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
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.
Verdict and scores are editorial opinions based on aggregated data. Learn about our methodology. Not a substitute for professional inspection.