B38 vs N52

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
N52 BEST 90/100
+18 points over B38
0 / 100
ACCEPTABLE B38 BMW
0 / 100
BEST N52 BMW

Specifications

B38
N52
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
ACCEPTABLE
BEST
Reliability
72
90
Years
2014--present
2004--2015
Displacement
1499 cc
2996 cc
Layout
I3
I6
Type
Petrol Turbo
Petrol Na
Power
109--136 hp
190--272 hp
Known Issues
3
3
Total Risk Cost
€850--€1,900
€250--€900

Character

B38

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

N52

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

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--∞

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

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

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 B38 Report Full N52 Report