M3 Engine Identification

ROBINSOR · 02-20-2006, 08:30 AM

Does anyone know how to positively ID an e36 "M" engine just bylooking at it? The plastic "M POWER" cover does'nt count.

I'm looking for something obviously different about an "M" that does not appear on any other BMW e36 engine (besides the serial#).

Thanks

supertack · supertack's Garage

Do you have your doubts about one that your looking at? Worried that someone is trying to pass off a 328 as an ///M?

ROBINSOR · 02-20-2006, 11:38 AM

Yeah - I think this has probably happened to others and I don't want to get burnt

Jeron · Jeron's Garage

If you are worried about passing a 328 as an M3 then you just need to check the VIN and the door jab tag.

If you think they put a 328 engine in an M3 chassis THEN you need to ID the engine.

ROBINSOR · 02-21-2006, 08:12 AM

How do you ID the engine other than the engine serial # that is buried
up under the intake manifold in a place you can't see when its in thecar
unless you remove the intake?

Are'nt there any visible physical differences that can indicate whether its an M3 engine or not?

Thanks

Jeron · Jeron's Garage

I'm sure there is a way just by looking at it but I dont know it. Can you see the serial number with a mirror and flashlight? I'll look tonight when I get home.

supertack · supertack's Garage

I made a comment last year, that an e36 chassis is the easiest (cost apart) car to disguise from say a 328 to an M3. It would be time consuming, but there are no real 'tell tale' signs of differentiation like on an e46. With no fender vents, hood domes, or dual exhaust to worry about, you could replace the engine valve cover, oil cap, door sills, speedo, side skirts, front/rear bumper, & badging & an novice buyer might be fooled. There are plenty of e36 owners that replace the body trim anyway, and a dishonest moron could be foolish enough to take the next couple of steps.

LiquidBMW76 · 02-22-2006, 12:35 PM

I would advise you to run a carfax on the vin. And gte the number off the motor.

ROBINSOR · 02-23-2006, 03:24 AM

The car chasis I've bought (at a salvage auction) is a 1995 325i based on the VIN# but the engine and mods are definitely not. The 94 and 95 2.5 litre engines have the oil fill cap on the valve cover near the firewall.

The car I bought is up front as on a 2.8 or an M3. The engine has an OBDI wiring harness (which is not common to a 2.8) and M POWER insignia on the plastic covers (which can be put on any engine).

This engine also has a VOTECH supercharger, headers, and REMUS ehaust system, not to mention many suspension and other mods.

There's no way you can see the engine serial# with it in the car. Its hard to see with an engine out of the car if the intake is still on it, (I've got one sitting in my garage).

Does anyone know where I can look to verify what serial #'s designate a true M3 engine?

Jeron · Jeron's Garage

My M3 has a paper serial number on the back of the head. I noticed it when my tranny was out but I'm sure you could find it if you look. That is assuming it is still there.

I think there was a stamped serial next to it but I can be sure.

I know I said I would look but I've been busy swapping clutches (again) for a race this weekend. I may get another chance tonight.

ROBINSOR · 02-23-2006, 12:10 PM

Thanks for the reply(s) - I also have seen the paper tag glued to the back of the head but unfortunately this one has been removed or fell off. Meantime I'm still hoping somebody out there knows a sure way to identify an M3 motor from just looking at what is visble from the outside.

Thanks again and good luck with the clutch.