S55 vs M50/M52

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
M50/M52 BEST 95/100
+30 points over S55
0 / 100
CAUTION S55 BMW
0 / 100
BEST M50/M52 BMW

Specifications

S55
M50/M52
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
CAUTION
BEST
Reliability
65
95
Years
2014--2018
1990--2000
Displacement
2979 cc
2494 cc
Layout
I6
I6
Type
Petrol Turbo
Petrol Na
Power
431--450 hp
150--170 hp
Known Issues
3
3
Total Risk Cost
€2,800--€7,000
€330--€850

Character

S55

"Track weapon. M-car level care mandatory. Fragile if abused."

M50/M52

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

Issues Comparison

S55 3

◆ CRITICAL
Crankshaft hub failure — pre-2016 production €800--€2,000 0 km--80,000 km
◆ CRITICAL
Rod bearing wear — M-car maintenance required €1,200--€3,000 60,000 km--120,000 km
● MODERATE
Turbo oil seal wear €800--€2,000 80,000 km--150,000 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

S55 5

M4 F82 2016--2020 M2 F87 2018--2021 M3 F80 2016--2018 M4 F82 2014--2020 M3 F80 2014--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 S55 Report Full M50/M52 Report