M44 vs M54

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
M54 BEST 93/100
+15 points over M44
0 / 100
BUY M44 BMW
0 / 100
BEST M54 BMW

Specifications

M44
M54
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
BUY
BEST
Reliability
78
93
Years
1996--2001
2000--2006
Displacement
1895 cc
2979 cc
Layout
I4
I6
Type
Petrol Na
Petrol Na
Power
140 hp
170--231 hp
Known Issues
2
4
Total Risk Cost
€250--€750
€530--€1,250

Character

M44

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

M54

"Peak old-school BMW. Raspy, high-revving, raw. The benchmark. 300k+ km routine."

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

M54 4

● MODERATE
Cooling plastics — water pump impeller critical €200--€450 80,000 km--150,000 km
● MODERATE
DISA valve failure (intake manifold flap) €80--€200 80,000 km--160,000 km
● MODERATE
Double VANOS oil seal wear €150--€350 100,000 km--180,000 km
○ MINOR
Valve cover gasket oil leak €100--€250 100,000 km--200,000 km

Models

M44 2

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

M54 13

5 Series E39 2000--2003 3 Series E46 2001--2005 5 Series E60 2003--2007 5 Series E60 2003--2005 5 Series E39 2000--2003 Z4 E85 2003--2005 3 Series E46 2001--2005 5 Series E60 2003--2005 X5 E53 2000--2006 5 Series E39 2000--2003 Z4 E85 2003--2005 3 Series E46 2001--2005 Z3 E36/7 2000--2002
Full M44 Report Full M54 Report