What are the specifications of the BMW M54 engine?

[LenaLee]

BMW M54 engine has a bore of 84 mm, a stroke of 89.6 mm, a maximum power of 170 kW, and a maximum torque of 300 Nm. Six important parameters of automotive engines: Maximum Power: The RPM range at which the engine delivers maximum power. Theoretically, the higher the RPM at which maximum power occurs, the more power the engine can continuously extract. Maximum Torque: This can be understood as the strength of the engine, such as the force needed to turn a wrench or steer the wheel. It determines the car's acceleration time from a standstill, often referred to as burst power. The greater the torque, the faster the car accelerates from a standstill, and the shorter the time it takes to reach a specified speed. Displacement: Displacement can be thought of as the engine's lung capacity. It is one of the most important parameters of an engine, directly related to many of its technical specifications. Number of Cylinders: Common numbers of cylinders in automotive engines are 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 16. Number of Valves: Refers to the intake and exhaust valves of a cylinder. The intake valve is directly connected to the intake manifold and is the inlet through which the engine draws in the air-fuel mixture (or fresh air). The exhaust valve is connected to the exhaust manifold and is the outlet through which the engine expels combustion waste gases. The number of valves per cylinder refers to the number of valves each cylinder has, which can be two, three, four, five, or even six valves. Compression Ratio: Simply put, in the engine cylinder, a piston moves back and forth in a straight line repeatedly in a continuous cycle.

[OCorbin]

I remember the BMW M54 engine is a classic inline-six that really shined from the late 1990s to early 2000s. This beast came in three displacements: the 2.2L putting out around 168hp, the 2.5L delivering 192hp, and the mighty 3.0L topping at 228hp, with torque ranging from 210Nm to 300Nm. I've driven E46 models with this engine - the power delivery is linear, throttle response is crisp, making it perfect for both city sprints and long hauls. Its double-VANOS variable valve system was groundbreaking, though aging seals can lead to oil leaks, so regular gasket checks are a must. Overall reliability is solid - 200,000km is easily achievable with proper 5W-30 oil maintenance. In today's used E46 owner circles, this engine remains a popular base for turbo kits - with a few grand budget you can hit 300hp, making it one of BMW enthusiasts' favorite entry-level powerplants.

[MacFelicity]

As someone who has been repairing cars for over a decade, I've seen quite a few M54 engines. The straight-six design provides stable output, with displacements ranging from 2.2, 2.5 to 3.0 liters, delivering 168 to 228 horsepower. In terms of details, the compression ratio is about 10.2:1, using an aluminum alloy block to reduce weight, but the plastic cooling system components are prone to aging, leading to overheating issues—so the water pump needs frequent replacement. The torque range is 210-300 Nm, paired with responsive electronic throttle, making acceleration smooth in daily driving of E39 models. I recommend owners regularly check the O2 sensor to avoid emission-related fines. This engine runs well on regular unleaded gasoline—it's economical with low maintenance costs, making it suitable for novice car owners.

[DelTaylor]

Anyone who has driven BMW's M54 engine knows how practical it is, with three displacement options of 2.2, 2.5, or 3.0 liters, and horsepower ranging from 168 to 228 hp. When used in the E46 and E53, the torque of 210-300 Nm delivers a strong push-back feeling, and it's incredibly fuel-efficient for daily commutes, capable of running 500 km on a full tank. The design includes dual balance shafts to reduce vibrations, keeping the cabin quiet, and it doesn't falter even with the AC on in summer. Nowadays, young enthusiasts can enhance its performance with just an intake system upgrade.