N52

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nj325ci
Posts: 170
Joined: Wed May 21, 2008 9:38 am

N52

Post by nj325ci »

As my 2006 Z4 Coupe hits 70K miles I was wondering about the long term reliability of the magnesium/aluminum core and the N52 in general. I've had no-issue 200K experiences with my E30s (eta and is) and my E46. I'm hoping for the same with this vehicle. I figure this motor has been in service long enough now that any inherent problems would be well known.

Does anyone know how this motor has been holding up in general?

Thanks, Bill

victory1auto
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Joined: Wed Nov 10, 2004 1:37 pm

Post by victory1auto »

I have seen N52s with well in excess of 100k providing reliable service.

However, the height of BMW engine long-term reliability may have been the M20 and M50 motors, and maybe the M30s. 200k was not much of a hurdle for them.

jnscaldwell
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Post by jnscaldwell »

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ccraig13
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Post by ccraig13 »

Mine has over 85k and no issues so far ( Unless you count the lifter ticking, which technically is just an annoyance not a problem ).
2007 328xi E92 6MT Jet Black/Coral Red

nj325ci
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Post by nj325ci »

Thanks for the feedback. So it sounds like its on par with the current BMW motors.

RAYADAM
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Post by RAYADAM »

Overall it's a great engine, my 2008 Z4 3.0si had to be the quickest non M car I ever owned ,Felt the engine was under rated power wise.incredible response and power delivery.. of course with the open diff,it was hard to keep the power down :-()

Anyways, Please be aware that the electric water pump does not last forever. vanos solenoids can become an issue (good thing they relatively easy to change).Valvetronic(could get sluggish,DME will detect issues),when changing plugs to make sure they are torqued back in .

My advise is to scan the DME for codes every once in awhile for any pending faults , DME has quite a few protection methods built in . any E/pump faults will display as pending if it only happens once and will be no MIL until fault becomes present or happens more frequently.
The number one thing you'll know if the cooling circuit is in distress is the aux fan will spool up at high speed and MIL will be displayed.
Valvetronic motor can get a little sluggish over time(electric motor attached to valve cover to the intermediate lever for intake valves) .
this motor relies on a healthy charging system and strong battery . be sure you are good in that area.

Enjoy your car! , change the oil regularly and you'll be fine.
Ray
2011 X5d
2018 Shelby GT350

victory1auto
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Post by victory1auto »

Bill: I forgot to ask what oil-change interval you use and what oil.

Ray: >Please be aware that the electric water pump does not last forever.< You are a master of understatement! Is there a replacement interval you recommend for the pump rather than waiting for it to fail?

RAYADAM
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Post by RAYADAM »

victory1auto wrote:Ray: >Please be aware that the electric water pump does not last forever.< You are a master of understatement! Is there a replacement interval you recommend for the pump rather than waiting for it to fail?
I can tell you I have been seeing in the vincinity of 80-100k miles, some will fail earlier , some later..
please do not use this as a guage for replacement..BMW does not suggest a replacement interval.Its all just from experience
Ray
2011 X5d
2018 Shelby GT350

nj325ci
Posts: 170
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Post by nj325ci »

Thanks very much Vic and Ray! I'll definitely stay on top of the codes and keep an eye out for the signs you've noted. The battery comment is timely as it still has the original; I was contemplating replacing it and now I will. As far as oil changes, I go 5K with the BMW synthetic with a change before and after any track days.

Thanks again.

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