BMW N52 VS M54 Showdown Of The Best & Last Of BMW'S Naturally Aspirated Engines Ever Made

in this video i go over the N52 & M54 engines and what compares them these are the final production of naturally aspirated bmw engines ever produced and as you guys are aware bmw have gone turbo crazy on all there cars now
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[@KzLollapalooza]

Excellent! These are the content and knowledge that made me a subscriber, please keep up the good work. Thank you for your teachings!

[@Faynedaddy]

Great Video! Dean, your description and detail on these vehicles is priceless. I'm currently looking into getting an e60. thanks again

[@pfoglar]

Great vid, have both engines (E90 330i 6MT N52B30 AND E46 330i 6MT M54B30), have done the odd DIY on both, and I must say, apart from the water pump or thermostat job on the N52, I also find the N52 is somewhat easier to work on. However, mine is still relatively young in terms of mileage, so hasn't yet started leaking anywhere unlike the M54 (previously also had an E46 320i with the M54B22 motor which was a gem BTW) - both the E46 330i and previous 320i had the same typical oil leaks around the valve cover gasket and the oil filter housing gasket, and both consume a fair amount of oil. Now the 320i did have its PCV done many years ago when it became almost completely blocked up and caused the engine to misfire, but this didn't really change the oil consumption. I know that the dipstick return pipe where it goes into the sump can also become blocked up, so when I do the PCV refresh on the 330i I will do everything related to the PCV and this return pipe etc. Interestingly, the N52 which was using some oil earlier on when I owned it, has been using less and less oil as the mileage increases, and being the early grey top N52, still luckily hasn't developed the HVA lifter tick - I must say though, I have always avoided using the car on short trips, and she gets her fair share of WOT runs to the red line when properly warmed up. And yes, nothing beats the glorious engine note of these last ever made BMW NA 6 cylinder engines, plus, I reckon they are still of the more bulletproof engines that BMW has made. The modern line of turbo engines are great when it comes to power, efficiency and so on, but apart from mostly sounding dreary (or fake with active sound), many of them are just not reliable, the 4 cylinder turbos especially! So for now, clinging onto these two cars with a firm grip!

[@IsaacOConnell]

This overview is fantastic. Well done.

[@curtisdietz9434]

From Canada with an 2007 E61. Many thanks for your channel and all your work to help us make these cars affordable to restore, own and enjoy. I have to say the N52 can try the patience and wallet of even the most committed BMW nut and I have had many different engines since the mid 80s

[@bmwlane8834]

Great channel. My 2005 530I m54 engine has been incredible. It has 365,000 miles (587000 km). It has been flask and the cheapest car I've ever owned. I drive a lot (work) and I don't want a turbo DI to be my high mileage car. I hope to get many more years out of it.

[@bmwlane8834]

Fantastic - not flask. Lol

[@seedreviews4302]

Thats absolutely amazing i have an 05 x3 with the m54 with160,000, i hope mine can make it as far as yours :)

[@sub.zero1989]

Did you make time chain replacement?

[@soundbyjacob]

i’ve got an e90 325i n52 with 220,000 miles on it.. runs smooth starts right up, idles smooth. smooth and steady power delivery, sounds nice, all i’ve ever had to replace was thermostat abs water pump at 180k miles.. cannot recommend a better daily driver with an in-line-6. i love it.

[@johnmcdowell2070]

Brother i have a 2011 328i n52 175000 miles on it changed starter,battery and the radiator had a pin hole in the neck part on top hose,plan on changing the water pump at 200k or sooner for maintenance. This the smoothest running engine I have ever owned. And easy DIY I'm going for 300k put that in your pipe and smoke it Scotty.

[@Shamus71]

I have a 2011 US spec N52 that now has 187,000 miles. It runs perfectly.. I’ve only had to deal with water pump, t stat, OFHG and normal maintenance.. at around 95 k whole the car was still under CPO warranty I had coil packs, vanish solenoids, pan and valve cover gaskets and valve cover replacement.. it’s been great as far as I’m concerned. Rock solid engine.

[@750gg]

Detailed information to the BMW Community at its best 💪🏾💪🏾

[@matthewbarnes1561]

Hey Dean I've had the m54 in my last two bmws and have the m54 in my e60 really strong engines if you keep up with the maintenance another great video mate.

[@GentilsGarage]

Great video and very informative. Just exactly what I was looking for.

[@michaelmccarthy5655]

Great Dean it is what we were waiting for thanks Mate

[@BMWDoctor]

No problem mate

[@bmwlane8834]

I've got the m54 in my 2005 530i and it has been a deam. I'm at 380,000 miles and still runs great. It isn't worth anything and I'm looking forward to a newer one but I don't want to let it go.

[@yaserhasan6004]

Hey I know your comment from 3 years ago but I have a few questions if you can help me I just got 2004 BMW 530i which have the same engine (m54), the radiator have a big water leak the car is not driveable right now because the water will get out quickly how do I know what to change (more than the radiator) before I start driving it? is it worth it to replace the rod bearings? the car have 132 miles btw

[@LofiSpecialist767]

@@yaserhasan6004 the M54 doesn't need rod bearing replacements, they are pretty solid and there's examples that go beyond 200k miles. just keep up on oil changes and don't redline the car too often and you're good!

[@jayd2929]

@@yaserhasan6004 check your radiator thermostat and check your coolant sensors

[@kevinvandevelde9789]

Good one Dean going to do a Italian tune up on mine 👍

[@bpsehgghhhh6684]

Don’t ever stop making your videos!!!! You are amazing! Keep spreading the truth and reality about our “plastic crap”! Haters just don’t see what they’re missing. I had an M54 and got a N51 variant N52 and now I have to redo both DISA’s hahahah

[@derekprice5510]

Great Video, I have the same 2 cars/engines, E60 N52 and E46 M54.

[@m.fatykamal9866]

Hi i have one question, which one more powerfull and better fuel consumption between n52 and m54 engine... Tq in advance 😃

[@e46_nole]

Great info! Had an e46 with the M54 and just bought an e82 with the N52.. the M54 didn't need cooling part replacements till it was closer to 90k miles

[@johncoss5604]

good information

[@cyvox7433]

I have a 2003 bmw 530i e60 it has 387,000km. General maintenance. Bulletproof

[@p.marinov2109]

N52?

[@tiger_swami]

@@p.marinov2109 m54

[@mack1008]

That’s because it’s e39 not e60 lol

[@rumporridge1]

Glad I got the N52B30 engine!!

[@kip8790]

My e46 330i m54, still running sweet at 196k miles, my new to me 130i n52b30 on 115k miles, full history and super sweet. The main reason for buying a bmw is for engines like these.

[@sergiomz21]

I have an n52 now, how i miss the m54 :/ 330ci ZHP much easier to work on , only sold it cause it was almost near 140k wanted to get my moneys worth

[@vistadrummer09]

So one question I've got is in regards to the cooling system failing in anyway. On the M54 you've got the upper and lower radiator hoses, the expansion tank, the mechanical water pump, the thermostat, the two plastic hard coolant lines that go into the block under the intake, and then the hoses that connect the radiator at the bottom, and the heater system. With any one of those failing and you don't notice it you have the potential to overheat the engine with varying levels of severity. On n52 engines or BMW's with them it seems like it's always eluded to that if you have a cooling system failure the car can go into a limp home mode that will buy you some time or won't overheat as dramatically as an m54 engine equipped car. Is true? Obviously if you blow a massive hole in the rad, hoses, and or expansion tank and lose all the coolant there's only so much you can do. I'm just wondering if with all the electrics in N52 cars are you safe guarded more against a disasterous overheat? I really like how easy the n52 is to work on. It's a lot more easier than m54.

[@rparadis24]

Been watching a lot of your videos here in the US and i learned a lot. I getting ready to buy my first BMW. I've been on the fence with either a E39 or E60. I think inmade my decision and I'm going with a 2004 525i with the M54.

[@bluerineimb1148]

Hi Dean just watched this amazing video. I realy value your opinion & experience I have E39 528i with m52 it's a 98 model so so it's single vanos I've been thinking on getting a 3.0 so it wauld be m54 my car is running as perfect as it can be engine was rebuilt in 2008 so technically it's done about 48k car drives spot on but I've had it a few yrs & want to stick with E39 but fancy a 530 sport Wats your opinion on one compared to my car because it's so had to find a 530 sport that hasn't been around the world

[@DL-rz6tw]

2005 bmw 525 150k miles (240k km) 11 years owned 👍

[@thebywall]

Only truths here! I once bought an eBay expansion tank for my e46 and was left stranded just as you said-- Luckily shut the engine off as soon as it exploded and did a comprehensive overhaul of the cooling system the next morning. Parts are affordable and its a great learning platform for someone wanting to enjoy the driving experience. The E90 is just an enhanced version of the e46 and well worth the difference if you can afford it. Great info here!

[@BMWDoctor]

Man e90 is not a great car that is more riddled in problems then the e60 I personally am not a 3 series guy and only like 5 series but that’s just me but all being said the m54 engine is a lot quicker engine and picks up power faster then n52

[@thebywall]

@@BMWDoctor Interesting anecdotes- I've had terrible experiences with E60 than I have with any other chassis. E90 definitely comes close thanks to all the complications in computer systems. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love these cars when they're working 100%, but its a hustle to maintain that standard with these cars.

[@BMWDoctor]

My friend at least you have something a lot of guys don’t and that’s BALLS to come on here and say that that’s a good thing at least your honest and understand the n52 is not a cheap car and not easy ALOT OF OTHER KZbinRS have made these people who own n52 life a misery by telling them you can run them cheap and this is why they have so much problems and so little fun driving them you cannot run these n52 cheap at all it’s the fact every part on these are dealer only if you want your car to run perfect you cannot get any part for this car online which makes the n52 a very very expensive engine and if you go via my videos you will then see why I get angry with people with this car who are stuck and don’t know what to do all these youtubers make it look cheap and easy to maintain and that is NOT the case on the n52 this engine is one of the hardest and most expensive to maintain if you want it to run right

[@okeniyi1]

Good video mate. Your description is perfect. Keep up with the good work. Am learning a lot from you. My BMW e60 with M54 is great. I wont trade it for N52. M54 is more reliable than N52

[@BMWDoctor]

Cheers mate

[@TheSidiqddd]

I am looking to buy e60 with choices like this 1. 520i 2005 m54 2. 523i 2008 LCI N52 Some people say m54 is more reliable than n52. Thanks in advance

[@dimitrijekarajovic8877]

Your chanel is great,I wish you all the best in the futur with your chanel ! I have one question ,do you thing that is good to buy 2005 e60 525i n52 engine with 60000km and manual gearbox,car is from first hand.I'm interesting about reliability? Thank you !

[@DB-un2yg]

That model is an m54 not an n52, 2006 onwards it is n52

[@stefandragu7066]

Hi Bro! Tell me please, where is the difference between N52 with plastic cover and magnesium cover?

[@jaded804]

What is your opinion on the e60’s m54b25 US spec

[@scottech381]

Good day boss....please which is better....N52b30 or N53b30

[@ggrat35]

I just got a 2000 e46 328ic what engine should be in this car the guy said it had a swap

[@natking1u1z99]

The m54 comes with a dip stick....WOW!

[@UAUmar-ll2pj]

For N52 which one is better between repair and chagin the whole engine after 300000km

[@TheKeenMechanic]

Nice one mate

[@BMWDoctor]

Vladi that was quick mate lol

[@TheKeenMechanic]

@@BMWDoctor I have to be quick now. I have to compete with over 1300 other fans lol

[@BMWDoctor]

Yep you do indeed and it’s always growing now mate

[@TheKeenMechanic]

@@BMWDoctor Glad to see that numbers are going up mate. Very happy for you as you work so hard😎🤜🤛

[@BMWDoctor]

I have been mate and I’m about to work a lot harder once my garage is done

[@viperfan85]

is it true n52 have solve oil consumption problem by a better piston rings?

[@Medal6]

M54 hands down

[@DIRTYvinnieXD]

How does the m50 compare?

[@syukirosan]

u can see it right away, even the coolant expansion tank on M54 is very hard to get replaced

[@BMWDoctor]

No it ain’t mate coolant tank is easy to replace on the m54

[@13owa3]

I have replaced 2 on my e46. They are EZ PZ

[@gekkemocrogekkemocro]

Hi great video I have question is there a difference between the n52 engine 2005 en the last n52 from 2007

[@BMWDoctor]

yes there is they switched to plastic valve cover over magnesium please do not get it confused between black valve cover as if your in the uk that will be N53 as they stopped production of N52 in 2007 they only kept it in the USA to make them idiots pay expensive price for valvetronic lool here they was doing us a favour getting rid of the engine buddy n53 is a much much better engine and its uk and eu only because it demands a good quality fuel which only arabs provide

[@gekkemocrogekkemocro]

@@BMWDoctor thanks for the reply. Wish you good luck Love youre videos

[@khangonowree2422]

Hello friends from Mauritius. Cen I put e crekshaf n52b25 tou n52b30 engine????

[@basman188]

M54 the knuckle scraper 😂👌🏼

[@trade1713]

Thanks for the video! Do I need to get new bolts for replacing valve cover gasket and oil filter housing or can I reuse the old ones? My E90 330i started using lots of oil, I don't know where it goes. Doesn't appear to burn the oil, so it must be loosing it externally. I'll try replacing those gaskets first and see what happens.

[@briantii]

Jack Trade Yes, the bolts are one time use aluminum. You may want to consider doing the oil filter housing gasket too.

[@trade1713]

@@briantii I ended up doing the whole lot at the top : valve cover, oil housing, valvetronic motor gaskets, all the O rings as well on all the sensors. Cleaned a mountain of sludge from the valves and ledges, but clunking noise coming from one of the hydraulic valves is still present and it drives me maaaaad!!! Looks like the only fix would be to pull half of the engine apart, which it's not really worth my time and effort.

[@briantii]

Jack Trade Good call doing it all at the same time. I’m surprised by the sludge though. Wrong oil? I’ve known a few with 200k miles using factory recommended intervals and no sludge at all. Seems odd. Sorry you’re still having the ticking. Knock on wood mine hasn’t done it yet.

[@trade1713]

@@briantii yes. It is because of those sick individuals in BMW that in all their wisdom decided to have oil change intervals on early E90s every 30,000 kms in Australia. It was all OK, while those cars were still under warranty. Second hand owners like me copped all that sludge from too far extended oil change and other problems that this brings...

[@briantii]

Jack Trade Nah, that’s what I meant. Even with crazy long intervals still no sludge. Buddy of mine has over 240k miles and was changing it every 15-20k per the cbs. Odd.

[@jimchokdeesal3057]

Which engine is used for e630 ci ?

[@M20i-530d]

Im between a 523i 1998, 530i 2003-2005 with the M54 engine or some 328ci 2000, pleasee help me i want a 5 series but i dont know the reliability id its better than a 3 series, please help me out

[@andrewcorson1250]

Hey guys need help with this. If you could have an E46 330ci M sport or an E90 325i se (both pre LCI) What would you guys go for? I recently purchased an E90 325i for $4200 (NZD) and have been quoted around 3 grand in repairs (valve cover gasket kit which includes the ccv etc, and new rotors and brakes all around). Not sure if keeping the 325 and getting the work done will be worth it as I wish it was a 330i with the magnesium cover. Couple real tidy E46 330ci's I'm currently looking at for around 7k. Any input would be appreciated, cheers!

[@e90gabe]

what did you end up purchasing?

[@huseyinalskan5539]

Bmw x5 e70 n52b30 vs m57tu2d30 which one is better. is it aluminum block motor. Most people say aluminum engine is bad

[@xatalinuxvictor9027]

where i can find a good disa valve in uk ? thanks

[@BMWDoctor]

Bmw is the best place my friend

[@kacper300zx7]

I would like to switch from N52B25 to N52B30, do I need to replace the entire engine to do this, or is it enough to down from 3.0?

[@user-it4dq9dj9q]

of course you dont need to replace the whole engine, you just need to swap the 25 for the 30 part. good luck!

[@josipcop1979]

well isnt N53 the last one...and Dean, can you tell me, in your opinion, which one is better N52 or N53, i am about to get me an e60, and i am leaning towards the LCI model with N53, that is why i am asking...thanks in advance mate

[@Shamus71]

Crocop I think the N53 has almost the same issues as the N54 because it uses HPFP that fails and similar injectors and its direct injection.. intake valves need walnut blasting. N52 all the way! We never had the N53 here in the US, I’m going by what I read in the past.

[@dr.lector1091]

Not buy a N53. Many expensive parts can fails. The injectors, the high pressure pump and there are many probs with the LCI System like deposit at the valves and the intakte manifold.

[@BMWDoctor]

These guys have said it mate avoid the n53 hence why I won’t even bother doing videos on that engine that 6 cylinder engine was a complete failure that’s why you will be hard pressed mate to find anyone who mentions that engine it’s troublesome and expensive get a n52 try get a lci 2007 and it should have the n52k engine with the plastic valve cover all problems are rectified on that engine hydraulic lifters and many other problems that the first engines suffered with

[@josipcop1979]

Thank you Dean, and you 2 guys, will try to get the 2007 LCI with N52, hopefully maybe i find one here in Croatia, but i guess ill have to search for one in Germany...i was planing to buy it in Germany anyway and import it here...been reading a lot about the N53 issues, HPFP, piezzoinjectors, coils, guess some extra power just aint worth the trouble...i am very grateful Dean, cheers mate

[@3LTwinTurboDiesel]

quality love this , time to compare my tuned 530d vs 535d maybe? hehe :)

[@BMWDoctor]

Yes mate but there both the same engine lol and look exactly the same under neath just get a 530d vs 530d nobody will know lol

[@3LTwinTurboDiesel]

@@BMWDoctor lol i know, might be a good idea doing a pre lci vs lci and se vs m sport ,some people on forums and facebook etc ask about this and could help them

[@BMWDoctor]

Mate that’s a lot of this and that that’s a massive expense also for KZbin and youtube ain’t worth that much lol only worth what I believe it’s worth

[@ace3bmw3]

Your wrong about the power output of the m54 3.0 They put out 230bhp. The America’s zhp has 235 because of different cams and ecu. The 197bhp is the 2.5. Oh and the best non M engine from that era is the m52tub28.

[@5.0_gap68]

Let me ask you a question 🙋‍♂️ okay so I’m looking to buy z4 e85 and can’t understand what’s gonna be better or cheaper anyway, with n52 or m54 engine ?

[@gameadventures1]

In the same situation as you lol

[@wes2473]

Oem is a must

[@delmanmolina6182]

I have 335i. E90 sedan twin turbo + bmw z4 2.5 03 e85. I have 171 174 cod bank 12. You can help

[@jonapolloapollo5770]

I have never herd of these problems you mention on both these engines for the Greek market I'm happy with my m52 maybe because we don't have a heavy winter never seen any leaks

[@saifhamoody6754]

Which engine would be great for hot areas like Middle East I have sonata 2013 2.4 mpi And i want to buy bmw 530i 2010 n52 And you know here the temp at summer reach 50°C So what it’s ur suggestion? Maybe I could buy 2005 530i with m54

[@e90baby]

cooling system on the M54 sucks and the n52 also has a pretty weak system so i’d get one if you plan to refresh to whole system, water pump radiator etc

[@robertandri5919]

O ha e the n52 and one of the aluminum bolts inside the engine snaped and the head of the bolt got stuck in the oil pick up

[@arvinbadz]

Yes N52 are easier to work on if you have special tool fot it (if you have to remove the cylinder head). And the timing tool and valve tronic spring tool pretty expensive here. I can assemble M54 without timing tool and i can't do the same with N52 🙄

[@BMWDoctor]

That’s ONLY because of the vanos adjusters n52 is very very easy to re time the tools are not expensive at all I don’t think so

[@arvinbadz]

@@BMWDoctor yes im agree with you. But for me, i will not throwing 450$ (in here) for the timing tool only if I'm not making money from it or planing to keep the car for the rest of my life. So I'll stick to M54 Anyway nice video . Cheers

[@murdoc908]

I have the n52 whit the ticking lifter. Is 10w60 oil better to use?

[@BMWDoctor]

your crazy bro 10w60 no 5w40

[@murdoc908]

@@BMWDoctor the bmw dealer just told me to use 10w60😅

[@rotorblade9508]

10w60 is really thick at cold start it will take a long time to build oil pressure to push the timing chain tensioner and to lubricate the engine. Then at normal temperature it is still thicker than what it says in the owners manual. That can cause unexpected problems and increased fuel consumption. Dean already showed how to fix the lifter ticking problem. Keep it at 3k rpm for 2min.

[@murdoc908]

@@BMWDoctor I am going to change the oil this week. 5w40 Castrol edge? I will use forte new generation motor flush. And whit the new oil I use the forte to end treatment.

[@murdoc908]

@@BMWDoctor what oil brand? Castrol 5w30 is for bmw only or can I use 5w40 castrol, whit 5w40 there is no BMW in the sheet that reccomend is for bmw.

[@cerwin21]

Shit it gets easier? I love working on My m54, even eaiser than my Toyota 3.4. Everything on the m54 seems really straight forward, not just engine orientation

[@wes2473]

M54 in the e39 chassis is the best combo esp m54b30

[@JRValdezLV]

If doesn't leak oil, it not BMW.

[@BMWDoctor]

That is correct sir

[@bmw.source]

Is the N52 a better engine than the M54 Dean? Both engines are good

[@BMWDoctor]

It all depends I think if you have the money n52 is very expensive but is a better engine for power m54 on the other hand is cheaper to maintain but doesn’t make much power of course both suffer oil leaks constant and both use oil that’s just Bmw’s all over that’s why I tell everyone get a diesel they don’t suffer these problems like the petrol 6 cylinders

[@vladimirart758]

BMW Doctor Do you recommend 2.0 or 3.0 diesel??

[@TIfosiZ]

Dean, I wonder if you would suggest to use mishimoto thermostat to keep n52 engine cooler?

[@BMWDoctor]

Do not use that mate these engines are not meant to run cooler these engines are designed to run hot to help with fuel and emissions it will affect the engine badly and cause the engine to suffer major damage as the oil sensors are run by the temperature of the engine aswell if they realise it’s running cooler it will have major impact of the engine itself

[@TIfosiZ]

@@BMWDoctor appreciate for your insights!

[@BMWDoctor]

your welcome

[@bidenisgod6978]

So does that mean my 2005 530i only has 189hp??

[@e30clew]

Isn't a m54 330is always 231hp, m-sport doesnt mean differnet engine? And then US has a ZHP with different cams and a bit more hp? Never heard of a 3 litre m54 with 190 something hp, that must be a 2,5?

[@BMWDoctor]

No mate your wrong m sport always has extra power wikipedia is there to tell you and confirm my corrections go and see same as e60 if you get se you get lower power then a m sport the 2.5 is still a m54 but lower powered 3.0 that’s the power the non m sport get

[@e30clew]

@@BMWDoctor I dont really get what you mean here, a m54b30 only has two different outputs? Its the standard at 231hp and then US has one with a couple of horsepower more. Maybe this is some UK specific thing I dont know about? In sweden where I live anyway, you could get a e46 with m54 as a 320 at 170hp, a 325 at 192hp and a 330 at 231hp, then you could add the complete msport pckage on either of these if you wanted to, but that didnt chnge the engine. Are you saying all msport m54 e46s in UK were 330is and non msport had the smaller motors? Never heard of an SE either, guessing this is different packages for different countries maybe? Did UK msports maybe get the same ZHP engine as in US? On a side note I've got a E28 with a m54b25 in it that is turboconverted, completely stock motor and it is holding up better than expected! Had a m50b25 turbo before but I'm now testing how much power a m54b25 can handle :)

[@BMWDoctor]

I wouldn’t put that on a m54b25 good luck with that I can see the head gonna be warped and blown head gaskets straight away the old m54b25 which is what it will be suffered bad head gasket failure they used different gasket design on them to the 3.0 version and yes we get all different here in the uk the us get different that’s because everywhere has different fuel grades we get SE here which is basically SHIT EDITION as we call it nothing spectacular in the car and if you opted for that package even in 3.0 you would get it at 190bhp which is the 3.0 engine still but basically 2.5 you would ONLY get the 231bhp model if you opted for m sport models and it’s the same to this day if you get e60 se you will get m54 engine with 230bhp if you get m sport 530i you get the n52 engine with 258bhp and after that you had the 258bhp as the SE models and then the 278bhp n53 engine in the lci e60 m sport that’s how m sport had a power gain over the normal editions and that’s what makes the m sports m sports and bmw makes more money we are all happy well I am anyway as you know I favour the dealership highly

[@e30clew]

@@BMWDoctor Knew about the n52s different variants but did not know that about m54. They were sold completely different over here. Actually the m54b25 has survived for 5000kms so far, its running 1,2bar of boost and 500 horsepower. I do use upgraded ARP head bolts which clamp the head better to the block, but I cant torque them as much as the bolts can handle because I will be stripping out the threads in the block then. If it fails I will have the threads enlarged to m12 with insert threads or similar to be able to torque them further. I've had m50/m52/m54s getting warped on stock cars, but it has always been because of something else failing first. Waterpump, thermostat housing or some other plastic part. It seems to be able to take a LOT of abuse as long as it doesnt overheat! I haven't even pulled the head off the engine, I just changed the head bolts one by one and changed waterpump/thermo housing and valve cover gasket just to be safe. This could of course be done more serious than this, but given that I can get a m54b25 for about 300 euros, I will try more boost and see how far I can go before it fails! Then I'll do the same treatment to the next engine and turn back the boost a bit. Its very popular to turbo convert BMWs in Sweden, theres a couple of E46 330is with m54b30 with over 600hp on a stock engine and it holds up just fine, its amazing how overbuilt these motors are in some regards, and how on the other hand, can fail stock because of a plastic piece of the cooling system failing for example. The engine will explode in an instant if it isn't correctly mapped of course, but with enough fuel and correct ignition timing it is dependable! When doing this we always use E85 as fuel, it doesnt knock as easy with the high octane rating.

[@sonnyjennings469]

​@@BMWDoctor What are you on? A car having being M sport does not mean the engine has more power... Go and look at a SE 330i e90 vs a M sport 330i e90.. they have the same engine, the fact that it is m sport doesn't mean the engine has more power, its trim level and suspension difference.

[@draganraducu]

i love my m54 330 ci .

[@BMWDoctor]

So do I aswell beautiful engine

[@drewdavid9672]

Me too. Same car with 215k and it's bulletproof if you do the maintenance religiously

[@sekgelemooketsi8618]

I own an E60 525 Msport (N52), It's piled on 155,000km and really wanna have a very strict service and maintenance program. But my confusion is, do I wait for it to inform me of what to do? Through its idrive system? Coz when I go through the system it shows me different replacement times for like plugs, oil, brake pads etc..

[@Vgk36]

M54b30 is better. I own both and just acquired the n52 2011 328i. Chasing misfire for days now. New used vanos , new NGK spark plugs ,new coil packs on the way. I think it may be either fuel pump or I may have to spring for brand new vanos solenoids. I can't imagine 2 sets and it making no difference. Also I need to find a shop that can test and clean 2 sets of injectors. Multiple cyclinder misfire. Jesus Christ the M54B30 is way easier. 197k miles on the 03 330i and still driving it daily no lights one dash .

[@Bmwstephen]

The best one out of these is the US s50b30. It was a one year car but a 3.0l 240hp and 225ft lbs of torque. No complicated plumbing and obd 1 and absolutely more reliable than both the n52 and m54

[@JorMorera]

I have m50vanos e36is, I'm not sure If I want to upgrade to these new engines LMAO

[@cdrseabee]

Don't forget the M57!

[@BMWDoctor]

Of course I won’t mate got that all coming up

[@cdrseabee]

@@BMWDoctor great. Although I do have a Z4 with the n52 also

[@BMWDoctor]

cdrseabee lol well there you go so it helps you

[@wes2473]

My bimmer doesn’t leak oil it drinks it lmao

[@vmoutsop]

Ok, so seeing that I have 3 nice vehicles with M54's that I pretty much take care of myself, this answers my question of should I stay or should I go, I mean should I should I upgrade or should I stay (N52 vs M54) and as much as I'd like a newer generation car, I'm not upgrading 3 perfectly good and reliable vehicles without a compelling reason. Thanks for helping me find the video. Cheers!

[@BMWDoctor]

I don’t know that depends on you how rich are you do you like computers and new technology are you keen to learn about the future of BMW’s or do you want a more relaxed life with bmw Having the n52 doesn’t come easy where the M54 does

[@vmoutsop]

@@BMWDoctor Oh I'm a computer guy at work and a BMW car guy at home so I love new technology but the 3 cars are for my kids and until they pay for their own cars I just need good, reliable BMW transportation. If my wife didn't insist on airbags, they would be driving E30's with M20's. She and I get the newer stuff

[@vmoutsop]

@@BMWDoctor One thing I didn't mention, and maybe I'm wrong (let me know your opinion) but I was disappointed with BMW engines after the E46 and have been reluctant to evolve because I've felt they were not "real" BMW's. Meaning they were not the over engineered and built vehicles of previous generations, too many electronics and plastics and not enough reliability.

[@lilhaystack6759]

The US spec 330 makes 238 hp, not 193. That's the 328 with the m52

[@xx_ironman77_xx1]

Ouch mate that doesn't sound good can you get away with putting high-grade aftermarket parts on the n52?

[@DigitalDissident]

+1

[@teddylucas2608]

Why does my n52 run slow as crap compared to my x5 ??

[@2007moha]

Hi are you mean n52 best than m54? please send me feedback thanks a lot my best friend in KZbin

[@scottmiller5173]

Obviously

[@BMWDoctor]

YA GET MEH

[@curtssallee9807]

M54e46gang

[@vasmentoles]

3 ads in just 8 minutes??? Wth

[@BMWDoctor]

It goes by your country sir Dependant on where you are they show more ads then other countries dependant on the advertisers and how many ads your country runs I have people in some country’s that only see one I have some countries that see only 3 And then I have some countries like the USA that tend to see more then anyone else 10-12 ads

[@ArianOby]

................... i just "liked"

[@BMWDoctor]

no problem mate did you sub aswell lol

[@ArianOby]

@@BMWDoctor of course I did Doc ............... p.s my 2010 E90 keeps having the same reoccuring problem .... engine jerking at accelaration, EM light on .... ive dropped it off at garages several times but the problem tends to reoccur after 2-3 months ....typically triggered by down shifting .... the car otherwise at

[@BMWDoctor]

please do not tell me its NO 328I OR 528I CRAP MATE since starting youtube I have never heard of such a car

[@ArianOby]

@@BMWDoctor lol ..nothing that exciting ..... its the 320i ........... London mechanics seem to enjoy charging me ,,, a lot more than fixing it!

[@BMWDoctor]

ahhh brother why 320i man 6 cylinder only for London bro and I know what you mean mate im from there only been here a year where about in London 320i is a NIGHTMARE of a car though mate trust me I had 120i and had to rebuild the whole engine the valve stem seals were shot eccentric shaft had eaten away torque converter locking up timing chain rattling

[@Krezo200]

M52 is the best :P

[@hiflor1275]

Better engine than n52 is n53 it dont have a rubisch valvetronic and bad head of engine

[@BMWDoctor]

That’s true but at the same time N53 is very very expensive with the injectors and high pressure fuel pump and USA never got N53

[@briantii]

And what exactly is wrong with valvetronic besides the possibility of needing to replace one sensor under the valve cover?

[@DG-od4si]

you say not to get chinese parts because they will fail. why to replace an original bmw part? bmw parts shouldn't fail according to that philosophy

[@pardyhouse2767]

They prematurely break smart @ss - as with anything. It's just a difference between getting some good service life out of it or not

[@BMWDoctor]

You answered my question in one these people just don’t like that in saying not to use Chinese because now this guy is like oh shit what I do now I bought a bmw and can’t afford it :( lol don’t use Chinese very simple if you can’t maintain bmw properly you shouldn’t own one clearly you can’t afford it if your having to use Chinese parts and I will state just for your information you are correct bmw parts hardly fail my e60 is on the original bmw water pump and thermostat at 160k and running fine I guarantee if I replaced that with a us chinese part it would fail no thanks you get what you pay for you cannot be cheap on BMW’s if you have to be cheap and get chinese parts don’t own a bmw very simple these cars deserve the very best main dealer parts there a 70k car if you want to use cheap parts go buy a cheap car don’t think you can own these cars and put cheap parts on them it’s no wonder a lot of you guys come on here always with problems compared to the Uk people who only use DEALER parts that’s why Uk people don’t have problems with there BMW’s only you people in us because you use cheap crappy parts and expect it to run perfect bmw made these cars that you cannot run them on cheap parts I built these e60s so I know and the mapping they used China can’t even make the parts run at what the BMW’s want and bmw never released anything to anyone to tell how to make there Parts and every time China tried bmw threw a update onto the cars that China parts can’t handle :) happy days for bmw gotta love them there pushing people who can’t afford dealer parts away

[@ninjabeatz905]

Mwahahahahahahahahahaha

[@BMWDoctor]

No need for the kisses Pereti lol

[@iAlwaysSpeakTheTruth]

I had an M54 e60, what a piece of junk. I current have an n26 f30. Cracked 125k miles SOLID MOTOR. And no, no chain issues. I turned off auto start stop, and change oil and filter every 5k. m54 has piston ring problems. VANOS issues + solenoids. Oh and absolutely garbage cooling system. The previous owner didn’t take good care of it either but the M54 will nickel and dime you the older it gets. It cannot handle city driving at all.

[@BMWDoctor]

Mate I don’t believe that for one second maybe in the USA that’s the case but not here I can tell you right now I have had 3 e60s with the M54 engine all have been nothing but pure pleasure and a brilliant engine for the E60 and E61 I also own the e46 with the same engine WITHOUT any of these issues at all this is all to do with neglect and using cheap parts I will say it again I do not use cheap on ANY of my cars I only recommend bmw parts and it’s the ONLY parts I use myself this piston ring problem must be a problem on the USA models only based on not having quality control as this problem does not exist here in the U.K.

[@SpawnerRappelz]

Biased comparison.

[@BMWDoctor]

It’s not biased it’s the truth I own both so know both

[@curtisdietz9434]

From Canada with an 2007 E61. Many thanks for your channel and all your work to help us make these cars affordable to restore, own and enjoy. I have to say the N52 can try the patience and wallet of even the most committed BMW nut and I have had many different engines since the mid 80s

[@M20i-530d]

Im between a 523i 1998, 530i 2003-2005 with the M54 engine or some 328ci 2000, pleasee help me i want a 5 series but i dont know the reliability id its better than a 3 series, please help me out