Overview
The story
BMW built the N52 from 2004 to 2015. Its block is a magnesium and aluminum composite, Valvetronic varies the valve lift and VANOS the timing on both cams. The turbo N20 four began replacing it in 2011. A published reference
Specs
Versions
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3.0L N52 A published reference
215 hp in the 2006 325i, 230 hp in the 328i, 255 hp in the 330i
In E90 BMW 3 Series, 2006; E90 BMW 3 Series, 2007–2013; E60 BMW 5 Series, 2006–2010; F10 BMW 5 Series, 2011; E83 BMW X3, 2007–2010; F25 BMW X3, 2011–2012; E70 BMW X5, 2007–2010; E85 BMW Z4, 2006–2008; E89 BMW Z4, 2009–2011
Figures
- Displacement: 3.0L (2,996 cc) A published reference
- Bore × stroke: 85 × 88 mm A published reference
- Block: Magnesium and aluminum A published reference
Watch out
Faults owners and the press report, and how to spot each one.
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Electric water pump failure Every version
One source so far
Check: Watch for overheating, even at idle, and ask when the pump and thermostat were replaced.
BMW Tuning says the electric, plastic water pump usually fails around 80,000 miles, and recommends replacing the thermostat with it. A seller's guide (unofficial)
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Leaking oil filter housing gasket Every version
One source so far
Check: Look for oil at the front of the engine and on the drive belt.
BMW Tuning calls this the most serious of its leaks, because oil can reach the drive belt and damage the engine. A seller's guide (unofficial)
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Leaking valve cover gasket Every version
One source so far
Check: Look for oil around the valve cover and smell for burning oil.
BMW Tuning lists a leaking valve cover or its gasket among the common problems. A seller's guide (unofficial)
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Ticking hydraulic lifters 2008 and earlier
One source so far
Check: Listen for ticking on a cold start.
BMW Tuning says the tick is usually seen past 50,000 miles on 2008 and earlier engines, and calls it a nuisance rather than harmful. A seller's guide (unofficial)
Owning
Maintenance
No service schedule is added yet.
What owners and buyers say
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Sought after
More reliable than the turbo sixes Every version
One source so far
BMW Tuning says the N52 has proved more reliable than the N54, since it has no high-pressure fuel pump or direct injection, and that outside its common problems it is very reliable. A seller's guide (unofficial)