N20 vs M54

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
M54 BEST 93/100
+35 points over N20
0 / 100
CAUTION N20 BMW
0 / 100
BEST M54 BMW

Specifications

N20
M54
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
CAUTION
BEST
Reliability
58
93
Years
2011--2015
2000--2006
Displacement
1997 cc
2979 cc
Layout
I4
I6
Type
Petrol Turbo
Petrol Na
Power
184--245 hp
170--231 hp
Known Issues
3
4
Total Risk Cost
€1,850--€4,100
€530--€1,250

Character

N20

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

M54

"Peak old-school BMW. Raspy, high-revving, raw. The benchmark. 300k+ km routine."

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

M54 4

● MODERATE
Cooling plastics — water pump impeller critical €200--€450 80,000 km--150,000 km
● MODERATE
DISA valve failure (intake manifold flap) €80--€200 80,000 km--160,000 km
● MODERATE
Double VANOS oil seal wear €150--€350 100,000 km--180,000 km
○ MINOR
Valve cover gasket oil leak €100--€250 100,000 km--200,000 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

M54 13

5 Series E39 2000--2003 3 Series E46 2001--2005 5 Series E60 2003--2007 5 Series E60 2003--2005 5 Series E39 2000--2003 Z4 E85 2003--2005 3 Series E46 2001--2005 5 Series E60 2003--2005 X5 E53 2000--2006 5 Series E39 2000--2003 Z4 E85 2003--2005 3 Series E46 2001--2005 Z3 E36/7 2000--2002
Full N20 Report Full M54 Report