M50 vs B48

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
M50 BEST 88/100
+6 points over B48
0 / 100
BEST M50 BMW
0 / 100
BUY B48 BMW

Specifications

M50
B48
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
BEST
BUY
Reliability
88
82
Years
1990--1996
2014--present
Displacement
2494 cc
1998 cc
Layout
I6
I4
Type
Petrol Na
Petrol Turbo
Power
150--192 hp
184--255 hp
Known Issues
2
3
Total Risk Cost
€400--€1,100
€650--€1,350

Character

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."

B48

"B58s little brother. Efficient, smooth. Remap to 260hp safe. Best modern 4-cyl BMW."

Issues Comparison

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

B48 3

● MODERATE
Coolant vent line failure €100--€250 40,000 km--100,000 km
● MODERATE
Oil filter housing gasket — early units (2014-2016) €250--€500 40,000 km--100,000 km
○ MINOR
Intake valve carbon buildup (DI) €300--€600 60,000 km--120,000 km

Models

M50 0

No models listed.

B48 40

6 Series G32 2017--2023 X3 G01 2017--2024 4 Series G22 2020--present Z4 G29 2019--present 2 Series Active Tourer U06 2022--present 4 Series F32 2016--2020 3 Series G20 2019--present GR Supra A90 2020--present 1 Series F20 2015--2019 5 Series G30 2017--2023 X2 F39 2018--2023 1 Series F40 2020--present 2 Series Active Tourer U06 2022--present X1 F48 2015--2022 2 Series F22 2016--2021 5 Series G30 2017--2023 3 Series F30 2015--2019 X4 G02 2018--present X3 G01 2017--2024 4 Series G22 2020--present 2 Series G42 2022--present 3 Series G20 2019--present Z4 G29 2019--present 3 Series F30 2015--2019 2 Series Active Tourer F45 2014--2021 5 Series G60 2023--present 1 Series F20 2015--2019 4 Series F32 2016--2020 2 Series Active Tourer U06 2022--present 5 Series G60 2023--present 5 Series G30 2017--2023 X3 G01 2020--2024 3 Series G20 2019--present 1 Series F40 2019--present 320i F30 LCI 2015--2019 Sedan 320i GT F34 2013--2016 Gran Tourer 320i Touring F31 2012--2019 Wagon 330i GT F34 2016--2019 Gran Tourer 330i Touring G21 2019--2024 Wagon 420i Gran Coupe F36 2014--2020 Gran Coupe
Full M50 Report Full B48 Report