BMW N52 engine

This page is a draft. It has not been approved yet, so read it with care.

Watch out for

Reputation: what owners and the press report. Tap one to see what to check.

Electric water pump failure Every version One source so far

What to check: Watch for overheating, even at idle, and ask when the pump and thermostat were replaced.

BMW Tuning says the electric, plastic water pump usually fails around 80,000 miles, and recommends replacing the thermostat with it.

Sources ¹
Leaking oil filter housing gasket Every version One source so far

What to check: Look for oil at the front of the engine and on the drive belt.

BMW Tuning calls this the most serious of its leaks, because oil can reach the drive belt and damage the engine.

Sources ¹
Leaking valve cover gasket Every version One source so far

What to check: Look for oil around the valve cover and smell for burning oil.

BMW Tuning lists a leaking valve cover or its gasket among the common problems.

Sources ¹
Ticking hydraulic lifters 2008 and earlier One source so far

What to check: Listen for ticking on a cold start.

BMW Tuning says the tick is usually seen past 50,000 miles on 2008 and earlier engines, and calls it a nuisance rather than harmful.

Sources ¹