S65 vs M50

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
M50 BEST 88/100
+36 points over S65
0 / 100
CAUTION S65 BMW
0 / 100
BEST M50 BMW

Specifications

S65
M50
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
CAUTION
BEST
Reliability
52
88
Years
2007--2013
1990--1996
Displacement
3999 cc
2494 cc
Layout
V8
I6
Type
Petrol Na
Petrol Na
Power
420 hp
150--192 hp
Known Issues
2
2
Total Risk Cost
€4,000--€11,000
€400--€1,100

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

"Cast iron block legend. One of BMW's most reliable ever. M50TU added single VANOS. Strong internals handle 300k+ km. Cooling plastics only weakness."

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 2

▲ HIGH
Water pump plastic impeller failure €200--€500 60,000 km--120,000 km
● MODERATE
VANOS unit wear (M50TU) €200--€600 100,000 km--200,000 km

Models

S65 1

M3 E90/E92 2008--2013

M50 0

No models listed.

Full S65 Report Full M50 Report