M51 vs M50/M52

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
M50/M52 BEST 95/100
+27 points over M51
0 / 100
ACCEPTABLE M51 BMW
0 / 100
BEST M50/M52 BMW

Specifications

M51
M50/M52
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
ACCEPTABLE
BEST
Reliability
68
95
Years
1991--2000
1990--2000
Displacement
2497 cc
2494 cc
Layout
I6
I6
Type
Diesel
Petrol Na
Power
115--143 hp
150--170 hp
Known Issues
2
3
Total Risk Cost
€1,500--€3,700
€330--€850

Character

M51

"Pre-common-rail indirect injection diesel. Cast iron tractor engine. Injection pump main failure at 250k+ km. No swirl flaps. No DPF."

M50/M52

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

Issues Comparison

M51 2

▲ HIGH
Injection pump hot start failure €500--€1,200 200,000 km--350,000 km
▲ HIGH
Cylinder head cracking €1,000--€2,500 200,000 km--350,000 km

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--∞

Models

M51 3

3 Series E36 1991--1996 5 Series E39 1996--2000 3 Series E36 1993--1999

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
Full M51 Report Full M50/M52 Report