M50/M52 vs M43

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
M50/M52 BEST 95/100
+13 points over M43
0 / 100
BEST M50/M52 BMW
0 / 100
BUY M43 BMW

Specifications

M50/M52
M43
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
BEST
BUY
Reliability
95
82
Years
1990--2000
1991--2002
Displacement
2494 cc
1895 cc
Layout
I6
I4
Type
Petrol Na
Petrol Na
Power
150--170 hp
75--118 hp
Known Issues
3
2
Total Risk Cost
€330--€850
€180--€550

Character

M50/M52

"Smooth, linear, bulletproof. Classic BMW feel. Simple maintenance. Cheap parts."

M43

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

Issues Comparison

M50/M52 3

● MODERATE
Cooling system plastics (tank, housing, impeller) €150--€350 100,000 km--180,000 km
○ MINOR
VANOS oil seal wear (M52 only) €80--€200 120,000 km--200,000 km
○ MINOR
Valve cover / oil pan gasket leaks €100--€300 150,000 km--∞

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

Models

M50/M52 12

3 Series E36 1990--1994 3 Series E36 1990--1995 3 Series E36 1994--1999 5 Series E39 1996--2000 3 Series E46 1998--2001 5 Series E39 1996--2000 3 Series E36 1995--1999 3 Series E46 1998--2000 5 Series E39 1996--2000 Z3 E36/7 1997--2000 3 Series E36 1995--1999 3 Series E46 1998--2000

M43 3

3 Series E36 1992--1996 3 Series E36 1993--1999 3 Series E36 1993--1999
Full M50/M52 Report Full M43 Report