N43 vs N52

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
N52 BEST 90/100
+42 points over N43
0 / 100
CAUTION N43 BMW
0 / 100
BEST N52 BMW

Specifications

N43
N52
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
CAUTION
BEST
Reliability
48
90
Years
2007--2011
2004--2015
Displacement
1995 cc
2996 cc
Layout
I4
I6
Type
Petrol Na
Petrol Na
Power
115--170 hp
190--272 hp
Known Issues
2
3
Total Risk Cost
€1,400--€3,500
€250--€900

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."

N52

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

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

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

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

N52 9

6 Series E63 2004--2010 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 N43 Report Full N52 Report