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BMW S52B32 specs: 3.2L (192.3 ci) 6-cylinder, 86.4 x 89.6 mm (3.4016 x 3.5276 in) bore and stroke, 10.5:1 compression. Rated 240 hp, 1996–2000.
The BMW S52B32 is close to square: 3.4016" bore against 3.5276" stroke, within 3.6%, which splits the difference between a high-revving layout and a torque layout. The 3.5276" stroke puts mean piston speed at 4,000 ft/min around 6,800 RPM, which is where a production bottom end is generally considered at its limit. Each of the 6 cylinders displaces 32.1 ci (525 cc).
10.5:1 on aluminum heads is in the range that usually runs on pump premium; aluminum sheds heat faster than iron, which makes the same number a little more forgiving.
It is one of 7 engines in the S5x family, sitting between the 182.7 ci and 195.2 ci members. 5 factory variants share these dimensions, rated at 240 hp across 1996–2000.
| Displacement | 192.3 ci / 3.2 L |
|---|---|
| Bore | 3.4016" |
| Stroke | 3.5276" |
| Cylinders | 6 |
| Configuration | I6 |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Bore/stroke ratio | 0.964 |
| Block material | cast iron |
|---|---|
| Head material | aluminum |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Fuel type | gas |
| Advertised HP | 240 hp |
| Years | 1996–2000 |
| Year | Version | HP @ rpm | Torque @ rpm | Comp. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | S52B32 net | 240 @ 6000 | 236 lb-ft @ 3800 | 10.5:1 |
| 1997 | S52B32 net | 240 @ 6000 | 236 lb-ft @ 3800 | 10.5:1 |
| 1998 | S52B32 net | 240 @ 6000 | 236 lb-ft @ 3800 | 10.5:1 |
| 1999 | S52B32 net | 240 @ 6000 | 236 lb-ft @ 3800 | 10.5:1 |
| 2000 | S52B32 net | 240 @ 6000 | 236 lb-ft @ 3800 | 10.5:1 |
Factory specification sheet.
| Bore/stroke character | 0.964 — square — bore and stroke are within 5%, a balanced compromise |
|---|---|
| Mean piston speed at 6,000 RPM | 3,528 ft/min — in the range typical of performance street engines |
| Displacement per cylinder | 32.1 ci |
| Static compression | 10.5:1 — in the range that usually runs on pump premium |
Each link opens the calculator with this engine's specs already filled in.
These records share identical bore, stroke, displacement and compression. They differ by model year and factory power rating.
| Year | Advertised HP | Code |
|---|---|---|
| 1996 | 240 hp | S52B32 |
| 1997 | 240 hp | S52B32 |
| 1998 | 240 hp | S52B32 |
| 1999 | 240 hp | S52B32 |
| 2000 | 240 hp | S52B32 |
2 factory vehicles, 1996–2000. Each year opens that model's engine table.