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M54 ENGINE
Models: E53 X5,
SOP: 3 liter - 4/00
Objectives of the Module:
Purpose of the System:
The M54 engine was developed to meet the needs for ULEV compliancy for emission con-
trol. The increase in displacement allows the engine to fit the X5 All Roads vehicle while still
meeting the demands for power and performance.
INTRODUCTION
The M54 - 6 cylinder engine is being introduced with the 2001 Model Year E53 - X5. The
displacement of the new engine for the X5 is 3 liters and the engine will replace the 2.8 liter
engine in the E46/Z3 series in 6/2000 and E39 series vehicles in 9/2000.
.
Design objectives for the M54 engine were to provide:
• Lower Emissions
• Maintain Fuel Economy
• Maintain Power and Performance levels
2
M54engMS43/ST036/6/2000
At the end of this section of the handout, you will be able to:
• Identify the changes to the M54 engines over the M52 TU engine.
• List the design objectives for the M54 engine.
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M54engMS43/ST039/3/17/00
LEAK DIAGNOSIS TEST PRECONDITIONS
The ECM only initiates a leak diagnosis test every second time the criteria are met. The cri-
teria is as follows:
• Engine OFF with ignition switched OFF.
• Engine Control Module still in active state or what is known as “follow up mode” (Main
Relay energized, control module and DME components online for extended period after
key off).
• Prior to Engine/Ignition switch OFF condition, vehicle must have been driven for a min-
imum of 20 minutes.
• Prior to minimum 20 minute drive, the vehicle must have been OFF for a minimum of 5
hours.
• Fuel Tank Capacity must be between 15 and 85%(safe approximation between 1/4 -
3/4 of a tank).
• Ambient Air Temperature between -7
OC & 35OC(20OF & 95OF )
• Altitude < 2500m(8,202 feet).
• Battery Voltage between 11.5 and 14.5 Volts
When these criteria are satisfied every second time, the ECM will start the Fuel System Leak
Diagnosis Test. The test will typically be carried out once a day i.e. once after driving to
work in the morning, when driving home in the evening, the criteria are once again met but
the test is not initiated. The following morning, the test will run again.
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M54engMS43/ST036/6/2000
CAMSHAFT SENSOR
-INTAKE AND EXHAUST CAMSHAFTS
The "static" Hall sensors are used so that the camshaft positions are recognized once igni-
tion is “on” - even before the engine is started.
The function of the intake cam sensor:
• Cylinder bank detection for preliminary injection
• Synchronization
• Engine speed sensor (if crankshaft speed sensor fails)
• Position control of the intake cam (VANOS)
The exhaust cam sensor is used for position control of the exhaust cam (VANOS)
If these sensors fail there are no substitute values, the system will operate in the failsafe
mode with no VANOS adjustment. The engine will still operate, but torque reduction will be
noticeable.
NOTE: Use caution on repairs as not to bend the impulse wheels
KL 15 KL 15
MS42.0
SOLENOID
OIL TEMP.
SENSOR TWO POSITION PISTON HOUSING
WITH INTERNAL/EXTERNAL
HELICAL GEAR CUP TWO POSITION PISTON
HOUSING WITH
INTERNAL/EXTERNAL
HELICAL GEAR CUP
ENGINE
OIL SUPPLY VENT VENT
SOLENOID
SENSOR SENSOR
MS42
ECM
EXHAUST
INTAKE
MS42.0
ECM
MS 43.0
MS 43.0
MS 43.0
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M54engMS43/ST036/6/20000
NOTE: With extremely hot oil temperatures Vanos is deactivated (Power loss). If the oil is
too thick (wrong viscosity) a fault could be set.
When the engine is started, the camshafts are in the “failsafe” position (deactivated). The
intake camshaft is in the RETARDED position - held by oil pressure from the sprung open
solenoid. The exhaust camshaft is in the ADVANCED position - held by a preload spring in
the actuator and oil pressure from the sprung open solenoid.
After 50 RPM (2-5 seconds) from engine start, the ECM is monitoring the exact camshaft
position.
The ECM positions the camshafts based on engine RPM and the throttle position signal.
From that point the camshaft timing will be varied based on intake air and coolant temper-
atures.
The double VANOS system is “fully variable”. When the ECM detects the camshafts are in
the optimum positions, the solenoids are modulated (approximately 100-220 Hz) maintain-
ing oil pressure on both sides of the actuators to hold the camshaft timing.
CAUTION:
The VANOS MUST
be removed and installed exactly as described in the Repair
Instructions!
NOTE: If the VANOS camshaft system goes to the failsafe mode (deactivated) there will be
a noticeable loss of power. This will be like driving with retarded ignition or starting from a
stop in third gear.
KL 15 KL 15
MS42.0
SOLENOID
OIL TEMP.
SENSOR TWO POSITION PISTON HOUSING
WITH INTERNAL/EXTERNAL
HELICAL GEAR CUP TWO POSITION PISTON
HOUSING WITH
INTERNAL/EXTERNAL
HELICAL GEAR CUP
ENGINE
OIL SUPPLY VENT VENT
SOLENOID
SENSOR SENSOR
MS42
ECMEXHAUST
INTAKE
MS42.0
ECM
MS 43.0
MS 43.0
MS 43.0