N55 vs M50

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
M50 BEST 88/100
+12 points over N55
0 / 100
ACCEPTABLE N55 BMW
0 / 100
BEST M50 BMW

Specifications

N55
M50
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
ACCEPTABLE
BEST
Reliability
76
88
Years
2009--2016
1990--1996
Displacement
2979 cc
2494 cc
Layout
I6
I6
Type
Petrol Turbo
Petrol Na
Power
306--326 hp
150--192 hp
Known Issues
5
2
Total Risk Cost
€1,050--€2,300
€400--€1,100

Character

N55

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

M50

"Cast iron block legend. One of BMW's most reliable ever. M50TU added single VANOS. Strong internals handle 300k+ km. Cooling plastics only weakness."

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 2

▲ HIGH
Water pump plastic impeller failure €200--€500 60,000 km--120,000 km
● MODERATE
VANOS unit wear (M50TU) €200--€600 100,000 km--200,000 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 0

No models listed.

Full N55 Report Full M50 Report