The Last Inline 6 Engine: BMW N52

Here’s an in-depth teardown inside of the BMW N52 Engine! In this video take a close look inside the last of BMW’s naturally aspirated inline 6 engine, the N52 model. This engine was found in the 1-series, 3-series and 5-series from the mid 2000’s until the mid-2010’s, until it was completely replaced by forced induction inline 4 engines.

We also take a look at where some of the problem spots are in this engine, despite it being one of BMW’s more mechanically reliable motors. Problem spots include oil leaks, such as the valve covers, valvetronic motor, VANOS solenoids, hydraulic lifters, oil filter housings as well as the electric water pump and thermostat. Some of these jobs, while not major, are labor intensive to replace due to them being nested in a tight engine bay.

Some unique features include BMW’s valvetronic technology, which uses a series of eccentric cams and an electric motor to control valve lift. The system replaces the duties of a typical throttle body by controlling the amount of air that can enter the engine, regardless of camshaft position.

Skip to section in the video:

0:00 Introduction
1:27 Engine Teardown
8:58 Component Analysis
9:04 Valve Cover
9:50 Valvetrain & VANOS
12:16 Valvetronic
15:35 Oil Filter
16:10 Engine Head
16:28 Engine Block
17:46 Oil Pump
19:00 Oil Pan
19:30 Conclusion

Get tools to maintain your BMW N52 powered car here:

Oil Filter Wrench:

E-torx Socket Set:

Torx Socket Set:

VANOS timing set:

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[saganworshipper]

When properly maintained this is one of the smoothest and quietest running engines I've ever listened to.

[CastironCoffee]

"Part of what makes this engine a real BMW is that it leaks oil" :)

[airtow]

I just ran across your channel and gotta say you are one knowledgeable guy. I went to a lot of training classes during my career and never saw presentations as clear and concise as yours. Fantastic job!

[many-points]

"now, part of what makes this a engine a real BMW is that it leaks oil"
TOO TRUE. You had me rolling on the floor laughing.

[kellyem]

BMW says that you can address carbon build up by running the engine at 3k rpm for several minutes, especially if you do a low of low rpm driving. I make sure to take it out every few days and work it to 3-5k in sport mode for a bit. Since I began doing that, the engine is performing like a rocket. Also, I have begun. at 138k, a slow investment in the motor, shaft sensors, seals, belt, vanos, OCV, and soon, the DISA. Ill probably keep investing. The mechanic’s son told me, “I think this is a fantastic BMW, it drives so well.”. The 52 is a marvel of efficiency.

[xhamster]

I drive a 06 BMW 325i with this engine, only smaller displacement. Had to replace the expensive water pump once and the oil consumption went down to zero after replacing all these gaskets. This engine is - even after 17 years and almost 120k miles - as smooth as on its first day.
By the way: since I had the above mentioned issues I looked across youtube for videos explaining parts of this engine and this clip is by far the best !! 👍

[terryjesper]

One of the smoothest engines. Can sit on the motorway @ 120mph all day, just stop to refuel. I've got the N53 which is a bit more economical. Wonderful engine for touring, quiet, powerful, economical.

[anthonygillesse]

I have two BMWs with this engine a 530xit and a Z4 coupe both with lots of miles and both run like a top knock on wood. And your right on with your description. If your handy with a wrench and stop the oil leaks they should go for a long time. Maintenance is the key

[davidmutethia]

Aaaah..so that's how valvetronic system works.. very precise bro.

[brianlobo]

This is quite a good engine and as you said relatively reliable. The N52 had a 3 stage intake system on the 330i which gave it a nice intake growl under full throttle and downshifts. 255hp is not a lot but still enough to enjoy fast sporty driving.

[sobzzer]

I got this engine in my F10, 5000 km since I bought it and I can say it has enough power for smooth daily driving, the sound is also very nice. I also have the oil leak from the valve gasket cover and now I know how to remove it :) Thanks, great video. Saved on my playlist for future garage repairs!

[Colakaktus]

Great tear down! Being an owner of a 325i with the N52B25 its great to have the knowledge of how this engine works both mechanicly and structually.

[chaitanyakumar]

Title: Guys roast a multi-million dollar company while disassembling their engine

[petesjk]

Like you mentioned, these engines were sensitive to proper oil pressure- so make sure you don’t have run low on oil, or even overfill the oil level. A really nice engine, overall.

[MahadWaal]

Was actually interested in the 3 series recently. Perfect timing.

[fg]

Honestly dude you did a fantastic job in this video very clear and detailed

[aowen]

I got this motor in my 2006 3 series. I got it six years now and its been pretty awesome. Enough power, smooth as butter and it handles great. Mainly because its my first rwd car, I've had 5 fwd cars before the 3 series. Just gotta be handy with a wrench. If not its best to get a Toyota.

[madmax]

One of my favorite engines, had one in a e90 from 70k km to 150k km did 4 oil changes 1 radiator 1 coil pack and 6x spark plugs I was super pleased with the motor and oddly I never had an oil leak was still very tidy under. I have since upgraded to the newer B58 I-6 3L single T and boy do I get similar vibes in the robustness

[lorenzlachmayr]

I got 220k kilometers on my N52B30 and it runs perfectly fine, pretty reliable motor in my opinion, maintenance is key

[jamsbong]

Thanks for this N52 teardown!

I'm an owner of a BMW 328i X-drive with N52 engine.
Yes, I have done the valve cover replacement including the gasket. I've also replace the oil filter housing gasket. And replaced the coolant hose attachment (plastic) located at the oil filter housing. I replaced it with a aluminum one.
I've also put in some AT-205 to stop oil leaks on the other gaskets. This seems to be working quite well. The engine itself is covered in grease and dirt. But it runs well and I enjoy driving the car.
It is unbelievable how many rubber, plastic parts there are in a BMW.

Lastly, BMWs need to be driven hard. So that the carbon build up goes away. Give the engine an Italian tune often and it will last longer.