BMW Engine Reliability
enginecreep has profiled 47 BMW engines, with an average reliability score of 57/100. Each one below has its own reliability score, known issues, and buying checklist.
GOOD 8SOLID 18RISKY 19AVOID 2
BMW
M47
320d · E46/E90 · 2001–2007
61/100SOLID
Swirl Flap Failure / IngestionCrankshaft Pulley / Harmonic Balancer Failure
BMW
N54
335i · E90/E92 · 2009–2010
52/100RISKY
High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) FailureWastegate Actuator Rattle
BMW
B58
340i · F30 · 2016–2019
74/100GOOD
Integrated Intake Manifold / Intercooler LeaksTurbocharger Reliability Under Harsh Conditions
BMW
N47
3 Series · E90/E91/E92 · 2009–2012
38/100RISKY
Rear Timing Chain FailureEGR Cooler Failure and Oil Contamination
BMW
N46
320i · E90/E92 · 2005–2013
48/100RISKY
Timing Chain Stretch & Guide FailureValve Stem Seal & Oil Consumption
BMW
B47
320d · F30 · 2015–2018
50/100RISKY
EGR Cooler Coolant Leak, Fire RiskTiming Chain Tension and Guide Wear
BMW
B58
M340i · G20 · 2019–2025
74/100GOOD
Coolant Loss / Coolant Vent Tube FailureValvetronic Motor / Actuator Faults
BMW
N55
335i · E90/E92 · 2010–2012
62/100SOLID
Valve Cover Gasket Oil LeakOil Filter Housing Gasket (OFHG) Leak
BMW
S54
M3 · E46 · 2000–2006
52/100RISKY
Rod Bearing FailureVANOS Variable Valve Timing Issues
BMW
N47
3 Series · F30 · 2012–2015
42/100RISKY
Timing Chain Failure (Rear-Mounted)High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Failure
BMW
N55
335i · F30 · 2012–2016
66/100SOLID
Timing Chain & Tensioner WearOil Filter Housing Gasket Leak
BMW
S55
M4 · F82/F83 · 2014–2020
60/100SOLID
Crank Hub Slipping (Friction-Fit Design Weakness)High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Failure
BMW
N20
328i · F30 · 2012–2015
42/100RISKY
Timing Chain & Guide FailureElectric Water Pump Failure
BMW
S55
M3 · F80 · 2014–2020
50/100RISKY
Rod Bearing FailureCharge Air Cooler / Intercooler Coolant Leak
BMW
N47
520d · F10/F11 · 2010–2013
42/100RISKY
Timing Chain Failure (Rear-Mounted)High Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Failure with Metal Contamination
BMW
S50
M3 · E36 · 1992–1999
62/100SOLID
VANOS Unit FailureHead Gasket Failure
BMW
S65
M3 · E90/E92 · 2007–2013
52/100RISKY
Rod Bearing FailureThrottle Body Actuator Failure
BMW
S63
M5 · F10 · 2011–2016
42/100RISKY
Excessive Oil Consumption (Valve Stem Seals / Piston Rings)Turbocharger Heat Soak and Premature Wear
BMW
S14
M3 · E30 · 1986–1991
62/100SOLID
Water Pump Failure and Coolant System LeaksEngine Theft and Parts Availability Risk
BMW
B48
320i · F30 · 2015–2018
68/100SOLID
Oil Filter Housing (OFH) Coolant LeakPlastic Cooling System Component Failures
BMW
N52
328i · E90 · 2006–2012
78/100GOOD
Electric Water Pump Premature FailureThermostat and Cooling System Failure
BMW
N57
530d · F10/F11 · 2010–2016
60/100SOLID
High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) FailureRod Bearing Failure / Oil Starvation
BMW
S85
M5 · E60 · 2005–2010
38/100RISKY
Rod Bearing Failure / Crankshaft Bearing WearThrottle Actuator Failure (SMG Gear Motor / Throttle Body)
BMW
M54
330i · E46 · 2000–2005
74/100GOOD
VANOS Unit Wear and Seal FailureCooling System Component Failure (Water Pump, Thermostat, Radiator)
BMW
M57
330d · E90 · 2005–2011
68/100SOLID
Swirl Flap Failure, Engine Ingestion RiskEGR Cooler Cracking and Internal Coolant Leak
BMW
N47
120d · F20/F21 · 2011–2014
42/100RISKY
Timing Chain Failure (Rear-Mounted)High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Wear, Bosch CP4.1
BMW
N63
550i · F10 · 2010–2016
32/100AVOID
Severe Oil Consumption – Piston Rings & Valve Stem SealsCrankcase Ventilation (CCV) Hose Failure
BMW
N63
X5 50i · F15 · 2013–2018
28/100AVOID
Valve Stem Seal Failure & Excessive Oil ConsumptionTiming Chain Wear & Tensioner Failure
BMW
S62
M5 · E39 · 1998–2003
60/100SOLID
Valve Stem Seal FailureWater Pump Failure
BMW
M50B25
325i · E36 · 1990–1995
72/100GOOD
Cooling System Failure, Water Pump & ThermostatVANOS Unit Wear and Performance Degradation
BMW
M20B25
325i · E30 · 1985–1991
76/100GOOD
Timing Belt Failure RiskCoolant System Oil Contamination / Head Gasket Seepage
BMW
N20
428i · F32/F33 · 2013–2016
52/100RISKY
Timing Chain & Guide FailureHead Gasket Failure / Aluminium Block Damage
BMW
M62B44
540i · E39 · 1996–2003
68/100SOLID
VANOS Solenoid and Seal Failure (M62TU variant, 1998 onward)Cooling System Deterioration
BMW
N63
540i · G30 · 2017–2023
42/100RISKY
Hot-Vee Turbocharger Overheating & Premature FailureHigh Engine Oil Consumption
BMW
S38B35
M5 · E28 · 1986–1988
47/100RISKY
Head and Valve Train DamageCam Gear and Timing Chain Wear
BMW
B57
330d · G20 · 2019–2025
72/100GOOD
EGR Cooler Leak / FailureTurbocharger Wastegate Actuator Rattle
BMW
B58
1 Series · F20 · 2016–2019
74/100GOOD
EGR Cooler Coolant LeakPetrol Particulate Filter (GPF/OPF) Restriction and Warning
BMW
N55
1 Series · F20 · 2012–2015
62/100SOLID
Turbo Failure / Actuator WeaknessOil Leaks (Multiple Sources)
BMW
M88/3
M635CSi/M6 · E24 · 1984–1989
48/100RISKY
Piston and Top-End Wear at High CompressionParts Scarcity and Sourcing Difficulty
BMW
N74B60
760i · F01 · 2009–2015
52/100RISKY
Twin-Turbo System FailureFuel Pump Failure (High-Pressure)
BMW
B47
1 Series · F20 · 2015–2019
64/100SOLID
EGR Cooler Failure / Coolant LeakTiming Chain Guide Wear (Front-Mounted)
BMW
B38
1 Series · F20 · 2015–2019
63/100SOLID
EGR Cooler Failure & RecallTurbo Coolant Line Leaks
BMW
B37
1 Series · F20 · 2015–2019
62/100SOLID
EGR Cooler Failure and LeaksEGR Valve Carbon Buildup and Sticking
BMW
N20
1 Series · F20 · 2012–2015
52/100RISKY
Timing Chain, Guides & Tensioner FailureWastegate Rattle / Turbo Actuator Noise
BMW
B48
1 Series · F20 · 2015–2019
62/100SOLID
Coolant System Leaks (Plastic Components)Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves
BMW
N13
1 Series · F20 · 2011–2015
58/100SOLID
Timing Chain and Tensioner WearElectric Water Pump Failure
BMW
N55
1 Series · F20 · 2015–2016
66/100SOLID
Timing Chain Guide Wear & FailureRod Bearing Failure (Spun Bearing)