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hi guys,

the engine i just picked up has the 3.0 / 3.3 raised numbers then a M painted in white after. the block casting # is 1269607. i was told it's from an 80 733i. at realoem i get a no # exists, and a google gives me a 82-83 745 block #.

i just wanted to know if anyone can help me understand what it is. i get the 3.0 / 3.3 part, just not the rest of the info i found.


thank you!

Well, I tried but couldn't find much on the number you listed. I would just assume that it's from a 733i if that's what you were told. It seems to be a m30b32 designation from my Googling. The early 3.2 745i probably just used the same block as the non-turbocharged version, thus giving it the same #.

Here is something that might help you decipher the engine codes:
http://www.ge39.com/files/zeigeinfo.pdf

It's not the best, but it's something.

Just for fun, I'll look at my engine (from a 633csi) and let you know if it's the same.

That sounds like the casting number for the block, which would be the same as many 3.0/3.3 engines for several years. All it would mean is it's a 89 bore with the buldges on the side to accomodate a 86MM crank, unlike the early 3.0s which could only take a 80MM crank.

Now to identify what you do have, look up by the starter, there should be a flat machined area with a serial number on it. That would usually be the serial number of the car it originally came in. Then another stamping, much fainter, there is often the displacement of the engine, which would likely be either 3.0 or 3.2 for what we think of as a 3.3. Theres more tricks if those don't work, let me know if you need more.

Mike W. wrote:That sounds like the casting number for the block, which would be the same as many 3.0/3.3 engines for several years. All it would mean is it's a 89 bore with the buldges on the side to accomodate a 86MM crank, unlike the early 3.0s which could only take a 80MM crank.

Now to identify what you do have, look up by the starter, there should be a flat machined area with a serial number on it. That would usually be the serial number of the car it originally came in. Then another stamping, much fainter, there is often the displacement of the engine, which would likely be either 3.0 or 3.2 for what we think of as a 3.3. Theres more tricks if those don't work, let me know if you need more.

perfect i'll go check, thanks a bunch!

Mike & crazyfastman
Thanx for your input. I found the #'s on the starter mount, just as you said. Here goes; 42594448 next to them; 346kB.
Your list of #'s doesn't come close to what's on the motor!
Maybe your list was an upgrade from the stamping of the motor?
I'm goin' to LB BMW to see what cross referance they have. This is the motor from the E12 at Ecology's 1/2 price sale. Greg

GripGreg wrote:Mike & crazyfastman
Thanx for your input. I found the #'s on the starter mount, just as you said. Here goes; 42594448 next to them; 346kB.
Your list of #'s doesn't come close to what's on the motor!
Maybe your list was an upgrade from the stamping of the motor?
I'm goin' to LB BMW to see what cross referance they have. This is the motor from the E12 at Ecology's 1/2 price sale. Greg

I have seen those too, I think they started in the mid to late 80's. It looks like a low compression 3.5, use this,

Engine number: A series production engine will have an eight-digit engine number consisting of two groups of four digits.
The 1st block contains 4 digits with information on the assembly line and serial number of engines produced daily.
The 2nd block shows the factory code and day of production.
0 001 0 000
0 Assembly line
0 or 1= M10, M42
2 or 3= M20, M21, M50 Munich/Steyr
4 or 5= M30
6= S14, S38, M70
001 = Serial number
0 = Factory code
0-4= Munich
5-9= Steyr (Austria)
000= Production day
Engine Code: (New Engines Installed in Production)
In addition to the eight digit engine number, an engine designation code is stamped in series production engines for model identification. The decoding of these number can be accomplished using Attachment 1.
Note: These production engine designation codes are different from the codes of new/remanufactured engines obtained from the parts dept. and should not be confused with them. This code (see below) provides information on displacement, number of cylinders, fuel system, change status and country version of engines installed during production:
Hyphen and dashes are not die-stamped in the sequence, e.g.
16 4V B/A stands for:
16= Displacement (e.g. 1.6 L)
4/6/12= 4- or 6- or 12- cylinders
E/V/T= Fuel Injected/Carbureted/Turbocharged engine
A,B,C= Internal BMW information (change index)
A/C/E/W/Y/Z= Country Codes
K= Catalytic converter

In regards to engine stamping, is there other locations where I might find it. I need an engine number to register a car in Australia. The machined surface above the starter on my 1980 M30 3.5 has no numbers. Any help appreciated.

I have heard factory replacement engines don't come with a stamping, but I've never seen one myself.

Stamp it yourself with a set of metal stamps?

Here's a pic.
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