B38 vs M50/M52

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
M50/M52 BEST 95/100
+23 points over B38
0 / 100
ACCEPTABLE B38 BMW
0 / 100
BEST M50/M52 BMW

Specifications

B38
M50/M52
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
ACCEPTABLE
BEST
Reliability
72
95
Years
2014--present
1990--2000
Displacement
1499 cc
2494 cc
Layout
I3
I6
Type
Petrol Turbo
Petrol Na
Power
109--136 hp
150--170 hp
Known Issues
3
3
Total Risk Cost
€850--€1,900
€330--€850

Character

B38

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

M50/M52

"Smooth, linear, bulletproof. Classic BMW feel. Simple maintenance. Cheap parts."

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/M52 3

● MODERATE
Cooling system plastics (tank, housing, impeller) €150--€350 100,000 km--180,000 km
○ MINOR
VANOS oil seal wear (M52 only) €80--€200 120,000 km--200,000 km
○ MINOR
Valve cover / oil pan gasket leaks €100--€300 150,000 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/M52 12

3 Series E36 1990--1994 3 Series E36 1990--1995 3 Series E36 1994--1999 5 Series E39 1996--2000 3 Series E46 1998--2001 5 Series E39 1996--2000 3 Series E36 1995--1999 3 Series E46 1998--2000 5 Series E39 1996--2000 Z3 E36/7 1997--2000 3 Series E36 1995--1999 3 Series E46 1998--2000
Full B38 Report Full M50/M52 Report