M41 vs M50/M52

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
M50/M52 BEST 95/100
+23 points over M41
0 / 100
ACCEPTABLE M41 BMW
0 / 100
BEST M50/M52 BMW

Specifications

M41
M50/M52
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
ACCEPTABLE
BEST
Reliability
72
95
Years
1994--1999
1990--2000
Displacement
1665 cc
2494 cc
Layout
I4
I6
Type
Diesel
Petrol Na
Power
90 hp
150--170 hp
Known Issues
3
3
Total Risk Cost
€650--€1,600
€330--€850

Character

M41

"E36 318tds. Pre-common-rail indirect injection. Simple, economical. No swirl flaps, no DPF. Timing belt. Injection pump can fail at very high mileage. Cast iron block. Reliable and cheap. Low power is the only complaint."

M50/M52

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

Issues Comparison

M41 3

▲ HIGH
Timing belt (interference) €200--€400 60,000 km--90,000 km
● MODERATE
Injection pump (indirect injection) €400--€1,000 200,000 km--350,000 km
○ MINOR
Glow plug failure €50--€200 80,000 km--150,000 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

M41 1

3 Series E36 1994--1999

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 M41 Report Full M50/M52 Report