N53 vs N52

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
N52 BEST 90/100
+65 points over N53
0 / 100
AVOID N53 BMW
0 / 100
BEST N52 BMW

Specifications

N53
N52
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
AVOID
BEST
Reliability
25
90
Years
2007--2011
2004--2015
Displacement
2996 cc
2996 cc
Layout
I6
I6
Type
Petrol Na
Petrol Na
Power
272 hp
190--272 hp
Known Issues
2
3
Total Risk Cost
€2,500--€8,000
€250--€900

Character

N53

"N54 reliability without turbo power. Worst of both worlds. EU only."

N52

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

Issues Comparison

N53 2

◆ CRITICAL
Piezoelectric injector failure — parts scarce €2,000--€6,000 40,000 km--120,000 km
▲ HIGH
Chronic lean running / mixture issues €500--€2,000 40,000 km--100,000 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

N53 5

6 Series E63 2007--2010 5 Series E60 2007--2010 3 Series E90 2007--2011 5 Series E60 2007--2010 3 Series E90 2007--2012

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 N53 Report Full N52 Report