N63TU (N63B44O1/O2/T3) vs M50/M52

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
M50/M52 BEST 86/100
+24 points over N63TU (N63B44O1/O2/T3)
0 / 100
CAUTION N63TU (N63B44O1/O2/T3) BMW
0 / 100
BEST M50/M52 BMW

Specifications

N63TU (N63B44O1/O2/T3)
M50/M52
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
CAUTION
BEST
Reliability
62
86
Years
2012--present
1990--2001
Displacement
4395 cc
2494 cc
Layout
V8
I6
Type
Petrol Turbo
Petrol Na
Power
449--530 hp
150--193 hp
Known Issues
5
5
Total Risk Cost
€3,280--€5,180
€430--€2,200

Character

N63TU (N63B44O1/O2/T3)

"The updated hot-V V8 (from 2012-2013) with Valvetronic, forged internals, new valve stem seals and a second coolant pump: 550i F10 from July 2013, 750i, 650i, X5/X6 50i, then M550i, 750i G11, M850i and X5/X7 M50i. Clearly better than the original N63, but it still burns oil (its own US settlement) and chains and injectors are not immune. Budget accordingly."

M50/M52

"Smooth, linear inline-six with bulletproof internals — 300,000 km is routine. Budget a full cooling-system refresh (plastic tank, impeller, thermostat housing) and expect VANOS seals and the oil separator to need doing. Only trap: European M52 built 1995 to early 1998 had Nikasil bores that sulphur fuel destroyed; ask for a leak-down test or proof of a replacement block. M50 and M52TU are not affected."

Issues Comparison

N63TU (N63B44O1/O2/T3) 5

▲ HIGH
Oil consumption - valve stem seals (US class-action settlement) €2,800--€4,500 N/A--N/A
▲ HIGH
Timing chain and tensioner wear N/A--N/A N/A--N/A
● MODERATE
Injector failure N/A--N/A N/A--N/A
● MODERATE
Brake vacuum pump leak €480--€680 N/A--N/A
○ MINOR
Coolant leaks N/A--N/A N/A--N/A

M50/M52 5

◆ CRITICAL
Nikasil cylinder-bore wear (M52 built 1995 to March 1998, non-US) N/A--N/A 48,000 km--N/A
● MODERATE
Crankcase ventilation (CCV / oil separator) clogs — oil consumption, rough idle €100--N/A 130,000 km--195,000 km
● MODERATE
Cooling system plastics (tank, housing, impeller) €150--€1,700 97,000 km--240,000 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

N63TU (N63B44O1/O2/T3) 7

6 Series F13 2011--2018 7 Series G11 2019--2022 8 Series G15 2018--present 5 Series G30 2017--2023 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 5 Series E39 1996--2000 3 Series E36 1994--1999 3 Series E46 1998--2001 5 Series E39 1996--2000 3 Series E36 1995--1999 3 Series E46 1998--2000 3 Series E36 1995--1999 Z3 E36/7 1997--2000 5 Series E39 1996--2000 3 Series E46 1998--2000
Full N63TU (N63B44O1/O2/T3) Report Full M50/M52 Report