N54 vs N52

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
N52 BEST 90/100
+58 points over N54
0 / 100
AVOID N54 BMW
0 / 100
BEST N52 BMW

Specifications

N54
N52
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
AVOID
BEST
Reliability
32
90
Years
2006--2010
2004--2015
Displacement
2979 cc
2996 cc
Layout
I6
I6
Type
Petrol Turbo
Petrol Na
Power
306 hp
190--272 hp
Known Issues
4
3
Total Risk Cost
€4,500--€10,700
€250--€900

Character

N54

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

N52

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

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

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

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

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 N54 Report Full N52 Report