S62 vs N52

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
N52 BEST 90/100
+18 points over S62
0 / 100
ACCEPTABLE S62 BMW
0 / 100
BEST N52 BMW

Specifications

S62
N52
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
ACCEPTABLE
BEST
Reliability
72
90
Years
1998--2003
2004--2015
Displacement
4941 cc
2996 cc
Layout
V8
I6
Type
Petrol Na
Petrol Na
Power
400 hp
190--272 hp
Known Issues
2
3
Total Risk Cost
€2,500--€6,500
€250--€900

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."

N52

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

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

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

S62 1

M5 E39 1998--2003

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 S62 Report Full N52 Report