BMW E46 Engine Information 1.0

[Giannis]

Giannis submitted a new resource:

BMW E46 Engine Information (version 1.0) - Everything about the S54

This pdf contains all the info about the engine from the E46 M3, the S54. There are details about every part, as well as technical drawings and sketches.

Read more about this resource...

 

[Levi68]

Best BMW engine ever. Just needed a lightweight redesign an that would be it.

 

[Sunny]

^S54 was an awesome engine, but I would contend S65 bettered it in almost every possible way.

 

[Levi68]

^S54 was an awesome engine, but I would contend S65 bettered it in almost every possible way.

In what way exactly I would like to know? The S65 was a nice engine because it was bespoke and close to a Ferrari engine, a part from the lack of flat plain crank (main difference between S65 and P65).

Both engines had port injection, ITB, high-revs, wide torque band for NA, etc.

The RS4 engine was there before the S65. I'd say S65 is better, but I have no detailed technical facts that prove anything.

 

[Sunny]

In what way exactly I would like to know?

How about more power, more torque, lighter weight, more compact, higher red line, better low end torque, stronger high end...

but I have no detailed technical facts that prove anything.

What's new?

 

[Levi68]

How about more power, more torque, lighter weight, more compact, higher red line, better low end torque, stronger high end...

In that way yes, it is better. But the S54 is more special too me. And there would have been place for improvement, otherwise the new 911 either would have replaced its Flat6 by a V8.

but I have no detailed technical facts that prove anything.

What's new?

Shows you don't make any difference between my facts and "my facts".

 

[Sunny]

otherwise the new 911 either would have replaced its Flat6 by a V8.

Jeez, Levi, what nether regions do you pull these fragments of pure unadulterated bs from?

 

[Levi68]

Jeez, Levi, what nether regions do you pull these fragments of pure unadulterated bs from?

That bunny is so cute.

 

[Sunny]

That bunny is so cute.

Haha, I was half expecting you to fly off on a tangent - "That bunny is so cute, that is Porsche decided to do away with air cooled engines"

 

[ateekt]

I'm proud to have that phenomenal gem under my daily-driver's hood, the E46-M3.

 

[330CIZHP]

^S54 was an awesome engine, but I would contend S65 bettered it in almost every possible way.

Agreed. I always loved and still love the metallic, angry scream of the S54, but the S65 in my opinion is the 2nd best engine BMW ever put into production (behind the S85 V10).

Although, I have heard some people on BMW forums argue the S54 has a better peak ft-lbs/liter torque ratio, but my counter argument to that would be, the S65 has overall superior torque curve all across the rev range, which is the most important thing.

 

[330CIZHP]

The S65 v8 and the s85 v10 are the two best engines bmw has ever produced in terms of technology, innovation and torque/power delivery. Especially the 65 which has THE flattest and broader torque curve I have ever seen.

Agreed. They are the best engines ever BMW produced and most likely they will remain the best engines for a very long time.

 

[MathewBMW]

If you look at an 80's Ferrari market today, one of the main things the buyer avoid is the fuel injection version. This kind of technology wasn't good enough developed at the time, and it affects today the car's image and price among connoisseurs and collectors. In 20 to 30 years time I can almost foresee these M Cars highly regarded for their unique 'F1-derived' engines, the V10 and the 'V10 minus 2 cylinders'. Just for the engine they'll be saved. I dare to say that because of the SMG gearbox. It's a cronic problem today, imagine in 2030. The single-clutch automated gearbox will be like the 'fuel injection' in the 80s, a not that developed technology comparing to the double-clutch (except for Aventadors, 599 GTOs and 430 Scuderias, I hope). That's going to be the Achilles tendon together with the electronics. It will be easier to maintain an analogue E30 M3 rather than an E46 or E92, with sensors all over the place. Just look at the W140 today.

 

[330CIZHP]

BMW SMG have had a lot of issues because they were some of the earliest automated manuals and not developed enough and BMW supplier (I believe, Getrag) did not spend sufficient enough time testing and improving it.The double-clutch is also going through the same phase and is the "achilles heal" with a lot of problems. Many of the Ferrari 458 Italias are on their second or third DCTs.

I agree, I would buy a E90 M3 with a 6 speed manual for the reasons you explained.

Actually, from a reliability stand point, a well built and well engineered single-clutch will always be more reliable than a DCT because of its simpler and more organic design (hence the reason why it is still preferred application in endurance racing). For example, there are Lexus LFAs already with over 40,000 miles of hard track-only usage and very frequent runs to 9500 rpm and so far they have been bullet proof with zero problems.

If you look at an 80's Ferrari market today, one of the main things the buyer avoid is the fuel injection version. This kind of technology wasn't good enough developed at the time, and it affects today the car's image and price among connoisseurs and collectors. In 20 to 30 years time I can almost foresee these M Cars highly regarded for their unique 'F1-derived' engines, the V10 and the 'V10 minus 2 cylinders'. Just for the engine they'll be saved. I dare to say that because of the SMG gearbox. It's a cronic problem today, imagine in 2030. The single-clutch automated gearbox will be like the 'fuel injection' in the 80s, a not that developed technology comparing to the double-clutch (except for Aventadors, 599 GTOs and 430 Scuderias, I hope). That's going to be the Achilles tendon together with the electronics. It will be easier to maintain an analogue E30 M3 rather than an E46 or E92, with sensors all over the place. Just look at the W140 today.

 

[MathewBMW]

BMW SMG have had a lot of issues because they were some of the earliest automated manuals and not developed enough and BMW supplier (I believe, Getrag) did not spend sufficient enough time testing and improving it.The double-clutch is also going through the same phase and is the "achilles heal" with a lot of problems. Many of the Ferrari 458 Italias are on their second or third DCTs.

I agree, I would buy a E90 M3 with a 6 speed manual for the reasons you explained.

Actually, from a reliability stand point, a well built and well engineered single-clutch will always be more reliable than a DCT because of its simpler and more organic design (hence the reason why it is still preferred application in endurance racing). For example, there are Lexus LFAs already with over 40,000 miles of hard track-only usage and very frequent runs to 9500 rpm and so far they have been bullet proof with zero problems.

You are correct. But I didn't even thought about the 458, I know their gearbox issue. Now look at the PDK.