E3...
, E28
BMW E28
The BMW E28 BMW 5-Series was made between 1981 and 1988. It replaced the BMW E12 in 1981 and was replaced by the BMW E34 in 1989.E28 Production started in July 1981 and ended in December 1987...
and E34
BMW E34
The BMW E34 is the version of the BMW 5 Series automobile built from February 1988 to 1995 with the Touring model ending June 1996. It replaced the BMW E28 in 1988 and was replaced by the E39 in 1996....
5 Series
BMW 5 Series
The BMW 5 Series is a mid-size / executive car manufactured by BMW since 1972. The car, now in its sixth generation, is sold in sedan and touring body styles....
cars, it was produced for nearly two decades, with the last examples powering the E30 325i touring built until April 1993. By that time, the newer twin-cam M50
BMW M50
The BMW M50 is an I6 piston engine. It was introduced in 1990 to replace the BMW M20 in the new 3-series and was replaced by the BMW M52 in 1995. Displacement ranges from 2.0 L to 3.2 L. It is a DOHC 24-valve engine...
engines with 4 valves per cylinder had already been used in the E36
BMW E36
The BMW E36 is the third generation of the 3 Series compact executive cars produced by BMW. It was introduced in late 1990 for Europe and in late 1991 for US and Canada. It was the successor to the E30 3 Series and was eventually replaced by the E90 3 Series in 2005, though E36 coupes were still...
and E34
BMW E34
The BMW E34 is the version of the BMW 5 Series automobile built from February 1988 to 1995 with the Touring model ending June 1996. It replaced the BMW E28 in 1988 and was replaced by the E39 in 1996....
for a couple of years.
Three different head castings were used over the engine's production run. The earliest was #1264200 aka the "200". These were used in all e21 320/6 and 323i and e12 520/6 engines and later in the e28 and e30 eta engines (eta denoting the 'efficiency' version of the engine, with a lower engine redline amongst other focused differences aimed at increasing fuel economy). The next version was #1277731 aka the "731". This head was the same as the 200 but featured larger intake ports. The final version was #1705885 or "885" introduced in the 325i. Ports were further enlarged, valves were larger and the combustion chamber was redesigned to improve flow and thermodynamic efficiency.
As the BMW M21
BMW M21
The BMW M21 was a 2.4 L diesel straight-6 engine.It was introduced in 1983 with the BMW M20 design as its basis. It was available with a turbocharger....
, it became a diesel engine
Diesel engine
A diesel engine is an internal combustion engine that uses the heat of compression to initiate ignition to burn the fuel, which is injected into the combustion chamber...
that was also available with a turbocharger
Turbocharger
A turbocharger, or turbo , from the Greek "τύρβη" is a centrifugal compressor powered by a turbine that is driven by an engine's exhaust gases. Its benefit lies with the compressor increasing the mass of air entering the engine , thereby resulting in greater performance...
.
Overview
| Engine | Displacement | Power | Torque | Redline | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M20B20 | 2.0 L (1990 cc/121 in³) | 92 kW (123 hp) @ 5800 | 165 N·m (121 ft·lbf) @ 4000 | 1981 | |
| 92 kW (123 hp) @ 5800 | 170 N·m (125 ft·lbf) @ 4000 | 1981 | |||
| 95 kW (129 hp) @ 6000 | 174 N·m (128 ft·lbf) @ 4000 | 6200 | 1985 | ||
| 95 kW (129 hp) @ 6000 | 164 N·m (120 ft·lbf) @ 4300 | 6200 | 1986 | ||
| M20B23 | 2.3 L (2316 cc/141 in³) | 102 kW (143 hp) @ 5300 | 205 N·m (151 ft·lbf) @ 4000 | 6500 | 1982 |
| 110 kW (150 hp) @ 6000 | 205 N·m (151 ft·lbf) @ 4000 | 6500 | 1983 | ||
| M20B25 | 2.5 L (2494 cc/152 in³) | 126 kW (169 hp) @ 5800 | 226 N·m (166 ft·lbf) @ 4000 | 6700 | 1985 |
| 120 kW (161 hp) @ 5800 | 215 N·m (158 ft·lbf) @ 4000 | 6700 | 1985 | ||
| 125 kW (169 hp) @ 5800 | 222 N·m (163 ft·lbf) @ 4300 | 6700 | 1987 | ||
| M20B27 | 2.7 L (2693 cc/164 in³) | 92 kW (123 hp) @ 4250 | 240 N·m (177 ft·lbf) @ 3250 | 4800 | 1983 |
| 95 kW (127 hp) @ 4250 | 240 N·m (177 ft·lbf) @ 3250 | 4800 | 1986 | ||
| 90 kW (120 hp) @ 4250 | 230 N·m (169 ft·lbf) @ 3250 | 4800 | 1985 | ||
| 95 kW (127 hp) @ 4800 | 230 N·m (169 ft·lbf) @ 3200 | 5200 | 1987 |
M20B20
The M20B20 is a 2.0 L M20 engine. Entering production in March 1977 in the E12 520 and later in the E21 320/6, the engine had a bore of 80 mm (3.1 in) and a stroke of 66 mm (2.6 in). Fueling was handled by a Solex four-barrel carburetor. These early versions all used the "200" head. When the E30 debuted in 1982, the 2.0 was fitted with Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection and the revised "731" cylinder head featuring larger intake ports. In 1984, the 2.0 was again revised with the addition of Bosch Motronic engine management and a catalytic converter. Later models also received larger valves. The 2.0 has the distinction of having the longest production run in the M20 series with the last ones rolling off the line in early 1993.Applications:
- 1977–1981 E12BMW E12The BMW E12 BMW 5-Series was made between 1972 and 1981. The E12 was the first series to bear the 5 Series name: the '5' denoting BMW's fifth 'New Class' platform. Designed as a replacement for the popular BMW New Class mid-size sedan, the E12 5-Series models were smaller than the large BMW E3...
520/6BMW 5 SeriesThe BMW 5 Series is a mid-size / executive car manufactured by BMW since 1972. The car, now in its sixth generation, is sold in sedan and touring body styles.... - 1979–1983 E21BMW E21BMW E21 is the body designation for the first BMW 3 Series compact executive car, produced by the German automaker BMW from 1975 to 1983. This series was the immediate successor to the BMW 2002 and was superseded by the BMW E30 platform....
320/6BMW 3 SeriesThe BMW 3 Series is a compact executive car manufactured by the German automaker BMW since May 1975. Successor to the BMW New Class, it has been produced in five different generations and in no less than five different body styles. It is BMW's best-selling model, accounting for around 30% of the... - 1982–1984 E28BMW E28The BMW E28 BMW 5-Series was made between 1981 and 1988. It replaced the BMW E12 in 1981 and was replaced by the BMW E34 in 1989.E28 Production started in July 1981 and ended in December 1987...
520BMW 5 SeriesThe BMW 5 Series is a mid-size / executive car manufactured by BMW since 1972. The car, now in its sixth generation, is sold in sedan and touring body styles.... - 1982–1988 E28BMW E28The BMW E28 BMW 5-Series was made between 1981 and 1988. It replaced the BMW E12 in 1981 and was replaced by the BMW E34 in 1989.E28 Production started in July 1981 and ended in December 1987...
520iBMW 5 SeriesThe BMW 5 Series is a mid-size / executive car manufactured by BMW since 1972. The car, now in its sixth generation, is sold in sedan and touring body styles.... - 1983–1992 E30BMW E30The BMW E30 was a compact executive car produced by BMW. It was replaced by the BMW E36 in 1990. BMW continued to produce the cabriolet E30 well into 1993. The Touring remained in production until 1994 when the E36 touring replaced it...
320iBMW 3 SeriesThe BMW 3 Series is a compact executive car manufactured by the German automaker BMW since May 1975. Successor to the BMW New Class, it has been produced in five different generations and in no less than five different body styles. It is BMW's best-selling model, accounting for around 30% of the... - 1988–1990 E34BMW E34The BMW E34 is the version of the BMW 5 Series automobile built from February 1988 to 1995 with the Touring model ending June 1996. It replaced the BMW E28 in 1988 and was replaced by the E39 in 1996....
520iBMW 5 SeriesThe BMW 5 Series is a mid-size / executive car manufactured by BMW since 1972. The car, now in its sixth generation, is sold in sedan and touring body styles....
M20B23
This motor was only used in 3-series models. The 323i began as an E21 model in 1977 and was phased out as the E30 models came into production. It initially used the same head and block as the carbureted 2.0 liter but used a longer 76.8 mm (3 in) stroke crank. It also featured Bosch K-Jetronic Injection. So equipped the E21 323i produced 143 hp. The E30 version featured the revised "731" head with larger intake ports and used L-Jetronic instead of K-Jet. Early E30 323s made 139 hp but later versions got updated cams and power rose to 150 hp.The early E30 323I, had more torque and was quicker.
The 2.3 liter motor was superseded by the more powerful 2.5 in 1985.
Applications:
- 1977–1982 E21BMW E21BMW E21 is the body designation for the first BMW 3 Series compact executive car, produced by the German automaker BMW from 1975 to 1983. This series was the immediate successor to the BMW 2002 and was superseded by the BMW E30 platform....
323iBMW 3 SeriesThe BMW 3 Series is a compact executive car manufactured by the German automaker BMW since May 1975. Successor to the BMW New Class, it has been produced in five different generations and in no less than five different body styles. It is BMW's best-selling model, accounting for around 30% of the... - 1982–1985 E30BMW E30The BMW E30 was a compact executive car produced by BMW. It was replaced by the BMW E36 in 1990. BMW continued to produce the cabriolet E30 well into 1993. The Touring remained in production until 1994 when the E36 touring replaced it...
323iBMW 3 SeriesThe BMW 3 Series is a compact executive car manufactured by the German automaker BMW since May 1975. Successor to the BMW New Class, it has been produced in five different generations and in no less than five different body styles. It is BMW's best-selling model, accounting for around 30% of the...
M20B25
The German version of the M20B25 produced 170 hp with a catalytic converter and 171 hp without. It featured the newly designed "885" head featuring an open, higher-volume combustion chamber design. The new engine had an 84 mm (3.3 in) bore, and 75 mm (3 in) stroke. The redesigned pistons and combustion chambers made better power, resisted detonation better and had higher thermodynamic efficiency. It was equipped with Bosch Motronic 1.1/1.3 Adaptive fuel injection. The new 12 valve engineering gave M20B25 the name 'verschieden', meaning 'different' in German. The engine is often referred to as 'the differing one' due to the anomalous valve system. With a minor modification that adjusts the idle speed of a cold engine, the 325i fulfills Euro 2 emission requirements in Germany, resulting in a lower tax compared to Euro 1 (as of 2005).Applications:
- 1986–1994 E30BMW E30The BMW E30 was a compact executive car produced by BMW. It was replaced by the BMW E36 in 1990. BMW continued to produce the cabriolet E30 well into 1993. The Touring remained in production until 1994 when the E36 touring replaced it...
3 SeriesBMW 3 SeriesThe BMW 3 Series is a compact executive car manufactured by the German automaker BMW since May 1975. Successor to the BMW New Class, it has been produced in five different generations and in no less than five different body styles. It is BMW's best-selling model, accounting for around 30% of the... - 1989–1990 E34BMW E34The BMW E34 is the version of the BMW 5 Series automobile built from February 1988 to 1995 with the Touring model ending June 1996. It replaced the BMW E28 in 1988 and was replaced by the E39 in 1996....
5 SeriesBMW 5 SeriesThe BMW 5 Series is a mid-size / executive car manufactured by BMW since 1972. The car, now in its sixth generation, is sold in sedan and touring body styles.... - 1988–1991 E30BMW E30The BMW E30 was a compact executive car produced by BMW. It was replaced by the BMW E36 in 1990. BMW continued to produce the cabriolet E30 well into 1993. The Touring remained in production until 1994 when the E36 touring replaced it...
Z1BMW Z1The BMW Z1 was a two-seat roadster developed by BMW and produced from March 1989 to June 1991. The Z1 featured doors which dropped down into the door sills. A total of 8,000 cars were produced.-History:...
M20B27
The 2.7 L M20B27 was designed for efficiency (thus the e for the Greek letter eta in 325e). It had an 84 mm (3.3 in) bore and a longer 81 mm (3.2 in) stroke for a total displacement of 2693 cc. The eta engine used the same "200" head casting as the carbureted 2.0 liter and K-jetronic 2.3 as featured in the E21 but only utilizes four camshaft bearings for reduced internal friction. The heads still have seven journals cast into them though and can be drilled to oil a seven bearing cam.Output was 122 hp at 4250 rpm for all models produced through model year 1987 and 127 hp at 4800 rpm for the final year of production in 1988. Peak torque is 170 ft.lbf at about 3250 rpm for all years of the eta. BMW built this engine with fuel economy and low-rev drivability as the top priority. In production it was coupled to a 2.93:1 differential for the E28 5 series and E30 3 series models starting model year 1986. The earlier 325e used a 2.79:1 ratio. The tall final drive gearing was required to keep the engine in its best operating range at various road speeds. These features did achieve exceptional efficiency, but at the expense of the sparkling performance typically associated with the marque.
All eta engines used Bosch Motronic engine management systems that were calibrated for maximum fuel economy. The result were very conservative spark advance and fuel delivery curves. In addition, the Motronic had a built-in rev limiter that engaged at about 4750 rpm. While this was hardly sporting, due to the very low overlap and short duration of the cam and the long, narrow intake tubing, the motor would not have made much power over 5,000 rpm anyway. The low redline was an added safety margin to compensate for the four bearing cam and soft valve springs.
In cars produced from September 1987, the eta engine got a substantial refresh from the factory. This included the more recent Bosch Motronic version 1.1/1.3 with adaptive idle control and revised circuitry, the "885" head casting with the larger valves, ports and revised combustion chambers; new pistons to fit the 2.7 L stroke with the 2.5 L head; a special one year only intake manifold with even narrower runners that opened up at the flanges to match the larger ports of the new head; a dual exhaust system; a special eta-tuned 7-bearing cam; and a 5300 rpm rev limit. A new 6000 rpm tachometer was also used.
Applications:
- 1982–1987 E30BMW E30The BMW E30 was a compact executive car produced by BMW. It was replaced by the BMW E36 in 1990. BMW continued to produce the cabriolet E30 well into 1993. The Touring remained in production until 1994 when the E36 touring replaced it...
325/325e/325esBMW 3 SeriesThe BMW 3 Series is a compact executive car manufactured by the German automaker BMW since May 1975. Successor to the BMW New Class, it has been produced in five different generations and in no less than five different body styles. It is BMW's best-selling model, accounting for around 30% of the... - 1982–1987 E28BMW E28The BMW E28 BMW 5-Series was made between 1981 and 1988. It replaced the BMW E12 in 1981 and was replaced by the BMW E34 in 1989.E28 Production started in July 1981 and ended in December 1987...
525e (or 528e in the US)BMW 5 SeriesThe BMW 5 Series is a mid-size / executive car manufactured by BMW since 1972. The car, now in its sixth generation, is sold in sedan and touring body styles....
M20 Tuning and Modification
Options vary according to which version of the engine is used as a base. The primary limiting factor in these engines is the 2-valve head design which is good for what it is but is easily bested by later 4-valve designs as found in the M50-series in terms of air-flow potential. All versions of the cylinder head can benefit from flow porting and larger valves and even the "200" can have its ports and chambers opened up to the same dimensions as the "885". All versions can benefit from more aggressive cams such as those from Alpina, Schrick or any other reputable manufacturer. For street use, the practical upper limit of cam duration is 284 intake and 284 exhaust. Any more duration and idle quality and driveability start to deteriorate noticeably, particularly with the stock induction, fueling and ignition systems. In all cases, the fuel/ignition system should be revised accordingly to deal with the extra airflow.Exhaust upgrades also produce good results from the use of tubular exhaust manifolds (headers) and freer flowing exhausts in general. It must be noted that with the possible exception of the muffler, the original BMW exhaust system from the 325i already flows quite well. Eta exhausts and 320 exhausts(except for late production examples) are more restrictive.
Motronic cars can benefit from high performance chips that remap fuel and spark maps to run on higher-octane fuel. Manufacturers include E.A.T, Conforti as well as many others. Chip selection should be based on the maker's reputation and feedback from current users. K-Jet cars can accommodate flow upgrades and displacement boosts with relative ease and usually require only basic mixture and fuel pressure adjustments for street cars. K-jet does not tolerate radical cams though since it needs a continuous vacuum to actuate the air-flow plate correctly. L-jet cars are more limited since they cannot be chipped and adjustments to fuel pressure and to the air-flow sensor need to be done with extreme care to ensure good results. Simply boosting fuel pressure or adjusting the AFM spring tension without checking the resultant change in mixture can lead to more problems than it solves.
Various intake manifolds were used on injected cars. K-jet cars can only use the original intake since the others do not accommodate mechanical injectors. The intakes on all other models are interchangeable with the best one being from the 325i owing to the larger throttle body, wider tube diameter and shorter overall length for better flow and more power at higher revs. Eta cars up to September 1987 using the "200" head should get the ports opened up to match the wider tubes of the 325i manifold while cars using the 731 head (E30 320i and 323i) require no such modification.
Carbureted 320s have a different manifold configuration and the only easy improvements to an otherwise stock engine are porting and carburetor upgrades. The manifold can also be deleted outright in favor of a custom triple side-draft setup but this would only yield satisfactory results when combined with a cam and some porting.
Aftermarket tuners
Alpina and Hartge build higher powered M20s based on stock engines. Their usual approach was to gas-flow the heads, install larger valves, higher compression pistons, more aggressive cams, headers, custom exhaust systems and then tune everything accordingly. Using this approach, Alpina got 170 hp from the 2.3, 190 hp from the 2.5 and 210 from their 2.7 (based on the 325i engine but with the longer stroke modified M21 Turbo-diesel crank). Hartge's results were similar while using similar approaches.Increasing displacement
Owners of 2.0 and 2.3 liter cars would do well to replace their engine blocks outright in favor of a 325i/Eta block with its larger bore. These blocks can easily be adapted to accommodate the ancillaries from the smaller engines with little or no modification depending on the model they are to be installed in. E21 owners not wishing to upgrade their injection systems for their strokers may still follow the guidelines below but must re-use and re-tune their existing carb or K-Jet systems and their necessary hardware. Furthermore, cars originally using a distributor that base an engine upgrade on a Motronic block will have to re-use all the parts relative to the distributor drive since these are absent on the Motronic block. However, note that the block in the AWD 325iX is a design unique to the iX with a completely different lubrication system and is not interchangeable with the others without a much more complex adaptation.Eta-based 2.7
Generally, where strokers are concerned the smallest and easiest to build are 2.7 Eta-based. The cast Eta crank, contrary to popular myth, is strong and is proven to over 7500 rpm. Engine builders like Jim Rowe of Metric Mechanic routinely use the Eta crank in their stroker builds. The forged crank from an M21 turbo-diesel with the same stroke as the Eta can also be used but it is heavier and unnecessary for moderate-rpm street applications.Super Eta-based
The easiest is to start with a September 1987 onward Super Eta and installing a 325i cam and springs, a complete 325i intake manifold with injectors (because 2.5 run on 12 volts,2.7 run on 5 volts) and throttle and plugging in the 325i engine control unit. Depending on which cam, chip and intake is used, this combination can make 180-200 hp with the stock 8.5:1 compression ratio and will rev to 6800 rpm.325i based
Starting with a regular M20B25, acquire an Eta crank and use Super Eta pistons and rods or custom pistons with the 325i rods. A crankshaft from the M21 diesel engine may also be used as it is dimensionally equivalent to the ETA crankshaft; it is also forged, where the ETA crankshaft is cast. Eta, 320 and 323 rods are all 130 mm (5.1 in) long while 325i rods are 135 mm (5.3 in). Regular Eta pistons WILL NOT WORK OPTIMALLY because they are not matched to the "885" head. Results are the same as for the Super Eta and will be better if custom-made higher compression pistons are used.Regular 2.7 Eta based
This is one option that many have discredited over the years but has been proven to work quite well. Simply find a 2.7L ETA engine and swap on the complete head off of a 325i. This is all that is needed for the engine. The result is 8.3:1 compression which is on the low end for a NA motor but is perfect for a turbo car. In fact, cars with this setup have made over 400 rwhp with the stock ETA bottom end.If you are starting with a eta equipped car, this will require an upgrade to Motronic 1.1/1.3 from a 325i in order to get the desired revs and fuel/spark mapping. This will require the use of the entire engine harness, ECM, front crank pulley with crank sensor and bracket, all the sensors (including AFM), injectors (Etas built before September 1987 with the older Motronic system use low-impedance injectors, wereas the 325i computer must use high-impedance injectors) , also 325i plug wires and the EVAP purge solenoid. An instrument cluster with the 7000 rpm tachometer and a small wiring modification to make the tach work will also be necessary. Owners of Etas made before December 1986 will need to widen the hole where the engine wiring harness goes into the car. Owners of older Etas that have a rectangular plug joining the engine harness to the fuse box instead of a round one will have to change to the later model fuse box or splice all the wires and make a custom connection.
2.8, 2.9, 3.0 and 3.15
All of these options will require custom pistons except for the 2.8 which uses regular 325i pistons with eta rods. Mild build may be able to run factory fuel injection system with larger injectors, but for high power builds some sort of computer upgrade is required. With the exception of the 2.8, all should use 135 mm (5.3 in) rods sourced from a 325i. A much better option is to use the lighter weight rods from M52B28, S52B32 or M54B30 (these are the same part number) without any additional modification. Aftermarket rods are also available but not necessary for naturally aspirated builds. The stock rods have been proven over 7500 rpms and hundreds of horsepower.Non-Eta-based strokers use the forged crankshafts from an M52, S50US, S52US, or M54 engines. These cranks all fit neatly into the M20 block with little modification. Block clearance should be checked and adjusted accordingly especially if using E30 325i rods. The installation of a spacer on the front of the crankshaft is needed to accommodate the front crank seal on the M20 and a different front crank bolt must be used. Sometimes a modified intermediate shaft is used where block clearance issues arise. All of these extra parts should come with any stroker kit sold by a reputable vendor.
Performance will vary depending on what other mods, if any, are made (cams, porting, exhausts etc.)and the quality of tuning.
2.8
Option 1: Eta-based (81mm stroke). Same as 2.7 options above except that the block gets bored out to 86 mm (3.4 in) and custom pistons are usedOption 2: m52 84mm crank (casting number 1748751 or part numbers [not found on crankshaft]11211433026 or 11211709059) with 325i pistons and ETA rods. This is the only stroker other than the 2.7 to use all stock parts. Using the m52 crank, 130 mm (5.1 in) ETA rods and 325i pistons results in the same compression height as a stock 325i, plus the increased displacement results in 9.7:1 compression ratio. Some have commented that this is a less than ideal rod stroke ratio of 1.54, but in fact the s52 is even worse at 1.51.
am e block or extensive modification to the bottom of the cylinder in order to clear the counterweights/connecting rods during a rotation
though the pistons will require modification in order to clear the counterweights of the crank, or the crank needs to be lightened by removing surface from the outer radius of the crank in order to clear the pistons.
this nets about a 50 horsepower and 65 torque gain over stock do to the massive increase in stroke
2.9
Same as 2.8 Option 2 but block bored to 86 mm (3.4 in) for 2.9 liters of displacement.3.0
Option 1: Block bored to 86mm, 85.8 mm (3.4 in) S50B30US crank used for 3.0 liters of displacement.Option 2: Bore unchanged (84mm), Install 89.6 mm (3.5 in) crank from S52US or M54B30 for 3.0 liters.
3.15/3.2
In this option, the block is bored to 86 mm (3.4 in) and the 89.6 mm (3.5 in) crank is used for 3.15 liters. It has been reported that engine-builders have bored out as far as 86.4 for an even 3.2 liters but this is beyond the generally accepted design limitations of the M20 block.the single fastest way to gain horsepower with nearly no modification is a standalone engine management, gains of 45 wheel horsepower and 50 wheel torque have been known on 87 pump gas, and as much as 80 wheel hp running e85 (the only additional modification is 36lb fuel injectors)
-Extrude hone intake: an abrasive clay-like material is fed through the manifold to eliminate imperfections deep inside. Costly and worthwhile only if building larger stroker.
-P-Flow/Cold air intake: Will change induction sound to something more throaty but will accomplish little if anything at all on a stock motor since the stock intake is already well designed and located. A badly executed system will do more harm than good while a well-executed one will only yield slight results.
-M30 AFM: Larger flap for more intake airflow. Consists in installing the electronic section of the M20 AFM onto the larger M30 AFM. Tricky to do and difficult to tune correctly. Don't bother unless building larger stroker. Results generally overstated.
-MAF conversion: replaces AFM with hot-wire style MAF on Motronic cars. Needs software to run correctly. Consider only on larger engines.
-M30 injectors: Higher flow injectors generally help prevent mixture from leaning out at higher revs on modified engines. Good easy mod just be sure to be using correct impedance injector for given injection system. As a rule, E34 535i injectors will work with Motronic 1.1/1.3 systems on M20s. Any others should be checked by consulting with Bosch technical help.
-ITBs: Expensive and require extensive custom fabrication and standalone injection system. Not worthwhile unless building a race engine.
-Forced induction: By far the most effective means of increasing power output, with tremendous potential available for far less than the cost of a NA stroker engine. A stock engine with head studs will reliably support over 20 psi (1.4 bar) with intercooling, a good tune and a sufficiently large turbine. Standalone engine management should be considered mandatory for boost pressures over 1 bar. The bottom ends are very robust and will be the last parts to sustain damage if detonation occurs. The head gasket will fail first, which can crack the cylinder head if the engine is run for very long in that condition. They tolerate a considerable amount of detonation at lower boost pressures but become more sensitive as boost increases. The driver must listen carefully to the engine to avoid damage if detonation occurs. Aftermarket MLS head gaskets resist detonation slightly better which can result in damage to the piston ring lands in the event of severe, sustained detonation. Even slight detonation is audible with a full exhaust system while moderate detonation can usually be heard over an "open dump" wastegate.
External links
- BMW E30 Timing Belt replacement procedure Most important maintenance item on BMW M20 motor
- Pictorial for Timing Belt and Water pump Replacement Timing Belt and Water pump replacement with lots of pictures for the M20.