M43 vs N52

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
N52 BEST 90/100
+8 points over M43
0 / 100
BUY M43 BMW
0 / 100
BEST N52 BMW

Specifications

M43
N52
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
BUY
BEST
Reliability
82
90
Years
1991--2002
2004--2015
Displacement
1895 cc
2996 cc
Layout
I4
I6
Type
Petrol Na
Petrol Na
Power
75--118 hp
190--272 hp
Known Issues
2
3
Total Risk Cost
€180--€550
€250--€900

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."

N52

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

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

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

M43 3

3 Series E36 1992--1996 3 Series E36 1993--1999 3 Series E36 1993--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 M43 Report Full N52 Report