M50/M52 vs M57

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
M50/M52 BEST 95/100
+11 points over M57
0 / 100
BEST M50/M52 BMW
0 / 100
BUY M57 BMW

Specifications

M50/M52
M57
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
BEST
BUY
Reliability
95
84
Years
1990--2000
1998--2012
Displacement
2494 cc
2993 cc
Layout
I6
I6
Type
Petrol Na
Diesel
Power
150--170 hp
184--286 hp
Known Issues
3
0
Total Risk Cost
€330--€850
€0--€0

Character

M50/M52

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

M57

"Legendary diesel six. Powered E46 330d to E90 335d. Smooth, torquey, reliable. Swirl flaps and turbo actuator at high mileage."

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--∞

M57 0

No documented issues.

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

M57 17

5 Series E39 2000--2003 5 Series E60 2003--2007 X5 E53 2001--2003 3 Series E46 1999--2003 5 Series E39 1998--2000 X5 E53 2003--2006 5 Series E39 2000--2003 7 Series E65 2002--2008 5 Series E60 2003--2007 3 Series E46 2003--2005 3 Series E90 2005--2008 3 Series E90 2006--2010 X5 E70 2007--2010 5 Series E60 2007--2010 5 Series E60 2007--2010 3 Series E90 2006--2008 5 Series E60 2004--2010
Full M50/M52 Report Full M57 Report