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BMW engine reliability, ranked by what BMW has acknowledged

Every modern BMW gas and diesel engine, ordered by how many warranty extensions, class-action settlements and emissions recalls BMW has filed that name it. Each one is listed and linked.

Last updated

How the ranking works

  • We count BMW documents filed with NHTSA whose own title names the engine: warranty extensions, class-action settlements and emissions recalls. In each one BMW agreed to pay for a repair beyond its normal warranty. One bulletin number counts once, even if it was revised.
  • Extensions on emissions-control parts (evaporative system and leak-check pumps, NOx and particulate sensors, EGR, plastic fuel tanks, and those BMW marks "ELW") are shown in their own column and left out of the ranking. BMW extends many of these as emissions warranty coverage, so a long list there says less about how durable the engine is.
  • Service actions (fixes BMW makes on specific cars, often before customers notice) are shown separately too.
  • Bands are a plain rule: 5 or more acknowledged items is "Many", 2 to 4 is "Some", 0 or 1 is "Few or none on file".

Limits: the count depends on BMW naming the engine in the title, so a bulletin titled only by model is missed. Engines sold in larger numbers and for more years have more chances to collect extensions. Older engines (M54, S54, N62, N73) were mostly sold before BMW filed many bulletins with NHTSA. This is a guide to what's documented, not a prediction for one car.

Ranking

EngineUS model years we cover (from 2006)BMW-acknowledged itemsEmissions-part extensionsService actionsKnown issues (cited)
N632008–present16 Many373
S632010–present5 Many234
N542007–20165 Many126
N202012–20184 Some322
N263 Some302
N552010–20192 Some316
N472014–20182 Some402
N572014–20182 Some604
B582016–present1 Few or none on file213
S652008–20131 Few or none on file004
S682023–present0 Few or none on file030
S582020–present0 Few or none on file214
B382014–20200 Few or none on file005
B46/B482016–present0 Few or none on file704
B470 Few or none on file000
B572018–20190 Few or none on file000
M542001–20060 Few or none on file004
M572009–20130 Few or none on file302
N522006–20130 Few or none on file104
N622006–20100 Few or none on file003
N732006–20080 Few or none on file006
N742010–20220 Few or none on file007
S542001–20080 Few or none on file005
S552015–20210 Few or none on file204
S852006–20100 Few or none on file004

"Known issues" counts the problems in our engine notes, each backed by the specialist or owner sources on the buyer's guides. Click a column to sort.

N63 2008–present

BulletinTypeTitle
01 01 15Warranty extensionN63 Engine Fuel Injectors – Limited Warranty Extension to 10 Years/120,000 Miles
01 01 21Warranty extensionN63R engine thermostat: ltd wty extension to 15 years/150,000 miles
01 01 22Class actionN63TU1 class action settlement svc campaign: oil consumption diagnosis/repair
01 02 19Warranty extensionE71 (x6 with N63 engine) fuel injectors: limited warranty extension to 10 years/120,000 miles
01 02 20Warranty extensionN63T engine fuel injectors: limited warranty extension to 15 years/150,000 miles
01 02 21Warranty extensionN63R charge-air intercooler: ltd wty extension to 15 years/150,000 miles
01 03 18Warranty extensionN63 high pressure fuel pump (hdp): limited warranty extension to 10 years/120,000 miles
01 03 19Emissions-part extensionN63T rear monitoring oxygen sensors: ltd wty extension to 10 years/120,000 miles
01 05 18Warranty extensionN63T engine fuel injectors: limited warranty extensionto 10 years/120,000 mile
01 08 15Warranty extensionN63 Engine Vacuum Pump: Limited Warranty Extension to 10 Years/120,000 Miles
01 12 15Warranty extensionN63 Engine Crankcase Ventilation “Connecting Line” Hoses: Limited Warranty Extension to 10 Years/120,000 Miles
01 12 16Emissions-part extensionN63T pressure switch - leak diagnosis module (NVLD): limited warranty extension to 10 years/120,000 miles
01 12 18Warranty extensionN63T crankcase ventilation lines: limited warranty extension to 10 years/120,000 mileage
01 13 16Emissions-part extensionBMW alpina N63T pressure switch - leak diagnosis module (NVLD): limited warranty extension to 10 years/120,000 miles
01 17 24Warranty extensionF9x g1x G30 N63 S63 fuel injector condition-specific repair coverage pgrm 15/150
01 18 17Warranty extensionN63T high pressure fuel pump hdp limited warranty extension to 10 years/120,000 miles
01 21 18Class actionN63: oil consumption class action settlement diagnosis/repairs (version 13.0)
01 22 18Class actionN63 class action settlement: battery service benefit –retrofits/ replacements
01 29 18Class actionN63 engine vehicles: class action settlement for engine oilconsumption/batter
11 04 16Service actionTechnical Service Service Action: N63R Engine – Replace the Wastegate Actuators and Program the Vehicle
11 04 17Service actionService action: replace the turbocharger coolant lines (N63R)
11 06 17Service actionSERVICE ACTION: N63R ENGINE - REPLACE ENGINE OIL AND FILTER
11 11 18Service actionSERVICE ACTION: N63R ENGINE – CHECK AND REPLACE VANOS ACTUATORS, OIL FEED LINES, CHARGE AIR COOLERS AND THE MAP THERMOSTAT ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
11 12 18Service actionTechnical Service SERVICE ACTION: N63R ENGINE – CHECK AND REPLACE OIL FEED LINES, CHARGE AIR COOLERS AND THE MAP THERMOSTAT ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
11 18 18Service actionTechnical Service SERVICE ACTION: ALPINA B7 WITH N63R ENGINE – CHECK AND REPLACE OIL FEED LINES AND THE MAP THERMOSTAT ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
13 02 15Service actionService Action: N63 Replace High-Pressure Fuel Pumps

Known issues in our engine notes: Oil consumption and valve stem seals; N63 Customer Care Package items; Turbo coolant lines, valve cover gaskets and timing chain.

All N63 bulletins

S63 2010–present

BulletinTypeTitle
01 02 18Warranty extensionS63T high-pressure fuel pumps (hdp): limited warranty extension to 10 years/120,000 miles
01 03 15Warranty extensionS63 Engine Fuel Injectors – Limited Warranty Extension to 10 Years/120,000 Miles
01 06 17Warranty extensionS63 high-pressure fuel pumps (hdp): limited warranty extension to 10 years/120,000 miles
01 06 18Warranty extensionTechnical Service S63T ENGINE FUEL INJECTORS: LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120,000 MILES
01 08 21Emissions-part extensionF9x S58 S63 evap leak diagnosis system (NVLD) module ext ltd wty (elw) 15/150
01 14 16Emissions-part extensionS63R and S63T pressure switch - leak diagnosis module (NVLD): limited warranty extension to 10 years/120,000 miles
01 17 24Warranty extensionF9x g1x G30 N63 S63 fuel injector condition-specific repair coverage pgrm 15/150
11 05 16Service actionService Action: S63 Engine – Replace Crankcase Vent Connecting Line
11 08 17Service actionService action: replace the turbocharger coolant lines (S63)
13 08 15Service actionService Action: S63 Engine – Check and Replace High- Pressure Injectors

Known issues in our engine notes: Oil consumption and valve stem seals; Spark plugs and ignition coils (wear items); Version matters; Rod bearings, coils and injectors.

All S63 bulletins

N54 2007–2016

BulletinTypeTitle
12 55 06Warranty extensionN54: Diagnosis for DME FC 29DC/29F2/2FBF and Extended High-pressure Fuel Pump (HDP) Warranty Coverage
13 14 10Emissions recallVoluntary Emissions Recall Campaign 10E-A02: N54 Inspection and Replacement of Injectors
01 02 15Warranty extensionN54 Engine Fuel Injectors – Limited Warranty Extension to 10 Years/120,000 Miles
01 04 16Emissions-part extensionN54 Tank Leak Diagnostic Module (DMTL) Pump: Limited Warranty Extension to 10 Years/120,000 Miles
01 13 21Class actionClass action settlement: N54/N54T/N55 electric engine coolant pump
01 17 15Warranty extensionN54T Engine Fuel Injectors – Limited Warranty Extension to 10 Years/120,000 Miles
13 06 19Service actionService action: N54T engine – inspect and replace injector(s)
16 02 13Service actionService Action: Delivery Stop N54 and N20 Engine - Replace Fuel Delivery Unit with In-Tank Pump

Known issues in our engine notes: Electric water pump and thermostat; High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP); Piezo fuel injectors; Turbo wastegate rattle; Valve cover and oil filter housing gasket leaks; VANOS solenoids.

Repair prices: N52 / N54 / N55 electric water pump + thermostat, VANOS solenoids (intake / exhaust), N54 high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) replacement

All N54 bulletins

N20 2012–2018

BulletinTypeTitle
01 03 22Emissions-part extensionPlastic Fuel Tank (B58/N20/N55/S55) Ltd Emission Wty Ext To 15 Yrs/150,000 Miles
01 01 16Warranty extensionTechnical Service N20 Engine Coolant Thermostat: Limited Warranty Extension to 10 Years/120,000 Miles
01 07 16Emissions-part extensionN20 leak diagnosis module (NVLD): limited warranty extension to 10 years/120,000 miles
01 08 16Emissions-part extensionN20 pressure switch - leak diagnosis module (NVLD): limited warranty extension to 10 years/120,000 miles
11 02 21Class actionClass action settlement: N20/N26 timing/oil pump drive chain diagnosis / repair
11 03 17Warranty extensionN20 and N26 engine timing chain and oil pump drive chain: limited warranty extension
11 11 16Warranty extensionTechnical Service N20 ENGINE OIL FEED LINE TO THE TURBOCHARGER: LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120,000 MILES
11 13 15Service actionService Action: N20 Engine - Inspect and Replace Engine Oil Filter Housing
16 02 13Service actionService Action: Delivery Stop N54 and N20 Engine - Replace Fuel Delivery Unit with In-Tank Pump

Known issues in our engine notes: Timing chain guides and oil pump drive chain; Oil leaks and electric water pump.

Repair prices: N20 timing chain replacement

All N20 bulletins

N26

BulletinTypeTitle
01 07 22Emissions-part extensionPlastic fuel tank (B46/N26) ext ltd wty for leakage (elw) 15 years/150,000 miles
01 15 16Emissions-part extensionN26 leak diagnosis module (NVLD): limited warranty extension to 10 years/120,000 miles for “non-california emission” statute states
01 17 17Emissions-part extensionTechnical Service N26 ENGINE THERMOSTAT: LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120,000 MILES FOR “NON-CALIFORNIA EMISSION” STATUTE STATES
11 02 21Class actionClass action settlement: N20/N26 timing/oil pump drive chain diagnosis / repair
11 03 17Warranty extensionN20 and N26 engine timing chain and oil pump drive chain: limited warranty extension
11 17 16Emissions recallTechnical Service VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS RECALL CAMPAIGN 16E-A05 - N26 ENGINE: REPLACE TURBOCHARGER OIL SUPPLY LINE

Known issues in our engine notes: Timing chain guides and oil pump drive chain; Oil leaks and electric water pump.

All N26 bulletins

N55 2010–2019

BulletinTypeTitle
01 03 22Emissions-part extensionPlastic Fuel Tank (B58/N20/N55/S55) Ltd Emission Wty Ext To 15 Yrs/150,000 Miles
01 09 16Emissions-part extensionN55 leak diagnosis module (NVLD): limited warranty extension to 10 years/120,000 miles
01 10 16Emissions-part extensionN55 pressure switch - leak diagnosis module (NVLD): limited warranty extension to 10 years/120,000 miles
01 11 21Warranty extensionF16 (N55) fuel delivery unit w/in-tank pump ltd wty ext-15 years/150,000 miles
01 13 21Class actionClass action settlement: N54/N54T/N55 electric engine coolant pump
11 14 15Service actionService Action: N55 Engine - Inspect and Replace Engine Oil Filter Housing

Known issues in our engine notes: Valve cover and gasket leak; Oil filter housing gasket leak; Electric water pump and thermostat; Plastic charge pipe; Oil pan gasket; VANOS solenoids.

Repair prices: N55 oil filter housing gasket (OFHG), N55 valve cover / valve cover gasket (PCV), N52 / N54 / N55 electric water pump + thermostat, N55 oil pan gasket, VANOS solenoids (intake / exhaust), N55 ignition coils (all six), N55 charge pipe (intercooler to throttle) replacement

All N55 bulletins

N47 2014–2018

BulletinTypeTitle
01 01 25Emissions-part extensionN47T exhaust gas recirculation cooler ext ltd wty (elw) 25 yrs/no mileage limit
01 04 18Emissions-part extensionN47T/N57T diesel particulate sensor: limited warranty extension to 10 years/120,000 mileage
01 05 20Emissions-part extensionN47/N57 diesel engine egr cooler revised ext ltd wty (elw) coverage/procedure
01 09 19Warranty extensionN47T/N57T diesel fuel injectors: ltd wty extension to 10 years/120,000 miles
01 14 17Warranty extensionN47T/N57T engine high-pressure fuel pump limited wty ext to 10 yrs/120,000 miles
01 19 18Emissions-part extensionN47/N57T nox sensors before/after the scr-ltd wty ext to 10 yrs/120,000 mi

Known issues in our engine notes: Timing chain (rear-mounted); Swirl flaps and EGR cooler.

All N47 bulletins

N57 2014–2018

BulletinTypeTitle
01 04 18Emissions-part extensionN47T/N57T diesel particulate sensor: limited warranty extension to 10 years/120,000 mileage
01 05 20Emissions-part extensionN47/N57 diesel engine egr cooler revised ext ltd wty (elw) coverage/procedure
01 09 19Warranty extensionN47T/N57T diesel fuel injectors: ltd wty extension to 10 years/120,000 miles
01 10 18Emissions-part extensionN57 diesel engine aux egr cooler revised ext ltd wty (elw) coverage/procedure
01 11 25Emissions-part extensionN57T egr cooler / aux egr cooler ext ltd wty (elw) 25 yrs/no mileage limit
01 14 17Warranty extensionN47T/N57T engine high-pressure fuel pump limited wty ext to 10 yrs/120,000 miles
01 14 18Emissions-part extensionExhaust-Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve (N57T) Ltd Wty Ext To 10 Yrs/120,000 Miles
01 19 18Emissions-part extensionN47/N57T nox sensors before/after the scr-ltd wty ext to 10 yrs/120,000 mi

Known issues in our engine notes: EGR cooler and valve, intake carbon, DPF; Timing chain; EGR cooler coolant leaks (recalls 18V-755 and 21V-907); Diesel emissions parts (DEF, NOx sensors, particulate filter).

All N57 bulletins

B58 2016–present

BulletinTypeTitle
01 03 22Emissions-part extensionPlastic Fuel Tank (B58/N20/N55/S55) Ltd Emission Wty Ext To 15 Yrs/150,000 Miles
01 01 26Emissions-part extensionG1x g2x G42 B46/B58 evap system purge (vent) valve ext ltd wty (elw) 15/150
01 14 23Warranty extensionFx gx B58M pressure control valve (pcv) extended ltd wty 15 years/150,000 miles
12 06 24Service actionSERVICE ACTION: G0x G12 G20 B58C/B58D STARTER CHECK, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE

Known issues in our engine notes: Coolant loss: oil filter housing, vent hose, water pump, expansion tank; Valve cover gasket and PCV; Fuel tank vent (purge) valve.

Repair prices: B58 / B48 oil filter housing (coolant leak), B58 valve cover / PCV failure, B58 / B48 fuel tank vent valve (purge valve), B58 coolant expansion tank (G05 X5 40i, high- or low-temp), B58 heat management module (thermostat) replacement, B58 oil pump replacement, B58 water pump (coolant pump)

All B58 bulletins

S65 2008–2013

BulletinTypeTitle
01 03 16Warranty extensionS65 Engine Idle Control Device (Actuator): Limited Warranty Extension to 10 Years/120,000 Miles

Known issues in our engine notes: Rod bearings; Throttle actuators; VANOS solenoids and cold-start rattle; M DCT fluid.

All S65 bulletins

S68 2023–present

BulletinTypeTitle
11 04 25Service actionService action: S68T engine replace upper oil pan screws
11 06 25Service actionService action: S68T engine retighten oil pump screws
11 07 25Service actionService action: S68T engine- replace cylinder head

S58 2020–present

BulletinTypeTitle
01 03 24Emissions-part extensionG0x G12 2x 3x B46/58/S58 evap system purge (vent) valve ext ltd wty (elw) 15/150
01 08 21Emissions-part extensionF9x S58 S63 evap leak diagnosis system (NVLD) module ext ltd wty (elw) 15/150
11 15 19Service actionService action: S58T engine – check engine oil deflector screws

Known issues in our engine notes: Main bearing shells (2021 service action); Connecting rod bearings on early X3 M and X4 M (2020 delivery stop); No chronic engine fault reported so far; Usual BMW wear items.

All S58 bulletins

B38 2014–2020

No BMW warranty extension, class action, emissions recall or service action on file names the B38 in its title.

Known issues in our engine notes: Turbo coolant line O-rings; Water pump and thermostat; VANOS solenoids; Carbon build-up; i8 version.

All B38 bulletins

B46/B48 2016–present

BulletinTypeTitle
01 01 26Emissions-part extensionG1x g2x G42 B46/B58 evap system purge (vent) valve ext ltd wty (elw) 15/150
01 02 24Emissions-part extensionF2x/3x/48 G12 B46/48/58 evap system purge (vent) valve ext ltd wty (elw) 15/150
01 03 24Emissions-part extensionG0x G12 2x 3x B46/58/S58 evap system purge (vent) valve ext ltd wty (elw) 15/150
01 04 19Emissions-part extensionF2x f3x F48 B46 evap purge (vent) valve ltd wty ext (elw) 15 years/150,000 miles
01 07 22Emissions-part extensionPlastic fuel tank (B46/N26) ext ltd wty for leakage (elw) 15 years/150,000 miles
01 02 25Emissions-part extensionF39 F44 B48E turbocharger wastegate valve controller ext ltd wty (elw) 15/150
01 04 24Emissions-part extensionG30 B48 evap system purge (vent) valve ext ltd wty (elw) 15 years/150,000 miles

Known issues in our engine notes: Coolant leak at the oil filter housing; Brittle coolant hoses and couplings; Turbo oil return line leak (early cars); Fuel tank vent (purge) valve.

Repair prices: B58 / B48 oil filter housing (coolant leak), B58 / B48 fuel tank vent valve (purge valve), B46/B48 engine mounts (G20 330i, G22 430i)

All B46/B48 bulletins

B47

No BMW warranty extension, class action, emissions recall or service action on file names the B47 in its title.

All B47 bulletins

B57 2018–2019

No BMW warranty extension, class action, emissions recall or service action on file names the B57 in its title.

All B57 bulletins

M54 2001–2006

No BMW warranty extension, class action, emissions recall or service action on file names the M54 in its title. This engine was mostly sold before BMW filed many of its bulletins with NHTSA, so a zero here says little.

Known issues in our engine notes: Cooling system (water pump, thermostat, expansion tank, hoses, radiator); CCV (crankcase ventilation); Valve cover gasket, oil filter housing gasket and DISA valve; Oil pump nut.

All M54 bulletins

M57 2009–2013

BulletinTypeTitle
01 02 16Emissions-part extensionM57Y SCR Supply Module: Limited Warranty Extension to 10 Years/120,000 Miles
01 10 17Emissions-part extensionTechnical Service M57Y FRONT AND REAR EXHAUST NOX SENSORS: LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120,000 MILES
01 12 14Emissions-part extensionM57 Diesel Engine Throttle Valve (for EGR): Limited Warranty Extension to 10 Years/120,000 Miles

Known issues in our engine notes: Swirl flaps (early diesels); Injectors, turbo actuator, DPF.

N52 2006–2013

BulletinTypeTitle
01 05 11Emissions-part extensionWarranties N52K Tank Leak Diagnostic Module (DMTL) Pump: Limited Warranty Extension to 10 Years/120,000 Miles

Known issues in our engine notes: Electric water pump and thermostat; VANOS solenoids; Hydraulic lifter tick; Valve cover and oil filter housing gasket leaks.

Repair prices: N52 / N54 / N55 electric water pump + thermostat, VANOS solenoids (intake / exhaust)

All N52 bulletins

N62 2006–2010

No BMW warranty extension, class action, emissions recall or service action on file names the N62 in its title. This engine was mostly sold before BMW filed many of its bulletins with NHTSA, so a zero here says little.

Known issues in our engine notes: Valve stem seals; Alternator bracket gasket; Coolant transfer pipe (valley).

N73 2006–2008

No BMW warranty extension, class action, emissions recall or service action on file names the N73 in its title. This engine was mostly sold before BMW filed many of its bulletins with NHTSA, so a zero here says little.

Known issues in our engine notes: High-pressure fuel pumps (two, one per bank); Coolant transfer pipe seal; Hydraulic engine mounts; Alternator bracket oil leak; Crankcase breather hoses and rail pressure sensors; Carbon build-up on intake valves.

N74 2010–2022

No BMW warranty extension, class action, emissions recall or service action on file names the N74 in its title.

Known issues in our engine notes: Turbocharger auxiliary coolant pump (recalls); High-pressure fuel pump; Turbo wastegate rattle; Fuel injectors; Oil consumption and crankcase ventilation; Coolant leaks and the coolant pipe under the timing cover; Ignition coils.

All N74 bulletins

S54 2001–2008

No BMW warranty extension, class action, emissions recall or service action on file names the S54 in its title. This engine was mostly sold before BMW filed many of its bulletins with NHTSA, so a zero here says little.

Known issues in our engine notes: Rod bearings (pre-2003 cars); VANOS rattle; Rear subframe mount cracking (E46 chassis); SMG II hydraulic pump; Limited-slip differential noise.

S55 2015–2021

BulletinTypeTitle
01 03 22Emissions-part extensionPlastic Fuel Tank (B58/N20/N55/S55) Ltd Emission Wty Ext To 15 Yrs/150,000 Miles
01 11 16Emissions-part extensionS55 leak diagnosis module (NVLD): limited warranty extension to 10 years/120,000 miles

Known issues in our engine notes: Crank hub; Charge pipe; Oil filter housing, valve cover and oil pan leaks; Turbo oil seals.

All S55 bulletins

S85 2006–2010

No BMW warranty extension, class action, emissions recall or service action on file names the S85 in its title.

Known issues in our engine notes: Rod bearings; Throttle actuators; SMG III hydraulic pump and clutch; VANOS oil pump, VANOS wear and oil consumption.

All S85 bulletins

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