The successor to the successful M50B25 series was the M52B28 engine in 1994. Practically similar engines with various changes and development improvements. This is a 2.8-litre naturally aspirated inline six-cylinder engine that quickly became popular among enthusiasts due to its reliability, flexibility and great balance between power and comfort. With an output of approximately 193 hp (142 kW) and 280 Nm of torque, the M52B28 offered excellent traction from low revs, making it an ideal engine for models such as the BMW E36 328i, E39 528i or Z3. Nowadays, it is relatively affordable and offers ideal drift performance with minimal service requirements. Due to its popularity, there are many parts available to increase performance, whether by turbocharging or plug-and-play modifications. We will show some of these improvements in the following steps.
Basic maintenance
It is ideal to complete all service work before making any modifications, as this engine is over 30 years old. The fuel, oil and pollen filters are a good start, followed by replacing the fuel and vacuum hoses. This engine uses classic 8mm rubber hoses for fuel delivery and 4mm vacuum hoses for controlling the fuel pressure regulator. The stock hoses can harden and crack due to heat and age, which can result in reduced performance or a fire when in contact with a hot engine.
In addition to fuel hoses, there are frequent problems with hoses in the water system. The solution is to replace the original rubber hoses with silicone ones, which have multiple layers of durable braid. This braid maintains the shape, durability and rigidity of the hose even in uncompromising racing conditions. Among other things, these hoses beautify the engine compartment.
The ideal solution is also to replace the water system radiator with an aluminium one for the ideal cooling solution of this legendary engine. The offer also includes a Mishimoto thermostat with an opening temperature of 68 degrees. The combination of these parts guarantees low operating temperatures and high reliability.
Ignition coils and spark plugs may also no longer fulfil their function and cause several problems, from incorrect ignition to overheating and thus misfire, which causes the engine to run on 5 or fewer cylinders. Fortunately, there is a solution to this problem from HP Ignition. Direct replacement of coils with better ignition and even the possibility of auto diagnosis.
M50B25 Intake manifold
There are several ways to bring more air into the engine and get a few extra horsepower. The easiest way for a BMW E36 is to install an open intake. In this case, you can decide to go your own way and assemble the intake components according to your wishes based on the average air mass and the subsequent connection of silicone hoses and a sports filter. Or you can use the offer of complete intakes from K&N or Simota, which fit into the engine compartment without any modifications and, in addition to visual enrichment, provide the engine with more air and at the same time shade the filter itself from sucking in warm air from the radiator.
There is never enough air, and therefore, the best solution for getting an aggressive intake sound and a few extra horsepower is to install an intake from the M50B25 engine, which is less restrictive than the original B28 and provides the largest volume of air. However, this is not a "plug and play" solution because it is necessary to adapt the fuel rail with injectors, idle valve, various brackets and oil level from the original engine to this intake, which is originally screwed to the original intake.
Installation procedure:
1. - Keep the M50B25 throttle body and intake manifold
2. - Make a new fuel rail bracket and intake bracket from the bottom
3. - Make the oil level line bracket
4. - Implement the idle valve from the M52B28 using parts from the original intake or by purchasing an aftermarket kit
5. - Blind/connect the water line to the throttle body
6. - Remove the original oil separator and install the Oil Catch Tank
After installation, and maximum performance is achieved, adjustment of the engine control unit is required.
Stainless steel exhaust manifold
Improving the intake should be associated with replacing restrictive cast iron manifolds with stainless steel ones. This replacement ensures better exhaust gas flow, which in itself has a benefit of 5-15 horsepower. Better sound and long service life are other advantages of this upgrade. Serial cast iron manifolds can crack or rust over time to the point that their eventual service is very difficult or even impossible, which is reflected in a reduction in performance or high prices for service operations. In our offer, you will find several variants of stainless steel manifolds, whether for atmospheric or turbo applications.
Additional adjustments
Conventional rubber engine mounts wear out over time, soften and lose their ability to hold the engine firmly in place. The result is vibrations, inaccurate shifting and poorer power transmission to the wheels. Polyurethane mounts are much stiffer than stock ones, and thanks to them, the engine remains more stable, which means a more immediate response to the gas and more precise shifting. In addition, they are more durable and last longer, even during sporty driving. However, care must be taken to protect them from the high temperature radiating from the exhaust pipes by using thermal insulation or a thermal insulation shield. In addition to engine mounts, we also offer gearbox polyurethane mounts and other chassis mounts.
A magnetic oil screw is a simple but very effective way to protect your engine. There is a strong magnet in the head of the screw that captures small metal shavings while driving that would otherwise move freely in the oil. When changing the oil, you can check for unusual metal particles forming in the engine, which can be an early warning of bearing wear or other problems. It is a cheap preventative measure that can detect a malfunction early before it causes more serious damage.
Hydraulic power steering can significantly overheat its fluid during intensive driving, especially on the circuit or when drifting. This leads to foaming of the oil, reduced efficiency of the power steering and, in worst cases, damage to the pump. Installing an external power steering fluid cooler helps to keep its temperature within safe limits. The cooler needs to be placed between the reservoir and the steering inlet and will cool the stressed fluid without the help of any pump.
During demanding driving, engine oil overheats, which reduces its ability to lubricate and protect the engine. An external oil cooler, connected through the oil filter cap, allows the oil to circulate through the cooler and reduce its temperature before returning to the engine. This treatment significantly improves lubrication, reduces wear and extends the life of the oil. Some adapters also allow the connection of temperature and pressure sensors, which allows the driver to monitor the oil level in real time via gauges in the cabin. This is a practical solution for anyone who regularly loads the engine, whether on the circuit, during drifts or for performance modifications.
Most engines use the recirculation of oil vapours back into the intake via the crankcase ventilation (PCV) system. However, this process causes oil vapour and moisture to enter the intake, which leads to the formation of carbon on the intake valves and intake walls. By installing an oil catch tank, a separation container, this dirt is captured before it reaches the engine. The result is a cleaner engine, reduced exhaust smoke, more efficient combustion and longer component life. This is an ideal treatment, especially for naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines, which are more prone to clogging. In the case of the M52B28 engine, it is advisable to use a container with a vent to the atmosphere. However, you should expect an increased odour under the hood due to this ventilation.
Reliable brakes are the basis for safety and performance. Brake discs and pads from the Rotinger brand offer an excellent ratio between price, performance and aesthetics. Drilled and grooved discs improve cooling and brake dust removal, thereby reducing the risk of brakes overheating during repeated braking. Brake linings of this brand ensure consistent braking performance even in demanding conditions. In addition, the sporty look of the perforated discs will give the car not only performance, but also style. Rotinger is an excellent choice for everyday driving and more sporty use.
