E92 N52 vs N53 in 2020
Discussion
Hey guys,
So after getting a decent job, and my current Golf is trying to killing me, I feel like it is time for an upgrade, and an E92/3 325i or 330i seems to be a likely candidate, modern, nice looks and affordable.
As I had some downtime at work I put the hours in, and I have done the research, N53 has the injector issues and HPFP issues, but lower fuel and tax bills, whereas N52 is simple and works.
Thing is, most of these posts were made years ago, and I am just wondering, whether the N53 is looked in a better light now, as I believe if injectors failed before, they were fixed with index 11 or 12 ones.
Am I on the right track here? Also I am looking at cars between £3k-5K, to give you an idea of the car quality.
Also as I just found some in my price bracket, would a E64 630i be a better car, or is that a different beast compared to E92? Although this is more of a "make sure I get the best car for the money" question really.
So after getting a decent job, and my current Golf is trying to killing me, I feel like it is time for an upgrade, and an E92/3 325i or 330i seems to be a likely candidate, modern, nice looks and affordable.
As I had some downtime at work I put the hours in, and I have done the research, N53 has the injector issues and HPFP issues, but lower fuel and tax bills, whereas N52 is simple and works.
Thing is, most of these posts were made years ago, and I am just wondering, whether the N53 is looked in a better light now, as I believe if injectors failed before, they were fixed with index 11 or 12 ones.
Am I on the right track here? Also I am looking at cars between £3k-5K, to give you an idea of the car quality.
Also as I just found some in my price bracket, would a E64 630i be a better car, or is that a different beast compared to E92? Although this is more of a "make sure I get the best car for the money" question really.
- Sorry about the title, typo...**
Edited by Nefos on Tuesday 4th February 14:31
A 325i or 330i would actually be an N52 or if post 2007 an N53.
Most cars will have had injectors and hpfp replaced by now, but the N53 being direct injection can also get clogged up intakes. Worth checking to see if it has had a walnut blast at some stage.
N52 seems to be pretty reliable, but getting on quite a bit now.
All of these will have a waterpump fail at some point, which can be pricey to sort. Again many will have already had this.
As the 630i, it is much bigger and is a 5 series derivative. That may be a good thing, but it is quite a bit bigger and more of a cruiser than a 3 series.
Good history with regular servicing and quality parts beats low mileage and avoid anything that had been neglected.
Most cars will have had injectors and hpfp replaced by now, but the N53 being direct injection can also get clogged up intakes. Worth checking to see if it has had a walnut blast at some stage.
N52 seems to be pretty reliable, but getting on quite a bit now.
All of these will have a waterpump fail at some point, which can be pricey to sort. Again many will have already had this.
As the 630i, it is much bigger and is a 5 series derivative. That may be a good thing, but it is quite a bit bigger and more of a cruiser than a 3 series.
Good history with regular servicing and quality parts beats low mileage and avoid anything that had been neglected.
Edited by MikeM6 on Tuesday 4th February 14:22
Edited by MikeM6 on Tuesday 4th February 14:23
MikeM6 said:
A 325i or 330i would actually be an N52 or if post 2007 an N53.
Most cars will have had injectors and hpfp replaced by now, but the N53 being direct injection can also get clogged up intakes. Worth checking to see if it has had a walnut blast at some stage.
N52 seems to be pretty reliable, but getting on quite a bit now.
All of these will have a waterpump fail at some point, which can be pricey to sort. Again many will have already had this.
As the 630i, it is much bigger and is a 5 series derivative. That may be a good thing, but it is quite a bit bigger and more of a cruiser than a 3 series.
Good history with regular servicing and quality parts beats low mileage and avoid anything that had been neglected.
Cheers, I will edit the title and my post, that was a typo with N52/42Most cars will have had injectors and hpfp replaced by now, but the N53 being direct injection can also get clogged up intakes. Worth checking to see if it has had a walnut blast at some stage.
N52 seems to be pretty reliable, but getting on quite a bit now.
All of these will have a waterpump fail at some point, which can be pricey to sort. Again many will have already had this.
As the 630i, it is much bigger and is a 5 series derivative. That may be a good thing, but it is quite a bit bigger and more of a cruiser than a 3 series.
Good history with regular servicing and quality parts beats low mileage and avoid anything that had been neglected.
Edited by MikeM6 on Tuesday 4th February 14:22
Edited by MikeM6 on Tuesday 4th February 14:23
yeah, I have read the waterpump as well, seems pricey at £100 ish (depends where do I look) but not unreasonable
So as long as injectors and HFPF has been replaced (which is likely) it should be good? Plus the intake cleaning is a bonus
I am sticking with the E92, big enough for myself, cheers
I would like to think that most N53s would be pretty sorted by now. I had a N53 330i e92 about 6 years ago and it served me very well for a couple of years. I only sold it to help fund a house purchase. The previous owner had done the fuel pumps and injectors through a BMW gesture of goodwill and it never missed a beat in my ownership.
I now have an e91 N52 330i which has also been great and there is very little difference in terms of performance, although the N53 did feel a little more spritely at the top end of the revs.
Both cars were manual gearbox and pretty good fun to drive. The N53 was slightly better on fuel, but I think the N52 has a slightly deeper and more purposeful exhaust note.
I don't think there's any difference in tax?
Good choice of car regardless of which one you go for, but I do feel less nervous about unexpected bills and being left stranded now I own a N52 powerplant.
I now have an e91 N52 330i which has also been great and there is very little difference in terms of performance, although the N53 did feel a little more spritely at the top end of the revs.
Both cars were manual gearbox and pretty good fun to drive. The N53 was slightly better on fuel, but I think the N52 has a slightly deeper and more purposeful exhaust note.
I don't think there's any difference in tax?
Good choice of car regardless of which one you go for, but I do feel less nervous about unexpected bills and being left stranded now I own a N52 powerplant.
croissant said:
I would like to think that most N53s would be pretty sorted by now. I had a N53 330i e92 about 6 years ago and it served me very well for a couple of years. I only sold it to help fund a house purchase. The previous owner had done the fuel pumps and injectors through a BMW gesture of goodwill and it never missed a beat in my ownership.
I now have an e91 N52 330i which has also been great and there is very little difference in terms of performance, although the N53 did feel a little more spritely at the top end of the revs.
Both cars were manual gearbox and pretty good fun to drive. The N53 was slightly better on fuel, but I think the N52 has a slightly deeper and more purposeful exhaust note.
I don't think there's any difference in tax?
Good choice of car regardless of which one you go for, but I do feel less nervous about unexpected bills and being left stranded now I own a N52 powerplant.
Cheers for the reply.I now have an e91 N52 330i which has also been great and there is very little difference in terms of performance, although the N53 did feel a little more spritely at the top end of the revs.
Both cars were manual gearbox and pretty good fun to drive. The N53 was slightly better on fuel, but I think the N52 has a slightly deeper and more purposeful exhaust note.
I don't think there's any difference in tax?
Good choice of car regardless of which one you go for, but I do feel less nervous about unexpected bills and being left stranded now I own a N52 powerplant.
If I could I would choose an N52 just for peace of mind, but there are some good N53 cars out there with better general condition and equipment. As well the N53 325i can be transformed into a 330i with a manifold and tune according to my research, which sounds great.
My main issue with this preference is that there are not a huge amount of E92 in this price range, so I cannot be too picky.
Tax is according to Autotrader and Parkers
With the facelift that started in September, BMW introduced 'efficient dynamics' tech that impacted on tax as it reduced co2. For instance a pre LCI 335i is £500+ to tax, a post LCI is £300ish. That might account for some of the difference across the range.
I also believe that the N53 has more low end torque, meaning it can be driven more efficiently (based on the then used testing methods). This would give it higher MPG and lower co2 on paper (if not the real world).
I would happily have a well cared for N53 over a ropey N52, but beware, the rest of the car can also throw big bills. Clutch is over £1k, suspension is not cheap, tyres are pricey (especially staggered sizes), brakes can be expensive. I spent quite a bit on my 335i on maintainance, not all engine related.
Don't skimp on tyres, it needs good rubber and cheapo tyres is a good sign if neglect
If you find one with iDrive, the pre 2008 CCC system is a bit naff now, so don't pay a premium for it. The newer CIC system is miles better, but that is on 2008/2009 onwards cars.
I also believe that the N53 has more low end torque, meaning it can be driven more efficiently (based on the then used testing methods). This would give it higher MPG and lower co2 on paper (if not the real world).
I would happily have a well cared for N53 over a ropey N52, but beware, the rest of the car can also throw big bills. Clutch is over £1k, suspension is not cheap, tyres are pricey (especially staggered sizes), brakes can be expensive. I spent quite a bit on my 335i on maintainance, not all engine related.
Don't skimp on tyres, it needs good rubber and cheapo tyres is a good sign if neglect
If you find one with iDrive, the pre 2008 CCC system is a bit naff now, so don't pay a premium for it. The newer CIC system is miles better, but that is on 2008/2009 onwards cars.
Hi
I have a 2007 N53 E92. I have owned it for three years, without too many issues. It has 70k miles on it.
Biggest bill has been the ABS pump at about £500.
I do worry about the 'common' faults but so far it has been fine. Sometimes mine throws an EML, but this clears quickly and BMW have not been able to diagnose an issue.
A mate borrowed it last week because his A5 (3.0TDI) needed some work. He was really impressed with it for a 13year old car, which made me feel better as I always worry it needs a walnut blast or something. He said it still feels really fresh, I suspect I have just got used to it.
I have iDrive in mine too and still quite rate it. Only disappointment is no Bluetooth but I have retrofitted a cheap Parrot kit to solve this.
In summary, the N53 can be reliable.
Mike
I have a 2007 N53 E92. I have owned it for three years, without too many issues. It has 70k miles on it.
Biggest bill has been the ABS pump at about £500.
I do worry about the 'common' faults but so far it has been fine. Sometimes mine throws an EML, but this clears quickly and BMW have not been able to diagnose an issue.
A mate borrowed it last week because his A5 (3.0TDI) needed some work. He was really impressed with it for a 13year old car, which made me feel better as I always worry it needs a walnut blast or something. He said it still feels really fresh, I suspect I have just got used to it.
I have iDrive in mine too and still quite rate it. Only disappointment is no Bluetooth but I have retrofitted a cheap Parrot kit to solve this.
In summary, the N53 can be reliable.
Mike
I just bought a 56 plate 330i with the N52, 72k miles, fully loaded with options including radar cruise control - didn't even know that existed 14 years ago!
Specifically bought the 56 plate for the N52 due to reputation of the N53, spoke to my local BMW indy (it's in with them tomorrow) prior to buying to confirm that choice. All this for the princely sum of £3.5k. Couldn't be happier, it's a cracking car and engine.
Specifically bought the 56 plate for the N52 due to reputation of the N53, spoke to my local BMW indy (it's in with them tomorrow) prior to buying to confirm that choice. All this for the princely sum of £3.5k. Couldn't be happier, it's a cracking car and engine.
Nefos said:
Beautiful, that is the price range mainly I am looking for as well!
I was actually looking at that exact car before, nice buy!
Thing is it seems finding an N52 is very difficult, whereas there are better choices with N53, so for that reason probably I am getting an N53
There is an n52 e90 for sale for less than 3k over on uk e90post, in case you've not seen it.I was actually looking at that exact car before, nice buy!
Thing is it seems finding an N52 is very difficult, whereas there are better choices with N53, so for that reason probably I am getting an N53
I've got an n53 and think it's a pretty good engine. Had it nearly 5 years and no major issues. Very aware it can throw some big bills though, but then what engine can't these days?
One more question:
SE vs M Sport. After loads of googling it seems the main difference is the body kit, suspension and seats.
I would prefer the M Sport just because of looks, but I have seen sport seats in SEs as well, and because I buy a used car, with a big emphasis on condition, I would like to include SEs in the search.
Is there a big difference between the SE suspension compared to the M Sport?
Is there anything else between the 2 packets that differentiate them?
Is SE good as well as a sports car?
I am fairly aware these are personal options, but I am just pretty nervous as I am about the spend the most amount of money I have ever spent at one go
And one more questions here: E93, should I consider them? I have read the roofs are mostly reliable, and I love the coupe, but the drop top driving would be lovely as well
SE vs M Sport. After loads of googling it seems the main difference is the body kit, suspension and seats.
I would prefer the M Sport just because of looks, but I have seen sport seats in SEs as well, and because I buy a used car, with a big emphasis on condition, I would like to include SEs in the search.
Is there a big difference between the SE suspension compared to the M Sport?
Is there anything else between the 2 packets that differentiate them?
Is SE good as well as a sports car?
I am fairly aware these are personal options, but I am just pretty nervous as I am about the spend the most amount of money I have ever spent at one go
And one more questions here: E93, should I consider them? I have read the roofs are mostly reliable, and I love the coupe, but the drop top driving would be lovely as well
Personally I don’t like the look of the SE’s plus the sports seats are worth holding out for an M Sport because I find them really comfortable.
I had an E90 330 with the N52 from 2013 to 2016 and it was a great car. Not fast by modern standards and with the auto box it liked a bit of a drink on short trips but it was a nice size, looked good in M Sport trim and Le Mans blue paint.
It also proved to be reliable: we can it from 67k to circa 97k. Managed to escape the water pump issue with the only unexpected bull being VANOS actuators. Other than that it was just routine maintenance and consumable. Tyres dropped in price over the course of ownership; the first pair of rear tyres made my eyes water but the second pair were much cheaper.
Personally I wouldn’t get too hung up on which engine version you buy, buy focus more on condition and history.
I had an E90 330 with the N52 from 2013 to 2016 and it was a great car. Not fast by modern standards and with the auto box it liked a bit of a drink on short trips but it was a nice size, looked good in M Sport trim and Le Mans blue paint.
It also proved to be reliable: we can it from 67k to circa 97k. Managed to escape the water pump issue with the only unexpected bull being VANOS actuators. Other than that it was just routine maintenance and consumable. Tyres dropped in price over the course of ownership; the first pair of rear tyres made my eyes water but the second pair were much cheaper.
Personally I wouldn’t get too hung up on which engine version you buy, buy focus more on condition and history.
I went for the N52 (E91 330i Auto) because of the reported rep for reliability. It has been okish...oil leak from both the sump pan gasket and the rear main seal as well as the oil filter housing gasket. 
Did the waterpump as a precaution (because wife's car).
Looks nice though.
I do think the M Sport trim is a lot better looking than the regular SE (as a Touring or Saloon). I was concerned that the ride would be really crap on the Sports Suspension (because RFTs) but actually now that it's on Goodyear Eagle F1s, it's very good.
Auto box is thirsty. Notably worse economy than either my E46 330Ci (M54) or my Z4 3.0Si (N52).
Some more info on the E63 here: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
E93 is heavier than the the equivalent coupe. Also boot space is er...rather limited.
Thread about the E93 roof reliability here: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
At the end of the day, it's a BMW over a decade old. Go into it with your eyes open. Things will need replacing eventually if not done already. They are nice cars though and the naturally aspirated BMW 6 cylinder engine is a great bit of kit. Good luck with your search.
Did the waterpump as a precaution (because wife's car).Looks nice though.
I do think the M Sport trim is a lot better looking than the regular SE (as a Touring or Saloon). I was concerned that the ride would be really crap on the Sports Suspension (because RFTs) but actually now that it's on Goodyear Eagle F1s, it's very good.
Auto box is thirsty. Notably worse economy than either my E46 330Ci (M54) or my Z4 3.0Si (N52).
MikeM6 said:
As the 630i, it is much bigger and is a 5 series derivative. That may be a good thing, but it is quite a bit bigger and more of a cruiser than a 3 series.
I went to test drive a 630i last month. The interior build seems nicer than the E9X (feels plusher) but the rear seats are total malarkey.As above, definitely a cruiser/GT vs the smaller and more sporty 3 Series.Some more info on the E63 here: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Nefos said:
One more question:
SE vs M Sport. After loads of googling it seems the main difference is the body kit, suspension and seats.
I would prefer the M Sport just because of looks, but I have seen sport seats in SEs as well, and because I buy a used car, with a big emphasis on condition, I would like to include SEs in the search.
Is there a big difference between the SE suspension compared to the M Sport?
Is there anything else between the 2 packets that differentiate them?
Is SE good as well as a sports car?
I am fairly aware these are personal options, but I am just pretty nervous as I am about the spend the most amount of money I have ever spent at one go
And one more questions here: E93, should I consider them? I have read the roofs are mostly reliable, and I love the coupe, but the drop top driving would be lovely as well
The Sports seats are very nice. As I mentioned above, I think the M Sport models look a lot better than their SE equivalents in Touring form. However, I think the E92 SE is actually a really nice clean looking design so I definitely wouldn't discount them.SE vs M Sport. After loads of googling it seems the main difference is the body kit, suspension and seats.
I would prefer the M Sport just because of looks, but I have seen sport seats in SEs as well, and because I buy a used car, with a big emphasis on condition, I would like to include SEs in the search.
Is there a big difference between the SE suspension compared to the M Sport?
Is there anything else between the 2 packets that differentiate them?
Is SE good as well as a sports car?
I am fairly aware these are personal options, but I am just pretty nervous as I am about the spend the most amount of money I have ever spent at one go
And one more questions here: E93, should I consider them? I have read the roofs are mostly reliable, and I love the coupe, but the drop top driving would be lovely as well
E93 is heavier than the the equivalent coupe. Also boot space is er...rather limited.
Thread about the E93 roof reliability here: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
At the end of the day, it's a BMW over a decade old. Go into it with your eyes open. Things will need replacing eventually if not done already. They are nice cars though and the naturally aspirated BMW 6 cylinder engine is a great bit of kit. Good luck with your search.
I'd be buying a 2008/9 LCI 325d. Old M57 engine so it won't s
t its chain out, 200 bhp as standard and as it's a 3.0 it can be mapped to an easy 230 bhp and lots of those 'torques'. Reliable injectors, turbo, they don't leak oil everywhere, belt driven water pump etc. One of the last decent things they made.
t its chain out, 200 bhp as standard and as it's a 3.0 it can be mapped to an easy 230 bhp and lots of those 'torques'. Reliable injectors, turbo, they don't leak oil everywhere, belt driven water pump etc. One of the last decent things they made. Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff