S65 vs N52

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
N52 BEST 90/100
+38 points over S65
0 / 100
CAUTION S65 BMW
0 / 100
BEST N52 BMW

Specifications

S65
N52
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
CAUTION
BEST
Reliability
52
90
Years
2007--2013
2004--2015
Displacement
3999 cc
2996 cc
Layout
V8
I6
Type
Petrol Na
Petrol Na
Power
420 hp
190--272 hp
Known Issues
2
3
Total Risk Cost
€4,000--€11,000
€250--€900

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."

N52

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

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

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

S65 1

M3 E90/E92 2008--2013

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 S65 Report Full N52 Report