1993 525i: m20 or m50 motor?

Just bought this car and if Im not mistaken, I think I've seen the same year list parts for m20 & m50 motors. Its a straight 6 (believe its a 2.5L) but dont want to order wrong parts.

Is there a code stamped on the block or a tag somewhere?

Thanks

Its an M50. The M50 was introduced for the 91 MY. You can tell by just popping your hood, if your engine has a black plastic cover w/ silver letters and stripes; its an M50. The M20 looks more "old school", with cast metal intake manifolds, etc. I have no idea why you're seeing parts lists for a 93 car that mention the m20. I don't think that engine was being used anymore in any BMW in 93.

And, I think your engine is actually the M50TU, which introduced single vanos. Look at this thread; it has a picture of an M50 (original non-vanos version);
http://www.bmwcarclubforum.co.uk/for....asp?TID=17770

Thanks for the info and thats my motor. The only thing different is that the pict you posted has a battery in the motor compartment, mine is in the back seat.

INteresitng; I have no idea why the battery is in the engine compartment on the cars in the pics. I thought all 6 cylinder e34s had the battery in the back... maybe the owner made this change...

they tend to mount the battery up front in some european models maybe even all not sure. look at the e46. it has a huge spot for a battery that is empty, since its in the trunk.