B37 vs N52

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
N52 BEST 90/100
+15 points over B37
0 / 100
ACCEPTABLE B37 BMW
0 / 100
BEST N52 BMW

Specifications

B37
N52
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
ACCEPTABLE
BEST
Reliability
75
90
Years
2015--2020
2004--2015
Displacement
1496 cc
2996 cc
Layout
I3
I6
Type
Diesel
Petrol Na
Power
116 hp
190--272 hp
Known Issues
1
3
Total Risk Cost
€300--€1,000
€250--€900

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)."

N52

"Last great NA six. Lighter (magnesium block), smoother, higher-revving than M54. 250k+ km."

Issues Comparison

B37 1

● MODERATE
DPF regeneration issues (city use) €300--€1,000 60,000 km--120,000 km

N52 3

● MODERATE
Coolant expansion tank / hose failure €100--€300 80,000 km--150,000 km
● MODERATE
VANOS solenoid / oil feed failure €150--€400 80,000 km--160,000 km
○ MINOR
Hydraulic lifter tick on cold start €0--€200 60,000 km--∞

Models

B37 0

No models listed.

N52 9

6 Series E63 2004--2010 5 Series E60 2005--2007 5 Series E60 2005--2007 3 Series E90 2005--2007 Z4 E85 2006--2008 5 Series E60 2005--2007 X5 E70 2007--2010 3 Series E90 2005--2007 1 Series E87 2005--2011
Full B37 Report Full N52 Report