M50/M52
BMW · 2.0-2.8L NA I6
1990–2000
"Smooth, linear, bulletproof. Classic BMW feel. Simple maintenance. Cheap parts."
Mileage Risk Timeline
When problems typically appear — enter your mileage to see your risk zone
Known Issues 3
Cooling system plastics (tank, housing, impeller)
▸Coolant loss, overheating warning, visible cracks on expansion tank
Thermostat housing, expansion tank, radiator end-caps all plastic. Fail with age and heat cycles. Replace preventively.
Greek heat accelerates plastic ageing. Budget €150-350 at 120k km as routine maintenance.
VANOS oil seal wear (M52 only)
▸Rough cold start, slight power loss, VANOS rattle first seconds after cold start
M52 single VANOS. Seals harden with age. Rebuild kits available. Not catastrophic.
DIY-friendly repair. Any BMW specialist in Greece can do this. Budget €80-200.
Valve cover / oil pan gasket leaks
▸Oil drips on ground, burning oil smell
Expected at age. Rubber gaskets harden and crack. Normal on 25+ year old engines.
Normal maintenance for any car this age. Greek mechanics very familiar.
Models with M50/M52 12
Related Guides
Other BMW Engines
Tuning Potential
N/A — classic engine
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the BMW M50/M52 reliable?
The BMW M50/M52 scores 95/100 with a verdict of BEST. It has 3 documented issues with total repair costs between €330 and €850.
What are the common problems with the M50/M52?
The most common issues are:
- Cooling system plastics (tank, housing, impeller) — moderate, repair cost €150–€350, 100,000 km–180,000 km
- VANOS oil seal wear (M52 only) — minor, repair cost €80–€200, 120,000 km–200,000 km
- Valve cover / oil pan gasket leaks — minor, repair cost €100–€300, 150,000 km–∞
What cars use the BMW M50/M52?
How much does it cost to repair the M50/M52?
Total potential repair costs for all 3 known issues range from €330 to €850. The most expensive issue is typically .
What years was the M50/M52 produced?
The BMW M50/M52 was produced from 1990 to 2000. It is a 2494cc I6 petrol na engine.
Scores are calculated from documented issues, repair costs, and failure patterns across thousands of owner reports and technical sources. Learn about our methodology. Always inspect before you buy.