Which BMW Engines To Avoid?

BMW / By

Whatever the quality, nothing can ever be maintained flawlessly.

  • Engine: BMW X5 330D 3.0
  • Engine: BMW 320d 2.0 Diesel
  • Engine: BMW 520d 2.0 Diesel
  • 116i BMW 1 Series
  • 118i BMW 1 Series
  • 316i BMW 3 Series
  • 120i BMW 1 Series
  • 220i BMW 2 Series
  • 520i BMW 5 Series
  • 5 Series M by BMW
  • M6 Series BMW

Models of Used BMW You Should Avoid

BMW is one of the biggest and most well-known brands in the world, and the social prestige that Bavarian automobiles enjoy makes them impossible to resist owning. There are fun-to-drive BMWs available at every price point, extensive BMW cults and forums around the world, and a unique internal vocabulary that only a select few automakers can match. This is in addition to the rich and distinctive history behind each model.

BMWs do have amazing styling, performance, comfort, and utility, but they also have a lot of issues as they get older. Once they hit the used market, a number of BMW models get a reputation as potential money pits and become incredibly unreliable. The models on this list may appear stunning from the outside, but it is advisable to stay away from them because of how poorly they age.

Which of the current BMW engines is trustworthy?

Modern BMW engines are those that made their debut in vehicles built within the last 25 years. A secondhand BMW becomes a classic the older it gets.

One dependable BMW engine, the N52 inline-6 featured in the E90 325i, 328i, and 330i, has already been covered in detail. This engine isn’t ideal, but because it isn’t turbocharged, it doesn’t have the issues of the current N54 engine. Additionally, the N52 is free of the rod-bearing problem that plagued the E90 M3.

Make sure the BMW you’re looking at has the 2009 models’ upgraded cylinder head if it has a N52 engine. According to BMW Tuning, this eliminates the oil-related valve-tick problem that frequently arises in older vehicles. Automobiles manufactured in 2008 and earlier may experience steering lock and ABS module failure.

The M54 inline-6 is another dependable contemporary BMW engine. This engine is found in the 2000–2006 E46 3 Series, as well as modern Z3 and Z4 roadsters and X3 and X5 SUVs, according to BMW Tuning. And it has a reputation for performing dependably even after traveling a great deal of distance.

Having saying that, the M54 engine isn’t entirely faultless. It includes BMW’s VANOS technology, which controls the valvetrain, just like the N52. The system’s solenoids and seals deteriorate and fail over time. The DISA valve on the intake manifold and the plastic valve cover both have a similar tendency to deteriorate.

But contemporary spare components come in better and more durable materials. Additionally, certain M54s have loose oil pump nuts, which could fall off and cause an engine to fail. However, according to BMW Tuning, most have already been better secured with Loctite.

The M44 4-cylinder engine, which can be found in the 1996-1999 BMW Z3 and E36 318ti, is the last option, according to Turner Motorsports. According to UnixNerd, the M44 is descended from the M10 4-cylinder used in the E30 3 Series and was preceded by the M42 and M40 engines.

Although the S14 engine in the M10 and E30 M3 is quite robust, according to BimmerLife, the M44 is more tolerable. Not the least of which is that it features an OBD-II port that is current. It’s also a reliable engine, according to UnixNerd, with the exception of certain age-related gasket and tubing problems.

2.0-liter diesel BMW (N47/N47D20A)

Ah, the notorious N47 with the well-known and well-documented timing chain issue. The timing chain’s ridiculous placement at the rear of the engine only makes matters worse. The mechanic must therefore remove it from the vehicle in order to do any repairs.

You may argue that this technical solution was justified because the timing chain was designed to endure the lifetime of the vehicle, but experience always trumps theory.

The N47 has been installed in a wide range of BMW and Mini automobiles, which exacerbates the issue. The BMW 1, 3, or 5-Series, the X1, X3, the Mini, and all vehicles produced between 2007 and 2013 all contain it under the hood.

The problem was so terrible that it was the subject of one of BBC Watchdog’s investigations in 2013. BMW has not publicly acknowledged the issue or issued a full recall.

Unreliable Cooling System

One of the most important components of every car is the cooling system. It maintains the engine at the ideal temperature by circulating coolant and water throughout it. This keeps it from getting too hot.

BMW cooling systems unfortunately frequently malfunction. This results from wear and tear on particular system components rather than faulty design. Numerous components, including essential ones like water pumps and thermostats, are found throughout the cooling system. To maintain your engine’s regular operating temperature, all of these parts must cooperate.

However, if even one part of the system malfunctions, it could affect how well your car performs. A malfunctioning cooling system is indicated by frequent overheating, steam beneath the hood, and low coolant levels.

By giving your BMW routine maintenance, you can avoid these problems. Regular maintenance keeps your system running well and saves you money on repairs.

What are the best BMW engines?

The six-cylinder turbo engine from BMW S58 is the S55’s replacement. The updated engine made its debut alongside the first-ever X3 M and X4 M last year. It will be used in the future G80 M3 and G82 M4. It is still a 3.0 liter inline-six cylinder engine, but the M Division has given it a thorough overhaul to increase power while also improving track usability. The BMW X3 M now has 510 PS and 650 Nm, which are both extremely healthy improvements (442 lb-ft of torque).

Which BMW motor is the most dependable?

BMW is known for producing high-end vehicles. You could be wondering if they are trustworthy, and the answer is that they are absolutely trustworthy. Even though they have quite high price tags, they are still worth the money. They have superb and potent engines that will allow you to use them at their maximum speed.

  • 1. BMW B58 Motor
  • 2. BMW M20 Motor
  • 3. BMW M50 Motor
  • 4. BMW S62 Motor
  • 5. BMW N52 Motor
  • 6. BMW M54 Motor

Which BMW 3 Series engine is the best?

It’s difficult to criticize any of the engines that are offered in the 3 Series because they all strike an outstanding balance between performance and fuel efficiency. But the M340i xDrive’s 374hp 3.0 liter six-cylinder petrol engine is unquestionably the show-stopper.

It provides plenty of power from low engine speeds and is refined, versatile, and easygoing in everyday driving. It is even capable of 40 mpg or more on a highway cruise. However, if you want to indulge in its performance potential, it can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 4.4 seconds, thanks in part to the traction of the four-wheel drive. While you’re performing it, it sounds fantastic as well.

A similarly swift M340d xDrive diesel version is also available. It has a 3.0 liter, six-cylinder engine with 340 horsepower, but should be more efficient, especially on long highway drives.

Which of BMW’s engines is the best?

The M88, which powered BMW’s M1 supercar, was the company’s first M engine. It could produce somewhere between 215 and 282 horsepower with a redline of 6,500 RPM, which was a major thing when it was developed in the late 1970s. Additionally, it was employed in the BMW 3.0 CSL, which competed in the Group 5 race series and produced more than 800 HP at 9,000 RPM.

It was a strong engine that made one of the most beautiful engine sounds ever.

Which BMW engines are experiencing timing chain problems?

Many BMW customers now have a major issue with premature timing chain breakdown, which is frequently discussed in BMW internet forums, mentioned on BBC Watchdog, and highlighted on other media websites.

A timing chain design issue seems to impact a variety of BMW diesel engines built between 2006 and 2015. The engine timing chain is exceedingly fragile; over time, it stretches and eventually snaps.

BMW timing chains have broken on a variety of 1, 3 and 5 Series models, most frequently the N47 diesel. In addition, we restore BMW petrol engines, M57 and N57 diesel engines, and BMW Minis.

The timing chain is at the back of the engine compartment and is not meant to be repaired.

What BMW model is the most dependable?

When it comes to the creation of sport sedans, BMW has established the benchmark for premium vehicles with the E90 330i that Acura and Volvo aspire to match. The BMW E90 330i is your best option if you’re looking for a sedan that provides the ideal balance of functionality and performance without sacrificing stability and comfort.

The BMW E90 330i is one of the most popular luxury vehicles in the United States and is not only the best-selling model in the 3 Series. It also sold over 336,232 units. Even in the mid-size luxury automobile category, the BMW 3 Series received the Top Safety Pick designation in 2006. The best car options in terms of driver injury prevention and driver restraint features are highlighted by this award.

Which BMW has the fewest issues?

The 325i was the entry-level model when the E90 made its début in 2006. A 2.5-liter six-cylinder engine with 215 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque was installed in it. The E90 range was then revised in 2008, and the 325i was replaced with the 328i. It had a 2.8-liter six-cylinder engine that produced 200 lb-ft of torque and 230 horsepower. The 268-hp 330i, according to BimmerLife, is one of the most potent naturally-aspirated BMWs ever produced.

Audi or BMW, which is superior?

BMW’s vehicles, which are made to provide the “ultimate driving experience,” frequently outperform Audi in terms of handling. Because of their overall stronger suspension systems that promote a smooth, pleasant ride, Audi vehicles are significantly less agile than BMW vehicles. BMW typically ranks higher for dependability

How long ought a BMW engine to operate?

But how many miles do BMW cars typically last? With good care, almost any BMW has the ability to last up to 200,000 or even 250,000 miles, and there will always be outliers that last even longer.

What BMW retains its value the best?

The value of the BMW 2 Series is even better maintained; according to the most reliable BMW resale value assessments, it will still be worth roughly 49% after five years. Once more, the first two years account for about 25% of that depreciation.

Older BMWs are they reliable?

When examining whether or not BMWs are reliable, the subject of age is crucial. It is frequently discovered that older BMWs—generally those produced in the late 1990s and early 2000s—are more dependable than newer BMWs. Though not always the case, take note. This applies to the majority of other brands as well, not only BMW. Early automobiles from the era have rudimentary engineering and construction. There is less of a possibility that something could go wrong because of the simplicity of the mechanical or electronic components.

Even if they do, correcting them won’t be that expensive. Newer cars, on the other hand, are quite high-tech. The iDrive entertainment system, external safety sensors, as well as the extensive web of wiring, computers, and electrics running throughout the full length of the car, are just a few of the many electrical components found in BMWs in particular. The modern engineering of newer BMWs can make them more prone to problems. Not to mention pricey, particularly once the warranty expires.

In reality, the majority of the components and labor needed to maintain and repair BMWs are identical to those for other models. Certain parts inevitably need to be replaced. The same issues might arise with a regular Honda or Toyota, but BMW’s high-performance parts will cost more just for the raw materials. In addition, labor costs are greater for BMWs because they require more time from mechanics than the ordinary vehicle. In general, you can easily expect your BMW repair price to be $1,000 or more.