B38 vs M57

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
M57 BUY 84/100
+12 points over B38
0 / 100
ACCEPTABLE B38 BMW
0 / 100
BUY M57 BMW

Specifications

B38
M57
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
ACCEPTABLE
BUY
Reliability
72
84
Years
2014--present
1998--2012
Displacement
1499 cc
2993 cc
Layout
I3
I6
Type
Petrol Turbo
Diesel
Power
109--136 hp
184--286 hp
Known Issues
3
0
Total Risk Cost
€850--€1,900
€0--€0

Character

B38

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

M57

"Legendary diesel six. Powered E46 330d to E90 335d. Smooth, torquey, reliable. Swirl flaps and turbo actuator at high mileage."

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--∞

M57 0

No documented issues.

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

M57 17

5 Series E39 2000--2003 5 Series E60 2003--2007 X5 E53 2001--2003 3 Series E46 1999--2003 5 Series E39 1998--2000 X5 E53 2003--2006 5 Series E39 2000--2003 7 Series E65 2002--2008 5 Series E60 2003--2007 3 Series E46 2003--2005 3 Series E90 2005--2008 3 Series E90 2006--2010 X5 E70 2007--2010 5 Series E60 2007--2010 5 Series E60 2007--2010 3 Series E90 2006--2008 5 Series E60 2004--2010
Full B38 Report Full M57 Report