Identify the Engine...

[Beej '86 325es]

Let's play this game again, since I'm having so much trouble...It's a '99 for sure.

[trent]

BJ,

I already told you, that cylinder head is a dual vanos cylinder head. I am 100% positive. Dual solenoids, larger valve cover, later style intake.

As for if your S50 head will bolt on you have some playing around to do if that is all you are concerned about.
Who gives a shit about the dual-vanos head if the S50 will bolt up.

However, I am sure you could sell that M54 head to somebody in dire need to cracked theirs already.

[AdamF 88iS]

Looks ilke M54 to me.

[lukasbmw]

That is indeed an M54.

From what I have heard, the M54 is much, much harder to convert to an E30 because of wiring issues. Yet it has been done, as someone posted pictures not too long ago. If you want to find the thread, search for LUKASBMW as I posted in that thread and do not have THAT many posts here.

I also believe that while the M50 and M52 can share parts, the M54 cannot share parts with the M50 or M52. Stu is the guy to talk to on this.

It looks like you might have to re-sell all that stuff bro...

[Beej '86 325es]

Looking through ETK some more, I have finally determined that in 9/98 they switched the 2.8 to a dual vanos. From the many sites I had gotten info from, I was under the impression that dual vanos was not available in the z3 until the 2.5 and 3.0.

However, I do no think it will be a total loss. My partial S50 head is missing the timing gears, chain, cam carriers and such, and I am finding that some of these parts will work in the S50 head. The block and head are obviously no use to me, which really tweeks my mellon.

I see a lot of eBay auctions in my future.

[kylebes1]

That is a tough break man, get a the aluminum m52 (2.8 single VANOS) and use the s50 head.

[RedBaron86325]

Stu is the guy to talk to on this.

Correction--Stu's dad is the guy to talk to on this.

[Jand3rson]

Does BMW make the most beautiful inline-6 engines on the planet, or what? :D

[kylebes1]

Does BMW make the most beautiful inline-6 engines on the planet, or what? :D

yes they do.

[ETA fro]

Does BMW make the most beautiful inline-6 engines on the planet, or what? :D

i dunno, a well done supra is right up there

[hamann318is]

Does BMW make the most beautiful inline-6 engines on the planet, or what? :D

S54 = The most wonderful I-6 ever conceived by man. :D