B38 vs M50

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
M50 BEST 88/100
+16 points over B38
0 / 100
ACCEPTABLE B38 BMW
0 / 100
BEST M50 BMW

Specifications

B38
M50
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
ACCEPTABLE
BEST
Reliability
72
88
Years
2014--present
1990--1996
Displacement
1499 cc
2494 cc
Layout
I3
I6
Type
Petrol Turbo
Petrol Na
Power
109--136 hp
150--192 hp
Known Issues
3
2
Total Risk Cost
€850--€1,900
€400--€1,100

Character

B38

"Budget modern BMW. Reliable but not exciting. 136hp adequate for city. Limited tuning."

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

B38 3

● MODERATE
Timing chain wear (rare — oil dependent) €600--€1,200 120,000 km--180,000 km
○ MINOR
Intake valve carbon buildup (DI) €250--€500 80,000 km--150,000 km
○ MINOR
Wastegate rattle (cold start) €0--€200 30,000 km--∞

M50 2

▲ HIGH
Water pump plastic impeller failure €200--€500 60,000 km--120,000 km
● MODERATE
VANOS unit wear (M50TU) €200--€600 100,000 km--200,000 km

Models

B38 15

2 Series Active Tourer F45 2014--2021 1 Series F40 2019--2024 3 Series G20 2019--present 1 Series F20 2015--2019 1 Series F40 2019--2024 X1 F48 2015--2022 2 Series Active Tourer U06 2022--present 1 Series F20 2015--2019 3 Series F30 2015--2019 X1 F48 2020--2022 2 Series Active Tourer U06 2022--present i8 I12 2014--2020 116i F20 LCI 2015--2019 Hatchback 118i F20 LCI 2015--2019 Hatchback 318i F30 LCI 2015--2019 Sedan

M50 0

No models listed.

Full B38 Report Full M50 Report