B37 vs M50
Side-by-side reliability comparison
Higher reliability score
M50
BEST
88/100
+13 points over B37
0
/ 100
ACCEPTABLE
B37
BMW
0
/ 100
BEST
M50
BMW
Specifications
B37
M50
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
ACCEPTABLE
BEST
Reliability
75
88
Years
2015--2020
1990--1996
Displacement
1496 cc
2494 cc
Layout
I3
I6
Type
Diesel
Petrol Na
Power
116 hp
150--192 hp
Known Issues
1
2
Total Risk Cost
€300--€1,000
€400--€1,100
Character
B37
"3-cylinder modular diesel. Shared architecture with B47/B57. Quiet for a 3-cyl. Limited production span. No major known issues — too few on road for long-term data. Timing chain is front-mounted (good)."
M50
"Cast iron block legend. One of BMW's most reliable ever. M50TU added single VANOS. Strong internals handle 300k+ km. Cooling plastics only weakness."
Issues Comparison
B37 1
● MODERATE
DPF regeneration issues (city use)
M50 2
▲ HIGH
Water pump plastic impeller failure
● MODERATE
VANOS unit wear (M50TU)