M62 vs N52

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
N52 BEST 90/100
+32 points over M62
0 / 100
CAUTION M62 BMW
0 / 100
BEST N52 BMW

Specifications

M62
N52
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
CAUTION
BEST
Reliability
58
90
Years
1996--2003
2004--2015
Displacement
4398 cc
2996 cc
Layout
V8
I6
Type
Petrol Na
Petrol Na
Power
282--326 hp
190--272 hp
Known Issues
2
3
Total Risk Cost
€3,500--€9,500
€250--€900

Character

M62

"E39 540i/E38 740i V8. Alusil block, Nikasil issues on early units. VANOS failure, timing chain guides, valley pan gasket. Expensive to maintain but rewarding."

N52

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

Issues Comparison

M62 2

◆ CRITICAL
Nikasil bore wear (early units) €3,000--€8,000 80,000 km--150,000 km
▲ HIGH
VANOS unit failure €500--€1,500 80,000 km--150,000 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

M62 2

X5 E53 2000--2003 5 Series E39 1996--2003

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 M62 Report Full N52 Report