S65 vs M54

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
M54 BEST 93/100
+41 points over S65
0 / 100
CAUTION S65 BMW
0 / 100
BEST M54 BMW

Specifications

S65
M54
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
CAUTION
BEST
Reliability
52
93
Years
2007--2013
2000--2006
Displacement
3999 cc
2979 cc
Layout
V8
I6
Type
Petrol Na
Petrol Na
Power
420 hp
170--231 hp
Known Issues
2
4
Total Risk Cost
€4,000--€11,000
€530--€1,250

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."

M54

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

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

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

S65 1

M3 E90/E92 2008--2013

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 S65 Report Full M54 Report