what is BMW's toughest/most robust engine?

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PeteK
Upcoming E21 fanatic
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My E21(s): 1979 323i Euro
Location: Perth, Western Australia
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Re: what is BMW's toughest/most robust engine?

Post by PeteK »

According to my owners manuals it's not clear. The e21 says "Forged steel, heat treated". The one for the e12 says "Forged, heat-treated steel, or cast". I think the "or cast" in the e12 manual is refering to the M30 engined models.

The cylinder heads are refered to as "light alloy". This normally means aluminium with things like magnesium added.

I vote the M10 as toughest. Anything with a block that'll do 100,000 miles, get machined and stuffed into a F1 car with 1500 bhp is good enough for me! My poor old 2 litre has been going to the track for 10 years now and just has some slight valve stem seal wear.


Pete K
'79 323i (for good times)
'81 M535i (for collecting)
'75 520i (track machine)
'03 320i (for commuting)
'97 Laser
http://team-orange.blogspot.com/
Rav320uk
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Joined: Mon Oct 06, 2008 8:34 pm

Re: what is BMW's toughest/most robust engine?

Post by Rav320uk »

M30, but i'm biased.

They do take plenty of abuse, and can be FI to 450-500bhp on standard internals.
Not sure about the M10 though. :launch
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