BMW M54 | Common Problems & Reliability

Today's video is dedicated to the BMW M54 engine, a legendary inline-six engine known for its smooth performance and durability. But like any engine, it has its share of known issues. In this comprehensive guide, Zach takes a deep dive into the most common problems associated with the M54 engine, their symptoms, and overall reliability. Whether you already own a BMW with an M54 engine or you're considering buying one, this video will provide you with valuable insights to for the M54 engine.

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00:29 – BMW M54 Engine Background
02:06 – Common Problem #1 – Water Pump & Thermostat
03:25 – Common Problem #2 – DISA Valve
04:24 – Common Problem #3 – VANOS Solenoids
05:41 – Common Problem #4 – PCV Valve
02:35 – Common Problem #5 – Valve Cover
06:36 – BMW M54 Reliability
07:39 – BMW M54 Summary

[JPnyc]

one more thing! VERY often overlooked and rarely mentioned: 🤓 The hydraulic lifters OFTEN clog and cause all kinds of engine fault codes, NONE of these codes actually mention to check the hydraulic lifters, they always "blame" another part. hence you end up replacing alot of parts which are still good without getting to the root cause. Try HYDRAULIC LIFTER CLEANING FLUID first, this stuff is meant to do just that, and it often really works! this is the simplest fix for your M54 engine, and you can't really hurt the engine with cleaner lifters, even if there is another fault as well.

[froggy]

I've replaced many of the plastic failing parts on my M54 engine to make it more bullet proof. (1) Aluminium Rocker Cover (2) water pump with a metal propeller (3) aluminium thermostat housing (4) Disa valve upgraded to aluminium one (5) aluminium fan belt pulley (6) aluminium power steering pulley. The other thing I'm considering is to remove the pcv setup to an oil catch can instead.

[geeniusatwrok]

Bought a 2001 E53 (1st-gen X5) with M54 and a 5-speed manual last year. About to hit 200Kmiles. Instant starts, no smoke, purrs, no issues other than the (Chinesium?) water pump failed 30Kmiles after replacement... OEM-only going forward. Prior owner did all the things mentioned here. Might want to mention the electric "auxiliary water pump" which are also prone to failing.

[emoven]

Oil leak from the oil filter housing gasket is also common on these

[Angel_PC]

Excellent video!
The information matches exactly with my experience in our 120k miles (22 years old) E46 M54.
We changed to an E60 530i M54 and surprisingly, it jerks just at 4, 000 rpm but it does it only when it has not been used for some weeks...
It's a bit strange.
Thanks a lot for the video!

[jw]

Comprehensive list of the major problems with the M54. Thanks for sharing

[davidparkin]

For some people who love the M54, it will be time for a rebuild. Regardless, the M54 3.0 and 2.8 is BMWs best, with all the necessary maintenance, no question. If nothing has gone wrong beyond 100K miles, have it checked from top to bottom anyway. You'll be happy. Except 22mpg depending on your model.

[zoneadmin-nc]

Alternator / Starter Motor / Fuel pump / Coils (every 150K) Polyurethane bushes (every 50K) and as soon as you can if you want to keep it - aluminium radiator, water pump and thermostat.
Emphasis on aluminium, including DISA. 100K only GM transmission flush. 15, 525 mile BMW oil changes. Valve covers at around 150k. Mine is 237, 000 old and that's all I can tell ya.

[georgiyanev]

This video is amazing, couldn't have been more accurate. I bought a BMW E46 with the M54B22 engine 5 months ago. All of the problematic things you mentioned were there and were fixed/replaced. Bought a new water pump and a thermostat, gasket and a fan(idk why it broke but it stopped spinning). The PCV valve was opened and cleaned and there was so much scum in there build up over time.

[danielatkinson]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and wisdom! Its greatly appreciated.

[toonie-ni]

I should have probably watched this BEFORE getting my E46 but oh well 😂

[DAME_AL]

Are the parts interchangeable like water pump thermostat etc between engines ?

[GioBMX]

Idk man. My vanos and solenoids have 256, 000 miles and have never been repaired lol. Also metal water pump is a permanent fix

[chuong]

Can i have your advice ? should i buy a 3 series like 325i E46, or 5 series E60, or 325i E90 which one is easy to deal with, less problem, easy to fix if it have problem, thank you.

[DisturbedBurger]

It'll last 300k?
Bruh, a good engine is TROUBLE FREE for 300k, and with TLC goes on to 500k or more.
[Not impressed] 😐

Edit: Ignore that above. I was being a neurotic asshat conspiring against BMW.