BMW N52 Engine | Reliability and 4 Common Problems

Join our FREE BMW community today and experience the ultimate camaraderie among fellow BMW enthusiasts! Connect, share, and revel in the passion for the iconic BMW brand with like-minded individuals who share your love for the ultimate driving experience. community.bmwtuning.co/
In this video, Zach covers the naturally aspirated BMW N52 engine. What was once BMW’s most reliable engine until the B-Series engines started making an appearance, was the BMW N52. Zach covers the background, common problems, and reliability for the N52 engine. The article linked below, written by us, is a more in-depth guide on the common problems with this engine: bmwtuning.co/bmw-n52-engine-p...
Also, if interested, here is a bolt-on performance mod guide: bmwtuning.co/bmw-n52-bolt-on-...
8020 Media Website:
8020media.co/
Check Out Our Portfolio:
Tuning Pro - tuningpro.co/
BMW Tuning - bmwtuning.co/
Diesel IQ - dieseliq.com/
Chevy Trucks - chevytrucks.org/
Volkswagen Tuning - vwtuning.co/
Porsche Mania - porsche-mania.com/
Muscle Car Club - musclecarclub.com/
New Videos Every Week. Subscribe so you don't miss a video!
►Subscribe Here: bit.ly/3xtNUph
---------------------------------------------------------------------
What is 8020 Media?
8020 Media owns and operates a portfolio of content websites and eCommerce stores in the Automotive industry. We provide over a million monthly readers with high-quality automotive content, focused predominantly on technical and performance modification guides.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
00:31 - BMW N52 Engine Background & Specs
04:24 - BMW N52 Common Problem #1 - VANOS Solenoids
05:49 - BMW N52 Common Problem #2 - Hydraulic Valve Lifters
07:12 - BMW N52 Common Problem #3 - Water Pump/Thermostat
08:47 - BMW N52 Common Problems #4 - Common Oil Leaks
10:09 - BMW N52 Engine Reliability

[@David-gl7rg]

Add to that list: 1. Fuel pump & Fuel pressure regulator. 2. DMTL pump (leak detection, fuel) 3. Ignition coils. Bosch was replaced with Delphi. 4. Oil separator( valve cover ). After 100k it’s expected you serviced oil pan gasket, motor mounts, transmission mount. Front & rear shocks. Water pump fails because of calcium build up. Tap water would do it. Internal engine components failures its only observed in cars where the owners fail to change the oil at the proper intervals. Solid engine.

[@8020Media]

David - thanks for adding this valuable insight! It will certainly help future viewers.

[@tonnelbettencourt5135]

Man who on their right mind put tap water on s BMW

[@BMWROYAL]

I’m at 115k and had mine since 50k only the dtml pump and valve cover

[@zureai]

What do you mean tap water will do it? As is tap water causes water pump failure? And doesn't Coolant come premixed? Meaning there's already water mixed? Thanks

[@matthewboudreaux2693]

@@zureaiyes but the water used in premixed coolant is done with deionized water. All of the minerals are removed during the deionizing process.

[@stevecariggillio4139]

I e had two N52s. It's exactly what I want. Reasonable on gas. More power than econoboxes. 6 speed manual. The one I have now is rwd, I did like x drive, it was amazing in the snow, but it's more to maintain so I went rwd this time. I love straight 6s. They're really great engines. Vvl and vvt. And no turbos to worry about.

[@8020Media]

Steve - Thanks for sharing your experience. We’re glad N52’s have treated you well!

[@asad-bk4uf]

Hey there, I'm considering getting a 328i and had a few questions. Firstly, how would you describe the driving experience? Secondly, I'm interested in the cost of ownership - what are the typical maintenance and repair expenses each year? And how much does it cost to insure? As a first-time car owner, I'm not sure what to expect. Lastly, do you think the 328i would be a good first car for a high school student? And are there any specific pros and cons that I should be aware of? Thank you for your help!

[@8020Media]

Asad - You may find our article helpful in your research: bmwtuning.co/ultimate-bmw-e90-e92-328i-guide/ As far as cost to insure, there are many variables that go into it, so we can't really give an honest estimate here.

[@stevet8607]

​@@asad-bk4uf you just have to confirm what maintenance was done on it and what wasn't, if you're a weekend mechanic and have a little bit of knowledge you can do most of it on your own, one main thing I be concerned if oil changes was done frequently , make sure you scan the car for codes, try not to use a generic scam tool , one that reads Pacific BMW codes, if there's a lot on there that can also be negotiated in the price, don't be too scared of that lot of stuff is easy fixable, one main thing also do not use cheap Chinese parts, FCP Euro or ECS tuning,

[@biggerinjapan298]

I own a 2007 bmw 130i. Best car I’ve ever had and the engines if well maintained are pretty much bulletproof 💪🏼🙂

[@8020Media]

B - We wouldn't say "bulletproof", but yes, they can be solid engines.

[@davezaffina1983]

On mine after over 250,000 miles I have had to replace the waterpump twice, do all of the cooling lines and overflow tank, ignition coils, valve cover gasket, Oil pan gasket and now the car does not leak and loses 0 oil. It is one of if not the strongest motor I have ever had in a car and I have owned a lot of vehicles.

[@8020Media]

D - Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@Roger-fv9pw]

Your channel is really good. We have a 2010 328i E92 N51 with the 3 stage manifold, stright 6 M Sport pak. Naturally aspirated. And yes" that car is very reliable with small problems like 70,000 miles water pump, vanos cyl. But nothing of great problems, NONE. Again thank you BMW FAN.

[@8020Media]

Roger - Thanks for the feedback! We really appreciate it and don't plan on stopping anytime soon.

[@raybutts9133]

how many miles when your vanos bolts went bad? thanks

[@AB-jk7tw]

A great engine. My 2009 128i has been very reliable and it just passed 100K.

[@8020Media]

AB - Thanks for sharing your experience! Glad your N52 is doing well.

[@raymondchin2562]

Thank you very much best video on N52

[@8020Media]

R - Thanks for the feedback. We hope it helps!

[@m12-rm6hg]

thanks for the info on the ticking sound. wasnt sure if it was injector noise or valve train. liked!

[@8020Media]

M12 - Thanks for the feedback and glad we could help!

[@gartgreenside3657]

The ticking can be fixed by a non-mechanic, for free, in 5 minutes. And it's a non-issue anyway (apart from the ticking sound is annoying). See the BWW doctor on youtube.

[@jprince176]

Thanks for this video dude! Just got myself one of these and trying to get it out of limp mode, so I found this very informative. Thanks for the video! Ps - You sound like the comedian William Montgomery x

[@8020Media]

P - Thanks for the feedback! We hope it helps. Lol thanks.

[@KingM4Bmw]

New owner of a 2008 x5 3.0 si. It has accomplished 206k miles and only issue I currently have is occasional rough idle and valve cover gasket leak.

[@dmo8220]

I have one too around the same mileage same model n same problem but I started fix it cuz is a really good machine n I love it.

[@8020Media]

1 - Thanks for sharing your experience! Sounds like you take great care of it.

[@8020Media]

D - Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@jazzfan30329]

Great and informative video. BMW replaced my entire engine head (under a CPO warranty) at around 80k miles on my ‘06 330i due to the ticking hydraulic valve lifters. This was about a month before my warranty expired. Car now has 155k miles and has never run better.

[@8020Media]

Sweet that's awesome they held up the warranty on that one!

[@jimmcgee9931]

I had to replace the starter and an exhaust valve on my 2008 N52 X3. Changed all the valve seals while I was in there.

[@8020Media]

Jim - Great idea! Two birds, one stone.

[@danielcurtis8895]

My 2009 328i convertible is running strong with a little over 136,000 miles. No leaks whatsoever btw

[@8020Media]

D - Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@raybutts9133]

YOU NEVER HAD ANY LEAKS?

[@danielcurtis8895]

Fortunately no. I take good care of the car

[@raybutts9133]

Thank you for replying.. I have a 2011 528i (n52) with 6,000 miles on it and would appreciate any advice you could give.

[@danielcurtis8895]

No problem. All the advice is in this video. These truly are the top 4 common problems these engines have. I didn’t do anything special with my car, just oil changes every 5k miles. Change gaskets when they leak. So to clarify, when I said I had no leaks it means no leaks when the gaskets are good. Of course you’re gonna get leaks when they wear out, but everything’s nice and dry after a replacement. I really don’t know why people complain about their N52s burning so much oil, anyway. Oh I think I still have the factory water pump, it’s still working to this day and I should probably replace it soon. The car is 100% a southern Californian car so the weather has been very kind to it. I did recently replace the factory starter because it was going bad. Factory shocks are still good but I have a tiny leak on the drivers side. It still handles like a dream though so I’ll wait awhile before replacing. These are solid built engines/cars. Also, Californian cars have stricter emissions standards so my engine is actually N51B30 which is the SULEV version of the N52. There’s a sticker in front on the cylinder head that says so. It just means more emissions junk to maintain, but so far so good. 😊

[@bugalaman]

I've been tearing into my 120k mile N52 over the past few weeks to addresses a few issues. First is the water pump. My car threw a code for low RPM on water pump. While waiting for the pump to arrive, it developed a radiator leak. Lucky timing, I suppose. It isn't too hard to replace the water pump with the radiator removed. I'm also replacing most of the radiator hoses too. I figure while everything was being worked on, now is a good time for new shocks and struts all the way around. The front struts always made sounds going over speed bumps, so hopefully with new Bilsteins and bushings all the way around, my car should ride like new. Additionally, I'm replacing all ignition coils, plugs, and O2 sensors. Finally, I need to address the oil leak. I'm 99% sure it is leaking from the oil pan gasket, so that's gonna be a chore. While I'm at it, I'll do the engine and transmission mounts too. Other than the malfunctioning water pump and an earlier valve cover leaking, this car has been very reliable. It

[@8020Media]

B - Thanks for taking the time to share your experience!

[@billybobbarker3175]

2009 328 here. What I have had to deal with: Cover gasket oil leak, filter housing oil leak, a recall for PCV fires, spark plugs (one broke). 265+ Km on the car. I would like to know why the oil filter is partially collapsed at every oil change. Yes the inner support cage and Orings are in correctly. Has run with 5w40 0w40 5w30. I am leaning towards 5w20 next. Otherwise runs smooth and quiet. It cannot hold a candle to my v8 hemi powered Ram for raw grunt, but it is a fun little runabout car with impressive high speed stability when it finally winds up.

[@8020Media]

B - Thanks for taking the time to share your experience!

[@shotgunproduction2649]

The best n52

[@8020Media]

S - Idk about best, but definitely good!

[@mortenh.o.703]

265.000 km from 2007 here (black cover). Changed the starter and oil filter housing gasket. Oil consumption is 1 liter/10.000 km.

[@8020Media]

Awesome, that's reasonable oil consumption

[@sleepytaurus111]

Bought an e90 325i, had a coolant hose i had to replace and change the starter aswell a gasket, runs good otherwise despite being a 05 with 203 k miles

[@8020Media]

L - Thanks for taking the time to share your experience.

[@daltonhartwell5174]

Looking at a 2007 328i to buy thoughts? Had a e46 m54 and it was a great car should have never sold it.

[@foxtrot4352]

Does the n52 have any margin for performance gains with bolt on stuff or tunes? i suppose not

[@8020Media]

Fox - We think this would be very helpful for you: bmwtuning.co/bolt-on-bmw-n52-performance-mods/

[@guam671chris3]

I just got one Z4 coule with N52 at pnly 6k miles! Bring the car to the mechanic tomorrow to see what to expect in changing so I can enjoy the beast.

[@guam671chris3]

And I checked the engine there no leaks...yet...

[@8020Media]

Guam - I sure hope you don't have any issues at 6k miles.. Keep us updated. Congrats on the new ride.

[@guam671chris3]

@8020Media so far just done the oil change and the windshield sprayer pump replaced. Driving smooth other than feeling the gear box a little vibration but the mechanic said it's normal for that 2006 era cars.

[@8020Media]

G - Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@guam671chris3]

@8020Media now that I gave some spirited drive I do see some cover gasket leak and the oil cap on top of the cover has oils around and perhaps splashed a bit to the front. Gotta take immediate action about that.

[@bluerineimb1148]

Yeah glad I decided last year to get a E60 530i m,sport which I'm going to keep forever

[@8020Media]

Blue - That’s a solid vehicle you’ve got on your hands!

[@bluerineimb1148]

@@8020Media I've done some basic mods cat,backed it induction and a remap it's running at around 280 bph performance is amazing it's like driving a E46 m3

[@8020Media]

Nice! They sure can be fun if modded. Quite crazy how cheap it is to get these BMW's faster.

[@bluerineimb1148]

@@8020Media yeah the remap deleted the limiter need to take it to the autobahn or track

[@8020Media]

Let us know how it goes!

[@hibarrachris1]

My torque converter is going bad on my 2011 E90.. had a shop quote me 4grand 😅

[@8020Media]

C - Thanks for sharing your experience. That's crazy..

[@davednconfused]

Great video, very helpful to understand what maintaining an N52 takes. I’m considering an 07 E92 328xi with 109k. It’s only had fluids replaced as needed. I can see oil seeping from the valve cover so I’m thinking I should anticipate VC gasket replacement + water pump and thermostat right away if I get it. Maybe solenoids too? I don’t want the water pump failing while driving but would a failed solenoid leave you stranded?

[@8020Media]

David - So long as you know what you will need to replace. We wouldn't advise getting one that already has 100k, but it depends what you're needing it for. If it's just a daily driver to get you from point A to point B, then go for it. A clogged/failing solenoid won't leave you stranded.

[@bradcomis1066]

@@8020Media You wouldn't advise buying an E92 with 109k miles? What? That's not high at all.

[@8020Media]

B - For BMW's, this is high. A lot of problems occur after 100k.

[@bradcomis1066]

@@8020Media How can you make an entire video saying that the N52 is a great engine and that it is so reliable when it is obvious that you will never find any N52 powered car with under 100k miles at this point in time? That makes no sense! These engines are all at least 12 years old by now, so even if the car has low mileage it will still be over 100k miles.

[@8020Media]

B - This is our opinion. Would we buy an N52 with over 100k miles? No. Given this, we give preventative maintenance advice once these engines get over 100k miles. And "never" finding an N52 over 100k miles now a days, just isn't true. Unlikely, sure, but not impossible.. I don't know what else you want us to say on this honestly.

[@deadfis39]

CAN YOU FIX THE TICKING VALVES LIFTERS CAN YOU FIX IT YOURSELF? PS THAT INFORMATION WAS GREAT

[@8020Media]

Steve - You can replace worn lifters yourself, however it isn't the easiest DIY. There are many videos online. Thanks for the feedback!

[@gamercoolapple1]

Try revving the engine for 5 minutes at 3k rpm

[@feizhang4122]

use liquimoly hydraulic lifter additive. Had the same issue, it has been a year and it hasn't came back. I would recommend a fresh oil change before you add it in.

[@rezas6786]

I was on the market looking at a 2008 bmw 125i has around 90000km you reckon it’s reliable? As well as any signs or indicators should I look for? Is it a good daily car? Final question is that should I replace those things you’ve listed in the video straight away as soon as I get the car?

[@8020Media]

E - 90k might be a little aggressive for a BMW. However, it all depends on maintenance.

[@rezas6786]

@@8020Mediawhat mods do you think I should do to it like front bumper air intakes etc

[@8020Media]

E - We made a full video on this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qaurg4CgdpibgZY

[@GerberFlerber]

My 330i has been great just wear and tear items like you said. And ofc that ticking but whatever 😂

[@8020Media]

Witness - Just make sure to keep up with maintenance and it’ll be a great engine!

[@GerberFlerber]

@@8020Media will do. taking it in for a tune up soon!

[@bussheadchoppa7184]

I’m getting this code 131508 for 2011 bmw 528i is my solenoid bad

[@8020Media]

Buss - Here's a great thread for your research: www.justanswer.com/bmw/l50oz-idle-fluctuations-startup-sets-131508-code.html

[@jerryriggins4461]

I have this problem... First try switching your camshaft sensors and vanos solenoid. If the error doesnt follow then your going to need to open up the valve cover. My intake cam wouldnt retard or advance as i was watching live data with my autophix module. When i put the timinbg tool on it to remove the camshaft and vanos gear the timing was off 30* but i was able to advance it as it was stuck at that spot. They can move and are suppose to cause they are spring loaded. Further investigation after removing the camshaft it had scored bearing surfaces on the cam and journal. But it was only on the removable journals because the variable timing eccentric cam pushes ot outward into the outside replaceable journals. It couldnt advance or retard because of the rough surfaces, still able to turn with the engine but to much for it to return to original spot. This is the information nobody is going to give you. Its a good time to inspect the ledges too. New teflon seals can usually prolong the operation of the engine but will need to put on another head eventually. I just lightly sanded and polished the journals and cam as it wasnt horrible yet because i wouldnt drive it with codes which was the smart thing to do. Having the intake can built in was a mistake with this engine and they went away from it with the n54.

[@duffydon1741]

Dont foget the expensive camshaft sensor and vanos solenoids, otherwise solid car!!

[@8020Media]

Yeah valid points - the solenoids go frequently for sure, just have to avoid the Genuine BMW parts since those suckers are expensive.

[@duffydon1741]

@@8020Media absolutely, the junction box packs up too…

[@gudalawrence3746]

Please what’s the difference between the one with the silver cover and the black cover?

[@8020Media]

Gudala - They indicate the different generations. Often, the silver cover indicates the original N63 and the technical update engines tend to have the black cover.

[@gudalawrence3746]

@@8020Media you mean N52 . 🙏🏾

[@8020Media]

Gudala - Apologies. Yes. The silver cover indicates early N52 versions, and the black cover indicates later versions of the N52.

[@gudalawrence3746]

@@8020Media , thanks for that. How about reliability wise, which is more reliable ?

[@esteemedenergy]

You need to boost the volume of your microphone. My 328i 2011 isnow at 229k reliable miles. Vanos bolts, solenoids, oil filter housing gasket, thats it. Oil change every 5k miles.

[@8020Media]

Getoveryourself - Thanks for the feedback and sharing your experience.

[@raybutts9133]

how many miles were on the car when the vanos bolts went bad? thanks

[@greathey1234]

Problems start from 4:30

[@8020Media]

G - Thanks for this, but this is why we have chapters in the description.

[@gregculverwell]

Better to call it the least unreliable BMW engine (after the 90s)

[@8020Media]

Greg - Not quite sure we're following here.

[@gregculverwell]

@@8020Media And I'm not sure what I said that you don't understand.

[@8020Media]

Greg - The wording is odd. Essentially saying the N52 is the most reliable after the 90s?

[@gregculverwell]

@@8020Media Exactly 👍

[@8020Media]

Makes sense and we would agree!

[@f1fork]

It’s an ELECTRIC water pump … NOT ElecTRONIC water pump. Way more connotation between the two …

[@8020Media]

F1 - Yes, we misspoke. Thank you for the correction.

[@carlosreis1377]

What is the stupid tick tick tick tick even in need for speed the bmws go tick tick tick

[@8020Media]

Carlos - Assuming this is a joke? lol

[@havisfin4562]

You should check your facts. N52 is NOT last NA inline six from BMW. N53 is. If your country didn't have N53 as option, too bad for you. You should open your eyes and look around. But the fact is that N53 is the last NA inline 6 petrol engine from BMW.

[@8020Media]

H - The N53 was produced until 2013. The N52 was produced until 2015. The fact that you say "if you didn't have the N53 as an option, sucks for you" sounds comical. It's no one's fault that BMW chose to keep it out of North America and Australian markets.

[@havisfin4562]

@@8020Media I never used the word "sucks", check your facts. The right way to define what is the last model is the start of the production, not the end. That decides how late and modern the design is.

[@secondtimeround]

Tick, tick, tick, tick, tick, tick, tick

[@8020Media]

M - Do you have experience with the N52?