S50/S54 vs N52

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
N52 BEST 90/100
+12 points over S50/S54
0 / 100
BUY S50/S54 BMW
0 / 100
BEST N52 BMW

Specifications

S50/S54
N52
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
BUY
BEST
Reliability
78
90
Years
1992--2006
2004--2015
Displacement
3246 cc
2996 cc
Layout
I6
I6
Type
Petrol Na
Petrol Na
Power
286--343 hp
190--272 hp
Known Issues
2
3
Total Risk Cost
€2,500--€7,500
€250--€900

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."

N52

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

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

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

S50/S54 3

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

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 S50/S54 Report Full N52 Report