BMW Z3 2.2 Engine Replacement - Rebuilt & Reconditioned Units from £2,450

BMW Z3 2.2 Engines for Sale | Engine Finders

Need a reliable BMW Z3 2.2 replacement engine? Owners often face VANOS seal wear or timing chain slack in the M52B22 unit. Our suppliers provide tested replacements built for long-term reliability.

BMW Z3 2.2 Replacement Engines

Produced from 2000 to 2002 on the E36/7 chassis, the Z3 2.2 was fitted exclusively with the M52TÜB22 engine, a 2.2L inline-six petrol delivering 170 bhp. Unlike the earlier 1.9 and 2.8 models, the 2.2 balanced performance and economy, but became known for timing chain guide wear and VANOS seal degradation. BMW Service Bulletin SI B11 04 01 highlighted issues with oil consumption linked to valve stem seals. Owners also reported overheating caused by weak OEM water pumps (part 11517527910). The Z3 2.2 differs from higher-displacement Z3 engines by using shorter intake runners, which can influence airflow and torque delivery. This history makes the 2.2 both distinctive and prone to specific service requirements that demand specialist attention.

BMW Z3 2.2 Models & Engines Codes

The Z3 2.2 was equipped solely with the M52TÜB22 engine. Below is an overview of its specifications and known failure points:

• M52TÜB22 (2000-2002, E36/7 chassis) - 2.2L inline-six petrol, 170 bhp. Known for VANOS seal wear, timing chain tensioner fatigue (OEM 11311437237), and valve stem seal deterioration.
• Chassis compatibility: Exclusively fitted to Z3 2.2 Roadster and Coupé models.
• Performance notes: Offers smoother torque delivery compared to Z3 1.9 but with lighter internals than the 2.8, creating a unique mid-range driving experience.
• Common owner issues: Cooling system fragility, oil consumption after 80,000 miles, and early signs of head gasket seepage when overheating is ignored.

While sharing architecture with other M52TÜ engines, the Z3 2.2 calibration was unique, with intake and ECU mapping tuned specifically for this model.

Buy Used and Second-Hand BMW Z3 2.2 Engines

Replacement options for the Z3 2.2 vary between used, reconditioned, rebuilt, and remanufactured engines. Each option comes with unique considerations:

• Used: Direct removal from donor cars, often with uncertain VANOS and chain condition.
• Reconditioned: Refurbished with essential wear parts like gaskets and water pumps replaced.
• Rebuilt: Fully dismantled, machined, and rebuilt, addressing VANOS seals and valve stem issues.
• Remanufactured: Factory-level rebuild meeting or exceeding OEM standards, recommended for long-term reliability.

For Z3 2.2 engines, rebuilt or remanufactured units are preferred, as they proactively solve known M52TÜB22 weaknesses.

BMW Z3 2.2 Engines in Stock

Our reconditioned Z3 2.2 engines are supplied with critical OEM components replaced to prevent recurring issues.

• New timing chain tensioner (OEM 11311437237) and guides
• Refurbished VANOS seals for restored low-end torque
• Upgraded water pump with metal impeller
• Re-machined cylinder head with new head gasket (11121433060)

Every engine is hot-tested under load, oil pressure-verified, and compression-checked before dispatch, ensuring compatibility and long-term reliability.

Warranty for Replacement BMW Z3 2.2 Engines

All rebuilt and reconditioned Z3 2.2 engines supplied via Engine Finders include a 12-month unlimited mileage warranty as standard.

• 12-month unlimited mileage warranty coverage
• Warranty covers major components: block, head, and internals
• Excludes wear-and-tear items such as sensors, ancillaries, and clutches
• Special note: Known timing chain design limitations in the M52TÜB22 limit extended coverage for this component

Engine Finders is a price comparison platform, connecting buyers to vetted UK suppliers. Warranty is issued by the supplying partner, not directly by Engine Finders.