N42/N45/N46 vs M57

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
M57 BUY 84/100
+56 points over N42/N45/N46
0 / 100
AVOID N42/N45/N46 BMW
0 / 100
BUY M57 BMW

Specifications

N42/N45/N46
M57
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
AVOID
BUY
Reliability
28
84
Years
2001--2011
1998--2012
Displacement
1995 cc
2993 cc
Layout
I4
I6
Type
Petrol Na
Diesel
Power
115--150 hp
184--286 hp
Known Issues
3
0
Total Risk Cost
€1,700--€5,000
€0--€0

Character

N42/N45/N46

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

M57

"Legendary diesel six. Powered E46 330d to E90 335d. Smooth, torquey, reliable. Swirl flaps and turbo actuator at high mileage."

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

M57 0

No documented issues.

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

M57 17

5 Series E39 2000--2003 5 Series E60 2003--2007 X5 E53 2001--2003 3 Series E46 1999--2003 5 Series E39 1998--2000 X5 E53 2003--2006 5 Series E39 2000--2003 7 Series E65 2002--2008 5 Series E60 2003--2007 3 Series E46 2003--2005 3 Series E90 2005--2008 3 Series E90 2006--2010 X5 E70 2007--2010 5 Series E60 2007--2010 5 Series E60 2007--2010 3 Series E90 2006--2008 5 Series E60 2004--2010
Full N42/N45/N46 Report Full M57 Report