N63 vs M50/M52

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
M50/M52 BEST 95/100
+53 points over N63
0 / 100
AVOID N63 BMW
0 / 100
BEST M50/M52 BMW

Specifications

N63
M50/M52
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
AVOID
BEST
Reliability
42
95
Years
2008--present
1990--2000
Displacement
4395 cc
2494 cc
Layout
V8
I6
Type
Petrol Turbo
Petrol Na
Power
408--625 hp
150--170 hp
Known Issues
2
3
Total Risk Cost
€2,500--€7,000
€330--€850

Character

N63

"Hot-V design cooks turbos and injectors between cylinder banks. Oil consumption, coolant leaks, injector failure. N63TU (2012+) improved but still problematic. Called 'hot vee from hell' by BMW techs."

M50/M52

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

Issues Comparison

N63 2

◆ CRITICAL
Injector failure (hot-V design) €2,000--€5,000 60,000 km--120,000 km
▲ HIGH
Excessive oil consumption €500--€2,000 40,000 km--100,000 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

N63 8

6 Series F13 2011--2018 X5 E70 2010--2013 8 Series G15 2018--present 5 Series G30 2017--2023 7 Series G11 2019--2022 7 Series F01 2012--2015 5 Series F10 2010--2017 X5 F15 2013--2018

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 N63 Report Full M50/M52 Report