N42/N45/N46 vs M50

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
M50 BEST 88/100
+60 points over N42/N45/N46
0 / 100
AVOID N42/N45/N46 BMW
0 / 100
BEST M50 BMW

Specifications

N42/N45/N46
M50
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
AVOID
BEST
Reliability
28
88
Years
2001--2011
1990--1996
Displacement
1995 cc
2494 cc
Layout
I4
I6
Type
Petrol Na
Petrol Na
Power
115--150 hp
150--192 hp
Known Issues
3
2
Total Risk Cost
€1,700--€5,000
€400--€1,100

Character

N42/N45/N46

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

M50

"Cast iron block legend. One of BMW's most reliable ever. M50TU added single VANOS. Strong internals handle 300k+ km. Cooling plastics only weakness."

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 2

▲ HIGH
Water pump plastic impeller failure €200--€500 60,000 km--120,000 km
● MODERATE
VANOS unit wear (M50TU) €200--€600 100,000 km--200,000 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 0

No models listed.

Full N42/N45/N46 Report Full M50 Report