BMW built the S50B30US from 1994 to 1995. It is a 3.0 L naturally aspirated petrol inline-6 with 240 hp and 305 Nm, part of the S50 family. You will find it in the BMW E36 M3 and BMW E36 M3 US.
This guide is about the S50B30US 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: 240 hp and 305 Nm
- Production: 1994–1995
- Fitted to: 2 models across 1 chassis generation
- In our stock: 3 units from 3.246,00 €
S50B30US specifications
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine code | S50B30US |
| Family | S50 |
| Capacity | 3.0 L |
| Layout | Inline-6 |
| Fuel | Petrol |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 240 hp |
| Torque | 305 Nm |
| Specific output | 80 hp per litre |
| Production | 1994–1995 |
| Models | 2 |
Built from 1994 to 1995, the S50B30US displaces 3.0 L in an inline-6 layout and is naturally aspirated. It produces 240 hp and 305 Nm on petrol. That is about 80 hp and 102 Nm per litre, a strong figure for a road engine of its era. Within the S50 family, the S50B30 (286 hp) and S50B32 (321 hp) are more powerful. It was fitted to the BMW E36 M3 and BMW E36 M3 US.
What the code S50B30US 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.
- US identifies the version or output stage.
Which BMW models use the S50B30US
| Model | Generation | Built |
|---|---|---|
| BMW E36 M3 | third 3 Series | 1990–2000 |
| BMW E36 M3 US | third 3 Series | 1990–2000 |
In the E36 third 3 Series (1990–2000), the S50B30US powered the M3 and M3 US. We have 2 S50B30US units from E36 donor cars. All E36 engines
S50B30US compared with other S50 versions
| Code | Capacity | Power | Torque | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S50B30 | 3.0 L | 286 hp | 320 Nm | 1992–1995 |
| S50B30US | 3.0 L | 240 hp | 305 Nm | 1994–1995 |
| S50B32 | 3.2 L | 321 hp | 350 Nm | 1995–1999 |
S50B30US or S50B30?
The S50B30 has 46 hp more than the S50B30US (286 against 240 hp), from the same 3.0 L, and was built 1992–1995. 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.
S50B30US or S50B32?
The S50B32 has 81 hp more than the S50B30US (321 against 240 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.
Common S50B30US problems
The S50B30US 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.
| Known fault | What to check |
|---|---|
| Oil pump nut | Ask whether the oil pump nut has been secured. |
| VANOS (S50B32) | Listen for rattle at idle and check for fault codes. |
| Cooling system | Look for a recent cooling refresh. |
| Valve cover and oil leaks | Check the front of the head for oil. |
VANOS (S50B32). The double VANOS unit can fail, causing rattle and loss of torque.
S50B30US 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 S50B30US fit my car?
Will the S50B30US fit my BMW E36 M3?
Yes, the BMW E36 M3 left the factory with the S50B30US, so an S50B30US from another car is the direct replacement. The third 3 Series was built 1990–2000, and the S50B30US was produced 1994–1995, 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 E36 M3?
We have 2 S50B30US engines from E36 donor cars, priced from 3.246,00 € to 3.255,00 €. Delivery to your door is included, and the engine carries a 12-month warranty when fitted by a qualified workshop. Add fitting labour and the parts you replace at the same time — seals, cooling parts and mounts — to estimate the total.
Will the S50B30US fit my BMW E36 M3 US?
Yes, the BMW E36 M3 US left the factory with the S50B30US, so an S50B30US from another car is the direct replacement. The third 3 Series was built 1990–2000, and the S50B30US was produced 1994–1995, 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 E36 M3 US?
We have 2 S50B30US engines from E36 donor cars, priced from 3.246,00 € to 3.255,00 €. Delivery to your door is included, and the engine carries a 12-month warranty when fitted by a qualified workshop. Add fitting labour and the parts you replace at the same time — seals, cooling parts and mounts — to estimate the total.
S50B30US prices
We currently hold 3 S50B30US engines. The cheapest is 3.246,00 €, the most expensive 3.349,00 €, and half of them cost less than 3.255,00 €.
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.
S50B30US engines in stock
Here is a selection of S50B30US engines currently on our shelves, photographed in the yard. Click any of them for the full photographs, mileage and specification.
BMW S50B30US Engine — 3.349,00 €, reduced from 3.800,00 €. It comes from a recorded donor car, and 15 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.
BMW E36 M3 S50B30US Complete Engine — 3.255,00 €, reduced from 3.800,00 €. It comes from a recorded donor car, and 10 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.
Buying a used S50B30US: checklist
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 S50B30US
What should I check on a used BMW S50 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 S50 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.
If you want more photos or a short video of a unit, ask the desk and we send them before you pay. 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 S50 Engines · Inspection certificate
What is the difference between the BMW S50 engines?
BMW S50 engines from the E36 M3. We list 2 versions: S50B32 (3.2 liter (3,201 cc), 236 kW (321 HP), 1995 to 1999); S50B30 (3.0 liter (2,990 cc), 210 kW (286 HP), 1992 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 S50 family was used in chassis E36. 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.
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.
Which years were BMW S50 engines made?
BMW built the S50 engines we list from about 1992 to 1999. The S50B32 ran from 1995 to 1999. The S50B30 ran from 1992 to 1995.
They went into chassis E36. 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.
Will the S50B32 engine fit my BMW E36 M3 Coupe?
Yes, if your BMW E36 M3 Coupe was built with the S50B32. BMW used this 3.2 liter (3,201 cc) petrol engine with 236 kW (321 HP) in the E36 M3 Coupe from about 1995 to 1999.
In our records the S50B32 is the engine for the E36 M3 Coupe, 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.
See all S50 Engines · Search S50B32 in the shop
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.
See all S50 Engines · Search S50B30 in the shop
Can you check if an S50B32 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 S50B32, 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, BMW E36 M3 Coupe and BMW E36 M3 Sedan.
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 S50 Engines · Search S50B32 in the shop
How much is a replacement S50B32 engine for a BMW E36 M3 Sedan?
A used S50B32 for the BMW E36 M3 Sedan costs from about 5.850 € to 8.950 € 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 S50B32 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 S50B32 in the shop
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.
See all S50 Engines · Search S50B30 in the shop
What is the difference between the S50B32 and other S50 engines?
The S50B32 makes 236 kW (321 HP) and 350 Nm. The other S50 engines are: S50B30 with 210 kW (286 HP) and 320 Nm (1992 to 1995).
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.
See all S50 Engines · Search S50B32 in the shop
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.
See all S50 Engines · Search S50B30 in the shop
How much is a replacement S50B32 engine for a BMW E36 M3 Coupe?
A used S50B32 for the BMW E36 M3 Coupe costs from about 5.850 € to 8.950 € 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 S50B32 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 S50B32 in the shop
Will the S50B32 engine fit my BMW E36 M3?
Yes, if your BMW E36 M3 was built with the S50B32. BMW used this 3.2 liter (3,201 cc) petrol engine with 236 kW (321 HP) in the E36 M3 from about 1995 to 1999.
In our records the S50B32 is the engine for the E36 M3, 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.
See all S50 Engines · Search S50B32 in the shop
Delivery, warranty and payment
Every S50B30US 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.
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.
Every engine carries a 12-month warranty on eligible internal failure when a qualified workshop fits it with new fluids and filters. Payment is by card, bank transfer or crypto; your invoice is emailed as soon as you order.
S50 and S52 engine guide · All S50 and S52 engines · Send us your VIN
