N13 vs M50/M52

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
M50/M52 BEST 95/100
+40 points over N13
0 / 100
CAUTION N13 BMW
0 / 100
BEST M50/M52 BMW

Specifications

N13
M50/M52
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
CAUTION
BEST
Reliability
55
95
Years
2011--2015
1990--2000
Displacement
1598 cc
2494 cc
Layout
I4
I6
Type
Petrol Turbo
Petrol Na
Power
136--170 hp
150--170 hp
Known Issues
3
3
Total Risk Cost
€1,900--€4,300
€330--€850

Character

N13

"Prince engine (BMW/PSA). Timing chain issues. Adequate power but questionable long-term."

M50/M52

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

Issues Comparison

N13 3

◆ CRITICAL
Timing chain + tensioner — notorious from 50k miles €1,200--€2,500 50,000 km--100,000 km
▲ HIGH
Turbo oil feed line blockage €400--€1,200 60,000 km--120,000 km
● MODERATE
Carbon buildup on intake valves €300--€600 60,000 km--120,000 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

N13 5

1 Series F20 2012--2015 1 Series F20 2012--2015 3 Series F30 2012--2015 1 Series F20 2012--2015 1 Series F20 2012--2015

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 N13 Report Full M50/M52 Report