S85 vs M50/M52

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
M50/M52 BEST 95/100
+55 points over S85
0 / 100
AVOID S85 BMW
0 / 100
BEST M50/M52 BMW

Specifications

S85
M50/M52
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
AVOID
BEST
Reliability
40
95
Years
2005--2010
1990--2000
Displacement
4999 cc
2494 cc
Layout
V10
I6
Type
Petrol Na
Petrol Na
Power
507 hp
150--170 hp
Known Issues
3
3
Total Risk Cost
€6,000--€18,000
€330--€850

Character

S85

"E60 M5 V10. Derived from F1 tech — 8,250rpm redline. Rod bearing failure endemic. Throttle actuator failure (10 of them). VANOS bolt recall. SMG gearbox issues. Incredible engine, terrible reliability."

M50/M52

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

Issues Comparison

S85 3

◆ CRITICAL
VANOS bolt failure (recall) €1,000--€3,000 40,000 km--80,000 km
◆ CRITICAL
Rod bearing failure €3,000--€10,000 50,000 km--100,000 km
▲ HIGH
Throttle actuator failure (10 butterflies) €2,000--€5,000 50,000 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

S85 1

M5 E60 2005--2010

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 S85 Report Full M50/M52 Report