M44 vs M50

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
M50 BEST 88/100
+10 points over M44
0 / 100
BUY M44 BMW
0 / 100
BEST M50 BMW

Specifications

M44
M50
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
BUY
BEST
Reliability
78
88
Years
1996--2001
1990--1996
Displacement
1895 cc
2494 cc
Layout
I4
I6
Type
Petrol Na
Petrol Na
Power
140 hp
150--192 hp
Known Issues
2
2
Total Risk Cost
€250--€750
€400--€1,100

Character

M44

"DOHC successor to M42. E36 318is and Z3 1.9. Smooth rev-happy nature. Roller rockers. Reliable daily driver."

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

M44 2

● MODERATE
Oil filter housing gasket leak €100--€250 60,000 km--120,000 km
● MODERATE
Plastic coolant pipe rear disintegration €150--€500 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

M44 2

Z3 E36/7 1996--1999 3 Series E36 1996--1999

M50 0

No models listed.

Full M44 Report Full M50 Report