M57 vs N52

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
N52 BEST 90/100
+6 points over M57
0 / 100
BUY M57 BMW
0 / 100
BEST N52 BMW

Specifications

M57
N52
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
BUY
BEST
Reliability
84
90
Years
1998--2012
2004--2015
Displacement
2993 cc
2996 cc
Layout
I6
I6
Type
Diesel
Petrol Na
Power
184--286 hp
190--272 hp
Known Issues
0
3
Total Risk Cost
€0--€0
€250--€900

Character

M57

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

N52

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

Issues Comparison

M57 0

No documented issues.

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

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

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 M57 Report Full N52 Report