BMW N52 Engine | Reliability and 4 Common Problems

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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

[stevecariggillio]

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.

[davezaffina]

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.

[David-glrg]

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.

[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

[Rmmlom]

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.

[biggerinjapan]

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

[AB-jktw]

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

[Rmmlom]

In reality we have had our N51 now from New 2010 E92 M Sport. As for the problems up till now have only replaced 1 hose, and a battery, oil housing gaskets. Therm sensor. Nothing more..this is really been a very reliable car.

[xe_legend]

I own a 2009 X5 with the N52.... all I replaced thus far are the Vanos Solenoids, Valve Cover and gaskets, BMW replaced the PCV valve for me under recall.... I got a new belt, O2 sensors, Ignition Coils, DTML pump, New intake gaskets and oil change every 3500 to 5000 miles using Liqui Molly I now have 246k miles and it still running strong....

[m-rmhg]

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

[Maxze]

Purchased a 2006 E61 530i with 20.000 KM on the meter, The previous owner really cared for the car and the engine and made like 75% of theese replacements, i did thea oilcooler gasket and some Hoses that were prone to fail soon (looked horrible) pretty much the day after and it runs like butter and is by far one of the Funnier cars i have owned!

[KingMBmw]

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.

[danielcurtis]

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

[Rmmlom]

Yes, N51 with the smog pump and the 3 stage manifold for smog requirements in some states N52 not much different. the best engine BMW EVER MADE. Up till this day. In the next first naturally aspirated V8 N54 With the rod bearings failure and throttle actuators going out.

[jazzfan]

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.

[jimmcgee]

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.

[guamchris]

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.

[billybobbarker]

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.

[jprince]

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

[sleepytaurus]

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