The BMW S38 B36 is a 3,535 cc, naturally aspirated inline-six petrol engine produced between 1989 and 1995. It features DOHC, 24-valve configuration with individual throttle bodies and a high-revving design. Rated at 236 kW (321 PS) at 7,000 rpm and 360 Nm of torque, this engine was developed specifically for the North American and Japanese market E34 M5.
Fitted exclusively to the E34 M5 in North America and Japan, the S38 B36 was engineered for high-performance driving dynamics and motorsport-derived refinement. Emissions compliance was achieved through a catalytic converter and lambda control system, meeting Tier 1 and Japanese 1989 emissions standards for its target markets. Its all-iron block with aluminum head and aggressive cam profiles provided exceptional responsiveness and a high-RPM power band.
One documented reliability concern is premature camshaft wear, particularly in early production units before 1991. This issue, referenced in BMW Motorsport Service Information Bulletin 11 12 89, is attributed to inadequate lubrication at the cam lobes under sustained high-RPM operation. In 1991, BMW revised the oil feed passages and introduced improved camshaft materials, significantly reducing failure rates in later models.
Production years 1989–1995 meet U.S. EPA Tier 1 and Japanese 1989 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/3836).
The BMW S38 B36 is a 3,535 cc inline-six naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for high-performance sedans (1989–1995). It combines DOHC architecture with individual throttle bodies and a high-revving design to deliver track-focused power delivery. Designed to meet U.S. and Japanese emissions standards, it balances motorsport-derived engineering with road legality.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,535 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-6, DOHC, 24-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 86.0 mm × 85.8 mm | |
| Power output | 236 kW (321 PS) @ 7,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 360 Nm @ 4,750 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch Motronic 1.1 electronic fuel injection | |
| Emissions standard | U.S. EPA Tier 1 / Japanese 1989 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Double-row roller chain (interference design) | |
| Oil type | BMW Longlife-98 (SAE 10W-40) | |
| Dry weight | 180 kg |
The naturally aspirated inline-six delivers high-RPM performance ideal for spirited driving but requires adherence to 10,000 km oil change intervals to prevent camshaft and bearing wear. BMW Longlife-98 (10W-40) oil is essential due to its shear stability and protection for the high-lift cam profile. Extended high-RPM operation or insufficient warm-up increases stress on the camshafts in pre-1991 engines. The Bosch Motronic 1.1 ECU is race-tuned but sensitive to fuel quality; always use premium unleaded (RON 98+). Post-1991 models feature revised oil feeds per BMW SIB 11 12 89, significantly enhancing long-term reliability.
Oil Specs: Requires BMW Longlife-98 specification (BMW SIB 11 12 89). ACEA A2/B2 compatible oils acceptable.
Emissions: U.S. EPA Tier 1 and Japanese 1989 certification applies to all models (1989–1995) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/3836).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output consistent across fuel qualities (BMW TIS Doc. A32100).
BMW Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A32100, A32140, A32200, SIB 11 12 89
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/3836)
DIN 70020:2004 Internal Combustion Engine Power Measurement
The BMW S38 B36 was used exclusively in BMW's E34 platform with longitudinal mounting and no licensed external applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-reinforced engine mounts in the E34 M5 and lightweight intake in the North American variant-and was replaced by the S38B38 in 1995 due to increased displacement, creating strict interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front-right side of the engine block near the starter motor (BMW TIS A32200). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('S' for S38 series). Pre-1991 models have silver valve covers with "S38" branding; post-1991 units use black valve covers with "S38" marking. Critical differentiation from M30: S38 B36 uses DOHC and individual throttle bodies; M30 uses SOHC and carburetor or single throttle body. Service parts require production date verification - camshafts for engines before 08/1991 are incompatible with later units due to revised oil feed design (BMW SIB 11 12 89).
The S38 B36's primary reliability risk is camshaft wear in early builds, with elevated incidence in track-driven vehicles. Internal BMW quality reports from 1991 noted a significant share of pre-1991 engines requiring camshaft replacement before 80,000 km, while UK DVSA records show low emissions-related failures due to robust catalytic converter design. Extended high-RPM operation and insufficient warm-up increase cam lobe stress, making oil quality and operational procedure critical.
Analysis derived from BMW technical bulletins (1989-1995) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1990-2000). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about BMW S38B36.
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