M43 vs M50

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
M50 BEST 88/100
+6 points over M43
0 / 100
BUY M43 BMW
0 / 100
BEST M50 BMW

Specifications

M43
M50
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
BUY
BEST
Reliability
82
88
Years
1991--2002
1990--1996
Displacement
1895 cc
2494 cc
Layout
I4
I6
Type
Petrol Na
Petrol Na
Power
75--118 hp
150--192 hp
Known Issues
2
2
Total Risk Cost
€180--€550
€400--€1,100

Character

M43

"Cast iron block workhorse. Timing chain not belt (unlike M40). Simple, cheap to maintain. 300k+ km common. Low power is the only complaint."

M50

"Cast iron block legend. One of BMW's most reliable ever. M50TU added single VANOS. Strong internals handle 300k+ km. Cooling plastics only weakness."

Issues Comparison

M43 2

● MODERATE
Cooling system plastic failures €100--€350 80,000 km--150,000 km
○ MINOR
Valve cover gasket oil leak €80--€200 60,000 km--120,000 km

M50 2

▲ HIGH
Water pump plastic impeller failure €200--€500 60,000 km--120,000 km
● MODERATE
VANOS unit wear (M50TU) €200--€600 100,000 km--200,000 km

Models

M43 3

3 Series E36 1992--1996 3 Series E36 1993--1999 3 Series E36 1993--1999

M50 0

No models listed.

Full M43 Report Full M50 Report