Production 2000–2006 | ||
![]() | ||
Manufacturer BMW, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG |
Part 1 bmw m54 engine disassembly get to know your engine
The BMW M54 is a straight-6 DOHC piston engine which replaced the M52 and was produced from 2000-2006. There was no "technical update" (TU) version of the M54 produced, therefore the engine specifications remained the same throughout its 7-year production. The M54 began to be phased out following the introduction of the BMW N52 in 2004.
Contents
- Part 1 bmw m54 engine disassembly get to know your engine
- Part 5 bmw m54 engine disassembly cams and head removal
- M54B22
- M54B25
- M54B30
- S54
- S54B32
- S54B32HP
- References

The main differences between the M54 and its M52TU predecessor are the non-return fuel system, a fully electronic throttle (without mechanical backup), an electronically controlled thermostat and that the North American engines no longer use an iron block. The M54 uses an aluminium block and aluminium cylinder head with cast iron cylinder liners and, like the M52TU, the M54 features variable valve timing to both camshafts (called dual VANOS by BMW) and a dual length intake manifold (called "DISA" by BMW).

Part 5 bmw m54 engine disassembly cams and head removal
M54B22
The 2,171 cc (132 cu in) M54B22 produces 125 kW (168 hp) at 6100 rpm and 210 N·m (150 lb·ft) of torque at 3500 rpm.
Applications:
M54B25

The M54B25 is a 2,494 cc (152 cu in) engine with an 84 mm (3.3 in) bore and 75 mm (3.0 in) stroke. Output is 141 kW (189 hp) at 6000 rpm and 245 N·m (181 lb·ft) of torque at 3500 rpm.
Applications:

M54B30
At 2,979 cc (182 cu in), the M54B30 is the largest M54 engine. The extra capacity is achieved using an increased stroke of 89.6 mm (3.5 in). Power is 170 kW (230 hp) at 5,900 rpm and torque is 300 newton metres (220 lb·ft) at 3,500 rpm. There was also a slightly more powerful version of the M54B30 that could be ordered as part of the M Performance package in Canada or the Performance package in the USA. This engine used different camshafts and reprogrammed engine management to develop 175 kW (235 hp) at 5,900 rpm and 301 newton metres (222 lb·ft) at 3500 rpm and have a slightly higher redline of 6800 rpm (although the Canadian cars still show the limiter at 6500 rpm on the tachometer).
The M54B30 was on the Ward's 10 Best Engines list through 2001-2003.
Applications:
S54
The S54 is the high performance equivalent to the M54. It was used in the E46 M3, Z3 M Coupé / Roadster, and the E85 Z4 M Roadster / E86 M Coupe. The S54 is technically an evolution of the iron-block S52B32. It shares few major components with the S52 and differences include:
S54B32
Applications:
S54B32HP
The upgraded S54 engine used in the E46 M3 CSL, officially designated S54 B32HP, has a high flow carbon fiber air intake, modified valve and camshaft timing, and a retuned DME using a MAP sensor instead of the MAF sensor found in a standard M3. However, the engine is further modified in order to reduce weight – it features a lightweight exhaust manifold (made standard on late models of the normal M3) and thinner exhaust piping. Additionally, the intake and exhaust manifolds are slightly straightened to improve engine responsiveness.