N42/N45/N46 vs B58
Side-by-side reliability comparison
Higher reliability score
B58
BEST
93/100
+65 points over N42/N45/N46
0
/ 100
AVOID
N42/N45/N46
BMW
0
/ 100
BEST
B58
BMW
Specifications
N42/N45/N46
B58
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
AVOID
BEST
Reliability
28
93
Years
2001--2011
2015--present
Displacement
1995 cc
2998 cc
Layout
I4
I6
Type
Petrol Na
Petrol Turbo
Power
115--150 hp
326--387 hp
Known Issues
3
3
Total Risk Cost
€1,700--€5,000
€430--€1,000
Character
N42/N45/N46
"Slow, poor economy, unreliable. No reason to buy when 6-cyl options exist at same price."
B58
"Possibly BMWs best engine ever. Forged internals, insane tuning (600hp+). 300k+ km."
Issues Comparison
N42/N45/N46 3
▲ HIGH
VANOS unit failure / oil pump wear
▲ HIGH
Timing chain and tensioner wear
▲ HIGH
Excessive oil consumption — piston rings
B58 3
● MODERATE
Coolant expansion tank / line failure — early units
○ MINOR
Plastic charge pipe crack
○ MINOR
Valve cover gasket oil leak