Engine numbers

[ThomR]

Hey all...

Trying to figure out which exact engine is in my son's 89 BMW E30. Where are the engine numbers located and how do I use them to figure out which of the possible engines in in this car. Can the VIN number be used? Please advise.

Thanks

Thom

[whodwho]

Unless it has been swapped or imported it will me a M20B25

[e30construction]

Unless it has been swapped or imported it will me a M20B25

how do you get this when it cld be a 318 or something...but anyways theres a website that u can google search where u put the vin number in and it will tell you what your car is orignally, 318i 325e/i/ix etc.

[ELVA164]

Here's one site that worked for me - http://www.vin-decoder.net/

[Holland]

Try RealOEM or bmwfans. In 89 the only engine available in the US was the M20B25, unless an M3.

[e30construction]

Try RealOEM or bmwfans. In 89 the only engine available in the US was the M20B25, unless an M3.

did not know this..guess u learn something new everyday..so there wasnt an 89 318?

[jrobie79]

nope, 1991 was the only model year for the 318iS, same goes for the 4 door equivalent IIRC

[jeffnhiscars]

Another way to tell its not an M42 or an S14 is if there are 5 or more spark plugs :-)

[MR 325]

did not know this..guess u learn something new everyday..so there wasnt an 89 318?

The 318 was only made in 84-85 (M10) and 91 (M42).

[TobyB]

but all the way through in Europe, and with several 4- banger options, depending on year.

t