5 Common ISSUES With the BMW N52 Engine | Explanations & Solutions

Today I dive into 5 common issues with the BMW N52 Engine by breaking down the problem itself as well as the solutions you can pursue to solve the issue. These are all pretty standard and run of the mill issues you may come to expect with the ownership of any BMW and in all honestly they aren't that bad to deal with. Please leave a like and subscribe to my channel if you enjoyed this video!
Link to the article I reference:
bmwtuning.co/bmw-n52-engine-p...
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[@macaronibeena7540]

With the ticking issue, After doing some research I decided to try it. I put the car in park and hold it at 3500 revs for 3 minutes. I haven't heard the ticking for over a year now.

[@SimplyCarThings]

no kidding? thats awesome, if that solution works

[@zac.6960]

What the hell

[@mms16mms16]

If that doesn’t work running the liqui moly engine flush can help to clear passages allowing oil to better reach lifters. Not recommended except as a last resort (why test old seals if you don’t need to).

[@jameswan670]

Replace valve lifter

[@t5396]

You literally hold it at that for 3 minutes ?

[@mms16mms16]

You left out a key fix- the plastic connector on the coolant to head connection right above the vanos solenoids. Replace it with an aluminum one - the best $10 you will ever spend.

[@northernwilli]

mine is at 373,000 kms with regular maintenance and she still runs and drives almost next to new

[@theepicricemaker6611]

I'm at 265k miles, and my car rumbles while slowing from like 5-0 and while stopped. Don't know why, but I'll just buy another trans if it it needs it at this point

[@yankes1k757]

I have n52 325xi 2005r and is at 436000km. Everything's good. Last time i had to repair oil leaks and vanos problems. Now it runs like a dream and it's really chip to drive because of LPG :)

[@d3admaub938]

@@yankes1k757 that’s actually insane

[@yankes1k757]

@@d3admaub938 but it's true. Maybe engine was replaced, but i don't know. I had to put money to make this engine in good condition. However, mileage is real :)

[@mrboostification]

@@yankes1k757 mine is also on lpi vialle. 336000kms no problems no oil usage e60 n52b30

[@ajsilencer6493]

Love my N52 203K miles on that bish and she’s going strong

[@b.b.rodriguez9878]

Cool video, if you have a n52 engine I high recommend you replace the whole valve cover when replacing the gasket. The pcv valve is known to fail and it’s built into the valve cover, I just had to replace mine after replacing the vcg 20k miles ago! I’m currently at 170k.. also the valvetronic motor seal is known to leak as well, you’ll see oil in spark plug well 3 & 4

[@SimplyCarThings]

this is some great advice! thanks for sharing man 👍

[@anthonytan8751]

@B.B Rodriguez What symptoms to monitor for pcv valve failure? Is it rubbing/rumbling noise while accelerating when engine is cold?

[@k.c.r1884]

@@anthonytan8751 Engine ticks kind of

[@JIBeats]

I replaced my valve cover GASKET in june and it started leaking again in late september. I just replaced my whole valve cover yesterday so I think that’s the best recommendation

[@mms16mms16]

Ticking is lifters, not necessarily PCV related. A bad idle can be plugs, vanos solenoids, low oil, a bad coil, and… a bad pcv. You can actually cut the pcv out of the valve cover and then superglue in a knock off, it’s actually pretty easy to do and only runs about $15.

[@chuffa1130]

Thank you for making this informative video keep making it's not a broken record I'm glad you keep bringing these things up on these different intricate engines I plan on getting one of these e90s sedans

[@paulpateman3968]

Really enjoying these videos Omar good work 👍👍👍

[@MaxAndreas]

N52B30 best BMW engine of all time!

[@boxstersjm69u]

Very good and frank review of N52 engine as I have experience it after 3 years now. But I guess it is better than the notorious Audis engine

[@cripcrap538]

I got a e92 from year 12.06 for like 3 years now. Im from germany and the car is a italian reimport. Best car i ever bought. it has now about 149000km on it. No leaks. no oil consumption. But as you said this valve lifter problem is common mine had it too. But only ive i drive short distances. Like to my work and home. im driving every weekend a longer distance. Letting the engine out you know. Didnt had this problem another time for now.. Changin the oil every 15000km

[@dinosoarskill17]

I've got a 2011 328i E92 and it's such a great daily for me. I've had it for 5 years, drive it hard everyday (seriously, i beat on it all the time i live out on country roads) i've left it sitting for months at a time, and it just has always worked for me. upgraded the cooling system to a CSF radiator and everything else is oem. liquimoly oil changes 160k miles.

[@raybutts9133]

have you had any problems with your vanos bolts?

[@dinosoarskill17]

@@raybutts9133 ive never had to do them.

[@raybutts9133]

WERE you aware that there is a recall on them?@@dinosoarskill17

[@dragonspirit96]

just subbed and liked. Such a well made informative video

[@dragonspirit96]

Also just purchased a 11' 328i coupe, white on coral red. just under 70k

[@krispytoast8804]

I love my 06 325i but I’d be lying if I wasn’t constantly under the hood. Nothing too big, just oil leaks, and some issues with my vvt system. It also has performance mods which probably doesn’t help

[@cashtracka]

Good video man u know the problems .

[@SimplyCarThings]

Cash Tracka thank you man 👍🏼

[@taqlatif]

As much as you feel that you've spoken about these issues before. I highly appreciate this video very much. I always prefer short a sweet videos that gets to the point. I am considering buying the e90 (2006) adn this helps so much in regards to all i need to look into and perhaps have all the above changed and a precaution, so that i can keep track on the issue that may come by again after stated mileage in the video. Kudos and thanks again!

[@taqlatif]

On another note, i would love to know which particular e90 model to purchase. Iv gone through many reviews and at the moment, it has led me to look for the 2006 e90 with n52 (without lci/idrive or the navigator screen what that matter), to have the most reliable bmw e90 3 series for daily driving and long term pleasure. I hope this is true. Perhaps you can provide your input on this.

[@SimplyCarThings]

Thank you so much for the feedback! Really appreciate the kind words man

[@wbtbwb1]

Just got a f22 2017 m240i. Love the power and sound from stock b58. Can’t wait to upgrade.

[@SimplyCarThings]

congrats man! B58 is a seriously great platform

[@Isowiha]

i would go for 135i Coupe, much better engine and easier to tune reliably

[@LxkknTV]

2yrs from now and it definitely is helpful 💯

[@SimplyCarThings]

glad to hear that brotha!

[@padraigomadain6681]

Ha you look like Bradley Cooper! regards from Ireland. Great vid, I am thinking about getting this in a z4

[@waynester71]

My ‘06 E63 630i sport is on 83k miles.. the only issue I have is an occasional lifter tick. But I do real short journeys which doesn’t help. Great engine though..

[@bmw-rebuilder-8639]

Great content Omar all of these issues happen to my n51 sulev coupe at 100,000 miles

[@itsreverse4237]

A few of the problems he talked about are covered by the SULEV warranty that is offered for cars with the N51 in SULEV recognized states such as California. It’s a 15year/150k mile warranty that will cover things such as the valve cover gaskets, radiator, fuel pump, vanos solenoids, and much more that the dealer has to fix for 100% free. Look into the SULEV warranty, i already had my radiator replaced for free.

[@bmw-rebuilder-8639]

thanks bro for the information I've heard that a couple of times already but unfortunately when I called bmw they say all the warranties for my car have already been done... but luckily I have a friend that's a certified BMW mechanic and I had everything serviced already except the dme fan that cools off CCC Idrive system I believe... My only check engine light left....

[@6Diego1Diego9]

no you're not a broken record I needed to hear this

[@SimplyCarThings]

Glad to hear that man, thanks for watching!

[@stixnfeet7818]

My 07 530i rolling past 178k and still super tight and smooth.

[@AaronRadfords]

I have an 06 e87 n52 3ltr. The valve tick is an issue but only if you leave the car for a few days. I find you can drive around town/highway, doesn't matter, just do it for around 30 minutes and it goes away.

[@d3admaub938]

What is the cause then?

[@InlineFlix]

Just replaced the vanos gears and timing guides on my n52. Really pissed me off considering it’s only got 53k miles

[@TheMASDrummer]

Love my n52. The only thing i hate about my 05 325i is the manual transmission, and that's due to the stupid dual mass flywheel design flaw, which recks the clutch.

[@marksublett5576]

My Z4 E86 117k just regular maintenance easy to work on

[@SimplyCarThings]

🤙🏼🤙🏼

[@tobiasvanderhorst]

Thnx for the info

[@ToysoraLP]

Some of the N52B30 and N52B25 have issues with the starter motor. I changed mine a couple a days ago after a complete death and a friend of mine, he own a 325i 2007, had the same problem

[@mcb1801]

Yes, i had problems with my starter too...i already rebuild it 3 times since i have the car...nowadays has 196k..2011 325i e90..i'll purchase a Valeo new one...which brand is yours?

[@richarddrozd1201]

O6 525i , original owner - starter failed @ 70k, water pump @ 65k. Most gaskets & seals have been replaced (ha ha).Still my daily driver, enjoy the car.

[@MontrealMan1970]

just bought mine last week 83k miles on my 128i 6 spd manual i roll onto throttle from a stop or on the highway and it shudders and lights up the chk engine then loses power until you restart.

[@peterlappland]

Which diagnostic tool do you prefer??

[@princeluciano2023]

Great info have n54 and n52 my ol reliable ? My n52🖤🖤🖤

[@SimplyCarThings]

Thanks bro!

[@MRMAN-wb1tv]

*I dragged one of these BMWs at the traffic light yesterday in my 90% stock 04 GS300, no turbo*

[@user-do1fg4vf6j]

With a v8 I hope u would 😂😂 the n52 one the slowest beamers ever made and I bet bro still was pulling on you 😅😂

[@frederickwaldron8275]

Very good video, I recently changed my engine oil, and I stopped getting the engine oil reading, could you explain

[@SimplyCarThings]

Thank you, you should be able to see the engine oil reading in the little screen between the speedometer/tachometer

[@maclee713]

Usually when u change the oil, it takes a sec to get a reading resulting in no immediate reading

[@spicysnowman8886]

The engine has to be warmed up in order for the level to be displayed in the gauge cluster.

[@ringbimmer]

Change the oil every 7500km with BMW 5w-30 or Shell 5w-30 and never have any engine issue

[@mccoyji]

How good it a six speed manual in a 328i? It's good brah.

[@NeilOpare]

I have a 2008 328xi and at 120k miles I had to do -eccentric valve sensor ($1,200, more depending on your mechanic) -new ecu ($1,300, more depending on your mechanic and shops that program used ecus suck) -valve cover gasket ($500) -battery ($200 plus you have to program it) -shocks all around ($400 labor by myself and suspension work on BMWs is a pain) -starter I can't personally recommend any BMW tbh. Just get a Honda lol. If you want a BMW get a 1999 or older, like a e36. You can buy a mid 2000's BMW for like $3k-8k these days, but the maintenance will end up costing more than the car is worth in under 2 years.

[@saganworshipper6062]

It was probably neglected before you got it. I have the exact same car E90 328xi and after 2 years all I have changed is the plugs, coils, belt and pullys and oil/filter. It has 87k on it now and it only leaks a tiny bit from the oil pan gasket. It is so quiet sometimes I don't even know if it is running. Mine is a 6MT. Was yours an automatic?

[@NeilOpare]

@@saganworshipper6062 yeah it's auto. I've owned it for 5 years and had to a bunch of other maintenance. This list is just the most recent. I also owned a x5, x3, 5 series and another 3 series and they all sucked. Only BMW I've liked was my 1999 e36. Those are bullet proof.

[@saganworshipper6062]

@@NeilOpare Why did you keep buying them if they all sucK?

[@SamAbraham]

If you can DIY like it seems like you do it really isn’t that bad, especially if you like the driving dynamics of a rwd straight 6 bmw. If that’s not ur thing then yeah I’d say go with a Japanese/Korean car

[@randyr.8536]

Well im sure ur paying for a mechanic to do it. Yourself can work on these cars easily and parts arnt crazy 90% of the time on this car

[@SLIMHARDAWAY543]

120,000 today for my 238i happy to know i can last 200,000

[@Himoutdoors]

To get rid of the ticking, get out there are drive your car in a spirited fashion, you’ll find the ticking goes away. You’re probably doing small trips at low load and BMWs were designed to be driven by enthusiasts, not grannies. You certainly don’t need to replace the whole valve train!

[@dennisstaines8005]

I have owned a BMW 530i from new in 2005 and was one of the first N52 engines. The engine has always been brilliant revving to 7000 rpm with ease. The car has been frugal and mixed driving around 31 mpg, Holiday long trip 34 to 36 mpg (UK gallon) and short journeys around 23 mpg. I did not have the first issue which is the lifters, car has done 156k and still quiet, The water pump did fail at around 103k but I had a water leak that I feel helped it fail. It should be pointed out it is mounted on the exhaust side of the engine and this is probably not a good environment, having said that 10 years is good reliability. Suspect that if the car is in a hotter climate the pump may be under more pressure. I have had the issue with the oil filter housing around 120k and my dealer changed the mounting as well as the engine material is different to the mounting and it distorts over time. The rocker cover has just started failing and it is annoying but will get it changed shortly however on some forums the vacuum diaphragm collapses and causes the engine idle to hunt, which mine does a bit so this needs to changed at the same time, its part of the rocker cover assembly. The Vanos issue I have not had however their are several videos showing how the clean the vanos solenoids and vanos stop valves, the solenoids are ok to do the stop valves are difficult to access and you need to remove the front wheel and liner to get access and its fiddly, worth doing as they do get dirty.

[@dmx2cool]

7000rpms?!?! Please do not rev out n series this high. Foo u asking for a new engine?

[@dennisstaines8005]

@@dmx2cool I don’t rev it to 7k all the time mostly cruise about and don’t go beyond 5k but with this engine peak power is 6600 rpm so 400 is not a lot more. However if you put it in sport mode and floor it the software does not change until it reaches 7k. When I first had car from new it did shock me but it does have valvetronic and vanos and hollow camshafts so it was designed to be rev happy. However it also has a very flat torque curve that is flat from 2400 to 5000 so both power and useable torque. Very good engine.

[@dmx2cool]

@@dennisstaines8005 7k redline. Injectors cut at that point. Pointless I don't go above 5k period with a zf8 speed in slap or auto. I have the higher n52 model in the x3 f25.

[@AB-jk7tw]

Around 100K refresh the cooling system, change the plugs and could and address any oil leaks and the engine will last forever.

[@superspeeder]

Lol, N52 is rock solid reliable engine. Common issue #1 may require a new cylinder head. No big deal. BTW, if your hydraulic lifters are not pumping up properly your valves have reduced lift, meaning less power and possibly compromised air/fuel mixing in the chamber (reduced efficiency, increased emissions). The ticking is the follower crashing into the lifter, not a good situation. If this noise gets loud enough to be picked up by the knock sensors it could lead to reduced ignition timing, poor efficiency, higher exhaust gas temperature, and then reduced cat converter/O2 sensor life. Infrequent oil changes with poor quality oil increases deposits, which could be why the lifters (and VANOS solenoids) get fouled and don’t work properly.

[@sannyp120963]

Rate my N52, although its loving oil atm

[@wr8thbeatz322]

I have a E90 BMW 328xi with this engine. Once in a while exhaust smells or a burnt smell comes into my interior from the behind the fire wall and climate vents. I need help understanding what’s going on... thoughts???

[@TheFlyingPLiner]

Oil leak, probably a leaking gasket.

[@OfficialCinco]

If it’s the passenger side, then check you’re valve cover gasket. It’s most likely leaking onto the exhaust manifold or something else that’s hot-hence the burning smell. You’ll see oil residue on the left side of your engine if it is a leak

[@wr8thbeatz322]

@@OfficialCinco this is exactly what it was. It’s a 700-1000$ job 😭

[@matthew1209]

Noooooo man please dont sell the car i love seeing the n52 videos

[@SimplyCarThings]

hopefully we'll get another one!

[@matthew1209]

Simply Car Things please do i love the information you give about them

[@aleksankazakov]

How is the all aluminum block with no casted inserts is not a major issue with this engine? Unlike M54 this one cant hold any significant HP load, Unless I am wrong, if I am wrong please explain someone

[@stephanelouvet1113]

How is the oil consumption on N52 ? Some have bad experience there. (Edit : Since a year, I learned more about N52. Only early N52b25 have oil burning problem.)

[@I-am-L3g3nD]

N52B25 here, 0.5L /1000km 5w40, but just when its hot outside

[@spicysnowman8886]

I have 124k miles, and my 328i doesn't burn any oil

[@jamiestanley8774]

My 525i leaks more than it uses , but it's a very minor sump gasket leak ,but it is very clean oil .

[@kennyphun1946]

I got an 09 e92 xdrive I bought from my sister lollll, leaking oil right now, I replaced the coolant/oil filter housing gasket and it seem to help a little bit. I’m nervous driving it around afraid something would sudden break because it’s a bmw lolll. At least I have a Nissan 350z as a back up. After this video, I feel even more nervous 😩

[@temio.463]

Kenny Phun mine is at 180k no major issues. As long as you keep it up, you’ll be just fine! Mine is an LCI e90 rwd btw

[@kennyphun1946]

Temi O. Appreciate you taking your time to give me a peace of mind bro 👍

[@temio.463]

@@kennyphun1946 no problem bro, enjoy that car!

[@Codreanu110]

German cars are over engineered and most drivers are nervous they’re sitting on an unexploded mine.

[@regulus8319]

@@Codreanu110 that's how i been feeling. I have PTSD from my first car that I bought "old volvo when i was in highschool" car runs smooth as butter but sometimes even just because of how quiet the engine is Im anxious

[@morganchomyshen4244]

I just got a 2004 bmw series 3 320i and the temperature gauge runs constantly on red even when I first start the car any fix for this ??

[@Codreanu110]

Yes turn off the engine and fix the plumbing. If you haven’t fried the heads already.

[@toast47624]

Just brought an 130I M Sport for my son. I drove it out of Auckland and was not super impressed with it. It was a 5 hour drive home and we beat the shit out of it. It goes real good now! We call that a Maori tune up here in NZ lol. It will now live were the sane people are in the country's and enjoy daily long runs. This is a great engine with plenty of power and fun to drive. Cheap to run too.

[@jamiestanley8774]

Is this for the 3ltr or the 2.5 ltr.

[@mac3490]

Great vid bro. Mine is a 2008 325i SE with a 2996cc engine. Is mine an N52 engine?

[@thomasgodard6222]

Nah bro thats an ls3

[@akitomartin]

The more you know. #knowledge

[@SimplyCarThings]

😎

[@ahmedalan720]

I'm sorry I'm confused is the 2.5 the N52 and the N53 is the 3.0 in the 330i? Or is the N52 two generations? 2.5 and 3.0? If so is the 2.5 reliable?

[@Car_channels]

N52 has 2 generation, and they both good (2.5-3.0)

[@CPRElijah]

2.5 is the same engine as the 3.0. So both are the N52, the 2.5 is just detuned really

[@randyr.8536]

Make sure everyone replaces their cooling hoses . mines bursted at 100,000 miles . oh and Waterpump ans Thermo .

[@SimplyCarThings]

Great points thank you for adding to the list! 👌🏼

[@12Mojo]

Was yours remapped? Cooling hoses seems like the odd ball tbh

[@brendanedwards5487]

my check engine light is on and i just changed the oil however im getting rough ideling at 115k miles,wtf is going on!??

[@spicysnowman8886]

Overfilled?

[@bigstep9276]

I sometimes forget to like

[@clausscholz7053]

Got all issues with my N52n engine.

[@clausscholz7053]

Me too!

[@lavagava3288]

Hey comment section I need some help. I’m trying to buy my first car and found a good deal on a 328i and the owner has all the service records done at bmw up till 2 months ago it’s a one owner car but I’m still hesitant to buy it as it will be my first car lmk if I should jump on it or not?

[@bwdrives]

Add in a couple thousand in a maintenance fund just in case, check for oil leaks regularly and change the oil every 5-8k miles. I think the more you rev them all the way out the cleaner they run 😄

[@lavagava3288]

@@bwdrives actully ended up buying it fixed the suspension changed the oil. And I’m not close to a thousand miles I’m so far it’s been an amazing car.

[@spicysnowman8886]

I bought one as my first real car almost a year ago and it's cost me about $2000 lol mostly doing stuff myself.

[@jpjp5486]

밸브리프트 소음, 바노스, 전자식워터펌프, 누유 해외에서도 똑같은 증상이구나...

[@dalilplug]

Nobody understands u

[@Marco0000]

I can understand what's saying lol

[@wes2473]

Just rev to 3k at idle for 3 mins to flood them again

[@waynester71]

You can do that.. but I don’t like doing it from dead cold start. I hate lifter tick, and there’s no predicting when it’ll do it. Sometimes it can go 4/5 days and nothing, or it’ll do every cold start. I only do real short journeys tho so…that doesn’t help 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@KUDANTOURAGE]

What's the annual maintenance cost of this engine type ??

[@Motorsports_3]

I've had mines for 2 years and only have spent $1600 in maintance(oil changes spark plugs)repairs(valve cover gasket)and essentric shift sensor. So the is really reliable and I feel like it won't leave me stranded at all

[@williambeltran6927]

1500 year

[@iam_myster_e]

@@Motorsports_3 just the water pump will leave you in limp mode. Unless you wanna drive 2 miles and let the car cool down for 20 minutes at a time that’s the only time you’ll need a tow truck unless you do it early (hint hint)

[@raphael7606]

@@iam_myster_e wouldn’t it give you a code before going out since it’s electric?

[@iam_myster_e]

@@raphael7606 not at all, it fails suddenly then will show the code by that time you are calling a tow truck unless it fails at home by miracle

[@Dragon228833]

I put marvels mystery oil into my friends e46 and it got rid of the lifter tick immediately

[@johnmatthews5321]

Lucas oil stabilizer it works no bullshit no tick

[@hollywoodty1939]

More 335i videos

[@luisfregoso5221]

why don’t you try to get a bmw that you salvage good content and entertaining to watch

[@SimplyCarThings]

I would really like to, but i'm not sure i'm confident enough to fix one up on my own

[@luisfregoso5221]

Simply Car Things we all got to start somewhere you can learn and a lot of people can help you out🤷🏻‍♂️just something i thought about because you bmws you basically doing it but just not rebuilding the 328

[@SimplyCarThings]

@@luisfregoso5221 This is a great point, im really going to look into it and see what I can do in the near future!

[@PODCASTSHORTSSPAIN]

todo en ingles, no entiendo nada, hay 6 motores n52, el 258cv es el bueno

[@Sean_03_636]

Bradley cooper, is that you? 😜

[@coltonobriant6307]

Dude.....he used his turn signal😵

[@jpbredenkamp5091]

Personally had the VANOS system fail on me at 120,000km (70,000miles ish) and that cost me about $3500 haha

[@jpbredenkamp5091]

Also had that lifter tick, lived with it for 60,000km until I sold the car at 200,000km. My new f30 is so much more reliable lol

[@RossMKF1]

Damn that sucks

[@luis4210]

Ponga Pandit he could have also tried cleaning them first

[@luis4210]

Ponga Pandit that’s true, either way $3500 is robbery, way too much for 4 tiny bolts

[@DannyBoyGhost]

@@luis4210 for real they really robbed him an not even blind folded like taking candy from a baby 🤣😂

[@jamesm6918]

Im pretty sure you are Bradley Cooper. Like, actually

[@Sean_03_636]

😂, I was thinking this.

[@sander16v11]

What happened to this car?

[@stuartbear922]

Great engines, but not long lasting. Not unusual to replace head gaskets or have cracked cylinder heads. They have problems you NEVER see in a Toyota. Of course no other engine compares in terms of power or efficiency.

[@2002WS6]

I think these cars are junk the leak oil because of all the plastic under the hood. I know a few other manufacturers are moving this way like Toyota. But Toyota valve covers don’t crack like BMW does. My 2011 BMW 328x drive is not a bad looking car but engineered to be the worst car built.

[@user-ou8ph3dc5c]

Bmw🤮

[@702Wolfi]

These cars barely survive the lease term. Fancy looking but complete junk underneath, which is why the used ones are dirt cheap.

[@JordanLagoFilms]

Love my N52 203K miles on that bish and she’s going strong

[@SimplyCarThings]

hell yea bro, they're great engines !

[@Motorsports_3]

@@SimplyCarThings heck u man mines at 107k miles and its been runs beautifully for the 2 years I've owned it and well my m3 is just a different beast of a car.