BMW S50B30 engine: specs, problems and prices

The S50B30 is a 3.0 L petrol inline-6 from BMW's S50 family, built 1992–1995 and rated at 286 hp and 320 Nm. It powered the BMW E36 M3 3.0.

This guide is about the S50B30 specifically: its specification, the cars that use it, how it differs from the other S50 versions, what to check, prices from our stock and fitment answers for each model. For the history of the whole family, read our S50 and S52 guide.

• Capacity and layout: 3.0 L, inline-6, naturally aspirated
• Output: 286 hp and 320 Nm
• Production: 1992–1995
• Fitted to: 1 model across 1 chassis generation
• In our stock: 38 units from 3.821,00 € — S50B30 engines for sale

S50B30 specifications

Built from 1992 to 1995, the S50B30 displaces 3.0 L in an inline-6 layout and is naturally aspirated. It produces 286 hp and 320 Nm on petrol. That is about 95 hp and 107 Nm per litre, a strong figure for a road engine of its era. Within the S50 family, the S50B32 (321 hp) is more powerful, while the S50B30US (240 hp) is milder. It was fitted to the BMW E36 M3 3.0.

What the code S50B30 means

• S marks an S-series code, reserved for engines developed by BMW M.
• 50 is the family number.
• B stands for petrol (from the German Benzin).
• 30 is the capacity in decilitres, so 3.0 litres.

Which BMW models use the S50B30

In the E36 third 3 Series (1990–2000), the S50B30 powered the M3 3.0. We have 37 S50B30 units from E36 donor cars. All E36 engines

S50B30 compared with other S50 versions

S50B30 or S50B32?

The S50B32 has 35 hp more than the S50B30 (321 against 286 hp), from 3.2 L instead of 3.0 L, and was built 1995–1999. 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.

S50B30 or S50B30US?

The S50B30US has 46 hp less than the S50B30 (240 against 286 hp), from the same 3.0 L, and was built 1994–1995. 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 S50B30 problems

The S50B30 shares its weak points with the rest of the S50 family. These are the faults to check on a used unit and on your own engine. The full explanation of each is in the S50 and S52 guide.

VANOS (S50B32). The double VANOS unit can fail, causing rattle and loss of torque.

S50B30 maintenance

• 10W-60 synthetic is common for S50 engines; 5W-30 Longlife for S52, about 5.5 to 6.5 litres.
• Oil every 10,000 km; valve clearances for S50 every 30,000 km; VANOS service every 100,000 km.
• Duplex and single timing chains at the front.

Will the S50B30 fit my car?

S50B30 prices

Our S50B30 stock runs to 38 units, priced from 3.821,00 € to 11.414,00 € with a median of 6.778,00 €.

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.

S50B30 prices by model year

Engines from 1990–1994 have a median of 6.894,00 €, while units from 1995–1999 sit at 6.622,00 €. Newer engines usually cost more because they come from younger donor cars with lower mileage and later updates.

S50B30 prices by mileage

Mileage matters less than history on a well-maintained BMW engine, but it is a useful guide. A low-mileage unit from a younger car gives you more life for a modest premium.

S50B30 engines in stock

These S50B30 units are in our Hamburg yard right now. Each listing shows real photographs of the engine you receive, its mileage and what is fitted.

BMW E36 M3 Coupe 3.0 S50B30 Engine 1992, 111,900 km6.260,00 €BMW E36 M3 Coupe 3.0 S50B30 Engine 1994, 56,400 km7.044,00 €BMW E36 M3 Coupe 3.0 S50B30 Engine 1993, 57,400 km6.420,00 €BMW E36 M3 Coupe 3.0 S50B30 Engine 1992, 76,800 km7.624,00 €BMW E36 M3 Coupe 3.0 S50B30 Engine 1994, 145,700 km5.369,00 €BMW E36 M3 Coupe 3.0 S50B30 Engine 1993, 185,800 km7.043,00 €BMW E36 M3 Coupe 3.0 S50B30 Engine 1993, 185,500 km7.115,00 €BMW E36 M3 Coupe 3.0 S50B30 Engine 1992, 128,600 km5.990,00 €BMW E36 M3 Coupe 3.0 S50B30 Engine 1992, 130,400 km7.458,00 €BMW E36 M3 Coupe 3.0 S50B30 Engine 1992, 31,900 km7.101,00 €BMW E36 M3 Coupe 3.0 S50B30 Engine 1992, 183,600 km6.049,00 €BMW E36 M3 Coupe 3.0 S50B30 Engine 1994, 132,800 km6.943,00 €

BMW E36 M3 Coupe 3.0 S50B30 Engine 1992, 111,900 km — 6.260,00 €, reduced from 7.050,00 €. It comes from a 1992 donor car with 111,900 km, and 26 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW E36 M3 Coupe 3.0 S50B30 Engine 1994, 56,400 km — 7.044,00 €, reduced from 7.850,00 €. It comes from a 1994 donor car with 56,400 km, and 23 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW E36 M3 Coupe 3.0 S50B30 Engine 1993, 57,400 km — 6.420,00 €, reduced from 7.550,00 €. It comes from a 1993 donor car with 57,400 km, and 11 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW E36 M3 Coupe 3.0 S50B30 Engine 1992, 76,800 km — 7.624,00 €, reduced from 8.900,00 €. It comes from a 1992 donor car with 76,800 km, and 24 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW E36 M3 Coupe 3.0 S50B30 Engine 1994, 145,700 km — 5.369,00 €, reduced from 6.100,00 €. It comes from a 1994 donor car with 145,700 km, and 15 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW E36 M3 Coupe 3.0 S50B30 Engine 1993, 185,800 km — 7.043,00 €, reduced from 8.200,00 €. It comes from a 1993 donor car with 185,800 km, and 30 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW E36 M3 Coupe 3.0 S50B30 Engine 1993, 185,500 km — 7.115,00 €, reduced from 8.000,00 €. It comes from a 1993 donor car with 185,500 km, and 13 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW E36 M3 Coupe 3.0 S50B30 Engine 1992, 128,600 km — 5.990,00 €, reduced from 6.600,00 €. It comes from a 1992 donor car with 128,600 km, and 30 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW E36 M3 Coupe 3.0 S50B30 Engine 1992, 130,400 km — 7.458,00 €, reduced from 8.150,00 €. It comes from a 1992 donor car with 130,400 km, and 14 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW E36 M3 Coupe 3.0 S50B30 Engine 1992, 31,900 km — 7.101,00 €, reduced from 8.050,00 €. It comes from a 1992 donor car with 31,900 km, and 14 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW E36 M3 Coupe 3.0 S50B30 Engine 1992, 183,600 km — 6.049,00 €, reduced from 7.300,00 €. It comes from a 1992 donor car with 183,600 km, and 30 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW E36 M3 Coupe 3.0 S50B30 Engine 1994, 132,800 km — 6.943,00 €, reduced from 8.000,00 €. It comes from a 1994 donor car with 132,800 km, and 21 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

Buying a used S50B30: checklist

1. Sump, oil pickup and drive variants. Rear-drive, xDrive and front-drive cars can use different sumps, oil pickups and engine mounts even with the same engine code. Check that the sump matches your subframe and front axle.
2. Look at the oil and coolant. Clean oil without metal particles and coolant without oil are good signs. Milky oil, oily coolant or a burnt smell mean the engine needs further checks before it is fitted.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
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. Bearing and valve clearance history. M engines are built to tighter tolerances. Ask for the last rod bearing replacement and valve clearance check, and consider an oil analysis if the engine can be run.

Questions about the S50B30

How much power and torque does the BMW S50B30 have?

From the factory the BMW S50B30 makes 210 kW (286 HP) and 320 Nm of torque. It is a 3.0 liter (2,990 cc) inline 6, DOHC, 24 valve petrol engine with no turbo (naturally aspirated).

Without a turbo, the power builds smoothly with the revs. A clean air intake, healthy ignition and the correct fuel are key to getting the full figure.

A used engine reaches its factory numbers when it is fitted with the matching engine computer and software, and serviced with the right oil and filters. If the engine computer from your car is a different version, a specialist may need to code it.

Every S50B30 on our site lists its year and mileage. You can ask for extra photos, a close-up of the code stamp or a short video before you order.

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Will the S50B30 engine fit my BMW E36 M3 Coupe 3.0?

Yes, if your BMW E36 M3 Coupe 3.0 was built with the S50B30. BMW used this 3.0 liter (2,990 cc) petrol engine with 210 kW (286 HP) in the E36 M3 Coupe 3.0 from about 1992 to 1995.

In our records the S50B30 is the engine for the E36 M3 Coupe 3.0, which makes the match simple. Still, check the code on your old engine or send us your VIN.

Also tell us if your E36 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.

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Does a used S50B30 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.

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Will the S50B30 engine fit my BMW E36 M3 3.0?

Yes, if your BMW E36 M3 3.0 was built with the S50B30. BMW used this 3.0 liter (2,990 cc) petrol engine with 210 kW (286 HP) in the E36 M3 3.0 from about 1992 to 1995.

In our records the S50B30 is the engine for the E36 M3 3.0, which makes the match simple. Still, check the code on your old engine or send us your VIN.

Also tell us if your E36 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.

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Can you check if an S50B30 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 S50B30, we confirm that your car was built with this code or with a version that can take it. BMW used it in the BMW E36 M3 3.0 and BMW E36 M3 Coupe 3.0.

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.

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How much is a replacement S50B30 engine for a BMW E36 M3 3.0?

A used S50B30 for the BMW E36 M3 3.0 costs from about 5.200 € to 7.950 € 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 S50B30 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.

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What should I replace when I fit a used S50B30 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.

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What comes with a used S50B30 engine?

Each S50B30 is sold as described on its own listing. The yard writes down the parts that are fitted to that unit, such as the turbo, the injectors, the manifolds or the alternator, so you know what arrives.

Some units are long engines with few ancillaries, others are more complete. If you need a part that is not listed, ask the desk. We often have the matching items in the yard.

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

On delivery, the carrier brings the pallet to the kerb or a loading bay. Please have a forklift, a pallet truck or an engine crane ready.

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How much is a replacement S50B30 engine for a BMW E36 M3 Coupe 3.0?

A used S50B30 for the BMW E36 M3 Coupe 3.0 costs from about 5.200 € to 7.950 € 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 S50B30 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 S50 Engines · Search S50B30 in the shop

How do I know a used S50B30 engine is in good shape?

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. 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. Ask the desk for more pictures of any listing. We are happy to show the stamp, the ports and the ancillaries before you decide.

On a petrol engine like the S50B30, 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.

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What is the BMW S50B30 engine?

The BMW S50B30 is a 3.0 liter (2,990 cc) petrol engine from the S50 family. It has an inline 6, DOHC, 24 valve layout with no turbo (naturally aspirated), and makes 210 kW (286 HP) with 320 Nm of torque. BMW built it from 1992 to 1995 and it meets the Euro 1 emission standard.

You find the S50B30 in the BMW E36 M3 3.0 and BMW E36 M3 Coupe 3.0. What we list: BMW S50 engines from the E36 M3.

At Autowerke Engines every S50B30 is a real used engine from our yard in Hamburg. 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. 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.

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Which cars use the BMW S50B30 engine?

BMW fitted the S50B30 to the BMW E36 M3 3.0 and BMW E36 M3 Coupe 3.0. These cars were built with this engine from about 1992 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 S50 family are the S50B32 (321 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.

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Is the BMW S50B30 a diesel or petrol engine?

The S50B30 is a petrol engine. It is a 3.0 liter (2,990 cc) inline 6, DOHC, 24 valve unit with no turbo (naturally aspirated), and it was built to the Euro 1 emission standard.

The emission standard matters for registration and for low-emission zones in many cities. When you replace an engine with the same code, the car keeps the same paperwork and the same emission class.

Petrol versions need the correct catalytic converters and oxygen sensors on the car to stay legal and to keep the engine computer happy. Reuse the parts from your car if they are in good condition.

If you are not sure which version you need, send us your VIN. We tell you the right code for free.

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What is the difference between the S50B30 and other S50 engines?

The S50B30 makes 210 kW (286 HP) and 320 Nm. The other S50 engines are: S50B32 with 236 kW (321 HP) and 350 Nm (1995 to 1999).

Engines in one family share a basic block, but the turbo, the injection, the sensors and the engine computer can differ. A higher power version often has different pistons, a bigger turbo or a different fuel system.

This is why we ask for the exact code. Fitting a different version can work, but the wiring, the software and sometimes the gearbox must be changed to match.

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.

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How much does a used BMW S50B30 engine cost?

A used BMW S50B30 engine in our yard usually costs between 5.200 € and 7.950 €. 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.

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How long does delivery of an S50B30 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.

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Delivery, warranty and payment

Before an S50B30 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.

Delivery is door to door and included in the price. Most European addresses receive the engine within five to ten working days; Germany and its neighbours are usually faster.

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.

S50 and S52 engine guide · S50B30 engines for sale · All S50 and S52 engines · Send us your VIN