M54 vs S58 — Reliability Comparison

Specifications

M54

S58

Brand

BMW

Verdict

BEST

Reliability

86

89

Years

2000--2006

2019--present

Displacement

2979 cc

2993 cc

Layout

I6

Type

Petrol Na

Petrol Turbo

Power

170--231 hp

460--530 hp

Known Issues

6

4

Total Risk Cost

€300--€700

€600--€1,200

Character

M54

"The last of the simple BMW straight-sixes: smooth, linear and very long-lived (around 330,000 km with proper care). Nothing on it is known to destroy the engine; the bills are age-related plastics and seals - crankcase ventilation, cooling system, DISA flap, VANOS seals and oil leaks."

S58

"The 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six of the X3 M, X4 M, M3, M4 and M2 (2019 onwards). So far it has proved very tough: AUTO BILD stripped a 100,000 km M3 and found almost no wear, no oil use and no breakdowns. The one manufacturing fault was a batch of main bearing shells in cars built July-September 2021, held back by BMW and repaired before delivery. Otherwise expect normal M-car wear items: crankcase ventilation valve, coolant leaks and spark plugs on hard-driven or tuned cars."

Issues Comparison

M54 6

● MODERATE

Cooling system plastics — water pump, thermostat, expansion tank N/A--N/A 97,000 km--161,000 km

● MODERATE

DISA valve failure (intake manifold flap) N/A--N/A 113,000 km--161,000 km

● MODERATE

Double VANOS — solenoid and seal wear N/A--N/A N/A--N/A

● MODERATE

Crankcase ventilation (CCV) valve and hoses — oil consumption, false air €300--€700 120,000 km--N/A

○ MINOR

Oil leaks — valve cover, oil filter housing and oil pan gaskets N/A--N/A N/A--N/A

○ MINOR

Camshaft / crankshaft position sensor failure — stalling, rpm hunting N/A--N/A N/A--N/A

S58 4

● MODERATE

Main bearing shell defect - cars built July to September 2021 N/A--N/A N/A--N/A

● MODERATE

Crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve wear - valve cover replacement €400--€800 80,000 km--N/A

○ MINOR

Coolant loss from cooling system leaks N/A--N/A N/A--N/A

○ MINOR

Early spark plug and ignition coil wear on hard-driven or tuned cars €200--€400 30,000 km--N/A

Models

M54 13

5 Series E60 2003--2007 3 Series E46 2001--2005 5 Series E39 2000--2003 5 Series E60 2003--2005 3 Series E46 2001--2005 5 Series E39 2000--2003 Z4 E85 2003--2005 X5 E53 2000--2006 5 Series E60 2003--2005 Z4 E85 2003--2005 3 Series E46 2001--2005 5 Series E39 2000--2003 Z3 E36/7 2000--2002

S58 4

M2 G87 2023--present M3 G80 2021--present M4 G82 2021--present M3 G80 2021--present