How to tell engine type?

[dschwartzer]

I have always dreamed of owning a BMW and I just took delivery of my
first one. It is a 2004 325xiT wagon. Mystic blue exterior and gray
leather interior, with Preium Package, Cold Weather Package, H-K
audio, BMW Assist and PDC. I am doing a lot of research and learning
a lot about the car and about BMWs in general.

I learned that this is a E46 class car and when I look it up it shows
two possible engine designations, M54 and M56. The description for
both engines is an inline 6 cylinder, 2.5L. Is there a way to tell which
engine I have based on the VIN or other indication on the car? Also,
what is the difference between the two models?

Thanks for any insite into this. BTW, I have been reading the posts on this site for a couple of days and it is amazing what you folks know. I am learning so much. I appreciate it.

 

[Big Daddy]

Try this

And welcome to the BMWBoard!

BMW Codes

 

[dschwartzer]

Thanks for the link. I have seen this before and am still confused (remember, I'm new at this). I get that the motor is an M50 series but what is the difference between an M54 and an M56 and how do I know which one I have?

 

[Big Daddy]

Did you check your VIN against the Vehicle Description Codes, that should tell you what you need to know.

 

[dschwartzer]

I did check the VIN. The model code is an EP33 which doesn't appear on the chart. I suspect that information is a little dated as it doesn't seem to get into the later year cars.

 

[Tom]

The M56 engine is only available in selected few States as a SULEV (Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle). I believe its NY, CA and a few other states. So unless you are in one of those states you probably have the M54 engine.

Either way congrats on the new purchase.

 

[codex57]

I know those states include CA, NY, MA, and VT. Not sure if CT follows the CA emissions standard. If you don't, then you've got the M54.

 

[theBMWenthusiast]

I know those states include CA, NY, MA, and VT. Not sure if CT follows the CA emissions standard. If you don't, then you've got the M54.

sorry to get a little off topic but have you guys heard that CA is proposing to cut emissions by 25% more...just kinda wondering how much work BMW would have to do to meet these new standards

 

[MrElussive]

Congrats on the car! You don't have to check anything to know what engine you have. Your car is a 325xiT. The '25' in '325' stands for 2.5, which is the size of the engine. You have the 2.5 liter I6 motor which puts out 184hp. '330' represents 3-series class of car and the '30' represents 3.0 liter I6 motor, delivering 225hp. Since you went with the Touring model, BMW does not offer the 3.0 liter engine for their 3-Series wagon.