BMW N52 what to look out for?
Discussion
I might have found a suitable 130 to replace my other half’s 116.
It’s been a whilst since I owned one and was wondering what are the current foibles to look out for? I’m aware of the electric water pump which is a cheaper issue than it used to be.
Am I right in thinking that they can suffer from leaks these days.
Cheers
It’s been a whilst since I owned one and was wondering what are the current foibles to look out for? I’m aware of the electric water pump which is a cheaper issue than it used to be.
Am I right in thinking that they can suffer from leaks these days.
Cheers
Depends on the mileage, really close to 100k you're looking at as far as I'm aware the usual oil leaks, rocker cover, sump gasket and around the oil filter housing, I think those are common and the oil breather hose needs a clean now and again. everything gets old and wears though as the mileage creeps up, I had a starter motor go on my old 330i. My N54 is starting to suffer a bit as things need replacing first time around as its only done 80k, I have had rear shocks, clutch recently and I think I'm getting the suspect oil leaks according to the garage
Overall they seem to be a strong reliable engine and most of the issues are age related.
They do like to leak as they get older although not as bad as some other BMW engines. My 130i is on 80k and is getting new oil filter housing/oil cooler gaskets this week - its a messy but simple enough job. The rocker cover gasket is a bigger task but can still be done yourself if you're okay with a spanner.
Other thing to look out for is the water pump as you mention - seems to be a lottery when it will give up though, mine is showing no signs but other owners have changed theirs at 60k while some are on 150k and still going strong. If its a pre-LCI there's no temperature gauge which adds to the fun
Check that it picks up keenly from low revs - any hesitation might indicate that the vanos solenoids need replacing which is a 15 minute DIY job.
They do like to leak as they get older although not as bad as some other BMW engines. My 130i is on 80k and is getting new oil filter housing/oil cooler gaskets this week - its a messy but simple enough job. The rocker cover gasket is a bigger task but can still be done yourself if you're okay with a spanner.
Other thing to look out for is the water pump as you mention - seems to be a lottery when it will give up though, mine is showing no signs but other owners have changed theirs at 60k while some are on 150k and still going strong. If its a pre-LCI there's no temperature gauge which adds to the fun
Check that it picks up keenly from low revs - any hesitation might indicate that the vanos solenoids need replacing which is a 15 minute DIY job.
A couple of years ago I missed out on a 130i a few miles from home. 
But I'm currently on my 4th BMW with the N52 engine, an E90 330i and it had a new cam-cover gasket before I bought it but it's now leaking from the oil filter housing. I'll get that fixed when it has its next service.
No issues with any of them, apart from 2 dead water pumps. The first was on a Z4 at 60K miles and the second on an E91 at 135K (but it may have been its second pump). My 2nd Z4 was still on the original at 90K when I sold it.
I think they are a great engine, which is why when I was buying my E9* models I specifically looked for ones with the N52 rather than the N53 that seems to suffer from more issues.
But I'm currently on my 4th BMW with the N52 engine, an E90 330i and it had a new cam-cover gasket before I bought it but it's now leaking from the oil filter housing. I'll get that fixed when it has its next service.
No issues with any of them, apart from 2 dead water pumps. The first was on a Z4 at 60K miles and the second on an E91 at 135K (but it may have been its second pump). My 2nd Z4 was still on the original at 90K when I sold it.
I think they are a great engine, which is why when I was buying my E9* models I specifically looked for ones with the N52 rather than the N53 that seems to suffer from more issues.
Thanks all.
The car is relatively low mileage for its age so the water pump is my biggest concern. It’s priced well though but could do with a bit of paint (scuff on the bumper and a bit of lacquer peel, but it’s a 13 year old car. Only thing if like that it’s missing is xenons.
It seems a pretty solid little car and my other half likes it (she’d be using it mostly so that’s good).
The car is relatively low mileage for its age so the water pump is my biggest concern. It’s priced well though but could do with a bit of paint (scuff on the bumper and a bit of lacquer peel, but it’s a 13 year old car. Only thing if like that it’s missing is xenons.
It seems a pretty solid little car and my other half likes it (she’d be using it mostly so that’s good).
All the above. N52 = leaky. Oil filter housing gasket, rocker gasket, sump pan gasket, rear main seal etc. They also like to use some oil so do keep an eye on this.
My E91 (138k miles) is quite ticky when cold but settles after a drive. My N52 engined Z4 (about 86k miles) and 6 Series (about 87k miles) are much quieter.
chrisch77 said:
It will probably tick from the hydraulic valve lifters when cold particularly when cold. They all are prone to do this but it does not lead to a more serious issue so it’s more of an annoyance than something to be wary of.
My E91 (138k miles) is quite ticky when cold but settles after a drive. My N52 engined Z4 (about 86k miles) and 6 Series (about 87k miles) are much quieter.
g3org3y said:
All the above. N52 = leaky. Oil filter housing gasket, rocker gasket, sump pan gasket, rear main seal etc. They also like to use some oil so do keep an eye on this.
My E91 (138k miles) is quite ticky when cold but settles after a drive. My N52 engined Z4 (about 86k miles) and 6 Series (about 87k miles) are much quieter.
Interesting to hear the oil usage; my E90 never used a drop but my E56 certainly liked a litre every 1000 miles or so. chrisch77 said:
It will probably tick from the hydraulic valve lifters when cold particularly when cold. They all are prone to do this but it does not lead to a more serious issue so it’s more of an annoyance than something to be wary of.
My E91 (138k miles) is quite ticky when cold but settles after a drive. My N52 engined Z4 (about 86k miles) and 6 Series (about 87k miles) are much quieter.
Hopefully it’ll pan out because we both really like the car.
N52 also leaks oil via the head gasket as the 4 aluminium bolts at the front can stretch and break. Those 4 bolts are at the front (one even visible outside next to the oil filter housing). To change them you do NOT need to remove the cylinder head. All other bolts are made of steel (around cylinders) - the said 4 aluminium ones are at the front closing off the chain drive housing.
Edited by naturalaspiration on Wednesday 30th December 00:50
Court_S said:
Interesting to hear the oil usage; my E90 never used a drop but my E56 certainly liked a litre every 1000 miles or so.
Hopefully it’ll pan out because we both really like the car.
I don't know if it helps but my 1st Z4 didn't use any in 8,000 miles (it had done 54K when I bought it). Hopefully it’ll pan out because we both really like the car.
My 2nd Z4 used 2 litres in 7,000 (from 82K to 89K) and my 325i used 1.5 litres in 7,000 - but it had done 132K when I got it!
But I can't really tell with my current 330i because as I mentioned it's got a leak on the oil filter housing.
On the ticking issue they don't tend to do it if used regularly and driven far enough to get properly warm, but my 330i is doing it all the time now because I've hardly been going anywhere this year. By all accounts it is only irritating though rather than harmful.
Hopefully the one you have found will fit the bill.
My E90 330i used to use a litre of oil every 2k miles, but I never saw any leaks/or any oil on the garage floor. I guess it was going somewhere though(it was on 48k miles when I got it).
Great to hear that you're looking at the 130i as a replacement for the 116i.
I remember you saying that you really fancied one.
Great to hear that you're looking at the 130i as a replacement for the 116i.
I remember you saying that you really fancied one. Mr Tidy said:
Court_S said:
Interesting to hear the oil usage; my E90 never used a drop but my E56 certainly liked a litre every 1000 miles or so.
Hopefully it’ll pan out because we both really like the car.
I don't know if it helps but my 1st Z4 didn't use any in 8,000 miles (it had done 54K when I bought it). Hopefully it’ll pan out because we both really like the car.
My 2nd Z4 used 2 litres in 7,000 (from 82K to 89K) and my 325i used 1.5 litres in 7,000 - but it had done 132K when I got it!
But I can't really tell with my current 330i because as I mentioned it's got a leak on the oil filter housing.
On the ticking issue they don't tend to do it if used regularly and driven far enough to get properly warm, but my 330i is doing it all the time now because I've hardly been going anywhere this year. By all accounts it is only irritating though rather than harmful.
Hopefully the one you have found will fit the bill.
Catatafish said:
To reduce ticking, just keep revs above 2500 for a sustained period regularly to flow oil fully through the head. I read this somewhere in german. Haven't heard a tick since, but it's hardly a chore anyway, the 130 begs for 4.5-7k once warmed up because it sounds better than 99% stuff on the road.
I had Christmas dinner with my "Support Bubble" 40 miles away and of course it had stopped ticking once I got home! But now it's going to be back to essential journeys only, so ticking will surely return.Sadly I think my 330i is probably much more subdued in volume than a 130i, but it still gets revved out from time to time.
Cheers chaps.
It’s currently a toss up between two cars...
A 130i that needs a bit of TLC but is priced well. Downside is it’s had a few owners (averages a two and a bit for each owner).
A 125i cab has caught the eye. Slightly more money but looks in very good condition, but newer and only a few owners. It would scratch the cabriolet itch and still have rear seats.
It’s currently a toss up between two cars...
A 130i that needs a bit of TLC but is priced well. Downside is it’s had a few owners (averages a two and a bit for each owner).
A 125i cab has caught the eye. Slightly more money but looks in very good condition, but newer and only a few owners. It would scratch the cabriolet itch and still have rear seats.
naturalaspiration said:
Since I have started using Ceratec the ticking has become a non-issue (have two rare-ish N52 cars, and an older M54 everyday-use one). If it does appear it is barely noticeable and always disappears during the first drive - I follow no specific procedures, just drive normally.
I struggle with stuff like this - I mean if it was that "great" surely oil companies would be adding it and charging extra for "added ceratec" christ it works for womens face creamIt's snake oil to me - change the oil on a regular basis and job done
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