M50 and M52 Engine

The range includes capacities of 2lt, 2.5lt and 2.8lt. Found in the 3 and 5 series E36 and E34 chassis, they come in NON or SINGLE VANOS specification and are readily available, at an economic price, in scrap yard near you.

The mighty TWO LITRE...................FORGET IT, WALK AWAY

The better TWO POINT FIVE.

The best of the bunch, tough, reliable, economic, cheap and available in large numbers.

Avoid high mileage examples, unless you want a rebuild project, and be very wary of a donor vehicles with front impact damage, as internal calamities can befall the chain system, locator pins drop out of their appointed positions, and "seize" the engine.

The TWO POINT EIGHT

Ally block with the curse of NIKASIL, up to '97.

This engine can be modified to produce good power and torque, by removing the very restrictive inlet manifold, it's the same as the one fitted to the two litre engine, and replacing it with a larger bore example, complete with the appropriate throttle body from the two point five version.

Buying second hand can be a bit of a lottery, full service history is a must, and regular oil changes are the best way to protect your investment.