Engine internals

Engine block

Holds the cylinders and supports the engine’s rotating parts.

Drag to turn it Open in the 3D lab
Where it sits

Main structure of the combustion engine, below the cylinder head.

How it works

Cast passages route coolant and oil around the cylinder structure; bearing supports locate the crankshaft.

Think of it as

The foundation and walls of a small factory.

Symptoms when it fails

Coolant or oil loss, cracking or poor cylinder sealing require testing before the block is blamed.

Lifespan

Usually condition-based rather than a routine replacement. Lubrication, overheating and the exact engine affect wear.

Repair cost

Internal-engine work is usually labor-intensive. Diagnosis and the engine code determine the repair scope.

The BMW angle

BMW engine families can use different block materials and construction; a similar outside shape does not prove interchangeability.

Used in

BMW petrol and diesel engines; petrol-only systems are identified individually.

Sources
Same system

Engine internals