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What cars have the N52 engine?

Author

Sarah Oconnor

Updated on March 11, 2026

What cars have the N52 engine?

The N52 was predominately found in the E90 325i, 328i and 330i, and the E60 525i and 528i models, as well as various others such as the 128i, X1, and Z4 to name a few. The N52 was produced from 2004 up until 2015 when it was replaced by the turbocharged N20 engine.

Keeping this in consideration, are N52 engines reliable?

If you're looking for a reliable used BMW, the E90 3 Series is arguably your best modern bet. Especially the non-turbocharged 325i, 328i, and 330i models, which have the N52 BMW inline-6 engine. However, no car is immune from maintenance or reliability issues, including BMWs.

Beside above, can you turbo a N52? So to place a turbocharger on a E9x N52, a custom exhaust manifold/plumbing is required. A low rear exhaust manifold is possible with a 'small' turbo. A top mount turbo is 'easier'.

Furthermore, does the N52 have forged internals?

The N52 pistons and crankshaft are cast, yet the rods are forged, but smaller (lighter) than the ones in the N54/N55.

How can I make my N52 faster?

BMW N52 Headers Upgrade (Exhaust Manifold)

Reducing that back-pressure with an upgraded exhaust manifold helps the engine run more efficiently. This is because a reduction in back-pressure allows exhaust gases to escape faster. In turn, the engine is able to get more fresh air into the cylinders.

How long do N52 engines last?

On N52 engines, these typically need to be replaced every 30,000-60,000 miles.

How much is a 2011 BMW worth?

Starting at about $34,600 the 3 Series sedan is the least expensive of the variants, while the wagon starts at $37,000, the coupe at under $38,000 and the convertible hardtop at just over $46,000.

What is the difference between a BMW N51 and N52?

The N51 engine is a SULEV version of the N52 that was sold in parts of the United States that had SULEV legislation. Differences to the N52 versions include a variable-length intake manifold ("DISA") with three stages instead of one, and a compression ratio lowered from 10.7:1 to 10.0:1.

What engine does my E90 have?

BMW 3 Series (E90)
BMW 3 Series (E90/E91/E92/E93)
Powertrain
EnginePetrol: 1.6–2.0 L N43/N45/N46 I4 2.5–3.0 L N52/N53 I6 3.0 L N54/N55 I6 turbo 4.0 L S65 V8 Diesel: 2.0 L M47/N47 I4 3.0 L M57/N57 I6
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,760 mm (108.7 in)

What is the most reliable BMW engine?

Which Used BMW Engines Are the Most Reliable?
  • Even if they're used and depreciated, luxury cars from marques like BMW are still luxury cars.
  • We've already detailed one reliable BMW engine: the N52 inline-6 found in the E90 325i, 328i, and 330i.
  • While the M10 and E30 M3's S14 engine are extremely durable, BimmerLife reports, the M44 is easier to live with.

Is a BMW E90 a good car?

Honestly, not to sound indecisive but they're all really good. The entire E9x-range of BMW 3 Series is great. The E90 was a wonderfully balanced chassis, all models still had BMW's superb hydraulic steering and all of them came with manual gearbox options.

What is the most reliable E90?

The BMW E90 3-Series

Although the non-turbocharged BMW E90 3-Series aren't the most powerful, they're actually the most reliable. When the E90 debuted in 2006, the 325i was the base model. It came with a 2.5-liter six-cylinder engine, which made 215 hp and 184 lb-ft.

How do I know if my BMW is M54 or M56?

Registered. Go to and enter the last 7 characters of the car's vehicle identification number. Hit enter and bookmark the page. It should tell you right away whether the engine is an M54 or an M56.

Can you turbo a 328i?

Short answer is yes you can. You will need to do some research on this about what kits are out there and what will work best for you. A faster route with less work or issues would be the supercharger. But of course the benifits are less such as a supercharger uses power to create power meaning less gains.

Can you make a 328i faster?

Not really. If you have the money to spend on a turbo upgrade you probably can trade in your 328i and get a 335i or a m3. If you want a turbo just sell the 328 and buy a 335. That being said, you can do a few things to increase power on an N52, you just won't get as much gains as tuning the N54/N55 will get.

Is the 2008 BMW 328i Turbo?

Car and Driver reports that the 2008 BMW 3-Series "is available with either a 230-hp normally aspirated inline-six [328i] or a 300-hp twin-turbo six [335i or ix]." Cars.com declares that the "rear-wheel-drive 328i [BMW 2008] is powered by a 3.0-liter inline-six that makes 230 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 200 pounds-feet

Can you put a turbo on a BMW 325i?

Can a 2001 BMW 325i handle a turbo? Yes, there are both turbo and supercharger kits available for the E46. Most people go the supercharger route because it will be less expensive and much easier to install.

Does the BMW e90 325i have a turbo?

If You are in the market for a BMW 325i, You may be wondering if it has a turbo engine. The answer is yes. The 325i, and the entire 3 series, offers two versions of a turbo engine. The 3.0 liter inline-6 cylinder engine puts out 385 hp, and 370 ft lbs of torque in the turbocharged M340i, as well.

Can you tune a BMW?

Most owners know by now that tuning a BMW is one of the best bang for your buck modifications you can make. This requires no tuning knowledge whatsoever. The Accessport supports most N54 BMWs (135, 335, 535, x6, z4, x5) and early N55 BMWs (135, 335, x5, x6) covering ~2007 to ~2012 model years.

Can you tune a BMW 323i?

A tuned 323i has higher torque but still cannot get pass 6500rpm, so it cannot be in the 325i level. If the car has 230nm of torque, then 500 rpm locks around 20 horsepower. With a proper tune, the 323i can do 7000rpm.

Can you tune a BMW 128i?

Yes, there are ways to go boosted, even in a 328i or 128i! One of the best options for this is a supercharger, like the ESS Tuning Supercharger for BMW N51/N52, seen above.

What does tuning a BMW do?

Chip tuning is a great way to increase the engine power of your BMW to its full potential! This method not only increases the power of your car, but also has a positive effect on driving and the vehicle's efficiency.

What is the difference between a 328i and 335i?

The 328i and 335i share the same basic geometry in the suspension department, which include multi-link setups with struts on the front and rear. A key difference is that the 328i has 12.3-inch rotors up front and 11.8-inch rotors on the rear, while the 335i has 13.4-inch rotors up front and 13-inch rotors in back.

How can I add horsepower to my BMW?

How to Increase Your Horsepower
  1. Cold Air Intake. Upgrading your vehicle's intake is one of the easier methods for unlocking some extra horsepower.
  2. Performance Exhaust. A performance exhaust is one of the most popular modifications for enthusiasts.
  3. Software.
  4. Forced Induction.
  5. Performance Engine Build.
  6. Engine Conversion.

How can I make my e90 330i faster?

If you want your 330i to be faster lose some weight. Get cf body panels, lighter battery, lighter wheels, racing seats, and if you're really serious get rid of your a/c and replace all your glass with plexi.

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What cars have the N52 engine?