The Most Reliable BMW Engine, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the engine you think is the most reliable!

Updated on Apr 29, 2024 06:54

When considering a purchase in the dynamic automotive world, potential BMW buyers meticulously analyze engine reliability. Being informed about the lifespan and durability of different engines can significantly sway a buyer's decision, underscoring the value of having a continuously updated, crowd-sourced ranking. This live ranking system serves as a crucial resource, aggregating user experiences and votes to guide new or existing enthusiasts in making informed decisions. Your contributions matter as each vote helps refine and perfect the accuracy of the information, ensuring that the community benefits from the most reliable and up-to-date data.

What Is the Most Reliable BMW Engine?

1

44
votes

Chris1287 · Public domain

BMW M50/M52

These engines were used in the E36 and E46 3-Series and are known for their reliability and durability. They also have a large aftermarket support and are easy to maintain.
2

44
votes
Olli1800 · CC BY-SA 3.0

BMW N52

BMW

This engine was used in the E90 and E60 5-Series and is known for its smooth power delivery and reliability. It also has a variable valve timing system that improves performance and fuel efficiency.
The BMW N52 is a naturally aspirated straight-six petrol engine produced by BMW. It was first introduced in 2004 and was used in various BMW models until 2015. The N52 engine is known for its reliability, smooth operation, and decent power output.

Engine type: Naturally aspirated straight-six

Displacement: 2.5L or 3.0L

Valvetrain: Double VANOS variable valve timing

Compression ratio: 10.7:1

Power output: 215-330 horsepower
3

24
votes
Hatsukari715 · Public domain

BMW S54

BMW

This engine was used in the E46 M3 and is a high-performance engine that is also reliable. It has a high redline and is known for its linear power delivery.
The BMW S54 is a high-performance six-cylinder engine known for its reliable and robust design. It is an inline-six engine that has garnered significant praise for its power output and durability.

Displacement: 3.2 L

Configuration: Inline-six

Valvetrain: DOHC, 24 valves

Power Output: 343 hp

Torque: 269 lb-ft
BMW S54 in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most reliable six-cylinder engine
4

20
votes
Avolutions · CC BY-SA 3.0

BMW N55

BMW

This engine was used in the E90 and F30 3-Series and is known for its reliability and smooth power delivery. It also has a turbocharger that improves performance without sacrificing fuel efficiency.
The BMW N55 is a turbocharged inline-six engine that was produced by BMW from 2009 to 2019. It is one of the most reliable engines in BMW's lineup, known for its smooth power delivery and impressive performance.

Redline: 7,000 RPM

Engine type: Inline-six

Valvetrain: DOHC with variable valve timing

Displacement: 3.0 L

Turbocharging: Single-twin scroll turbocharger
5

4
votes
Hatsukari715 · Public domain

BMW S85

BMW M GmbH

This engine was used in the E60 M5 and is a high-performance engine that is also reliable. It has a high redline and is known for its smooth power delivery.
The BMW S85 is a high-performance V10 petrol engine produced by BMW. It was primarily used in the BMW M5 (E60) and BMW M6 (E63/E64) models.

Type: V10 engine

Displacement: 5.0 L (4,999 cc)

Configuration: 90-degree V10

Valvetrain: DOHC with variable valve timing

Power output: 500 hp (373 kW; 507 PS) at 7,750 rpm
6

16
votes
Aconcagua (talk) · CC BY-SA 3.0

BMW M54

BMW

This engine was used in the E46 3-Series and is known for its reliability and durability. It also has a variable valve timing system that improves performance and fuel efficiency.
The BMW M54 is a highly regarded inline-six engine produced by BMW from 2000 to 2006. It is known for its performance, reliability, and smooth operation.

Engine Type: Inline-six

Displacement: 2.5L or 3.0L

Power Output: 168 to 239 horsepower

Torque: 164 to 225 lb-ft

Valvetrain: DOHC, four valves per cylinder
BMW M54 in other rankings
- Position 6 of 10 in Most reliable engine for a car
7

8
votes
C.Bakker at Dutch Wikipedia · Public domain

BMW M20

BMW

This engine was used in the E30 3-Series and is known for its reliability and durability. It also has a large aftermarket support and is easy to maintain.
The BMW M20 is an inline-six engine developed by BMW. It was produced from 1976 to 1993 and is highly regarded for its reliability and robustness.

Engine type: Inline-six

Displacement: 2.0 - 2.7 liters

Fuel delivery: Bosch K-Jetronic or Motronic fuel injection

Valvetrain: DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshaft)

Power output: 121 - 167 horsepower
8

4
votes
Jan Ascher · Public domain

BMW M30

BMW

This engine was used in the E28 and E34 5-Series and is known for its reliability and durability. It also has a large aftermarket support and is easy to maintain.
The BMW M30 is a straight-six engine that was produced by BMW from 1968 to 1994. It is known for its reliability, durability, and smooth operation.

Displacement: 2.5L - 3.5L

Configuration: Inline 6-cylinder

Valvetrain: SOHC or DOHC

Fuel System: Fuel Injection or Carburetor

Power Output: 140 hp - 250 hp
9

3
votes
Nslsmith at English Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0

BMW M62

BMW

This engine was used in the E38 and E39 5-Series and is known for its reliability and durability. It also has a large aftermarket support and is easy to maintain.
The BMW M62 is a V8 engine that was produced by BMW from 1996 to 2005. It was a reliable and versatile engine that powered various BMW models during that time period.

Engine type: V8

Displacement: 3.6L - 4.9L

Horsepower: 282 - 394 hp

Torque: 310 - 444 lb-ft

Fuel system: Electronic fuel injection
10

7
votes
Dabombazzz · Public domain

BMW N63

This engine was used in the F10 5-Series and is known for its reliability and smooth power delivery. It also has a twin-turbocharger that improves performance without sacrificing fuel efficiency.
The BMW N63 is a twin-turbo V8 engine developed by BMW. It is known for its performance, power, and smooth operation.

Engine Type: Twin-turbocharged V8

Displacement: 4.4 liters

Power Output: Between 402 hp and 601 hp

Torque: Between 442 lb-ft and 590 lb-ft

Fuel Injection: Direct Injection

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most reliable BMW engine. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or engine is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

2242 views
171 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each engine once every 24 hours. The rank of each engine is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most reliable bmw engine

When it comes to performance and reliability, BMW engines are considered to be some of the best in the market. BMW has consistently produced engines that deliver power, efficiency, and durability. However, with so many options to choose from, it can be challenging to determine which engine is the most reliable. Over the years, BMW has produced a variety of engines ranging from four-cylinder to twelve-cylinder options. Each engine has its unique characteristics, and the reliability of the engine depends on several factors such as maintenance, driving conditions, and usage. Among the many BMW engines, the M54 engine stands out as one of the most reliable. This six-cylinder engine was produced from 2000 to 2006 and was used in several BMW models, including the 3 series, 5 series, and X3. It is known for its excellent performance, smooth operation, and low maintenance costs. Another popular reliable BMW engine is the N52 engine. This six-cylinder engine was produced from 2004 to 2015 and was used in several BMW models, including the 1 series, 3 series, and X1. It is known for its excellent fuel efficiency, low emissions, and smooth operation. Ultimately, the most reliable BMW engine depends on personal preference and needs. However, the M54 and N52 engines are excellent options to consider for those looking for a reliable and high-performance engine.