N42/N45/N46 vs N52

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
N52 BEST 90/100
+62 points over N42/N45/N46
0 / 100
AVOID N42/N45/N46 BMW
0 / 100
BEST N52 BMW

Specifications

N42/N45/N46
N52
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
AVOID
BEST
Reliability
28
90
Years
2001--2011
2004--2015
Displacement
1995 cc
2996 cc
Layout
I4
I6
Type
Petrol Na
Petrol Na
Power
115--150 hp
190--272 hp
Known Issues
3
3
Total Risk Cost
€1,700--€5,000
€250--€900

Character

N42/N45/N46

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

N52

"Last great NA six. Lighter (magnesium block), smoother, higher-revving than M54. 250k+ km."

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

N52 3

● MODERATE
Coolant expansion tank / hose failure €100--€300 80,000 km--150,000 km
● MODERATE
VANOS solenoid / oil feed failure €150--€400 80,000 km--160,000 km
○ MINOR
Hydraulic lifter tick on cold start €0--€200 60,000 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

N52 8

5 Series E60 2005--2007 5 Series E60 2005--2007 3 Series E90 2005--2007 Z4 E85 2006--2008 5 Series E60 2005--2007 X5 E70 2007--2010 3 Series E90 2005--2007 1 Series E87 2005--2011
Full N42/N45/N46 Report Full N52 Report