One of the most popular and successful inline-6 engines made by BMW is the N52. The N52 was primarily used in the E90 325i, 328i, and 330i as well as the E60 525i and 528i models. It was also used in a number of other vehicles, such the 128i, X1, and Z4, to name a few. From 2004 until 2015, the N52 was manufactured before being superseded by the turbocharged N20 engine. The M54, which was utilized in a number of E36, E39, and E46 models, was replaced by this model.
BMW was able to refine several parts of the engine during the course of manufacture thanks to the lengthy production history. Even top 10 best engines awards were given to the engine in 2006 and 2007. The N52 still experiences a good number of typical dependability issues, though. We’re going to talk about the top 7 engine problems that the N52 has.
The N52 has proven to be more dependable than its larger sibling, the N54, thanks to the engine design. Drivers of the N52 won’t have to worry about these two typical N54 problems because the N52 lacks an HPFP or direct injection. You may read our tutorial on N54 engine issues to compare the two as well!
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Genuine Parts will Keep Your N52 Running.
The N52 needs adequate maintenance even though it is one of the most dependable engines to come from the Bavarian titan. It is essential that you always use Genuine BMW or OEM parts to repair your car if something does finally go wrong with these engines.
Simply visit our online store, choose your bimmer, and you’ll be provided with a variety of products that are exactly right for your vehicle. You can get whatever you need in this area there. Don’t compromise on dependability; take care of your BMW as you would want it to take care of you!
Here Are Some Things You Need To Know About The N52
The N52 was a superb successor to its predecessor, the M54, with toughness and lightness as its strong suits. Due to their small weight, which improved weight distribution, these engines were capable of producing up to 260 horsepower when equipped with double electronic variable valve timing. Add a variable-length intake manifold, and your engine will be producing a sound that is comparable to the renown 2JZ “GE.”
The 2JZ GE had forged internals like conrods and pistons (the GTE had different pistons and head gaskets), whereas the N52 was hesitant to implement any significant forced induction, despite a few pricey supercharger kits that at most extract an additional 50 horsepower.
There is always the possibility to forge the entire unit, of course, if you have the money, but why would you want to do that when you can get a N54, the GTE’s envious rival? The N52 is essentially similar to a meal that is best enjoyed on its own. Null meat. Zero salad. Definitely no gravy, either.
The N52 is among the best sounding inline six engines thanks to its burbles, pops, and bangs, as well as its linear power range. Additionally, it has a special trick that allows it to travel down the highway and return 39 mpg. This may not sound like much, but keep in mind that this engine is also used in the e92 coupe, which can accelerate from a standstill to 60 mph in just six seconds. Not much room for compromise, then.
There are flaws in the E90 BMW N52 engine.
The 328i E90 BMW coupe noted before experienced several oil leaks, particularly from the valve cover gasket. According to BMW Tuning, this is a regular problem with the BMW N52 engine, especially in older, high-mileage models. Over time, the oil filter gasket may also deteriorate. Additionally, if oil begins to leak out, you can lose a serpentine belt and an engine.
Users of the PistonHeads forum claim that the BMW N52 engine does not have carbon build-up as one issue. That’s because it uses port injection rather than direct fuel injection, in contrast to the turbocharged N54 engine. According to Car and Driver, carbon deposits are a typical issue with the latter. Samarins notes that the N52 does not have the high-pressure fuel pump that is prone to failure in the N54.
The N52 engine incorporates BMW’s VANOS technology, which is essentially the German automaker’s VTEC, just as the N54 engine, according to eEuroParts. Additionally, the solenoids that power it eventually stop working, usually after 70,000 miles. Additionally, unlike the N54, BMW offered the N52 another valvetrain-related system dubbed “Valvetronic,” and forum users on BimmerFest claim that it, too, can experience issues.
The electric water pump and thermostat of the N52 are also known to malfunction as the years and miles add up. According to AutoGuide, it’s a typical problem with several BMW engines, including the N54. Additionally, users of the E90Post forum claim that the pump’s design makes it difficult to detect wear.
Which BMW engine 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
When did the BMW N52 engine debut?
From 2004 to 2015, the BMW N52 was a naturally aspirated straight-six petrol engine. The N52 made its début on the E90 3 Series and E63 6 Series, taking the place of the BMW M54.
The N52 was the first water-cooled engine with an engine block made of a composite of magnesium and aluminum. Additionally, in 2006 and 2007, it was named one of Ward’s 10 Best Engines.
The BMW N53 was introduced in 2007, and this caused the N52 to start being phased out in European markets. However, because of the high quantities of sulfur in the gasoline, the N53 was ruled inappropriate in markets like those in the United States, Canada, Australia, and Malaysia. The BMW N20 turbocharged four-cylinder engine started to replace the N52 in 2011 and continued doing so until the N52’s manufacture ceased in 2015.
N51 or N52, which engine is superior?
The N51 and N52 engines are nearly identical, making it difficult to distinguish the changes visually. Checking the emissions label on the underside of your car’s hood is the simplest way to determine what engine is in it.
While the N52 will have “ULEV,” the N51 will say “SULEV.” Examining the radiator is another technique to determine the difference. The EAC (Environmental Air Catalyst) Sensor for the N51’s unit was mounted to the radiator fins. This tiny instrument keeps an eye on the radiator’s operation.
The two engines are mechanically different in a few ways. The N51 had a decreased compression ratio of 10.7:1 to 10.0:1, a three-stage variable-length intake manifold in place of a single stage, and other changes. Additionally, the cylinder heads of the two engines vary because BMW modified the combustion chamber. The ventilation systems for the crankcase and the cylinder head cover are also different.
It’s important to note that BMW tweaked both engine variants to deliver comparable output numbers.
BMW N52 has direct injection, right?
There is no direct injection in N52. N52 uses port injection specifically. Since around 1976, BMWs have used port injection. Starting in about 2006–2007, the N53 for Europe and direct injection for turbocharged engines will be available.
How can I tell whether my engine is a N52?
From 2006 to 2015, the engines were put into a wide range of various BMW automobiles. They can be found in the Z and X series, as well as the 1, 3, and 5 Series. Being aware of the type of displacement you’re dealing with is one simple technique to identify which engine you don’t have. N51 was only offered as a 3-liter engine, hence any inline-six of this generation that is 2.5 liters will be N52.
Following that, the following are some of the key variations between the two engines:
- Both the N52 and the N51 use aluminum cylinder heads, but the N51’s is unique due to changes made to the combustion chamber to comply with SULEV regulations. They cannot be switched out.
- Cylinder Head Cover: The cylinder head cover on the N51 is made of plastic and has integrated crankcase ventilation; the one on the N52 is made of magnesium.
- External crankcase vent valve with cyclone separator is a part of the N52’s crankcase ventilation system. The N51 contains an integrated vent valve, a labyrinth, and cyclone oil separation, as was already noted.
- On more powerful variants of the N52, the intake manifold is made of plastic and has a 3-stage DISA valve. The 3-stage DISA unit on N51 is utilized to account for various compressions.
- Piston/compression Ratio: For N52, this ratio is 10.7:1, but for N51, it is 10:1.
- The N51 utilizes a digital hot film meter, whereas the N52 features an analog version.
The problem is that despite all of these distinctions, it’s impossible to tell these engines apart by just opening the hood. Not like the M56 and M54 generations, for example. You could immediately distinguish the M56 SULEV from the M54 thanks to aesthetic differences.
But there is a solution. Examining the car emissions plate under the hood is the quickest way to figure out which engine you’re working with. The pertinent information can be found in the third row, on the left side of the plate. The N51 has a SULEV tag, but the N52 will be labeled as an LEV.
What kind of engine is the N52?
Due to the interference engine in your BMW, if the timing chain were to malfunction for any reason, severe engine damage would result from valve to piston contact.
What is a typical BMW engine issue?
System of Engine Cooling Overheating is a problem that many BMW owners frequently experience. A qualified automotive technician will be able to assist you identify the issue even though there are several components in your car that might be the cause of this problem, such as a leaking water pump or coolant.