You can check the above-described label under the hood should you want to confirm. If it says it’s SULEV, then it’s the N51 engine, and if it says LEV, then it’s the N52. There are other ways, too, including looking at your BMW vehicle identification number (VIN).
Table of Contents
What is a N51 BMW engine?
The N51 engine is a SULEV version of the N52 that was sold in parts of the United States that had SULEV legislation. Differences to the N52 versions include a variable-length intake manifold (“DISA”) with three stages instead of one, and a compression ratio lowered from 10.7:1 to 10.0:1.
Is the N51 BMW engine reliable?
The N51 is a largely reliable engine. However, it did feature some additional components to adhere to the stricter emission norms. In addition to the problems caused by these parts, the N51 also suffered the same troubles as its N52 counterpart.
Is my engine N51 or N52?
The easiest way to identify which engine you’re dealing with is to take a gander at the vehicle emissions plate under the hood. You’ll notice the relevant info on the left-hand side of the plate in the third row. N52 will be marked as LEV, while the N51 carries a SULEV tag.
How are BMW cylinders numbered?
Cylinder numbering is from front to rear; 1 at the front and 6 at the rear. Ignition firing order is 1-5-3-6-2-4. Engines produced through 1995, are generally considered as having one bank (bank-1).
Does N51 have 3 stage intake?
does the n51 have the 3 stage intake? Yup. N51 has slightly lower compression than N52 – but gets the 3-stage to supposedly make up for that…
How much horsepower does a N51 have?
engine is SULEV II compliant with 230 horsepower.
Can you put a N52 in a N51 car?
IT WORKS!!! so long as you swap all the electrics from the old engine and you have no damage to dme or anything like that, you should be good to go.
Can you swap an N52 for an N51?
It would work just fine as a 1:1 swap.
What year 328i is most reliable?
If you are looking at a used BMW 3 series then the generation that has the highest overall reliability rating is the 2006 through 2011. If you get one of the 328i sedans or coupes from this era you will have a long-lasting car.
What is a SULEV engine?
The BMW 328i sedan ($33,150) is powered by a 230-hp 3.0-liter inline-6.
How do I know if my 328i is SULEV?
Super ultra-low emissions vehicle (SULEV) is a U.S. classification for passenger vehicle emissions. The classification is based on producing 90% fewer emissions than the average gasoline-powered vehicle.
How do I know if my car has 4 or 6 cylinder?

What BMW has a 3 cylinder engine?
Counting how many spark plugs you see on your engine will give you the equal number of how many cylinders you have in your car. Check if it’s numbered. You can also check the engine’s surface because most engines have their cylinders numbered.
Does the N51 have DISA valves?
The BMW B38 is a 1.2 and 1.5 L (1,198 and 1,499 cc) turbocharged straight-three DOHC petrol engine, which replaced the straight-four BMW N13. Production started in 2013.
What BMW has the 3 stage intake manifold?
This is the upper DISA valve located in the intake manifold of the N52 engine in the E90 330i, E83 X3 3.0si, and E86 Z4 3.0si, as well as the N51 engine in the SULEV E82 128i and E9X 328i. DISA is “Differential Intake Air Control”, also known as variable length intake runners.
Can you put a turbo on a N52 engine?
We’re here to tell you the only difference is that the N52B30 based BMW 125i, BMW 325i, BMW Z4 3.0i, and BMW 525i come with single stage intake manifolds and de-tuned ECU software, while the 130i, 330i**, 530i and Z4 3.0si come with a three stage manifold and tuned software.
Is a 328i fast?
So to place a turbocharger on a E9x N52, a custom exhaust manifold/plumbing is required. A low rear exhaust manifold is possible with a ‘small’ turbo. A top mount turbo is ‘easier’. BPC and DigiDon both did this.
How much HP can a 328i make?
The top speed of the 328i is an electronically limited 130 mph. The 335i is significantly faster to 60 mph, as it performs the highway-speed sprint in 5.1 seconds with the auto transmission or 5.4 seconds with the optional manual. The 335i shares the 328i’s 130-mph top speed.
Can a BMW 328i be tuned?
This makes the 328i a highly desirable car to some. However, there are many other traits that make the E90 328i a great car to own and drive. The E90 & E92 328i come in with a weight around 3,350 lbs and offer 230 horsepower – good for a 0-60 time of 6.1 seconds.
How much HP can N52 handle?
Tuning the ECU of your BMW F30 328I is possible with VR Tuned. The driving characteristics are vastly improved while providing you additional benefits that your engine craves for.
Which BMW has a N52 engine?
BMW N52 Tunes They’re showcased all over the place for their ability to pick up 50-100+ horsepower on certain turbo BMW engines. However, tunes are a bit different on naturally aspirated engines.
How many cylinders does a N52 have?
For those unfamiliar with this iteration of BMW straight six engines.
Does N52 need premium gas?
The N52 was predominately found in the E90 325i, 328i and 330i, and the E60 525i and 528i models, as well as various others such as the 128i, X1, and Z4 to name a few. The N52 was produced from 2004 up until 2015 when it was replaced by the turbocharged N20 engine.
Can you supercharge a N52 engine?
YES you can put 87 in the N52. IT is the MINIMUM rated fuel but BMW engineers (who obviously know what they are talking about) RECOMMEND that you use 91 octane.