N43 vs M50/M52

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
M50/M52 BEST 95/100
+47 points over N43
0 / 100
CAUTION N43 BMW
0 / 100
BEST M50/M52 BMW

Specifications

N43
M50/M52
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
CAUTION
BEST
Reliability
48
95
Years
2007--2011
1990--2000
Displacement
1995 cc
2494 cc
Layout
I4
I6
Type
Petrol Na
Petrol Na
Power
115--170 hp
150--170 hp
Known Issues
2
3
Total Risk Cost
€1,400--€3,500
€330--€850

Character

N43

"Direct injection 4-cyl. Injector failure, high-pressure fuel pump issues, lean-burn NOx sensor problems. Short production run. Avoid if possible — N46 or B48 are better choices."

M50/M52

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

Issues Comparison

N43 2

▲ HIGH
High-pressure fuel pump failure €800--€2,000 60,000 km--120,000 km
▲ HIGH
Direct injector failure €600--€1,500 80,000 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

N43 7

1 Series E87 2007--2011 1 Series E87 2007--2011 5 Series E60 2007--2010 3 Series E90 2007--2012 3 Series E90 2007--2012 3 Series E90 2007--2012 1 Series E87 2007--2011

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 N43 Report Full M50/M52 Report