BMW M52B28 (2.8 L, DOHC) Engine Specs, Review & Service Data

BMW M52B28 Engine Specs

The BMW M52B28 is a 2.8 liters (170.44 cu-in, 2,793 cc) straight-six, four-stroke cycle natural aspirated gasoline engine from BMW M52-family. The BMW M52B28 engine was made in Munich Plant (Munich, Germany) from 1995 to 2000.

This BMW M52B28 engine has an 84.0 mm (3.31 in) cylinder bore and 84.0 mm (3.31 in) piston stroke. This BMW M52B28 engine has a compression ratio of 10.2:1 and a redline of 6,500 rpm. 

BMW M52B28 engine delivered 193 PS (142 kW; 190 HP) at 5,300 rpm of maximum horsepower and 280 N·m (28.6 kg·m, 206.4 ft·lb) at 3,950 rpm of peak torque.

The BMW M52B28 engine features a cast-aluminum alloy cylinder block with Nikasil-coated cylinder liners. The fuel engine version was available with cast iron sleeves for nations with high sulphur content. 

The BMW M52B28 engine aluminum cylinder head uses chain-driven double overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder (24 valves in total).

BMW M52B28 engine is fitted with a Siemens MS 41.0, DME (Digital Motor Electronics) system, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing System from BMW), and a distributorless ignition system with individual ignition coils for each cylinder.

The breakdown of the BMW M52B28 engine code is as follows:

  • M52 – Engine Family
  • B – Gasoline
  • 28 – 2.5 Liter Displacement

BMW M52B28 Engine Specs

BMW M52B28 (2.8 L, DOHC) Engine Specs

Engine Specifications

Engine code M52B28
Layout Four stroke, Inline-6 (Straight-6)
Fuel type Gasoline
Production 1995-2000
Displacement 2.8 L, 2,793 cc (170.44 cu in)
Fuel system Fuel injection system
Power adder None
Max. horsepower 193 PS (142 kW; 190 HP) at 5,300 rpm
Max. torque 280 N·m (28.6 kg·m, 206.4 ft·lb) at 3,950 rpm
Firing order 1-5-3-6-2-4
Dimensions (L x H x W):
Weight ~163 kg(360 lbs)

Cylinder head

Cylinder head alloy Aluminum
Valve Arrangement: DOHC, chain driven
Valves: 24 (4 valves per cylinder)
Intake/Exhaust duration: 228°/228°
Valve head diameter: INTAKE 33.0 mm (1.2992 in)
EXHAUST 30.5 mm (1.2008 in)
Valve steam diameter: INTAKE 6.0 mm (0.2362 in)
EXHAUST 6.0 mm (0.2362 in)

Cylinder block

Cylinder block alloy Aluminum alloy
Compression ratio: 10.2:1
Cylinder bore: 84.0 mm (3.31 in)
Piston stroke: 84.0 mm (3.31 in)
Number of piston rings (compression / oil): 2 / 1
Number of main bearings: 7
Cylinder inner diameter (standard): 84.000-84.010 mm (3.3071-3.3075 in)
Piston skirt diameter (standard): 83.980-83.989 mm (3.3063-3.3066 in)
Piston pin outer diameter: 22.000 mm (0.8661 in)
Piston ring side clearance: Top 0.020-0.060 mm (0.0008-0.0024 in)
Second 0.030-0.065 mm (0.0012-0.0026 in)
Oil 0.020-0.060 mm (0.0008-0.0024 in)
Piston ring end gap: Top 0.100-0.300 mm (0.0039-0.0118 in)
Second 0.200-0.400 mm (0.0079-0.0157 in)
Oil 0.250-0.500 mm (0.0098-0.0197 in)
Crankshaft journal diameter: 60.000 mm (2.3622 in)
Crankpin diameter: 45.000 mm (1.7717 in)

Maintenance Data

Compression pressure
Minimum 10.0 kg/cm2 (9.9 bar, 145 psi) / 350 rpm
Compression differential limit between cylinders: 1.0 kg/cm2 (1.0 bar, 15 psi) / 350 rpm
Oil system
Recommended engine oil SAE 5W-30
Oil type BMW LL-01 or LL-01FE
Engine oil capacity (Refill capacity) ~ 6.5 L (6.87 US. qt, 5.72 Imp. qt.)
Oil change interval, km (miles) 5,000-10,000 (3,000-6,000)
Ignition system
Spark plug Bosch: F8LDCR
Spark plug torque: 25 N·m (2.5 kg·m, 18.4 ft·lb)

Vehicle Applications

Model Years Produced
BMW 328i, 328is (E36) 1995-1999
BMW 528i (E39) 1995-1998
BMW 728i, 728iL (E38) 1995-1998
BMW Z3 2.8 (E36/7) 1997-1998
Land Rover Defender (South Africa) 1997-2000

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Final Words

This concludes our discussion of the BMW M50B25 engine specs and review; however, if you have any questions regarding this article, please submit them in the comment section below. We will do our best to respond to you as soon as possible.

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