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BMW M51 engine: specs and known issues

The BMW M51 is a turbocharged inline-six diesel engine with a 2.5-liter displacement, produced 1991–2000, per Wikipedia. We do not have repair prices for it yet.

Specs and history from Wikipedia (revisions listed below)

M51 at a glance

Production1991-2000[1]
ConfigurationInline-6[1]
Displacement2497 cc (152.4 cu in)[1]
Fuel typeDiesel fuel (DIN 51601)[1]
Forced inductionSingle turbo, tds-engines also have an intercooler[1]
ValvetrainSOHC 2 valves x cyl.[1]
BlockCast iron[1]
Bore × stroke80 mm (3.15 in) × 82.8 mm (3.26 in)[1]

Cars with the M51

Cars and chassis codes named in Wikipedia's article on this engine. It can include related or successor models, so treat it as a lead and check your exact car. Open a linked model to see its repair costs.

Model pages for the M51

Chassis pages whose cars, per Wikipedia, used this engine.

E36 3 SeriesE34 5 SeriesE39 5 SeriesE38 7 Series
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Common questions

When was the BMW M51 engine produced?

1991-2000, per Wikipedia.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia: BMW M51 (revision 1380863475, read 2026-10-23)

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