N55 vs N52

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
N52 BEST 90/100
+14 points over N55
0 / 100
ACCEPTABLE N55 BMW
0 / 100
BEST N52 BMW

Specifications

N55
N52
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
ACCEPTABLE
BEST
Reliability
76
90
Years
2009--2016
2004--2015
Displacement
2979 cc
2996 cc
Layout
I6
I6
Type
Petrol Turbo
Petrol Na
Power
306--326 hp
190--272 hp
Known Issues
5
3
Total Risk Cost
€1,050--€2,300
€250--€900

Character

N55

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

N52

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

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

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

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

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 N55 Report Full N52 Report