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BMW M507 engine: specs, problems and prices

BMW M507: 3.2 L petrol, 150 hp, 1956–1959. Which cars use it, common problems, fitment answers and prices from 4.673,00 €.

BMW 502 2.6 M502 Complete Engine — photo 1

The M507 is a 3.2 L petrol V8 from BMW's M50 family, built 1956–1959 and rated at 150 hp and 240 Nm. It powered the BMW 507 Roadster and BMW 503 Coupe.

This guide is about the M507 specifically: its specification, the cars that use it, how it differs from the other M50 versions, what to check, prices from our stock and fitment answers for each model. For the history of the whole family, read our M50 guide.

  • Capacity and layout: 3.2 L, V8, naturally aspirated
  • Output: 150 hp and 240 Nm
  • Production: 1956–1959
  • Fitted to: 2 models across 0 chassis generations
  • In our stock: 3 units from 4.673,00 €
BMW 507 3.2 M503 Complete Engine — photo 1
BMW 507 3.2 M503 Complete Engine — 4.127,00 €

M507 specifications

M507 technical data
ItemValue
Engine codeM507
FamilyM50
Capacity3.2 L
LayoutV8
FuelPetrol
AspirationNaturally aspirated
Power150 hp
Torque240 Nm
Specific output47 hp per litre
Production1956–1959
Models2

The M507 is a 3.2 L V8 petrol engine, naturally aspirated, rated at 150 hp and 240 Nm. BMW built it from 1956 to 1959. That is about 47 hp and 75 Nm per litre, a relaxed tune aimed at torque, durability and economy. Within the M50 family, the M50B25 (192 hp) and M50TUB25 (192 hp) are more powerful, while the M502 (100 hp) and M503 (140 hp) are milder. It was fitted to the BMW 507 Roadster and BMW 503 Coupe.

M507 compared with other M50 versions

CodeCapacityPowerTorqueYears
M5022.6 L100 hp180 Nm1954–1961
M5033.2 L140 hp240 Nm1956–1959
M5073.2 L150 hp240 Nm1956–1959
M50B202.0 L150 hp190 Nm1990–1996
M50B252.5 L192 hp245 Nm1990–1996
M50TUB202.0 L150 hp190 Nm1992–1995
M50TUB252.5 L192 hp245 Nm1992–1995

M507 or M50B20?

The M50B20 has the same 150 hp as the M507, from 2.0 L instead of 3.2 L, and was built 1990–1996. 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.

M507 or M50TUB20?

The M50TUB20 has the same 150 hp as the M507, from 2.0 L instead of 3.2 L, and was built 1992–1995. 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.

M507 or M503?

The M503 has 10 hp less than the M507 (140 against 150 hp), from the same 3.2 L, and was built 1956–1959. Versions of the same size share the block and most mounting points, but the turbo or intake, injectors, software and sometimes the sump differ. Fitting one in place of the other usually means transferring parts and coding the engine control unit, so the simplest choice is the code your car left the factory with.

Common M507 problems

The M507 shares its weak points with the rest of the M50 family. These are the faults to check on a used unit and on your own engine. The full explanation of each is in the M50 guide.

Known faultWhat to check
Cooling systemCheck for a metal impeller water pump and a recent expansion tank.
VANOS seals (M50TU)Listen for a rattle at the front of the head at idle and check for a flat spot below 3,000 rpm.
Crankcase ventilation valveCheck for oil in the intake boot and around the dipstick tube.
Oil filter housing gasketLook for oil on the alternator side of the engine.
Valve cover gasketRemove a coil and inspect the well.

Cooling system. Plastic water pump impellers, thermostat housings and expansion tanks crack, and overheating can warp the head.

M507 maintenance

  • 5W-40 or 10W-40 synthetic, about 6.5 litres with filter.
  • Oil every 10,000 to 15,000 km; cooling system as a set every 100,000 km.
  • Duplex lower chain and single upper chain at the front with hydraulic tensioner.

M507 prices

We currently hold 3 M507 engines. The cheapest is 4.673,00 €, the most expensive 4.718,00 €, and half of them cost less than 4.710,00 €.

Prices depend on the exact version, the donor's mileage, how complete the engine is and the demand for that code. Higher-output versions, low mileage and dressed engines with turbo, injectors and ancillaries cost more; long blocks and higher mileage cost less.

M507 engines in stock

Here is a selection of M507 engines currently on our shelves, photographed in the yard. Click any of them for the full photographs, mileage and specification.

BMW 503 Coupe M507 Complete Engine — 4.673,00 €, reduced from 5.200,00 €. It comes from a recorded donor car, and 20 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW M507 Engine — 4.710,00 €, reduced from 5.200,00 €. It comes from a recorded donor car, and 27 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW 507 Roadster M507 Complete Engine — 4.718,00 €, reduced from 5.200,00 €. It comes from a recorded donor car, and 18 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

Buying a used M507: checklist

  1. 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.
  2. Ask how the donor car was damaged. Most good used engines come from cars with body damage. A front-end impact can crack sensors, the timing cover or the sump; a rear or side impact usually leaves the engine untouched. The yard records the damage on each unit.
  3. Confirm the exact engine code. Read the code stamped on the block and compare it with the code for your car. Send us the last seven characters of the VIN and we confirm the match before anything is paid.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. VANOS operation. Rough idle, a rattle from the front of the head and a loss of torque at low revs point to VANOS seals or solenoids. These are serviceable parts and are easier to renew with the engine out.
  8. Plastic cooling parts. Expansion tanks, thermostat housings and water pump impellers made of plastic crack with age. Plan to replace them when the engine is fitted.

Questions about the M507

Does a used M50B25 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 M50 Engines · Search M50B25 in the shop

How much is a replacement M50B25 engine for a BMW Z3 2.5?

A used M50B25 for the BMW Z3 2.5 costs from about 1.650 € to 2.700 € in our yard. The price depends on the year, the mileage and the parts that come with the engine.

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. Inside the EU there is no import duty. Outside the EU, the receiver pays local duty and VAT.

A replacement engine is often much cheaper than rebuilding a damaged one, and much faster. The M50B25 you buy is photographed and checked in Hamburg before it is listed.

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. 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 M50 Engines · Search M50B25 in the shop

How much is a replacement M50B20 engine for a BMW E34 520i?

A used M50B20 for the BMW E34 520i costs from about 1.300 € to 2.200 € in our yard. The price depends on the year, the mileage and the parts that come with the engine.

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. Inside the EU there is no import duty. Outside the EU, the receiver pays local duty and VAT.

A replacement engine is often much cheaper than rebuilding a damaged one, and much faster. The M50B20 you buy is photographed and checked in Hamburg before it is listed.

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. 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 M50 Engines · Search M50B20 in the shop

What is the difference between the BMW M50 engines?

BMW M50 24-valve petrol engines for E36 320i and 325i. We list 2 versions: M50B25 (2.5 liter (2,494 cc), 141 kW (192 HP), 1990 to 1995); M50B20 (2.0 liter (1,991 cc), 110 kW (150 HP), 1990 to 1995).

The versions share the same basic design, but the power, the turbo or injection set-up, the electronics and the emission standard change. The right one for you is the one your car was built with.

The M50 family was used in chassis E36, E34 and Z3. Each engine in the yard is inspected in Hamburg. The code is matched to the listing, the parts on the engine are recorded, the openings are sealed and the real unit is photographed.

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 M50 Engines

Will the M50B25 engine fit my BMW E34 525i?

Yes, if your BMW E34 525i was built with the M50B25. BMW used this 2.5 liter (2,494 cc) petrol engine with 141 kW (192 HP) in the E34 525i from about 1990 to 1995.

Some E34 525i cars were built with a different engine: the M20B25. These look alike from the outside, so check the code on your engine or send us your VIN.

Also tell us if your E34 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 M50 Engines · Search M50B25 in the shop

How much is a replacement M50B25 engine for a BMW E36 325i?

A used M50B25 for the BMW E36 325i costs from about 1.650 € to 2.700 € in our yard. The price depends on the year, the mileage and the parts that come with the engine.

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. Inside the EU there is no import duty. Outside the EU, the receiver pays local duty and VAT.

A replacement engine is often much cheaper than rebuilding a damaged one, and much faster. The M50B25 you buy is photographed and checked in Hamburg before it is listed.

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. 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 M50 Engines · Search M50B25 in the shop

BMW M50B20 Engine — photo 1
BMW M50B20 Engine — 1.496,00 €

What is the BMW M50B25 engine?

The BMW M50B25 is a 2.5 liter (2,494 cc) petrol engine from the M50 family. It has an inline 6, DOHC, 24 valve layout with no turbo (naturally aspirated), and makes 141 kW (192 HP) with 245 Nm of torque. BMW built it from 1990 to 1995 and it meets the Euro 1 emission standard.

You find the M50B25 in the BMW E36 325i, BMW E34 525i and BMW Z3 2.5. What we list: BMW M50 24-valve petrol engines for E36 320i and 325i.

At Autowerke Engines every M50B25 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 M50 Engines · Search M50B25 in the shop

How much does a used BMW M50B25 engine cost?

A used BMW M50B25 engine in our yard usually costs between 1.650 € and 2.700 €. 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 M50 Engines · Search M50B25 in the shop

Will the M50B25 engine fit my BMW Z3 2.5?

Yes, if your BMW Z3 2.5 was built with the M50B25. BMW used this 2.5 liter (2,494 cc) petrol engine with 141 kW (192 HP) in the Z3 2.5 from about 1990 to 1995.

In our records the M50B25 is the engine for the Z3 2.5, which makes the match simple. Still, check the code on your old engine or send us your VIN.

Also tell us if your Z3 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 M50 Engines · Search M50B25 in the shop

How much does a used BMW M50B20 engine cost?

A used BMW M50B20 engine in our yard usually costs between 1.300 € and 2.200 €. 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 M50 Engines · Search M50B20 in the shop

How long does delivery of an M50B25 engine take?

Orders confirmed before 14:00 CET on a working day leave Hamburg the same day. Later and weekend orders leave the next working day. Delivery to the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, Luxembourg and Denmark takes 1 to 3 working days.

Spain, Italy, Portugal, Poland, Czechia, Austria, Ireland, the Nordics and the Baltics take 2 to 5 working days. Greek and Spanish islands, Malta, Cyprus and remote areas take 4 to 8 working days. The UK and other countries outside the EU are quoted one by one.

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. Every engine is drained, sealed at each opening, strapped to a heat-treated pallet and shrink-wrapped, then photographed before it leaves the yard.

You get a tracking number when the pallet is collected. Check the wrapping before you sign, and note any damage on the paperwork.

See all M50 Engines · Search M50B25 in the shop

Which cars use the BMW M50B25 engine?

BMW fitted the M50B25 to the BMW E36 325i, BMW E34 525i and BMW Z3 2.5. These cars were built with this engine from about 1990 to 1995.

The badge on the boot is not enough to be sure. The same model name can hide two different engines, for example after a facelift or a change in emission rules. Always read the engine code stamped on the block, or look it up with your VIN.

Other engines in the same M50 family are the M50B20 (150 HP). They look alike but differ in power, parts and electronics, so they are not always a direct swap.

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 M50 Engines · Search M50B25 in the shop

BMW 503 Coupe M507 Complete Engine — photo 1
BMW 503 Coupe M507 Complete Engine — 4.673,00 €

Delivery, warranty and payment

Every M507 we sell is drained, sealed at each opening, strapped to a heat-treated pallet and shrink-wrapped before it leaves Hamburg. You receive photographs of the packed engine and a tracking number.

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.

M50 engine guide · All M50 engines · Send us your VIN