[2] Called single VANOS by BMW, the system adjusted the phasing of the intake camshaft.

A significant advance over its M20 predecessor, the M50 features dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) with four valves per cylinder (the M20 has a single overhead camshaft with 2 valves per cylinder), coil-on-plug ignition, a knock sensor and a lightweight plastic intake manifold.

The location of the oil pan (sump) varies according to the model the M50 is installed in.

Applications: This is a 2,394 cc (146.1 cu in) engine used in the Thailand and Oceanian markets.

Applications: The M50B25 was updated with single VANOS in 1992, resulting in peak torque becoming available at 4,200 rpm.

The S50 is the high performance version of the M50 which was used in the E36 M3, replacing the four-cylinder BMW S14 engine used in the E30 M3.

The S50 has an individual throttle body for each cylinder, single-VANOS (variable valve timing on the intake camshaft), Bosch Motronic M3.3 engine management and redesigned intake and exhaust systems.

[11][15] The limited edition "M3 GT" model from 1995 produced 220 kW (299 PS; 295 hp).

Applications: In the United States, the 1994-1995 model years of the E36 M3 are powered by the S50B30US, a 2,990 cc (182.5 cu in) engine which produces 179 kW (243 PS; 240 hp).

[21] The S50B32 has double-VANOS (variable valve timing on both camshafts) and a secondary oil pick-up was added.