BMW built the M10B16 from 1962 to 1988. It is a 1.6 L naturally aspirated petrol inline-4 with 90 hp and 130 Nm, part of the M10 family. You will find it in the BMW E21 316 and BMW E30 316.
This guide is about the M10B16 specifically: its specification, the cars that use it, how it differs from the other M10 versions, what to check, prices from our stock and fitment answers for each model. For the history of the whole family, read our M10 guide.
- Capacity and layout: 1.6 L, inline-4, naturally aspirated
- Output: 90 hp and 130 Nm
- Production: 1962–1988
- Fitted to: 2 models across 2 chassis generations
- In our stock: ask the desk for the next arrival
M10B16 specifications
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine code | M10B16 |
| Family | M10 |
| Capacity | 1.6 L |
| Layout | Inline-4 |
| Fuel | Petrol |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 90 hp |
| Torque | 130 Nm |
| Specific output | 56 hp per litre |
| Production | 1962–1988 |
| Models | 2 |
Built from 1962 to 1988, the M10B16 displaces 1.6 L in an inline-4 layout and is naturally aspirated. It produces 90 hp and 130 Nm on petrol. That is about 56 hp and 81 Nm per litre, a relaxed tune aimed at torque, durability and economy. Within the M10 family, the M10B18 (105 hp) and M10B20 (125 hp) are more powerful, while the M10B15 (80 hp) is milder. It was fitted to the BMW E21 316 and BMW E30 316.
What the code M10B16 means
- M marks an M-series code, the naming BMW used for its engine families up to the early 2000s.
- 10 is the family number.
- B stands for petrol (from the German Benzin).
- 16 is the capacity in decilitres, so 1.6 litres.
Which BMW models use the M10B16
| Model | Generation | Built |
|---|---|---|
| BMW E21 316 | first 3 Series | 1975–1983 |
| BMW E30 316 | second 3 Series | 1982–1994 |
In the E21 first 3 Series (1975–1983), the M10B16 powered the 316. Engines from other models fit the E21 as long as the sump, mounts and ancillaries match, which we check against your VIN. All E21 engines
In the E30 second 3 Series (1982–1994), the M10B16 powered the 316. Engines from other models fit the E30 as long as the sump, mounts and ancillaries match, which we check against your VIN. All E30 engines
M10B16 compared with other M10 versions
| Code | Capacity | Power | Torque | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M10B15 | 1.5 L | 80 hp | 118 Nm | 1962–1964 |
| M10B16 | 1.6 L | 90 hp | 130 Nm | 1962–1988 |
| M10B18 | 1.8 L | 105 hp | 145 Nm | 1962–1988 |
| M10B20 | 2.0 L | 125 hp | 170 Nm | 1962–1988 |
M10B16 or M10B15?
The M10B15 has 10 hp less than the M10B16 (80 against 90 hp), from 1.5 L instead of 1.6 L, and was built 1962–1964. A different capacity means a different crankshaft, pistons or head, and different software. It can be fitted as an upgrade with the matching engine control unit and wiring, but it is a conversion rather than a straight replacement.
M10B16 or M10B18?
The M10B18 has 15 hp more than the M10B16 (105 against 90 hp), from 1.8 L instead of 1.6 L, and was built 1962–1988. A different capacity means a different crankshaft, pistons or head, and different software. It can be fitted as an upgrade with the matching engine control unit and wiring, but it is a conversion rather than a straight replacement.
M10B16 or M10B20?
The M10B20 has 35 hp more than the M10B16 (125 against 90 hp), from 2.0 L instead of 1.6 L, and was built 1962–1988. A different capacity means a different crankshaft, pistons or head, and different software. It can be fitted as an upgrade with the matching engine control unit and wiring, but it is a conversion rather than a straight replacement.
Common M10B16 problems
The M10B16 shares its weak points with the rest of the M10 family. These are the faults to check on a used unit and on your own engine. The full explanation of each is in the M10 guide.
| Known fault | What to check |
|---|---|
| Camshaft and rocker wear | Remove the rocker cover and look at the lobes and rocker faces for pitting or a polished flat. |
| Timing chain guides and tensioner | Listen at the front cover during the first seconds after a cold start. |
| Warped head after overheating | Ask for a compression or leak-down test and check the coolant for oil. |
| Valve stem seals | Watch the exhaust for the first ten seconds after a cold start. |
| Oil leaks from age | Look under the bellhousing and around the front cover for fresh oil. |
Camshaft and rocker wear. Lobes and rocker pads wear when the oil spray bar is blocked or oil changes were neglected. A worn cam loses lift and the engine feels flat above 4,000 rpm.
M10B16 maintenance
- A good 15W-40 or 20W-50 mineral or semi-synthetic oil with zinc protection for flat-tappet cams, about 4.0 to 4.5 litres with filter.
- Oil every 5,000 to 7,500 km for a classic driven in short trips; valve clearances checked every 15,000 km.
- Single-row or duplex timing chain on the front of the engine; no scheduled change, inspect guides when the head is off.
Will the M10B16 fit my car?
Will the M10B16 fit my BMW E21 316?
Yes, the BMW E21 316 left the factory with the M10B16, so an M10B16 from another car is the direct replacement. The first 3 Series was built 1975–1983, and the M10B16 was produced 1962–1988, so check that your car's build date falls inside that window. Confirm the drive type (rear-drive or xDrive), the gearbox (manual or automatic) and the emissions standard, because these can change the sump, the flywheel and the software. Send us the VIN and we check all of it for you.
How much is a replacement engine for a BMW E21 316?
We do not have an M10B16 on the shelf for the E21 316 at the moment. Units arrive regularly; send us your VIN and we will tell you when the next one is ready and what it will cost, including delivery.
Will the M10B16 fit my BMW E30 316?
The M10B16 is the original engine for the BMW E30 316, which makes it the straightforward choice. The second 3 Series was built 1982–1994, and the M10B16 was produced 1962–1988, so check that your car's build date falls inside that window. Confirm the drive type (rear-drive or xDrive), the gearbox (manual or automatic) and the emissions standard, because these can change the sump, the flywheel and the software. Send us the VIN and we check all of it for you.
How much is a replacement engine for a BMW E30 316?
We do not have an M10B16 on the shelf for the E30 316 at the moment. Units arrive regularly; send us your VIN and we will tell you when the next one is ready and what it will cost, including delivery.
M10B16 prices
We do not have an M10B16 on the shelf at the moment. Send us your VIN or the code you need and the desk will tell you when the next unit arrives and what it will cost.
Buying a used M10B16: checklist
- Gearbox and flywheel match. Manual and automatic engines differ at the flywheel or flexplate, and sometimes at the crankshaft spigot. Make sure the engine you buy matches your gearbox or that you transfer the right parts.
- List of what is fitted. Engines are sold with different ancillaries: some have the turbo, injectors, manifolds, alternator and starter, others are long blocks. Agree the list in writing so you know which parts must come from your old engine.
- Why your old engine failed. Before fitting a replacement, find out why the original failed. An overheating radiator, a blocked intercooler or a failed turbo can destroy a second engine if they are not fixed.
- Photographs from every side. Good suppliers photograph the actual engine you will receive. Look for the block stamp, the sump, the timing cover and any broken brackets or connectors in the pictures.
- Compression or leak-down figures. Even compression across all cylinders tells you more than mileage. Ask for the figures, not just a pass or fail, and compare the highest and lowest readings: a spread above 10 to 15 percent deserves a question.
- Timing chain noise. Listen for a rattle at the front of the engine for the first seconds after a cold start. On an engine that cannot be run, look at the chain guides through the oil filler or with the valve cover off.
- Originality and numbers. For collectible cars, the engine number and correct ancillaries add value. Photograph the stamp and keep it with the car's documents.
Questions about the M10B16
Can you check if an M10B18 fits my car with my VIN?
Yes, and it is free. Send the 17-character VIN of your car and, if you have it, the gearbox code. We check the engine family, the build year window and the parts your car needs.
For the M10B18, we confirm that your car was built with this code or with a version that can take it. BMW used it in the BMW E30 316, BMW E30 318i, BMW E21 316 and BMW E21 318i.
We only reserve an engine once the match is confirmed, so you never pay for the wrong unit. You can reach the Hamburg desk by email at autowerkeengines@gmail.com, or by phone and WhatsApp on +49 15510 030835, Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 16:00 CET.
You can also use the VIN check on our site. It reads the year, the make, the model and the engine from the public vehicle register.
See all M10 Engines · Search M10B18 in the shop
Will the M10B18 engine fit my BMW E30 318i?
Yes, if your BMW E30 318i was built with the M10B18. BMW used this 1.8 liter (1,766 cc) petrol engine with 77 kW (105 HP) in the E30 318i from about 1975 to 1988.
Some E30 318i cars were built with a different engine: the M40B18. These look alike from the outside, so check the code on your engine or send us your VIN.
Also tell us if your E30 has a manual or an automatic gearbox. The flywheel or the flex plate and some sensors depend on it.
Not sure? Send us your VIN and your gearbox code. We match the engine family, the year window and the parts on the engine before anything is reserved, and the check is free.
See all M10 Engines · Search M10B18 in the shop
Will the M10B18 engine fit my BMW E30 316?
Yes, if your BMW E30 316 was built with the M10B18. BMW used this 1.8 liter (1,766 cc) petrol engine with 77 kW (105 HP) in the E30 316 from about 1975 to 1988.
In our records the M10B18 is the engine for the E30 316, which makes the match simple. Still, check the code on your old engine or send us your VIN.
Also tell us if your E30 has a manual or an automatic gearbox. The flywheel or the flex plate and some sensors depend on it.
Not sure? Send us your VIN and your gearbox code. We match the engine family, the year window and the parts on the engine before anything is reserved, and the check is free.
See all M10 Engines · Search M10B18 in the shop
What is the BMW M10B18 engine?
The BMW M10B18 is a 1.8 liter (1,766 cc) petrol engine from the M10 family. It has an inline 4, SOHC, 8 valve layout with no turbo (naturally aspirated), and makes 77 kW (105 HP) with 145 Nm of torque. BMW built it from 1975 to 1988 and it meets the Euro 1 emission standard.
You find the M10B18 in the BMW E30 316, BMW E30 318i, BMW E21 316 and BMW E21 318i. What we list: BMW M10 four-cylinder petrol engines for E30 316 and E21.
At Autowerke Engines every M10B18 is a real used engine from our yard in Hamburg. The photos on each listing show the actual engine, not a stock picture. The yard checks the code, records what is bolted on, and seals the openings before the engine is offered. Each listing shows the year, the mileage and the price, so you can compare units side by side.
Not sure? Send us your VIN and your gearbox code. We match the engine family, the year window and the parts on the engine before anything is reserved, and the check is free.
See all M10 Engines · Search M10B18 in the shop
Which years were BMW M10 engines made?
BMW built the M10 engines we list from about 1975 to 1988. The M10B18 ran from 1975 to 1988.
They went into chassis E30 and E21. The exact year of a car matters, because BMW sometimes changed the engine version or its parts in the middle of a model's life.
Each listing in our yard names the engine year, so you can match it to the build date of your car.
Not sure? Send us your VIN and your gearbox code. We match the engine family, the year window and the parts on the engine before anything is reserved, and the check is free.
How much does a used BMW M10B18 engine cost?
A used BMW M10B18 engine in our yard usually costs between 800 € and 1.450 €. The exact price depends on the year, the mileage and the parts that come with the engine.
Our units show recorded mileage from about 22,000 km up to around 200,000 km. Lower mileage and more ancillaries mean a higher price. Each listing shows its own price, and the price you see is the price you pay. Prices include VAT for private buyers.
Shipping is a flat 249 € per order. It is added once at checkout and printed on the invoice, so there is no extra fee later. If you order a gearbox or a second engine on the same order, the fee is still charged once.
Inside the EU there is no import duty. For the UK and other non-EU countries, import duty and local VAT are paid by the receiver, and we supply a commercial invoice.
See all M10 Engines · Search M10B18 in the shop
Will the M10B18 engine fit my BMW E21 316?
Yes, if your BMW E21 316 was built with the M10B18. BMW used this 1.8 liter (1,766 cc) petrol engine with 77 kW (105 HP) in the E21 316 from about 1975 to 1988.
In our records the M10B18 is the engine for the E21 316, which makes the match simple. Still, check the code on your old engine or send us your VIN.
Also tell us if your E21 has a manual or an automatic gearbox. The flywheel or the flex plate and some sensors depend on it.
Not sure? Send us your VIN and your gearbox code. We match the engine family, the year window and the parts on the engine before anything is reserved, and the check is free.
See all M10 Engines · Search M10B18 in the shop
Does a used M10B18 engine come with a warranty?
Yes. Eligible engines come with a 12 months warranty from the delivery date. It covers internal mechanical failure under normal use and correct fitting by a qualified mechanic or workshop.
The warranty does not cover damage from wrong fitting, overheating, low oil, wrong fluids or fuel, engines that were opened or modified without our approval, or labour and towing costs.
To claim, send us your order number, a short description of the problem, photos or a video, and a mechanic's report if we ask for one. If the claim is approved, we repair, replace or refund the engine.
Keep the receipts for the fitting, the oil and the filters. They make any claim quick and simple.
See all M10 Engines · Search M10B18 in the shop
What should I check on a used BMW M10 engine?
Start with the basics: the engine code on the block, the recorded mileage and the photos. Make sure the code matches your car and the parts you need are on the unit.
On an M10 petrol engine, a fitter usually checks the spark plugs, the coils, the timing side and the oil seals. These parts are easy to check before fitting and easy to change if needed.
Ask the desk for more pictures of any listing. We are happy to show the stamp, the ports and the ancillaries before you decide. An inspection certificate can travel with the order on request.
Once fitted, change the oil and filter early and drive gently at first. Report any problem right away so the warranty stays valid.
See all M10 Engines · Inspection certificate
What should I replace when I fit a used M10B18 engine?
A used engine lasts longest when it starts life in your car with fresh fluids and new seals. Check the spark plugs and the ignition coils, and make sure the fuel lines are clean and tight before you crank the engine. Fit a new oil filter and fresh oil of the grade BMW lists for this engine, and refill the coolant with the correct BMW antifreeze mix. Use new gaskets for the exhaust manifold, the intake and the sump plug, and check every hose clip before the first start.
Look at the engine mounts and the clutch or the torque converter while the engine is out. Old mounts can crack a new engine's brackets, and a worn clutch is much easier to change now.
Before the first start, turn the engine over without fuel until the oil pressure light goes out. Then let it idle, check for leaks, and drive gently for the first few hundred kilometres.
The warranty asks for fitting by a qualified mechanic and the correct oil, coolant and filters. Keep your receipts in case you ever need to make a claim.
See all M10 Engines · Search M10B18 in the shop
Will the M10B18 engine fit my BMW E21 318i?
Yes, if your BMW E21 318i was built with the M10B18. BMW used this 1.8 liter (1,766 cc) petrol engine with 77 kW (105 HP) in the E21 318i from about 1975 to 1988.
In our records the M10B18 is the engine for the E21 318i, which makes the match simple. Still, check the code on your old engine or send us your VIN.
Also tell us if your E21 has a manual or an automatic gearbox. The flywheel or the flex plate and some sensors depend on it.
Not sure? Send us your VIN and your gearbox code. We match the engine family, the year window and the parts on the engine before anything is reserved, and the check is free.
See all M10 Engines · Search M10B18 in the shop
How do I know a used M10B18 engine is in good shape?
Before a unit is listed, the yard checks the engine code against the listing, writes down the parts fitted to it, seals every opening and photographs the real engine you will receive. An inspection certificate for the unit can travel with the order when you ask for it.
When you look at a listing, check the recorded mileage, the year and the photos of the ports and the stamp. Ask for photos of anything you want to see closer. You can ask for extra photos, a close-up of the code stamp or a short video before you order.
On a petrol engine like the M10B18, a careful fitter will also look at the spark plugs, the coils and the timing side before the engine goes in.
If the engine fails inside under normal use, the warranty covers you. Eligible engines come with a 12 months warranty from the delivery date. It covers internal mechanical failure under normal use and correct fitting by a qualified mechanic or workshop.
See all M10 Engines · Search M10B18 in the shop
Delivery, warranty and payment
Before an M10B16 leaves our Hamburg yard it is drained of oil and coolant, every opening is sealed, and it is strapped to a pallet and wrapped. We send photographs of the packed unit and the tracking details.
Door-to-door delivery is included to the address you give at checkout. Typical delivery takes three to five working days within Germany and neighbouring countries and five to ten working days to the rest of Europe and the UK.
A 12-month warranty covers eligible internal failure when the engine is fitted by a qualified workshop with new fluids and filters. You can pay by card, bank transfer or crypto and receive the invoice by email straight away.
