S62 vs M54

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
M54 BEST 93/100
+21 points over S62
0 / 100
ACCEPTABLE S62 BMW
0 / 100
BEST M54 BMW

Specifications

S62
M54
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
ACCEPTABLE
BEST
Reliability
72
93
Years
1998--2003
2000--2006
Displacement
4941 cc
2979 cc
Layout
V8
I6
Type
Petrol Na
Petrol Na
Power
400 hp
170--231 hp
Known Issues
2
4
Total Risk Cost
€2,500--€6,500
€530--€1,250

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."

M54

"Peak old-school BMW. Raspy, high-revving, raw. The benchmark. 300k+ km routine."

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

M54 4

● MODERATE
Cooling plastics — water pump impeller critical €200--€450 80,000 km--150,000 km
● MODERATE
DISA valve failure (intake manifold flap) €80--€200 80,000 km--160,000 km
● MODERATE
Double VANOS oil seal wear €150--€350 100,000 km--180,000 km
○ MINOR
Valve cover gasket oil leak €100--€250 100,000 km--200,000 km

Models

S62 1

M5 E39 1998--2003

M54 13

5 Series E39 2000--2003 3 Series E46 2001--2005 5 Series E60 2003--2007 5 Series E60 2003--2005 5 Series E39 2000--2003 Z4 E85 2003--2005 3 Series E46 2001--2005 5 Series E60 2003--2005 X5 E53 2000--2006 5 Series E39 2000--2003 Z4 E85 2003--2005 3 Series E46 2001--2005 Z3 E36/7 2000--2002
Full S62 Report Full M54 Report