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M52 Engine
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General Information

Model Variants

Sensor Information

OEM ECU Information

Base Maps

Information on the BMW M52 Engine

General Information
Cylinders 6
B20 1991cc (121ci)
B24 2394cc (146ci)
Displacement
B25 2494cc (152ci)
B28 2793cc (170ci)
Firing Order 1,5,3,6,2,4
Model Variants

There are a number of variants of the M52 engine. TU models refer to "Technical Update" and added VANOS to the
exhaust cams, Drive-By-Wire throttle, and a variable length intake system.

M52B20

11.0:1 comp. 6500rpm limit for all models

M52TUB20

1998-on, Dual VANOS, DBW, Variable Intake Length

M52TUB24

Thailand Only

M52B25

10.5:1 comp

M52TUB25

1998-2000, Dual VANOS, Partial DBW, Variable Intake Length.

M52B28

10.2:1 comp

M52TUB28

1998-on Dual VANOS, DBW, Variable Intake Length

Common Models

Engine Type Common Vehicles

1994-1998 E36 320i

M52B20
1995-1998 E39 520i

1998-2000 E46 320i, 320Ci,

M52TUB20 1998-2000 E39 520i
1999-2000 E36/7 Z3 2.0i

1995-1998 E36 323i,

M52B25 1995-2000 E36/5 323ti
1995-2000 E39 523i

1998-2000 E46 323i, 323Ci

M52TUB25 1998-2000 E39 523i
1998-2000 E36/7 Z3 2.3i

1995-1999 E36 328i, 328is

1995-1998 E39 528i
M52B28 1995-1998 E38 728i, 728iL
1997-1998 E36/7 Z3 2.8
1997-2000 Land Rover Defender (South Africa only)

1998-2000 E46 328i, 328Ci

1998-2000 E36/7/8 Z3 2.8
M52TUB28
1998-2000 E39 528i
1998-2000 E38 728i

Sensor Information

Crank/Cam Sensor

This engines uses a Crank Position Sensor and 1x Cam Position Sensor for normal models, or 2x cam position sensors
for TU models.

Crank Sensor
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A Hall Effect crank position sensor is used and is located on the front of the engine with the 60-2 trigger being part of the
crank pulley.

Wiring

Sensor Pin Function Haltech Connection

1 5V+ 5V+ Orange

2 Signal Trigger + Yellow in Trigger 4-core

3 Signal Ground Signal Ground Blue in Trigger 4-core

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Cam Sensor Non-TU Models

Early engine models use a unique cam sensor design. The OEM ECU sends the sensor a frequency signal, and the
pattern is altered if a cam tooth is present under the sensor. This type of "frequency sensor" is not supported by Haltech
or any other aftermarket ECU. A single "half-moon" tooth is used

The Yellow pattern is the crank sensor 60-2 signal. The Blue pattern shows the frequency signal. When a tooth is
present a higher frequency is produced.

Image from VEMS.

To support these models the cam position sensor should be replaced with a conventional Hall Effect type sensor. Most
people replace sensor with one from the M50 engine. Pinout is the same as for the Siemens sensor.

Sensor Pin Function Haltech Connection

1 12V+ 12V+ Red in Home 4-core

2 Signal Home + Yellow in Home 4-core

3 Signal Ground Signal Ground Blue in Home 4-core

Cam Sensor TU Models

TU Model engines are reported to use normal Hall Effect sensors. These are supported by Haltech Elite ECUs.
Wiring is the same as for non TU models.
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Trigger Configuration

Ignition Coils and Igniters

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Coil Pin Colour Function

1 Varies To Igniter Module

2 Brown Ground to Cylinder Head

3 Green 12V+

The ignition coils have 3x pins however they do not have an internal igniter. The igniter is internal to the OEM ECU, so an
external igniter such as the Haltech HPI6 is recommended for this application.

Dwell Time

DBW Throttle System

Models with the Technical Update will have a DBW Throttle. Other models use a conventional cable throttle.
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Models with the Technical Update will have a DBW Throttle. Other models use a conventional cable throttle.

DBW Throttle Wiring

Position Sensors
Haltech
Pin Description Connection

1 5V+ 5V+

2 TPS2 AVI3

4 TPS1 AVI2

5 Signal Ground Signal Ground

Drive Motor
Pin Haltech Connection
3 DBW1
6 DBW2

DBW Accelerator Pedal Position Sensors Connection

Haltech
Pin Description
Connection

1 Signal Ground Signal Ground

2 APP2 AVI5

3 Signal Ground Signal Ground

4 5V+ 5V+
5 APP1 AVI4

6 5V+ 5V+

Throttle Position Sensor (Cable Throttle Models)

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OEM Wiring Haltech Wiring

1 Signal Ground

2 Signal (Spare AVI)

3 5V+

MAP Sensor

These engines do not come with a MAP sensor.

Use the internal MAP sensor that comes with your ECU. For higher boost levels an external MAP sensor should be used
instead, connected to a spare AVI.

Variable Cams

Non TU models
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These models have a switched cam control that is simply turned on or off with the inlet cam only. This will use the Cam
Control Switched function.
It will be off at idle, on at low RPM and open throttle, and turns off above ~4200rpm.

TU Models

These models have continuously variable cams on the inlet and exhaust cams. This will use the Cam Control function.

Idle Valve

3-pin BAC valve. Middle pin is 12V+ and output pins will go to 2x spare outputs.

Coolant Temperature

M52B28 Coolant Temperature Sensor

M52TUB28 Coolant Temperature Sensor

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Wiring is not polarity sensitive
Pin Haltech Connection
1 Any Spare AVI*
2 Signal Ground
An AVI with a selectable Pullup should be used. If not and external 1k pullup to 5V should be connected.

Calibration: Use "Temperature - xxxxxxx.cal"

Created for Haltech ECUs using a 1k pullup to 5V

Air Temp

An air temperature sensor is incorporated in the MAF Sensor. If the MAF is deleted then an external Air Temperature
Sensor needs to be installed in the intake, preferably in the plenum near to where the MAP sensor connects.

Haltech 1/8" NPT Air Temp Sensor

Wiring is not polarity sensitive.

Calibration: Use "Temperature - GM Air Sensor.cal"

Created for Haltech ECUs using a 1k pullup to 5V

Knock Sensor

Recommended Knock Sensor. Haltech HT-011100

O2 Sensor

Adding a Haltech Wideband Kit (highly recommended)

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Adding a Haltech Wideband Kit (highly recommended)

For correct operation a Haltech WB1 kit is highly recommended for this application, with the provided 4.9 sensors
replacing the pre-cat sensor. Sensors use a 22mm socket or spanner to remove and replace.

Vehicle Speed Sensor

Injector Data

Flow

The injector flow rate is measured with the injectors held wide open at 100% duty. For fuel systems with a fixed regulator
pressure (often returnless systems) that is not referenced to manifold pressure the flow needs to be mapped over
Manifold Pressure for accurate tuning.

Dead Time

When an injector is commanded to open for a certain amount of time, the dead time is the amount of time the injector is
not actually open during this period. It covers the time to energise the solenoid and begin to open and the time to close
as well. There are also transient periods during which the injector is opening and closing where fuel flow is not at full
capacity so this lost peak flow period is also taken into account.
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OEM ECU Information
Siemens ECUs are used by BMW for these engines.

Non TU use MS41.0

TU use MS42

ECU Pinout

Base Maps
Where applicable those maps are attached below.

To use these maps they should be IMPORTED into your ECU. Follow the IMPORTING A BASE MAP guide.

Installation Pack

Downloadable zip file that has wiring information and base maps. Everything needed for someone to do an installation
and startup.
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Coming soon...

Will this change the modified date?

Updated: 2 years ago

Helpful?

BMW

M52 Engine

M50 Engine

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Engine Configuration

Engine Control Relay

Mapping an Engine

Engine Setup Screen

Engine Control Relay ( ECR )

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