M50 vs N52

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
N52 BEST 90/100
+2 points over M50
0 / 100
BEST M50 BMW
0 / 100
BEST N52 BMW

Specifications

M50
N52
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
BEST
BEST
Reliability
88
90
Years
1990--1996
2004--2015
Displacement
2494 cc
2996 cc
Layout
I6
I6
Type
Petrol Na
Petrol Na
Power
150--192 hp
190--272 hp
Known Issues
2
3
Total Risk Cost
€400--€1,100
€250--€900

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."

N52

"Last great NA six. Lighter (magnesium block), smoother, higher-revving than M54. 250k+ km."

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

N52 3

● MODERATE
Coolant expansion tank / hose failure €100--€300 80,000 km--150,000 km
● MODERATE
VANOS solenoid / oil feed failure €150--€400 80,000 km--160,000 km
○ MINOR
Hydraulic lifter tick on cold start €0--€200 60,000 km--∞

Models

M50 0

No models listed.

N52 9

6 Series E63 2004--2010 5 Series E60 2005--2007 5 Series E60 2005--2007 3 Series E90 2005--2007 Z4 E85 2006--2008 5 Series E60 2005--2007 X5 E70 2007--2010 3 Series E90 2005--2007 1 Series E87 2005--2011
Full M50 Report Full N52 Report