Assembling a BMW M50 stroker.......advice?

NYSpeed Automotive
1

I recently picked up a 94 325is with a blown head gasket to build as my new DD. The plan is to build a 3.0 stroker using the M54B30 internals in the stock M50 block. I’ve built a few Honda DOHC motors back in my Honda days, and most recently vintage (60s-80s) motorcycle’s however I have NEVER built a BMW motor and find myself rather intimidated to do so.

Here is the plan:

Pull stock M50
Send the head to the machine shop to get thoroughly checked out.
Inspect block and re-hone the cylinder walls
M54B30 Pistons, rods, and crank
New piston rings
New gaskets for the top end
New gaskets for the lower end
New bearings for the rotating assembly
24lb injectors
New tune
Gonna replace any seals/gaskets I can while I have the motor and trans out

How different is the assembly process of these M5x’s compared to other motors? Any constructive tips you all could offer?

2

dont be intimidated, its just a honda with 2 more pistons. im assuming this is non vanos? if using vanos it can get complicated but as long as you have the tools and Youtube to show the way you will be fine. if using oil squirters check them to make sure there still good before installing them.

3

This M50 DOES have Vanos. How have you tackled the cam removal on these? My understanding is they are hollow cams that are prone to snapping if you don’t remove them properly ($1400 SPECIAL BMW tool is recommended); this is where the majority of my intimidation stems from. Assembling the bottom end is pretty straight forward, but going from a short block into a long block is where things get technical…

4

use a S52 head + cams?