N20 vs M50/M52

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
M50/M52 BEST 95/100
+37 points over N20
0 / 100
CAUTION N20 BMW
0 / 100
BEST M50/M52 BMW

Specifications

N20
M50/M52
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
CAUTION
BEST
Reliability
58
95
Years
2011--2015
1990--2000
Displacement
1997 cc
2494 cc
Layout
I4
I6
Type
Petrol Turbo
Petrol Na
Power
184--245 hp
150--170 hp
Known Issues
3
3
Total Risk Cost
€1,850--€4,100
€330--€850

Character

N20

"Punchy turbo four. One known flaw (timing chain class-action 2012-15). After fix: 200k+ km."

M50/M52

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

Issues Comparison

N20 3

◆ CRITICAL
Timing chain + guide + tensioner — class-action €1,200--€2,800 60,000 km--120,000 km
▲ HIGH
Electric water pump failure €400--€800 80,000 km--140,000 km
● MODERATE
Oil filter housing gasket leak €250--€500 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

N20 17

X1 E84 2012--2015 X3 F25 2011--2017 5 Series F10 2011--2017 Z4 E89 2011--2016 X3 F25 2011--2017 3 Series F30 2012--2015 X1 E84 2012--2015 3 Series F30 2012--2015 4 Series F32 2013--2016 5 Series F10 2011--2017 Z4 E89 2011--2016 1 Series F20 2012--2015 X1 E84 2012--2015 2 Series F22 2014--2016 X5 F15 2015--2018 320i Touring F31 2012--2019 Wagon 420i Gran Coupe F36 2014--2020 Gran Coupe

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 N20 Report Full M50/M52 Report