S55 vs N52

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
N52 BEST 90/100
+25 points over S55
0 / 100
CAUTION S55 BMW
0 / 100
BEST N52 BMW

Specifications

S55
N52
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
CAUTION
BEST
Reliability
65
90
Years
2014--2018
2004--2015
Displacement
2979 cc
2996 cc
Layout
I6
I6
Type
Petrol Turbo
Petrol Na
Power
431--450 hp
190--272 hp
Known Issues
3
3
Total Risk Cost
€2,800--€7,000
€250--€900

Character

S55

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

N52

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

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

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

S55 5

M4 F82 2016--2020 M2 F87 2018--2021 M3 F80 2016--2018 M4 F82 2014--2020 M3 F80 2014--2018

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 S55 Report Full N52 Report