M50 vs S50

[e46s54dr]

I tried searching but couldn't find a definite answer. How can you identify a s50 from an m50? I'm about to purchase a s50 engine and I'm wondering is there anyway to identify it other than the mpower valve cover. Thanks in advance. -David

[Danny]

The vin stamped on the block

[e46s54dr]

Is there a certain set of numbers or letters that will let me know it's a s50 or would I have to run the serial numbers by the dealer?

[gregslow318i]

should have a 30 stamped on the block in the casting plate

[e46s54dr]

thanks guys, I'll keep my eye out for that!

[matt]

The vin stamped on the block

No such thing.

Is there a certain set of numbers or letters that will let me know it's a s50 or would I have to run the serial numbers by the dealer?

You can look for the 30 on the block, or there might be a VIN sticker on the back of the cylinder head. If it start with WBS it's an M car, if it starts with WBA it's a regular BMW.

[ethirtydavid]

There will be a VIN number on a thin metal plate on transmission side of engine in the back on the head. This can go missing though-

One other sure place to find true identification is found on the block right by the driver side engine mount arm (firewall side).

-Read that number to BMW dealership and they will be able to identify the engine

[DesertBMW]

Is there a certain set of numbers or letters that will let me know it's a s50 or would I have to run the serial numbers by the dealer?

Under the serial number there is a engine code:

30 6 S1 (is 1995 3.0L M3 engine)

25 6 S1 (is 2.5L M50 engine)

32 6 S1 (is S52 engine)

28 6 S1 (is 2.8L M52 engine)

25 6 S2 (is 2.8L M52 aluminum block engine)

30 6 S3 (is 3.0L M54 aluminum block engine)

[justin_l_]

http://www.ge39.com/files/zeigeinfo.pdf