N55 vs M50/M52

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
M50/M52 BEST 95/100
+19 points over N55
0 / 100
ACCEPTABLE N55 BMW
0 / 100
BEST M50/M52 BMW

Specifications

N55
M50/M52
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
ACCEPTABLE
BEST
Reliability
76
95
Years
2009--2016
1990--2000
Displacement
2979 cc
2494 cc
Layout
I6
I6
Type
Petrol Turbo
Petrol Na
Power
306--326 hp
150--170 hp
Known Issues
5
3
Total Risk Cost
€1,050--€2,300
€330--€850

Character

N55

"Fixed N54. Known issues cheap + documented. 200k+ km proven. Good tuning base."

M50/M52

"Smooth, linear, bulletproof. Classic BMW feel. Simple maintenance. Cheap parts."

Issues Comparison

N55 5

▲ HIGH
Electric water pump failure €400--€800 60,000 km--120,000 km
● MODERATE
Valve cover gasket oil leak €200--€450 60,000 km--130,000 km
● MODERATE
Oil filter housing gasket (OFHG) leak €250--€500 60,000 km--130,000 km
● MODERATE
Plastic charge pipe crack €100--€300 60,000 km--150,000 km
○ MINOR
Coolant pipe / banjo bolt seals €100--€250 80,000 km--150,000 km

M50/M52 3

● MODERATE
Cooling system plastics (tank, housing, impeller) €150--€350 100,000 km--180,000 km
○ MINOR
VANOS oil seal wear (M52 only) €80--€200 120,000 km--200,000 km
○ MINOR
Valve cover / oil pan gasket leaks €100--€300 150,000 km--∞

Models

N55 14

6 Series F13 2011--2015 3 Series E90 2010--2013 5 Series F10 2010--2017 1 Series E82 2010--2013 X5 F15 2013--2018 X3 F25 2011--2017 2 Series F22 2014--2016 1 Series F20 2012--2015 7 Series F01 2009--2015 X5 E70 2010--2013 3 Series F30 2012--2015 M2 F87 2016--2018 335i GT F34 2013--2016 Gran Tourer 435i F32 2013--2016 Coupe

M50/M52 12

3 Series E36 1990--1994 3 Series E36 1990--1995 3 Series E36 1994--1999 5 Series E39 1996--2000 3 Series E46 1998--2001 5 Series E39 1996--2000 3 Series E36 1995--1999 3 Series E46 1998--2000 5 Series E39 1996--2000 Z3 E36/7 1997--2000 3 Series E36 1995--1999 3 Series E46 1998--2000
Full N55 Report Full M50/M52 Report