S50/S54 vs M50/M52

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
M50/M52 BEST 95/100
+17 points over S50/S54
0 / 100
BUY S50/S54 BMW
0 / 100
BEST M50/M52 BMW

Specifications

S50/S54
M50/M52
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
BUY
BEST
Reliability
78
95
Years
1992--2006
1990--2000
Displacement
3246 cc
2494 cc
Layout
I6
I6
Type
Petrol Na
Petrol Na
Power
286--343 hp
150--170 hp
Known Issues
2
3
Total Risk Cost
€2,500--€7,500
€330--€850

Character

S50/S54

"E36 M3 (S50) and E46 M3 (S54). High-revving NA legends. S50B32 is bulletproof. S54 has rod bearing and VANOS concerns but iconic. Preventive rod bearing replacement recommended on S54."

M50/M52

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

Issues Comparison

S50/S54 2

◆ CRITICAL
Rod bearing wear (S54) €2,000--€6,000 80,000 km--150,000 km
▲ HIGH
VANOS bolt failure (S54 recall) €500--€1,500 60,000 km--120,000 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

S50/S54 3

M3 E36 1992--1996 M3 E36 1996--1999 M3 E46 2000--2006

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 S50/S54 Report Full M50/M52 Report