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Description

BMW M50 M52 Turbo Engine Compression Plate

If you are going to build an M50 M52 turbo engine or a supercharged one, the standard compression ratio is often too high for safe boost. This compression plate is a spacer plate for the cylinder head of the BMW M50 and M52 that lowers the compression, so that you can make more power with a turbo or supercharger.

The plate sits between two original head gaskets. Together they bring the compression ratio back to about 8.5:1. An affordable way to make a naturally aspirated six-cylinder suitable for boost, without different pistons.

Key benefits of this plate for an M50 M52 turbo engine

• Lower compression, down to about 8.5:1 in combination with the gaskets
• Intended for turbo and supercharger conversions
• Acid-resistant stainless steel, 0.8 mm thick
• Cut with a fibre laser for accurate contours
• Fitted between two original head gaskets
• Fits the M50 and M52 six-cylinder engines

Suitable for

BMW inline six-cylinder engines

• BMW M50 2.5 without Vanos
• BMW M50 2.5 with Vanos
• BMW M52 2.0, 2.5 and 2.8 with single Vanos

Technical specifications

• Item number: 0032
• Type: spacer plate for the cylinder head (compression reduction)
• Material: acid-resistant stainless steel
• Thickness: 0.8 mm
• Production: cut with a fibre laser
• Fitting: between two original head gaskets
• Compression after fitting: about 8.5:1, depending on the engine and any previous machining of head and block
• Weight: 0.26 kg

Installation and delivery

The plate is fitted between two original head gaskets. Head gaskets are not listed as included, so count on buying two original gaskets yourself. Exactly how much the compression drops depends on the engine and on any previous machining: if the head or the block has ever been skimmed, you will end up slightly higher than 8.5:1.

Have the head and the block checked for flatness before you reassemble everything. Use new head bolts and tighten them in the correct sequence and stages according to BMW’s specifications. After fitting, check the camshaft timing according to the specifications of your engine, and have the engine management tuned for the new situation.

A turbo conversion calls for well-tuned engine management, suitable fuelling and reliable cooling. The compression plate is one part of a successful M50 M52 turbo engine. Start with a conservative tune and raise the boost step by step while keeping an eye on the air-fuel ratio.

You will find more parts for your engine in our engine parts category. If you are rebuilding the head, also take a look at our reinforced head bolts.

A 0.8 mm plate is the difference between a naturally aspirated M50 or M52 and an engine that is ready for boost.

Why choose this compression plate for an M50 M52 turbo engine?

The classic way to make a BMW six-cylinder suitable for a turbo is to fit different pistons, but then the engine has to come completely apart. With this spacer plate you achieve lower compression via the head, with a fraction of the work. The acid-resistant steel and the laser precision ensure a neat fit between the gaskets.

Frequently asked questions

Which engines does the plate fit?

The M50 2.5 with and without Vanos and the M52 2.0, 2.5 and 2.8 with single Vanos.

What compression ratio will I get?

On an M50 M52 turbo engine with this plate and two head gaskets you end up at about 8.5:1, depending on the engine and any previous machining of head and block.

Are the head gaskets included?

That is not stated. Count on two original head gaskets that you buy yourself; the plate goes between them.

Why is the plate intended for an M50 M52 turbo engine?

Because lower compression is needed to be able to run boost safely with a turbo or supercharger.

What material is the plate made of?

0.8 mm thick acid-resistant stainless steel, cut with a fibre laser.

Delivery outside the European Union: different shipping costs may apply. Don’t worry: we will email you as soon as possible after your order and agree the shipping with you. You are not committed to anything without your consent.