N13 vs N52

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
N52 BEST 90/100
+35 points over N13
0 / 100
CAUTION N13 BMW
0 / 100
BEST N52 BMW

Specifications

N13
N52
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
CAUTION
BEST
Reliability
55
90
Years
2011--2015
2004--2015
Displacement
1598 cc
2996 cc
Layout
I4
I6
Type
Petrol Turbo
Petrol Na
Power
136--170 hp
190--272 hp
Known Issues
3
3
Total Risk Cost
€1,900--€4,300
€250--€900

Character

N13

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

N52

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

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

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

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

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 N13 Report Full N52 Report