S62 vs M50/M52

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
M50/M52 BEST 95/100
+23 points over S62
0 / 100
ACCEPTABLE S62 BMW
0 / 100
BEST M50/M52 BMW

Specifications

S62
M50/M52
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
ACCEPTABLE
BEST
Reliability
72
95
Years
1998--2003
1990--2000
Displacement
4941 cc
2494 cc
Layout
V8
I6
Type
Petrol Na
Petrol Na
Power
400 hp
150--170 hp
Known Issues
2
3
Total Risk Cost
€2,500--€6,500
€330--€850

Character

S62

"E39 M5 V8. High-revving naturally aspirated masterpiece. Rod bearing concerns at high mileage. VANOS failures. Throttle actuator issues. Expensive to maintain but legendary when cared for."

M50/M52

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

Issues Comparison

S62 2

▲ HIGH
Throttle actuator failure €500--€1,500 80,000 km--150,000 km
▲ HIGH
Rod bearing wear at high mileage €2,000--€5,000 120,000 km--200,000 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

S62 1

M5 E39 1998--2003

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 S62 Report Full M50/M52 Report