N42/N45/N46 vs M50/M52

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
M50/M52 BEST 95/100
+67 points over N42/N45/N46
0 / 100
AVOID N42/N45/N46 BMW
0 / 100
BEST M50/M52 BMW

Specifications

N42/N45/N46
M50/M52
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
AVOID
BEST
Reliability
28
95
Years
2001--2011
1990--2000
Displacement
1995 cc
2494 cc
Layout
I4
I6
Type
Petrol Na
Petrol Na
Power
115--150 hp
150--170 hp
Known Issues
3
3
Total Risk Cost
€1,700--€5,000
€330--€850

Character

N42/N45/N46

"Slow, poor economy, unreliable. No reason to buy when 6-cyl options exist at same price."

M50/M52

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

Issues Comparison

N42/N45/N46 3

▲ HIGH
VANOS unit failure / oil pump wear €400--€1,200 60,000 km--120,000 km
▲ HIGH
Timing chain and tensioner wear €800--€1,800 80,000 km--150,000 km
▲ HIGH
Excessive oil consumption — piston rings €500--€2,000 60,000 km--150,000 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

N42/N45/N46 10

3 Series E46 2001--2004 3 Series E46 2001--2004 3 Series E46 2004--2005 1 Series E87 2004--2007 3 Series E46 2004--2005 X1 E84 2009--2012 3 Series E90 2005--2007 3 Series E90 2005--2007 1 Series E87 2004--2007 1 Series E87 2004--2007

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 N42/N45/N46 Report Full M50/M52 Report