Engine identification
 

I bought a 318ti that has a straight six engine swap. How do I figure out exactly what engine is in it?

the PO didnt tell you what it was?

Post a pic, then we can start from there.

No he didnt

Single Vanos M50 from the initial look of it. But could be M52 with an M50 intake manifold swap.

Would it help if I take the cover off?

Also I see a lot of "m50" engines that vary in size. What size do you suspect this to be? I'm asking because I plan on doing my own maintenance and tune ups and upgrades and want to be sure that I am purchasing the correct parts for the correct motor. Thank you so much for your replies and insight.

They all share the same head I believe. More than likely it is a 2.5L. M50B25TU

the ID number of the BMW 6L engine is next to the engine support below of the admission manifold

http://img.xooimage.com/files68/b/b/..._2-2e82ae6.png

ex: 206S1XXA 206S2XXA for M50B20,S3 forM52B20
256S1XXA for a M50B25 NV ,S2 for Vanos, S3 for M52B25
286S3 for M52B28
and on the the cylinder head ( next to the temp sensor ) it is the displacement again

I'm about to do an oil change and spark plugs. I have read here that mobile 1 high mileage is recommended but what plugs and at what gap should I use. I used to mainly own jap. Cars and used denso iridium, and I'm kinda finicky about using the best I can get. So what plugs do you guys recommend, and thanks for all the input

NGK plugs are the best I've used for BMW's

Thanks ��

+1
NGK BKR6EIX Iridium IX Spark Plug for my M52B28
and if you want a lower heat grade NGK BKR7EIX Iridium IX