Tearing Down a BMW B38 Engine: A Closer Look at BMW's Small 3-Cylinder Engine

TLDRIn this video, we tear down a BMW B38 1.5L 3-cylinder engine, exploring its features and components. Despite its small size, this engine is part of BMW's renowned modular engine family. We discuss the engine's power output, pricing, and market demand. The teardown reveals a clean and well-maintained engine, with minimal wear and no major issues.

Key insights

💪The BMW B38 engine is a part of BMW's modular engine family, sharing design elements with other engines in the lineup.

🔬The teardown of the engine reveals a clean interior with minimal wear, indicating good maintenance and care.

💰The price of used BMW B38 engines is relatively high due to their demand in the market and limited supply.

📈The BMW B38 engine is available in different power variations, ranging from 100 horsepower to 230 horsepower in the BMW i8.

🧰The engine features a variable belt drive system and a valvetronic motor that controls the intake valves.

Q&A

Is the BMW B38 engine reliable?

—Based on the teardown, the BMW B38 engine appears to be well-built and reliable, with minimal wear and no major issues.

What is the power output of the BMW B38 engine?

—The power output of the BMW B38 engine varies depending on the model and configuration, ranging from 100 horsepower to 230 horsepower.

Why are used BMW B38 engines expensive?

—The price of used BMW B38 engines is relatively high due to their demand in the market and limited supply.

What other engines share the same design as the BMW B38 engine?

—The BMW B38 engine shares design elements with other engines in the BMW modular engine family, including the B48 and B58 engines.

What is the purpose of the valvetronic motor in the BMW B38 engine?

—The valvetronic motor in the BMW B38 engine controls the intake valves, allowing for precise control of the engine's air intake and improved efficiency.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Introduction to tearing down a BMW B38 1.5L 3-cylinder engine.

01:14Discussion on the design and power output of the BMW B38 engine.

04:32Analysis of the market demand and pricing of BMW B38 engines.

08:55Teardown of the engine, revealing a clean and well-maintained interior.

12:00Exploration of the timing system and valve train components.

14:41Removal of the tensioner and examination of the timing chain.

15:45Insight into the condition of the exhaust cam and valve tronic system.

16:47Conclusion and discussion on the reliability of the BMW B38 engine.

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