N54 vs M57

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
M57 BUY 84/100
+52 points over N54
0 / 100
AVOID N54 BMW
0 / 100
BUY M57 BMW

Specifications

N54
M57
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
AVOID
BUY
Reliability
32
84
Years
2006--2010
1998--2012
Displacement
2979 cc
2993 cc
Layout
I6
I6
Type
Petrol Turbo
Diesel
Power
306 hp
184--286 hp
Known Issues
4
0
Total Risk Cost
€4,500--€10,700
€0--€0

Character

N54

"Huge tuning potential ("European 2JZ"). Constant problems. Project car, not daily."

M57

"Legendary diesel six. Powered E46 330d to E90 335d. Smooth, torquey, reliable. Swirl flaps and turbo actuator at high mileage."

Issues Comparison

N54 4

◆ CRITICAL
High pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure €800--€1,500 30,000 km--100,000 km
◆ CRITICAL
Turbocharger failure (one or both) €1,500--€4,000 100,000 km--200,000 km
▲ HIGH
Piezoelectric injector failure (x6) €1,800--€4,000 60,000 km--150,000 km
● MODERATE
Wastegate rattle / actuator failure €400--€1,200 60,000 km--150,000 km

M57 0

No documented issues.

Models

N54 5

1 Series E82 2011--2012 1 Series E82 2008--2010 Z4 E89 2009--2016 3 Series E90 2006--2010 5 Series E60 2007--2010

M57 17

5 Series E39 2000--2003 5 Series E60 2003--2007 X5 E53 2001--2003 3 Series E46 1999--2003 5 Series E39 1998--2000 X5 E53 2003--2006 5 Series E39 2000--2003 7 Series E65 2002--2008 5 Series E60 2003--2007 3 Series E46 2003--2005 3 Series E90 2005--2008 3 Series E90 2006--2010 X5 E70 2007--2010 5 Series E60 2007--2010 5 Series E60 2007--2010 3 Series E90 2006--2008 5 Series E60 2004--2010
Full N54 Report Full M57 Report