S65 vs M50/M52

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
M50/M52 BEST 95/100
+43 points over S65
0 / 100
CAUTION S65 BMW
0 / 100
BEST M50/M52 BMW

Specifications

S65
M50/M52
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
CAUTION
BEST
Reliability
52
95
Years
2007--2013
1990--2000
Displacement
3999 cc
2494 cc
Layout
V8
I6
Type
Petrol Na
Petrol Na
Power
420 hp
150--170 hp
Known Issues
2
3
Total Risk Cost
€4,000--€11,000
€330--€850

Character

S65

"E90/E92 M3. High-revving 8,300rpm V8. Rod bearing failure is THE concern — can destroy engine without warning. Throttle actuators fail. Amazing driving experience but preventive rod bearings are mandatory."

M50/M52

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

Issues Comparison

S65 2

◆ CRITICAL
Rod bearing failure €3,000--€8,000 60,000 km--120,000 km
▲ HIGH
Throttle actuator failure (8 butterflies) €1,000--€3,000 60,000 km--120,000 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

S65 1

M3 E90/E92 2008--2013

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 S65 Report Full M50/M52 Report