Discussion
Quite a bit of N52vs N53 engine chat in this thread: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Had my 330i (n53 2009 lci) for a year now and no problems other than a replacement gasket on oil cooler (sub £100) and 2 bulbs. The previous owner did the injectors and coil packs (updated versions that are more reliable than original units). Now on c100k miles.
I’ve also had a n52 powered BMW which was also fine.
Imho, choose on condition & history though for me the lci is the better choice especially with the sat nav but not for engine reasons.
I’ve also had a n52 powered BMW which was also fine.
Imho, choose on condition & history though for me the lci is the better choice especially with the sat nav but not for engine reasons.
Sn1ckers said:
Had my 330i (n53 2009 lci) for a year now and no problems other than a replacement gasket on oil cooler (sub £100) and 2 bulbs. The previous owner did the injectors and coil packs (updated versions that are more reliable than original units). Now on c100k miles.
I’ve also had a n52 powered BMW which was also fine.
Imho, choose on condition & history though for me the lci is the better choice especially with the sat nav but not for engine reasons.
+1I’ve also had a n52 powered BMW which was also fine.
Imho, choose on condition & history though for me the lci is the better choice especially with the sat nav but not for engine reasons.
I really like my n53. Sorted ones are great and they dont leak oil like an old leyland lump like the n52 does.
to3m said:
Mine has been fine since it had injectors (etc.), fuel sensor and NOx sensor replaced.
That seems to sum up the difference though! I've had four N52s and never needed to have any of those parts replaced!
Which is why I only looked for N52s when I bought my E9*s. Those parts cost more to replace than any saving in Road Tax or economy.
swanny71 said:
Nope, the N52 is very reliable - aside from maybe the much discussed water pump, though I never had an issue with mine (precautionary change at 150k).
Sold it with 170k miles on, new owner is now at 180k with zero issues.
It’s an absolute peach of an engine.
It's a lovely engine, I agree - had one in my E61 530i. But, it does have issues and I don't think deserve the halo status that some give it. Sold it with 170k miles on, new owner is now at 180k with zero issues.
It’s an absolute peach of an engine.
Water pump as you say. Valve cover and oil filter gasket leaks. VANOS issues - the solenoids of course, but eventually the ring seals on the inlet cams too. Starter motors. DISA valves. Alternators.
It's not bad for a BMW engine, but it isn't bombproof. There's no fundamental engine-ending flaw in its design, but it has weak points.
CousinDupree said:
My N52 was great too, in the six years that I ran it. Zero problems at all and a wonderful sound.
N53s had a lot of issues earlier on and then the carbon buildup issue going forward. It's just not worth the bother.
Most N53's have had the major stuff sorted by now which means every 60k-100k miles you may need to spend £200 - £300 to clean the carbon build up otherwise they're reliable and the lci's are better looking imo and have better kit esp. the sat nav.N53s had a lot of issues earlier on and then the carbon buildup issue going forward. It's just not worth the bother.
Sn1ckers said:
CousinDupree said:
My N52 was great too, in the six years that I ran it. Zero problems at all and a wonderful sound.
N53s had a lot of issues earlier on and then the carbon buildup issue going forward. It's just not worth the bother.
Most N53's have had the major stuff sorted by now which means every 60k-100k miles you may need to spend £200 - £300 to clean the carbon build up otherwise they're reliable and the lci's are better looking imo and have better kit esp. the sat nav.N53s had a lot of issues earlier on and then the carbon buildup issue going forward. It's just not worth the bother.
I found an improvement of about 2mpg on the N53 I drove, which was certainly rougher feeling / sounding, but had a little more low down torque. Different cars / driving will vary of course.
You gain direct injection, but loose the variable lift Valvetronic system due to packaging, which was also missing on the N54, but brought back for the N55, B58 etc.
That system can cause some problems, swings and roundabouts really and a real shame the NA six which was synonymous with BMW is no more.
Good point about avoiding EPAS too!
You gain direct injection, but loose the variable lift Valvetronic system due to packaging, which was also missing on the N54, but brought back for the N55, B58 etc.
That system can cause some problems, swings and roundabouts really and a real shame the NA six which was synonymous with BMW is no more.
Good point about avoiding EPAS too!
CousinDupree said:
I found an improvement of about 2mpg on the N53 I drove, which was certainly rougher feeling / sounding, but had a little more low down torque. Different cars / driving will vary of course.
You gain direct injection, but loose the variable lift Valvetronic system due to packaging, which was also missing on the N54, but brought back for the N55, B58 etc.
That system can cause some problems, swings and roundabouts really and a real shame the NA six which was synonymous with BMW is no more.
Good point about avoiding EPAS too!
The N53 330i I borrowed would do 38mph over a tank no problem at all, my N52 330i would be doing 32mpg doing the same. You gain direct injection, but loose the variable lift Valvetronic system due to packaging, which was also missing on the N54, but brought back for the N55, B58 etc.
That system can cause some problems, swings and roundabouts really and a real shame the NA six which was synonymous with BMW is no more.
Good point about avoiding EPAS too!
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