N53 vs B58
Side-by-side reliability comparison
Higher reliability score
B58
BEST
89/100
+37 points over N53
0
/ 100
CAUTION
N53
BMW
0
/ 100
BEST
B58
BMW
Specifications
N53
B58
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
CAUTION
BEST
Reliability
52
89
Years
2006--2013
2015--present
Displacement
2996 cc
2998 cc
Layout
I6
I6
Type
Petrol Na
Petrol Turbo
Power
190--272 hp
326--387 hp
Known Issues
7
7
Total Risk Cost
€620--€4,800
€2,100--€8,050
Character
N53
"Direct-injection version of the N52 for Europe only (it needs low-sulphur fuel). It shares the N54 fault list minus the turbos: piezo injectors, the high-pressure fuel pump and the NOx sensor/catalyst are the expensive items, plus oil leaks with age. Buy only with records showing late-index injectors and the pump already done."
B58
"Arguably BMW's best modern petrol: a smooth, strong 3.0 turbo six from the 340i to the Toyota Supra, with no engine-destroying pattern fault. What does go wrong is bolt-on: coolant loss (expansion tank, water pump), the PCV diaphragm in the valve cover (oil smoke) and, on 2018-2022 engines, a plastic part in the oil pump. Forged crankshaft, closed-deck block; strong tuning base."
Issues Comparison
N53 7
▲ HIGH
High-pressure fuel pump failure
▲ HIGH
Piezo injector failure — misfire and rough idle
▲ HIGH
NOx sensor and NOx storage catalyst failure
● MODERATE
Oil leaks and consumption — valve cover, breather, oil filter housing
○ MINOR
VANOS solenoid valve failure
○ MINOR
Carbon deposits on intake valves and injectors (direct injection)
○ MINOR
Ignition coil failure (2007-2008 service campaign)
B58 7
▲ HIGH
Oil pump plastic ring cracks — oil pressure loss (2018-2022 engines)
● MODERATE
Coolant loss — expansion tank or cap, electric water pump, low-temperature circuit
● MODERATE
PCV diaphragm in the valve cover and valve cover gasket — oil smoke, oil leaks
○ MINOR
VANOS solenoid wear
○ MINOR
Crankshaft guide bearing wear — early manual F30 340i (service action)
○ MINOR
Oil filter shears off in its housing
○ MINOR
Plastic charge pipe crack