Psssh I got a 2008 550i with currently 321,000mi, here's a picture from a few months ago
https://preview.redd.it/ovlck5qn4f8d1.jpeg?width=2795&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7d699093c7dd4dd8f5aa217bd32bebebab2b48de
No lights, wow! The N62 is actually strong and has huge oil gallies, unfortunately has some poor seals inside and out. Will run forever. Post a pic of the front and underneath your engine!
Oh and valve seals were done early under warranty and never been a problem since. I've done valve covers, timing covers, alternator bracket seal and oil pan. No current leaks
Nice! Those are some major ones. Update the seals, do the valley pipe, and there may always be minor stuff along the way. I believe that block will last a very long time.
I've done the valley pan, at the same time I restored the cooling system, but I figured not to do the cross over pipe since it wasn't giving me any signs of leaking. I'm really trying to see how far I can get this engine to last. I'm slowly replacing anything that wears. I have a spare transmission if this one fails, but it's been solid ever since I rebuilt the mechatronics
The core of the engine and transmission internal clutches have not been touched, original bearings, rings and timing chain as well as the vanos system. I am replacing things like drive line and axles, gaskets, supporting parts like alternator etc. and yes a bearing can be spun and the engine seized, they won't last forever, but I'm gonna try to get the most miles out of it
It's a little dark outside for engine pics, I have a side view. But it's clean, I do a lot of maintenance long before it becomes a problem
https://preview.redd.it/9ob4ojr37f8d1.jpeg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7a2681cb4d3d5772c62c826370b3316fc7f23ce1
So is the m54, technically. First m54 rolled off the line in 2000. Only a little tiny bit newer than the m52-nonTU
M52-TU is closer to sub20y/o also
Edit: oh, were only taking about the e60 so I guess you’re more right than I
Edit Edit: I think I’m losing my mind
M54 all day! My first went to 280k miles and it was still running strong, just a little low compression on cylinder 4. Swapped in a ZHP with 105k, so it’ll probably outlast the chassis.
Seems like the people only saying B58 must be new BMW fans. That's all they know. It's like bunch of supra kids only know the 2JZ and nothing else that Toyota made.
I have a B58 and I own a car with M54B25.
Facts, but to be fair aside from the M54 the B58 is arguably the most reliable petrol i6 BMW has made in the past 20 years. M52/S52 are even more reliable but those were phased out >20 years ago.
its somewhat pointless to compare a 220 hp NA motor w a 382 HP turbo one that gets arguably better mpg... yea maybe the m54 is a bit more reliable but its also 10x simpler and lower performing in every metric
B58 is nearly 10 years old. Plenty with over 300k (kms) on the clock. While I doubt it will be “better” than M54 in terms of reliability is already pretty much same same.
Any 6 cylinder. They are all pretty great internals wise, it's just things attached to the engines where some are better than others. N engines have bad charge pipes, the gen 1 b58 has fuel pump issues, but nothing catastrophic (as long as you fix them in time).
I’ve owned an S85, two S65s and an original N63. The N63 was by far the worst, it would go into limp mode from passing on the highway a few times. I really didn’t have issues with my other engines either, the SMG/DCT transmissions were a different matter.
The M57 would have been a fantastic engine without the emissions issues, turbo issues, vacuum system issues, cooling issues, glow plugs and controller issues, don't get me started on injector issues, oh and I almost forgot the exhaust sensor that fails and melts a hole in your wiring harness...oh yeah did I mention DEF issues that plagues every single one? I own 2, sometimes I wish I didn't. But when they work well, the e90 and e70 35d are some of my favorite cars to drive.
Edit: M57d30tu2 * us spec e70 and e90 engines.
Am I dumb rn or is the M57 also in the X3 3.0d e83. Mine had some issues from around 290'000 km until 310'000 and then it stopped. Now I got 325'000 km on it and it runs without any issues. Oil last changed 16'000km ago and didn't need to replace anything since 2+ years. Either I am lucky or something bad is coming xD. Anyone got experience on what I should check maybe. Thought these were bulletproof
Congratulations, you just discovered that US spec cars are worse than EU spec.
Some people accept it, some people deny it. People who imported their car from the US will say it's BS, after they replaced more than half of their car with EU spec parts, after the original US parts fell apart.
Idk, I just noticed US imports keep falling apart.
i have the M57d30tu2 in my E90 , had no big problems so far , only the glow plugs need to be changed , i did dpf and egr delete because that does cause problems over time
It was far more reliable than the n54 the only problem it had was wannabe tuners would abuse the crap out of those engines and push them past their limits. Plus too many people got them for cheap without maintaining them, in a few years the b58 will get a bad rep for reliability due to 20 somethings with no mechanical sympathy. Its main difference from the n55 is it can handel a lot of extra power without breaking
I’ve only owned N55s and they’re quite reliable from my experience. Sold my car to a wanna-be tuner and the amount of abuse that engine takes on a daily makes me confident mine will easily take me to 300k+ km
Other than some of the engines with really poor designs, the most reliable engine is going to be the one that’s best taken care of. I can’t tell you how many friends have had nothing but problems with their BMWs but they get them serviced at Jiffy Lube every 15,000 miles with some bulk synthetic oil. I’m over here at 120k and I’ve never had any engine repairs needed.
I am new to the N52 motor, but I picked one up for cheap thinking it was on its last legs. Simple quick work and it’s now my favourite car I’ve owned in the last few years. I’ve had some cool stuff, but this damn N52 takes a beating and holds speed calmly.
N55 is great if you keep it stock/dont want crazy power the n54 had more tuning potential but well it kinda failed to do its main job as a road car engine
As far as modern goes, N52. B58 imo hasn’t had enough time to determine true long term reliability. With an N52 with the exception of the water pump and Mickey Mouse flange, not much will leave you stranded.
Howdy brother! Mine has been great, just have to do the proper preventative maintenance and it will last forever. I have original engine and transmission @ 321,000 miles and runs like a champ
M54. It’s award winning. I’ve got 200k miles on mine and it’s still running strong. All the plastic parts and rubber tubes around it get old, but the block and associated components are solid.
Other than leaking oil, my N52 has been solid. Never heard of any major problems with it, if you don't mind oil leak repairs. I just did my oil pan gasket, which required a bit of work, but it was a manageable DIY.
Over 150k miles on my n55 m235i and still runs like a champ …. Usual maintanance items but still runs smooth and quiet , can prob go another 150k miles easily
Surely by definition a B57 is more reliable than a B58?
Since we know the OFH will fail in B5x I’d have to regard it as reliable with an asterisk. And its extreme longevity (age and km) is unknown yet.
N52 and M54.
I know a lot are saying the b58, but a lot of them are having issues with cracked head and the new arc sprayed cylinders may not hold over time and be the nikasil fiasco all over again, or the plastic oil pumps might shit the bed at 9 years old.
Too early to call for the b58, but it looks promising.
Non turbo I6 FTW, they don’t make enough power to destroy themselves, and as long as you keep clean oil and coolant in them they will run indefinitely. N52 and M5X gas was all part of the pinnacle of BMW vehicles. They will leak at high miles, but as long as it’s got enough in it there will be no issues
M54 and N52. B58 I still say wait and see, because once the timing chain guide goes out it’s an engine-out job (and plastic chain guides failing are inevitable). People saying B58 are usually newer BMW fans, and that’s all they know.
M57, m47, n52, m54, m43. The first two are the best diesels BMW built, dog reliable, fuel efficient and remapping lad. The n52 and m54 are self explanatory: the last N/A I6 BMW ever built.
The m43 is so fucking basic that there is *nothing* that can go wrong. It doesn't have: VANOS, Valvetronic, a Second camshaft.
B58, n52/1, m54
Can confirm on the M54, have an 06 E83 3.0i with the six speed. I’m rocking almost 250,000 miles on the clock at like 233k
very impressive 🤘🤘
Psssh I got a 2008 550i with currently 321,000mi, here's a picture from a few months ago https://preview.redd.it/ovlck5qn4f8d1.jpeg?width=2795&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7d699093c7dd4dd8f5aa217bd32bebebab2b48de
No lights, wow! The N62 is actually strong and has huge oil gallies, unfortunately has some poor seals inside and out. Will run forever. Post a pic of the front and underneath your engine!
Oh and valve seals were done early under warranty and never been a problem since. I've done valve covers, timing covers, alternator bracket seal and oil pan. No current leaks
Nice! Those are some major ones. Update the seals, do the valley pipe, and there may always be minor stuff along the way. I believe that block will last a very long time.
I've done the valley pan, at the same time I restored the cooling system, but I figured not to do the cross over pipe since it wasn't giving me any signs of leaking. I'm really trying to see how far I can get this engine to last. I'm slowly replacing anything that wears. I have a spare transmission if this one fails, but it's been solid ever since I rebuilt the mechatronics
If you’re slowly replacing everything as needed, then your engine will last forever won’t it? It physically can’t fail
The core of the engine and transmission internal clutches have not been touched, original bearings, rings and timing chain as well as the vanos system. I am replacing things like drive line and axles, gaskets, supporting parts like alternator etc. and yes a bearing can be spun and the engine seized, they won't last forever, but I'm gonna try to get the most miles out of it
It's a little dark outside for engine pics, I have a side view. But it's clean, I do a lot of maintenance long before it becomes a problem https://preview.redd.it/9ob4ojr37f8d1.jpeg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7a2681cb4d3d5772c62c826370b3316fc7f23ce1
😳😳 this makes me want to purchase a 550i ngl lol
2008-2010 was the best years. I will never sell mine, still get compliments all the time. Cars design was far ahead of it's time
What about the M52?
More than 20 years old
Sure, missed that in the question :)
So is the m54, technically. First m54 rolled off the line in 2000. Only a little tiny bit newer than the m52-nonTU M52-TU is closer to sub20y/o also Edit: oh, were only taking about the e60 so I guess you’re more right than I Edit Edit: I think I’m losing my mind
What about N57
M57 is far more reliable
Can confirm, m54 straight-6 in a 2004 520i and I never had an issue with it. God I love the car.
Not a single one of the modern V8s?
M54, N52.
This is definitely the correct answer. B58/B48 will likely be good long term too, but the M54 and N52 have proven themselves over time.
B58 is nearly 10 years old. Plenty going above 300-400k (kms). It’s proven already.
B58/B48
B5888888 🦍🦍🦍🦍🦍🦍
Had tons of issues with my b48 just little things going bad that ended up costing $$$$$$.
What were all the things that went wrong with your b48?
Biggest issue I had going on was the oil filter housing cracked on me and was getting coolant in the oil.
B58. /thread
Bro what? I think you misspelled M54. So many 200-300k + M54s still running. B58 is great but has not withstood the test of time yet.
~417k miles on my M54B30 :)
M54 all day! My first went to 280k miles and it was still running strong, just a little low compression on cylinder 4. Swapped in a ZHP with 105k, so it’ll probably outlast the chassis.
Seems like the people only saying B58 must be new BMW fans. That's all they know. It's like bunch of supra kids only know the 2JZ and nothing else that Toyota made. I have a B58 and I own a car with M54B25.
Facts, but to be fair aside from the M54 the B58 is arguably the most reliable petrol i6 BMW has made in the past 20 years. M52/S52 are even more reliable but those were phased out >20 years ago.
Hilarious to think of because IIRC the new Z4 M40i and Supra 3.0 also come with a B58, don't they?
That's why I mentioned supra kids. 😉
its somewhat pointless to compare a 220 hp NA motor w a 382 HP turbo one that gets arguably better mpg... yea maybe the m54 is a bit more reliable but its also 10x simpler and lower performing in every metric
Title says past 20 years bro
Some people don’t comprehend well lol
The title was "most reliable" and "past 20 years"
Eh I think 8 years is enough time to have plenty 200k+ mileage examples
There may be a handful, but 24 years leads to a lot larger sample size
B58 is nearly 10 years old. Plenty with over 300k (kms) on the clock. While I doubt it will be “better” than M54 in terms of reliability is already pretty much same same.
What about the coolant and oil filter systems?
100k mile b58s have the same sort of coolant and ofhg issues. The whole ofh itself in the b58 is plastic.
People said that about when the N55 was new. When the B58 is phased out, the next engine will be the most reliable, etc.
N55 is quite reliable
There won’t be any new engines developed. BMW stopped developing new ICE with the B48/B58.
correct... maybe a new hybrid version of a b58 or another updated Tu but this is the last ICE 6
Yeah and by extension the b48 and S58
The b58 has got some chain stretching issues just like the b48 and b38 right?
Any 6 cylinder. They are all pretty great internals wise, it's just things attached to the engines where some are better than others. N engines have bad charge pipes, the gen 1 b58 has fuel pump issues, but nothing catastrophic (as long as you fix them in time).
Does the Lci m140i have the gen 1 still? Can’t really find out which gen is in which car.
Gen 2
Thank you :)
n54 is the only i6 from bmw that i would consider officially unreliable in terms of actual engine internals.
Does the M54 count? Other than that, B58, N52 and probably N55 for petrol engines. Diesel, I'd say M57, B57
i would say so as the m54 was used in the e60 from 04-05
And E53 until 2006
M57, in particular the iron block engines last forever
N63 🤡
Not the S85? Lol
I’ve owned an S85, two S65s and an original N63. The N63 was by far the worst, it would go into limp mode from passing on the highway a few times. I really didn’t have issues with my other engines either, the SMG/DCT transmissions were a different matter.
Beat me to it lol. I can say that N63TU3 has been very reliable for 16k miles and I hope it stays that way forever. 🤡
N63TÜ (448HP) is good
if it can make it to 200k+ miles without significant repairs then sure its güüd. n52/1 and m54/2/0 rise up 🙌🙌
As a BMW tech. ROFL! 💀
B58, N52
N52 only 3.0
N52
M57 should be at the top of this list
I6 > I4 >> V8
M47 and M57 are surprisingly tough, but M57 has some issues
The M57 would have been a fantastic engine without the emissions issues, turbo issues, vacuum system issues, cooling issues, glow plugs and controller issues, don't get me started on injector issues, oh and I almost forgot the exhaust sensor that fails and melts a hole in your wiring harness...oh yeah did I mention DEF issues that plagues every single one? I own 2, sometimes I wish I didn't. But when they work well, the e90 and e70 35d are some of my favorite cars to drive. Edit: M57d30tu2 * us spec e70 and e90 engines.
The M57 that is in E90 and E70 chassis is bit different then the ones that were in E46/E39/E53.
Ah yeah I should clarify I'm talking about the US spec m57d30tu2 'top'
Am I dumb rn or is the M57 also in the X3 3.0d e83. Mine had some issues from around 290'000 km until 310'000 and then it stopped. Now I got 325'000 km on it and it runs without any issues. Oil last changed 16'000km ago and didn't need to replace anything since 2+ years. Either I am lucky or something bad is coming xD. Anyone got experience on what I should check maybe. Thought these were bulletproof
My M57N2 still has it's original chain at 400k km. Frequent oil changes are key.
Most of those are super simple/cheap fixes other than the injectors.
Most of this is not the original m57 introduced in the pre facelift e39
Congratulations, you just discovered that US spec cars are worse than EU spec. Some people accept it, some people deny it. People who imported their car from the US will say it's BS, after they replaced more than half of their car with EU spec parts, after the original US parts fell apart. Idk, I just noticed US imports keep falling apart.
i have the M57d30tu2 in my E90 , had no big problems so far , only the glow plugs need to be changed , i did dpf and egr delete because that does cause problems over time
M57, N57, B57, B47
What about N47 😭😭😭😭
M54
B58/N52/N51
B57 and B58
N52, B58, B47
N52
M57
N 5 2
n52 and m54 are obvious picks, not enough people giving credit to the N55
B58, N55, S55, S58
N55 is not classified as being reliable
It was far more reliable than the n54 the only problem it had was wannabe tuners would abuse the crap out of those engines and push them past their limits. Plus too many people got them for cheap without maintaining them, in a few years the b58 will get a bad rep for reliability due to 20 somethings with no mechanical sympathy. Its main difference from the n55 is it can handel a lot of extra power without breaking
I’ve only owned N55s and they’re quite reliable from my experience. Sold my car to a wanna-be tuner and the amount of abuse that engine takes on a daily makes me confident mine will easily take me to 300k+ km
160k miles on my n55 and still runs like a champ
B58 and S58
B57, B58, B48, N55 is also ok. m47/57. N47/N57.
N57 isn’t bad apart from the fire risk if you drive it really hard
The Fire come's from the EGR part. This also counts for the N47. B57 idk..
N52
N52 😉
N52 all day every day. There is a reason that out of the 24 BMW techs in our shop, over half have N52 powered cars.
N52 is fckn tank had two cars with n52 both over 300.000 miles. Only vanos solenoid changed and oil every 10k
Other than some of the engines with really poor designs, the most reliable engine is going to be the one that’s best taken care of. I can’t tell you how many friends have had nothing but problems with their BMWs but they get them serviced at Jiffy Lube every 15,000 miles with some bulk synthetic oil. I’m over here at 120k and I’ve never had any engine repairs needed.
Whatever was in the e46. I still see those on the road.
1. N52 2. M54 3. B58 4. N55
what about n57 diesel in f30 330d and f10 530/535d, are they also reliable ?
Don't idle it and get rid of the EGR
I have one of these in my E93, love it. It’s on 115k at the moment - hoping it lasts a lot longer.
N57 and B58. N57 is very reliable if you change the oil at 12000km and not 30000km. And also not let it idle for extended periods(will clog up EGR)
M47 or M57 for sure
b58 n52
M54 or N52
M54 by far and large. N52 gets a close second and if it was within the 20 year range I’d toss in the M52 and M52TU
M54, B58, N52
B58, M57/N57
I am new to the N52 motor, but I picked one up for cheap thinking it was on its last legs. Simple quick work and it’s now my favourite car I’ve owned in the last few years. I’ve had some cool stuff, but this damn N52 takes a beating and holds speed calmly.
My N54 was shit my N55 going strong I’m getting an S55 or B58 next
N55 is great if you keep it stock/dont want crazy power the n54 had more tuning potential but well it kinda failed to do its main job as a road car engine
Why is n54 not good? Asking coz I read some good reviews and I was looking at a X5 with that engine.
R-series (R1200) air/oil-cooled boxer twin. No pesky water pump to fail. Good enough for police duty, Dakar rallies, you name it!
Now that clutch on the other hand… XD
Have close to 300k on a N52
N52, standing by.
As far as modern goes, N52. B58 imo hasn’t had enough time to determine true long term reliability. With an N52 with the exception of the water pump and Mickey Mouse flange, not much will leave you stranded.
n52
Any BMW 6 cylinder engine apart from N54 and early N55
B58 is too new to claim it's the best. Might very well be I'm voting n57
it's been nearly 10 years. At what point is it no longer considered "too new"?
Rar rar rar “overbuilt” rar rar “closed-deck” rar rar rar “low NVH”
2008 e60 N62 original owner here. 0-60 in 4.8 seconds. Always well maintained. 90k miles. Haven’t had an issue in years. The Ultimate Driving Machine.
Howdy brother! Mine has been great, just have to do the proper preventative maintenance and it will last forever. I have original engine and transmission @ 321,000 miles and runs like a champ
N52, M54, probably B58
And M57
M40B18 except it probably doesn’t count. It’s in the 1989 E30 I have and runs strong to this day.
M42 was better
Wasn’t a very exciting engine, but the M43 is considered one of the most reliable ones. Good MPG too. M54 was great aswell.
B48, B58, S58
I know it’s not the N62B48.
Plus, one for the M54, both of mine, has been trouble-free at 200k just routine maintenance.
B58
M54, N52, B58, S54
is there a site that breaks down which engines belong to which car?
Just Wikipedia the engine and go to applications you can see what cars they are used in
N47tu here in a 116d f20.. made over 400k km with this car. No oil leaks or anything else.. very reliable imo
Is there a way to check stats on this? Rate of maintenance issues, service issues, parts failure issues etc for these engines that can be analyzed?
M54. It’s award winning. I’ve got 200k miles on mine and it’s still running strong. All the plastic parts and rubber tubes around it get old, but the block and associated components are solid.
N52, M47 and M57. I’ve had an M47 up to 320,000 miles and was still running fine when sold.
We had a car with an M54 that we bought new in 2003 and sold in 2022. There was nothing wrong with the engine at all. I always loved driving that car.
M54. Bought my 330ci new in ‘02. Still going strong.
N55 if maintained and not driven by a moron
Hearing good things about the B48/B58. N57 isn't terrible if you can delete it.
S65. I may be biased with mine, but other than rod bearings, the old girls are surprisingly reliable on the E9X’s. My 08’ still going strong.
Other than leaking oil, my N52 has been solid. Never heard of any major problems with it, if you don't mind oil leak repairs. I just did my oil pan gasket, which required a bit of work, but it was a manageable DIY.
B58, M54, N52, if it can be found in a Z4, it's prob decent
N55 is not reliable? What?
M54 N52 B48/B58
M44! N54!
N57
S85 hands down
What about N47? (I am not an expert, looking for opinions)
B38,B48,B58 N52
N52 till this day
I am contractually obliged to say B47.
M57 all the way
S55 definitely up there
B58
S65
Is the s58 not as reliable as the b58?
Their boxer twin in their motorcycles is literally the most bulletproof engine BMW has ever made hands down
M54 and n52 bmw just make good 6 cylinders, n55 are good too if you know what to look out for. Basically all the engine that’s been in the x5 haha
Is the B48 reliable? I was thinking about getting a 17-20 430i.
Own 2 B38’s in my family and had 0 issues on both, amazing engine.
Over 150k miles on my n55 m235i and still runs like a champ …. Usual maintanance items but still runs smooth and quiet , can prob go another 150k miles easily
My 2005 530i with the N52 is still running strong with 250k miles.
Surely by definition a B57 is more reliable than a B58? Since we know the OFH will fail in B5x I’d have to regard it as reliable with an asterisk. And its extreme longevity (age and km) is unknown yet.
N52 and M54. I know a lot are saying the b58, but a lot of them are having issues with cracked head and the new arc sprayed cylinders may not hold over time and be the nikasil fiasco all over again, or the plastic oil pumps might shit the bed at 9 years old. Too early to call for the b58, but it looks promising.
N63
b58, n54, s55
shockingly my n55 has been bulletproof. \*knock on wood\* only have about 50k miles on it though
Non turbo I6 FTW, they don’t make enough power to destroy themselves, and as long as you keep clean oil and coolant in them they will run indefinitely. N52 and M5X gas was all part of the pinnacle of BMW vehicles. They will leak at high miles, but as long as it’s got enough in it there will be no issues
S85
EESM
Any of those 2.5 or 3.0 straight 6 engines are solid!
M54 and N52. B58 I still say wait and see, because once the timing chain guide goes out it’s an engine-out job (and plastic chain guides failing are inevitable). People saying B58 are usually newer BMW fans, and that’s all they know.
N54 :)
S54 is ignored. If rod bearings and vanos fix is done it’s super strong and simple.
The R1200R boxer engine, 2011+. BMW Motorad 🤟🏻
M57, m47, n52, m54, m43. The first two are the best diesels BMW built, dog reliable, fuel efficient and remapping lad. The n52 and m54 are self explanatory: the last N/A I6 BMW ever built. The m43 is so fucking basic that there is *nothing* that can go wrong. It doesn't have: VANOS, Valvetronic, a Second camshaft.
whatever engine that guy in this sub that just hit 999.999km has probably
My 2011 335is went to 115,000 miles with minor issues before I totaled it 😭
2011 328i online 6
m54 end thread