BMW S38

The BMW S38 is a straight-6 DOHC piston engine which replaced the M88 and was produced from 1986-1996. It is based on the M88/3 engine.

Models

S38B35

The S38B35 was based on the M88/3, but with changes including a dual-row timing chain, camshaft, compression ratio lowered to 9.8:1 and fitted with a catalytic converter.

Applications:

S38B36

For the S38B36 displacement was enlarged from 3453 to 3535 cc, achieved by increasing the stroke from 84mm to 86mm by using a longer forged steel crankshaft. Different camshafts were also used and the compression ratio was increased to 10:1. A variable-length inlet manifold was used claimed to improve torque output, equal length stainless steel exhaust headers remains. The fuel injection system was Bosch Motronic.

Applications:

S38B38

In 1992, BMW further enlarged the S38 engine to 3795 cc, with power climbing to 250 kW (340 hp) and torque increasing to 400 N·m (300 lb·ft). Coil-on-plug ignition replaced the traditional distributor which was used on previous S38 engines and the Bosch Motronic 3.3 fuel injection system was used. Other upgrades include: