N52 vs B48 — Reliability Comparison

Specifications

N52

B48

Brand

BMW

Verdict

BEST

BUY

Reliability

90

82

Years

2004--2015

2014--present

Displacement

2996 cc

1998 cc

Layout

I6

I4

Type

Petrol Na

Petrol Turbo

Power

190--272 hp

184--255 hp

Known Issues

3

Total Risk Cost

€250--€900

€650--€1,350

Character

N52

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

B48

"B58s little brother. Efficient, smooth. Remap to 260hp safe. Best modern 4-cyl BMW."

Issues Comparison

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--∞

B48 3

● MODERATE

Coolant vent line failure €100--€250 40,000 km--100,000 km

● MODERATE

Oil filter housing gasket — early units (2014-2016) €250--€500 40,000 km--100,000 km

○ MINOR

Intake valve carbon buildup (DI) €300--€600 60,000 km--120,000 km

Models

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

B48 40

6 Series G32 2017--2023 X3 G01 2017--2024 4 Series G22 2020--present Z4 G29 2019--present 2 Series Active Tourer U06 2022--present 4 Series F32 2016--2020 3 Series G20 2019--present GR Supra A90 2020--present 1 Series F20 2015--2019 5 Series G30 2017--2023 X2 F39 2018--2023 1 Series F40 2020--present 2 Series Active Tourer U06 2022--present X1 F48 2015--2022 2 Series F22 2016--2021 5 Series G30 2017--2023 3 Series F30 2015--2019 X4 G02 2018--present X3 G01 2017--2024 4 Series G22 2020--present 2 Series G42 2022--present 3 Series G20 2019--present Z4 G29 2019--present 3 Series F30 2015--2019 2 Series Active Tourer F45 2014--2021 5 Series G60 2023--present 1 Series F20 2015--2019 4 Series F32 2016--2020 2 Series Active Tourer U06 2022--present 5 Series G60 2023--present 5 Series G30 2017--2023 X3 G01 2020--2024 3 Series G20 2019--present 1 Series F40 2019--present 320i F30 LCI 2015--2019 Sedan 320i GT F34 2013--2016 Gran Tourer 320i Touring F31 2012--2019 Wagon 330i GT F34 2016--2019 Gran Tourer 330i Touring G21 2019--2024 Wagon 420i Gran Coupe F36 2014--2020 Gran Coupe