N42/N45/N46 vs M54

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
M54 BEST 93/100
+65 points over N42/N45/N46
0 / 100
AVOID N42/N45/N46 BMW
0 / 100
BEST M54 BMW

Specifications

N42/N45/N46
M54
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
AVOID
BEST
Reliability
28
93
Years
2001--2011
2000--2006
Displacement
1995 cc
2979 cc
Layout
I4
I6
Type
Petrol Na
Petrol Na
Power
115--150 hp
170--231 hp
Known Issues
3
4
Total Risk Cost
€1,700--€5,000
€530--€1,250

Character

N42/N45/N46

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

M54

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

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

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

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

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 N42/N45/N46 Report Full M54 Report