M41 vs N52

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
N52 BEST 90/100
+18 points over M41
0 / 100
ACCEPTABLE M41 BMW
0 / 100
BEST N52 BMW

Specifications

M41
N52
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
ACCEPTABLE
BEST
Reliability
72
90
Years
1994--1999
2004--2015
Displacement
1665 cc
2996 cc
Layout
I4
I6
Type
Diesel
Petrol Na
Power
90 hp
190--272 hp
Known Issues
3
3
Total Risk Cost
€650--€1,600
€250--€900

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."

N52

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

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

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

M41 1

3 Series E36 1994--1999

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 M41 Report Full N52 Report