Luxury Car Secrets: Top Reliable Engines Revealed!

There are some amazing (and unexpected) engines in luxury cars. Today if you're shopping for a reliable engine or a reliable used car, then you're going to want one of these used luxury cars. This list is full of cars from all your favorite car makers, like Acura, Volvo, Audi, Toyota, Lexus, and more!
Join ECPP to get car advice and more:
/ @ecpp
Get some of our merch: exotic-car-playplace-shop.fou...
Exotic car play place, where we believe that Life's Too Short To Drive Boring Cars so we just don't and you shouldn't either.
Like this video? Subscribe by clicking below:
/ @ecpp

[@StardustADV]

Even toyota trusts the B58 enough to put it in the new supra. I remember another channel spoke with toyota about why they went with the BMW engine. Toyota said they tested it up to 700hp and they decided it held up to their standards. If its good enough for Toyota, the B58 sure as hell is good in my books. I want the new Supra.

[@BrianAndall]

Which channel

[@StardustADV]

@@BrianAndall TFL

[@erniestarkey8856]

My 2010 Mercedes S550 had 171,000 miles on it problem free engine. Just suspension issues. The trans and engine were rock solid. Great video as always.

[@charlesjackson1700]

One thing I don't like about the Acura V6 is is that you still have to change the timing belt.. In this day and time that can be an expensive service.. Lexus vehicles and Toyota use the timing chains..

[@ECPP]

I agree, that’s a simple and yet odd gap in the drive train. Other than that a real workhorse

[@michaela1655]

I have a Honda Pilot with the V6. The timing belt job is difficult and time consuming. It requires 2 people to be able to get the timing marks all lined up and reassembled. But is is very reliable and quiet way to drive the camshafts. I like to keep my vehicles 20 years and drive about 200,000 miles. So the timing belt job is done once in the lifecycle of the engine.

[@ScottDreyfus]

I’d rather know that if I change a belt every 8 years that it’ll be fine vs a chain stretching or guides cracking or relying on a tensioner to maintain the timing. The newer Mdx and tlx just got a major recall because they cut the cam journals too tight. It’s going to be a black eye for the brand.

[@Vincent-ke5zn]

I agree as well with you, I love the Acura, but the timing belt is a problem

[@RotaxXS]

Google 2GR-FE timing cover leak. Engine out repair. 2007 to 2015 all models. Not great. Belts - easy.

[@manosam988]

For the M278 Engine in any 550 Mercedes Models it is important to find out if the engine was built before or after 2015 and if its built in the USA or Germany. Anything after 2015 you are good since Mercedes has been resolving some of the issues and ill explain what and why. For any 2014 models and below the coolant and oil would mix causing catastrophic problems. And also to note that After a certain Mileage the coating in the cylinder walls would eventually wear out due to the valve guides wearing causing misfire and really bad bore scoring because of the coating (Silitec) this would be the reason why M278 Owners would need to change their oil so frequently. After 2015 Mercedes switched from Silitech to Nanoslide which pretty much resolved this issue. Otherwise its a pretty solid Engine and reliable and can squeeze out some crazy horsepower

[@michaela1655]

I have a 2006 BMW 325xi Wagon (E91) with 195,000 miles. Engine oil leaks are plenty. Suspension rebuilds every 75,000 miles are required. Still a joy to drive. Paint quality is exceptional. Rust prevntion is exceptional.

[@dcruzaggie]

B58! 💪🏾

[@ECPP]

Absolutely a good drivetrain

[@christopherritschel4115]

What do you think about the Mercedes glb!

[@mackakiwinz4353]

Your knowledge just totally blows me away. I cannot afford a luxury vehicle but I watch as your phenomenal knowledge is eye watering. Thank you I have learned so much from down under New Zealand. You need reliability as I have friends with BMWs and Audis who have bought just for the prestige without your knowledge or understanding of which models to buy and they have both lost limbs as they have had in excess of 10k failure issues or so the authorised dealers who conduct the maintenance have charged them! Both vowed never again!

[@ECPP]

Thank you so very much for the support, and I really have made it my life’s passion and mission to understand the good and bad about all vehicles as the only thing we usually get fed is how great these are when they are new from the big publications, but getting the real deal is often hard to come by. I love sharing. Hope you have a great weekend.

[@phillipyoung9621]

I find your reviews informative and enjoyable…. Keep it up!

[@71Serai]

Finally a knowledgeable and well spoken independent motor enthusiast who will tell ot as it is.

[@ECPP]

Thank you very much

[@kenciancimino7832]

Definitely Making me feel great about my S4 Thanks Mark … great stuff

[@AvengerAngel]

Sooner or later, mostly sooner, a German car will require a costly repair along with more costly scheduled maintenance. Lexus may not be inexpensive when it comes to scheduled maintenance, either, but repairs are few and far between. Let the Germans loose on electronic technology and that is like asking Dracula to manage the Red Cross blood bank.

[@ECPP]

I would agree with that generally as the euro vehicles can be pricey to maintain and Toyota/Lexus have been great. I do wonder how the quality carries on with th me newer Toyota turbo engines and new deaigns

[@leiflillandt1488]

When mention Dracula, I stayed a night in a hotel in Romania about 15 years ago, and the owner said that Dracula also had visited that hotel. At least I could not sense his soul/spirit/ghost that night...

[@AvengerAngel]

We bought a new RAV 4 2023, naturally aspirated, and before that a new 2022 Tacoma V6, so no turbos... At least Toyota has a handle on their products and any issues, but time will tell. Traded in our 2020 VW Passat and 2021 Rogue, for the Toyotas even though both still under warranty, but the VW gave me a prophecy for future anguish! @@ECPP

[@donaldbanner2185]

@@ECPP Mark, On specific models you can opt to get a NON Turbo model and get More power as well i.e. the 450h+ "F" Sport Naturally Aspirated coupled to three elec. motors...and option to *Never use gas..w/ 49 miles per 120voltt charge...plenty for a 20 mile commute and flipp'n around town / market as well!........kinda the best of both worlds with pronominal dependability and the Relatively Rare 450h+ "F" Sport GREAT Re-Sale as well!,, add a couple of Carbon Fiber spoilers on rear and side along with all carbon fiber interior and you are GOLD! IMO. ...as "Life is to short" to repair cars!

[@DeflectionMode]

Awesome video as usual Mark! 👍

[@lane5686]

A buddy of mine is already having issues with his 2018 Mercedes GLS. Within 6 years that car has been in the shop multiple times. Latest issue is the engine automatically switching to D2 when stopping at a red light. He called me recently to vent and I told him that it’s well expected from a German vehicle. It drives nice and works well until it doesn’t anymore. This is why they undergo crazy price depreciation every year. They just don’t hold value

[@baoquoc3710]

I still not really trust Mercedes reliability tho, BMW as much as their designs look all over the place is still having a higher regard in terms of mechanical robustness

[@Mr.BlackSanta]

A Chrysler 225 slant 6 from the 1970s is the engine that is 2nd to none.

[@ECPP]

That was a solid unit as was the GM3800

[@jackjensen4036]

My dad had a 73 Duster with that motor. Valve tick from the jump but a great motor none the less.

[@Mr.BlackSanta]

@@jackjensen4036 Chryslers with that engine were the Camry’s of their day. It was not uncommon to get 175K to 200K+

[@Fathertime3981]

I had a 79 225 super slant 6 I had 500,000 it was still running when I sold

[@Vincent-ke5zn]

I would love to have a Lexus anytime

[@donnelson9283]

Hey Mark, Very Nice Line Up ! The Lexus GX550 Is Gonna Be A Stone Cold Winner !! 🏁🏆 🥶

[@ECPP]

Thanks Don, yes for sure, for a real work horse that will run for almost ever, that’s a win. Hope you are having a great weekend.

[@victorcornea3393]

However the TFSI technology is rubish,especialy în VAG Group.They loose 1 litre oil at 1000km .So Audi is a bad motor. Maybe 3 litres V6 is better than 2 litres TFSI (here is desaster)

[@elaineprice7870]

Thank you for the information ❤

[@ECPP]

You are so welcome!

[@michellemclaughlin-Fit-at-50]

The Audi engine I have thanks for sharing info good to know as this is my first Audi to own Thanks again

[@ECPP]

Thanks for watching

[@DeadlyBrianX]

YESSIRRR THE AUDI GETS A MENTION. What years specifically are bulletproof? B9?

[@keith692]

B58 baby. Blows my mind how smooth this engine is

[@Ymcdaj]

I own the M1 57 version of the M2 78 engine, which is the AMG performance version, elated to see my engine made your video!

[@madyariel9014]

M550i 2017+

[@danmcgilldm]

What do you think of the S58 engines in the m3 competition cars ? You think these are as reliable as the b58?

[@marcgirard7551]

Surprised the generation of Porsche he discussed here! Hello?! Bore scoring!!

[@emiliog.4432]

Lexus Toyota only. Period. Full stop. Acura/Honda have dropped in quality. Early Acura was awesome. The NSX is superb.

[@ECPP]

Hi Emilio, I would totally agree with that and sadly we have seen Honda slide a bit in the last 10 years or so. I hope Toyota stays the course especially now with newer turbo engines. We will see.

[@onlyrog5]

Keep paying the toyota tax 🫡

[@TheKurasha]

Toyota , i would consider when i hit 80 years old.

[@alexeybazhukhin1786]

n52 is very soild engine, still own a car with it and dont see a reason to change it. It actually had a recall on the intake VANOS (which is the only thing got broken for mine and was repaired in scope of that recall for free). Overall - nice video, kinda corresponds with my very limited knowledge

[@sleepsy5234]

Same thing, I have a 2010 BMW X5 with the N52 and I hardly have any problems

[@flacodbarber9240]

What do you think about the 2018 e400 sedan, I’ve been looking into them and they have a good reliability rating. Looking forward to buying a Benz but don’t want a model that breaks down a lot 🤔🤔

[@Scotford_Maconochie]

I'm a BMW N55 owner with 115k miles and I only had to replace a water pump, thermostat and valve cover gasket which is nothing unheard of on a modern BMW.

[@donaldbanner2185]

Gee...If only you would have bought a LEXUS having Never to replace any of the aforementioned!!!

[@genes.3285]

Ya learn something new every day. I never interpreted the Acura symbol as the letter "A." I thought it was a stylized compass, the kind used in my high school geometry class 50+ years ago. A compass implies accuracy, which fits right in with Acura.

[@ECPP]

Nice, I never thought about it like that either.

[@genes.3285]

​@@ECPPI looked it up. It's a caliper, a design tool. A second definition is the letter "A."

[@johnphaceas7434]

@@genes.3285 It's also a variation of the Honda symbol - basically Honda's H tilted back toward the horizon. Never understood why Honda created the Acura badge - only for the US I gather. Here in Australia, Honda has had a reputation for quality and reliability since the firs Accord came out. Sticking an Acura badge on their higher spec models would be dismissed as tacky down here. The only "upmarket" badge engineering by an established manufacturer that has succeeded here in Australia is Lexus, and to a lesser degree Hyundai's Genesis range (very early days though, Hyundai is only now considered to be nearing Japanese-level build quality and reliability). Infiniti (Nissan) and Eunos (Mazda) all sank without trace years ago.

[@slickfox33]

I have a camry as my daily and a S4 as my weekend car. Life is too short to drive boring vehicles 😂 unless its to work.

[@ECPP]

Exactly I agree and I have often lived that, have a lower cost simpler vehicle for daily duty as miles get piled in and have a nicer, sometimes pricier ride for weekends or special days out

[@shahzadhaider9195]

You have got lights, got interior, got exterior, 4 wheels and fog lights and very nice windscreen wipers

[@protectork9831]

I am looking into buying a bmw M4 between 2019 and 2022 years. Are those models reliable

[@SinBanderas1]

It's good to know from you reliable cars that are non Japanese cars because most of your previous videos you talked about Toyota, Honda etc. I live in Japan but I really don't like Japanese cars designs they look really boring, they need to learn from European designs to improve their look so I maybe like more, the only Japanese cars I like a little are the Mazda cuz they copycat European cars designs in a light way. Keep going, Mark! Life is too short to drive boring cars (for me, Japanese ones LOL).

[@ECPP]

Thanka for sharing. Yes, a lot of people buy cars because sure of the way they look over the quality itself

[@genegranillo8167]

Hey Mark. What do you think? I'm getting close to buying a 2021 certified X3. Still too much plastic in the critical areas? I'm a stickler for maintenance but hate doing a repair because a manufacturer cheaped out.

[@martinzahtila5023]

Don t buy it ! Plastic crap.

[@darkio8849]

Hey mark what do you think about the Audi RS5 engine? 2.9 v6

[@rachelgreen1368]

Junk.70k miles engine.

[@mhassouneh]

Is the BMW S58 engine reliable, as well? How does it compare to the B58?

[@xtntxex]

From what I’ve heard they are even more reliable as they use more robust internal parts.

[@epiccowboymemes2042]

Okay, the only thing throwing me off with the B58 powered cars are parts availability. How much will I pay to have parts brought in compared to a Toyota/Honda?

[@Reyd_01]

If the Audi 3.0 is a safer bet, is the RS5's 2.9 in the same boat, or does the extra performance kill reliability by heat? I'd imagine they'd share a lot from the S5's engine. I'm working hard to talk myself out of getting one.

[@YYZ-SRQ]

Porsche 911 (996 and 997) cylinder bore scoring in 3.6 and 3.8L M96.03, M96.05, and M97.01 engines and Porsche Cayman/Boxster cylinder bore scoring in 3.2 and 3.4L M97.21 engines are most common. Porsche chose to use hypereutectic Lokasil and Alusil engine blocks instead that have raw, uncoated aluminum bores. For this reason, over time, Porsche may experience bore scoring or cylinder bore scoring. The base engine on the 987 (2.7 and 2.9) doesn't have this issue. Once you have bore scoring the fix is nosebleed expensive.

[@davehelpline3548]

what about Porsche cayenne and Porsche Macan are they reliable? what is their best engine

[@StardustADV]

I hear the 1st gen Cayenne S has a V8 thats pretty bullet proof. Main issues with that cayenne is brake lines, best to upgrade those to steel braded. I plan on getting one, making sure it does not have air ride since that can get pricy. I heard its also best to double check radiator hoses on uses models. Address those and it should be bullet proof.

[@BigBearBjorna]

What about the OM651 and the other 2 liters diesel engines? They seem to do 400.000 miles no problemos as taxis

[@ECPP]

If a person can get those types of miles, then there is nothing more needed

[@yay568]

I’m getting the trend of a naturally aspirated vehicle are much more reliable than engines with turbos

[@lawrencefearon6830]

You did the Porsche Boxster justice.

[@ECPP]

Thank you for watching

[@Authentic_Confidence]

I wish you would make descriptive notes on the video description of the content. You speak too fast to catch up with all the brands and info you provided

[@EddieV19]

I had a 2011 BMW 750li M-Sport and it was reliable

[@ECPP]

Cheers

[@MyCatIsSmarter]

My 2013 Lexus GS350 drives well with 170,000 miles

[@tati0201]

Looking to find my son one later this year. Are they really good?? Looking for 2014.

[@MyCatIsSmarter]

@tati0201 They run well but gas mileage is not the best. It get 29 mph highway on a good trip

[@waldiroliveira9845]

Toyota/Lexus all the way

[@ECPP]

Reliable as all giddup.

[@bt4b4]

What about the 2018 GLS 450, X166 issues ?

[@trustyoungpierre9959]

You’re better off getting the X164. 2007-2012. All natural aspirated engine. X166 got turbos and too much plastic.

[@ECPP]

Well, it’s sort of hit and miss and from what I know, I have heard of timing tensioner issues and check valves, cylinder scoring on the 13-14 years, air ride failures around 60-100 k miles, central locking and actuator troubles and overall a pricey and risky propsitin.

[@bt4b4]

@@ECPP thank you for your feedback

[@Mr.BlackSanta]

I have to ask- a B58 vs an M278- which would you go with? I have heard wonderful things about the twin turbo 4 cylinder- I am just concerned of that much power going thru a 4 banger.

[@ikeudechukwu5018]

Mercedes M139 4-cylinder monster is one of the most reliable turbo 4 cylinders in the market. But Mercedes puts them in their expensive cars. You can beat on it all day long. These things make over 400 horses.

[@wildkyle42]

What about Genesis? It's also a luxury brand but is definitely more affordable than the majority of the cars you talked about. Just got a 2023 Genesis G70 Sport Prestige model. It comes with a better warranty then most of these cars probably do.

[@pauldichtel6410]

I heard parts are expensive because there are so few of them on the road.

[@JH-jm8ib]

Yes the engines are bulletproof, but what about the rest of the vehicle?

[@MikeyMeM3]

I don't think the 640i was a B58...I think they were still n55s. Regardless..great video.

[@ECPP]

Cool, thanks

[@Vincent-ke5zn]

Porsche doesn't have nickel and dime issues, they have $100 and $200 issues

[@ECPP]

Haha yeah that’s fair

[@Thankyou_3]

I agree with everything you had mentioned except for the Acura. They are essentially an overpriced Honda. I would personally pick up a Toyota over an Acura…but Lexus would be the paramount advantage over any other brands. I had owned a Lexus which was 19 years old with not even a single drop of oil burning. I can’t say the same with the Hondas/Acuras that I owned. Rust is another thing that kills an Acura especially around the subframe and wheel wells.

[@mattwitek5237]

I had two Acura vehicles, both were super unreliable.

[@trueyork9290]

All the new BMWs post-2018 have been redesigned and are reliable, including the V8s. The BMW B58 engine is now used by your belove Toyota (Supra).

[@manofsesame3024]

For the N63 V8 better look for the ones with code ends with Tu3.

[@trueyork9290]

@manofsesame3024 All V8's built after 2018 have the TU3 code.

[@TheShaunsc]

Thoughts a BMW 2020 M550 (N63?)

[@melrosabal3564]

Run from that just got rid of my nightmare payed the shop 7200 hundred dollars on repairs and was running worst than when I went in there so drove it straight to the dealer and got me a Camry so don’t fall in love with that nightmare

[@trueyork9290]

​@@melrosabal3564 What year did you have?

[@melrosabal3564]

@@trueyork9290 2013 650i with 72000 miles

[@melrosabal3564]

With the tu engine

[@melrosabal3564]

If you must get a bmw do not get that v 8 with twin turbo they get way too hot for all those plastic parts in the engine

[@shaunm8692]

Ok, still watch and value this channel, but might I suggest that the name be changed to "PremiumCar PlayPlace" ? ....reason being that one thinks of Ferarri's, Lambo's,Bentley's etc when you hear the word "Exotic".

[@Dirty_Dan205]

Mercedes M276 engine? I heard it’s a solid engine

[@liberalp1737]

Sike

[@ikeudechukwu5018]

M276 is amazing. I have it naturally aspirated and twin turbo. Just change your oil regularly which is at least a minimum of three times a year, and then drive it hard. It loves being pushed.

[@liberalp1737]

@@ikeudechukwu5018 m112 in my opinion. Reliability.

[@melissarodden-kq2gy]

After owning a infiniti, I'll never own another one. Had nothing but issues and interior trim falling off, seat belt issues, electronic issues and more. Bought a Lexus and will never drive anything else. My Lexus blows everything else out of the water.

[@abuel-saddiqmhd1546]

MB the best or nothing forever that's what we drive

[@ECPP]

Indeed

[@jondr]

GM V6 LGX is reliable

[@kwazar6725]

Dont get e90 n53!!!!

[@ECPP]

Cheers

[@Vincent-ke5zn]

I've got a Ford Focus with 289k miles and I don't have any of the problems that Mercedes has

[@ECPP]

Absolutely if it runs great than that’s a keeper at any level. Yours a manual?

[@manofsesame3024]

I do remember Ford and GM cars may need to visit the shop quite often but their repair bills are usually very affordable unlike the European cars.

[@ThePrincessBella1]

🥺

[@ECPP]

cheers

[@majood245]

Anything with straight 6 cylinder with turbos. That’s it 😊

[@ECPP]

Thanks for sharing other than n54 BMw

[@SeminoleWind901]

Toyota and Lexus all day. 13-15 models have terrible transmissions though.

[@ECPP]

Exactly

[@djdev3077]

Audi isnt as reliable as acura and lexus,Audi is a no go after warranty is gone.

[@Vincent-ke5zn]

I would consider leasing a BMW, not buying one

[@DeflectionMode]

Good under warranty and they give loaner cars! 😃

[@simongilbert2704]

i keep telling ya all == don't touch the merc or bm , or land rover crap ;;

[@ECPP]

Nice

[@timsteinkamp2245]

Good grief a whole video selling cars. Where are the America engines? In fact where is the talk of any engines? CLICK BAIT. I won't be back fool. Give me a Suburban or a Town Car. I consider a luxury car big not a small car.

[@ECPP]

Thanks