S63 vs M50/M52

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
M50/M52 BEST 95/100
+30 points over S63
0 / 100
CAUTION S63 BMW
0 / 100
BEST M50/M52 BMW

Specifications

S63
M50/M52
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
CAUTION
BEST
Reliability
65
95
Years
2011--present
1990--2000
Displacement
4395 cc
2494 cc
Layout
V8
I6
Type
Petrol Turbo
Petrol Na
Power
560--625 hp
150--170 hp
Known Issues
2
3
Total Risk Cost
€2,000--€6,500
€330--€850

Character

S63

"F10/F90 M5 engine. Hot-V turbo layout. More reliable than N63 base engine due to stronger internals. Rod bearing concern on early units. Oil consumption. Expensive maintenance but less catastrophic than N63."

M50/M52

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

Issues Comparison

S63 2

▲ HIGH
Rod bearing concern (early units) €2,000--€6,000 80,000 km--150,000 km
● MODERATE
Oil consumption €0--€500 40,000 km--100,000 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

S63 3

6 Series F06 2012--2018 M5 F10 2011--2016 M5 F90 2018--2023

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 S63 Report Full M50/M52 Report