M50 vs M57

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
M50 BEST 88/100
+4 points over M57
0 / 100
BEST M50 BMW
0 / 100
BUY M57 BMW

Specifications

M50
M57
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
BEST
BUY
Reliability
88
84
Years
1990--1996
1998--2012
Displacement
2494 cc
2993 cc
Layout
I6
I6
Type
Petrol Na
Diesel
Power
150--192 hp
184--286 hp
Known Issues
2
0
Total Risk Cost
€400--€1,100
€0--€0

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."

M57

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

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

M57 0

No documented issues.

Models

M50 0

No models listed.

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 Report Full M57 Report