S85 vs N52

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
N52 BEST 90/100
+50 points over S85
0 / 100
AVOID S85 BMW
0 / 100
BEST N52 BMW

Specifications

S85
N52
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
AVOID
BEST
Reliability
40
90
Years
2005--2010
2004--2015
Displacement
4999 cc
2996 cc
Layout
V10
I6
Type
Petrol Na
Petrol Na
Power
507 hp
190--272 hp
Known Issues
3
3
Total Risk Cost
€6,000--€18,000
€250--€900

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."

N52

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

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

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

S85 1

M5 E60 2005--2010

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 S85 Report Full N52 Report