N20 vs N52

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
N52 BEST 90/100
+32 points over N20
0 / 100
CAUTION N20 BMW
0 / 100
BEST N52 BMW

Specifications

N20
N52
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
CAUTION
BEST
Reliability
58
90
Years
2011--2015
2004--2015
Displacement
1997 cc
2996 cc
Layout
I4
I6
Type
Petrol Turbo
Petrol Na
Power
184--245 hp
190--272 hp
Known Issues
3
3
Total Risk Cost
€1,850--€4,100
€250--€900

Character

N20

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

N52

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

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

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

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

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 N20 Report Full N52 Report