EngineCreep
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BMW N20
vs N52

N20 45–52/100 · N52 74/100

On our scores the BMW N52 is the safer buy: 74/100 against 45–52/100 for the BMW N20.

Version by version

BMW N20

  1. BMW N20 in the 328i F302012–2015

    52/100Risky

    12 confirmed issues

    Best-known problemOil pump wear / sludge buildup · from 100k km · €1,500–4,000

  2. BMW N20 in the 125i F202012–2015

    49/100Risky

    11 confirmed issues

    Best-known problemOil pump wear / sludge buildup · from 79k km · €1,500–4,000

  3. BMW N20 in the 428i F322013–2016

    45/100Risky

    11 confirmed issues

    Best-known problemOil pump drive chain failure · from 79k km · €1,500–4,000

BMW N52

  1. BMW N52 in the 328i E902006–2012

    74/100Good

    16 confirmed issues

    Best-known problemVANOS bolt failure · from 110k km · up to €2,500

The problems they share

Reported on both

  • Oil pump wear / sludge buildup
  • High-pressure fuel pump failure
  • Water pump failure
  • Oil leak from seals or gaskets
  • Fuel injector failure
  • Thermostat / temperature sensor failure
  • Dual-mass flywheel / clutch wear
  • Variable valve timing solenoid/actuator failure
  • Head gasket failure
  • Excessive oil consumption

Only on the BMW N20

  • Timing chain stretch / guide wear
  • Vacuum pump failure
  • Wastegate / boost actuator failure
  • Intake valve carbon buildup
  • Oil pump drive chain failure

Only on the BMW N52

  • VANOS bolt failure
  • Crankcase vent heater short
  • Piston ringland failure
  • Head bolt stretch
  • Engine sensor failure
  • ECU fault or wiring issue

A problem missing from a version may be rarer there, or have fewer owner reports behind it so far.

Head to head