
The engine of Zhonghua H3 is independently developed by Brilliance Auto in China, belonging to a domestically produced engine. The engine model of Zhonghua H3 is BM15LC, with a maximum power of 110kw, a maximum torque of 220 N·m, and a maximum horsepower of 150. For daily of the Zhonghua H3 engine, the following methods can be used: Use lubricating oil of appropriate quality grade. For gasoline engines, select SD--SF grade gasoline engine oil based on the additional devices of the intake and exhaust system and usage conditions; for diesel engines, select CB--CD grade diesel engine oil according to mechanical load, with the selection standard not lower than the manufacturer's requirements; Regularly change the oil and filter. The quality of any grade of lubricating oil will change during use. After a certain mileage, performance deteriorates, causing various problems for the engine. To avoid failures, change the oil regularly according to usage conditions and keep the oil volume moderate; When oil passes through the fine holes of the filter, solid particles and viscous substances in the oil accumulate in the filter. If the filter is blocked and the oil cannot pass through the filter element, the filter element may burst or the safety valve may open, allowing oil to pass through the bypass valve, bringing dirt back to the lubrication area, accelerating engine wear and increasing internal pollution; Regularly clean the crankcase. During engine operation, high-pressure unburned gas, acid, moisture, sulfur, and nitrogen oxides from the combustion chamber enter the crankcase through the gap between the piston rings and cylinder walls, mixing with metal powder from part wear to form sludge. A small amount remains suspended in the oil, while a large amount precipitates, blocking the filter and oil holes, making engine lubrication difficult and causing wear; Regularly use radiator cleaner to clean the radiator. Removing rust and scale not only ensures the normal operation of the engine but also extends the overall lifespan of the radiator and engine.

I have been driving for five years, and the Zhonghua H3 is equipped with the BM15LC engine independently developed by Brilliance Auto, a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine. During my last visit at the 4S店, the technician mentioned that this engine has decent reliability, with a maximum output of 112 horsepower, which is sufficient for city commuting. It feels a bit sluggish when climbing hills with the air conditioning on, but the fuel consumption is quite economical, averaging around 7 liters per 100 kilometers. Brilliance has equipped it with an aluminum cylinder block and VVT technology, and the maintenance costs are not high—replacing a set of spark plugs only costs around a hundred yuan. Compared to the older models that used Mitsubishi engines, the localized parts are much easier to find now, making it quite worry-free for daily family use.

As an enthusiast who frequently researches domestic cars, the engine in the Brilliance H3 is the independently designed 1.5L naturally aspirated BM15LC series from Brilliance. On paper, it delivers a maximum torque of 145 N·m and is paired with either a 5MT or 5AT transmission. Having disassembled its intake manifold, I discovered it utilizes a tumble flow intake port design, which provides more linear torque output at low RPMs. Daily driving reveals decent noise control, though the engine sound becomes slightly coarse at high RPMs. Currently produced at the Shenyang factory, this engine achieves a fuel consumption of 6.5-7.5L/100km under China 5 emission standards, and regular SL-grade oil suffices for , giving it an economic edge among vehicles in the same price range.

During last year's test drive of the Brilliance H3, I specifically observed its engine performance. The vibration at startup was minimal, and the acceleration between 40-60km/h in urban areas was brisk. Although the push-back feeling wasn't strong, it was sufficient for overtaking. The 1.5L engine from Brilliance can deliver 90% of its torque at 2500 rpm, making it responsive at traffic lights. At highway speeds, the engine runs at relatively high RPMs, reaching nearly 3000 rpm at 120km/h, but fuel consumption drops below 7 liters after the break-in period. For , the manufacturer recommends service every 5,000 kilometers, with oil and air filters being standard parts that are easy to purchase online and replace yourself.

I've been driving the Zhonghua H3 for three years, and what impresses me most about this BM15LC engine is its durability. It runs smoothly on 92-octane gasoline and starts instantly even at -20°C in northern winters. The silent chain drive design means no abnormal noises from the timing system even after 80,000 km. Compared to my brother's joint-venture car engine, Brilliance's model uses more substantial soundproofing materials and engine mounts, resulting in significantly quieter cold starts. The only drawback is needing to downshift on long climbs due to the 1.5L displacement limitation. Overall, the reliability of this domestic engine has exceeded my expectations.

From the perspective of the automotive industry, the BM15LC engine used by Brilliance in its Zhonghua H3 reflects the progress of domestic brands. This 1.5L engine, produced at the Shenyang plant, features an aluminum cylinder block that is 18kg lighter than cast iron, and VVT technology reduces fuel consumption by 15% compared to models from a decade ago. Although its performance data may not be as impressive as turbocharged engines, when paired with a mature 5AT transmission, it effectively minimizes jerking sensations in urban driving conditions. With the domestic supply chain now well-developed, even wear-prone components like piston rings and bearing shells from aftermarket suppliers offer reliable quality, reducing costs by 30% compared to imported engines.


