BMW's N52 Versus N53 - What Are We Missing?

Comments

• fifteen on May 11, 2010 at 2:18 pm

  BMW cars are growing in complexities with the passing of each generation model. For an example, 523i used to refer to a 5-Series model with a 2.3L injected motor and that is about all. Now, we got to figure out what’s the heck is an “sDrive23i”. BMW’s new found complex mentality doesn’t just ends there. Their cars are jam-packed with super electronics and high-tech wares, they could even shame a NASA Space Shuttle. It is one’s wondering when things are going to go very wrong when and if the bugs show up. Toyota had it. So did GM. When an organization gets big and unwieldy, you know the rots already in there.

  2 3 Reply
  • Squawk on May 11, 2010 at 8:19 pm

    Agreed. Last time we could tell the engine capacities of Mercs and Beemers just from their model numbers. But now an E200 has a 1.8 engine. WTF? Just call it a damn E180 then!

    3 0 Reply
    • Korean on May 11, 2010 at 10:30 pm

      E 180?? Haha… So lame.

      1 2 Reply
• Xcars on May 11, 2010 at 2:21 pm

  paul, any findings on the latest auto transmission used in the F10?

  0 0 Reply
• Paul Tan on May 11, 2010 at 2:30 pm

  It’s an 8-speed ZF. Will find out more.

  http://paultan.org/2007/05/03/zf-unveiled-new-8-speed-automatic-gearbox/

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• arashikage on May 11, 2010 at 3:14 pm

  What is the difference between Double VANOS and Valvetronic? A bit confusing Is it like what CPS and IAFM to Protons? I do read that both Double VANOS and Valvetronic could be installed on a BMW engine.

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• Paul Tan on May 11, 2010 at 3:19 pm

  Double VANOS is variable valve timing. Valvetronic is variable valve lift that can also remove the need of a throttle plate as air intake is controlled by the valves instead of the throttle plate. But there is still a throttle plate as a backup, just that it is opened all the time when Valvetronic is working properly.

  http://www.bmw.com/com/en/insights/technology/technology_guide/articles/vanos_double_vanos.html

  http://www.bmw.com/com/en/insights/technology/technology_guide/articles/mm_valvetronic.html

  Proton’s current implementation of CPS is variable valve lift that can only switch at a certain “point”, not continuously variable. IAFM engines have a variable intake manifold that varies the shape of the intake manifold according to the engine speed and air velocity/volume needed.

  4 0 Reply
• KS on May 11, 2010 at 4:00 pm

  In short i think is VANOS + Valvetronic = VVT + VTEC.

  0 1 Reply
• Motorist on May 11, 2010 at 4:06 pm

  Correct me if I’m wrong but BMW is smart in that it still uses the same block as the older (in line 6 cylinder) M52 engines, just that the ecu, top end & internals are modernised with direct injection, electronic variable valve & turbocharging.

  To change the power output & engine cc, either change the ecu mapping or change the stroke of the piston or add turbo or any combination of these.

  Thus you have 1 block than can be reconfigured into multiple variants.

  Now if only they can be smart about the styling. Time for them to relook at the older styling that made BMW the icon that ii is now.

  0 0 Reply
• Paul Tan on May 11, 2010 at 4:15 pm

  Block design similiar, but the material is different if I am not mistaken. From the M54 to the N52 they changed to this magnesium thingy.

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• Leo on May 11, 2010 at 4:33 pm

  Yeah… and this so-called Magnesium thingy has a common problem… makan minyak hitam! I have read a lot of complains in BMW Club Malaysia forum on how the iDrive popped out a message asking them to top up 1 litre of engine oil after 5000-8000km. FYI… there are some rather confusing explanations (sorry but I’m not really that technical) on why the engine behaves this way in the forum too… Personally I am driving an E60 with N52 engine right now but so far I have not encountered this problem (touch wood).

  0 4 Reply
• Leo on May 11, 2010 at 4:36 pm

  I have found the thread in the forum: http://www.bmwclubmalaysia.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18016

  Hope this help to clear the issue on the N52 (Magnesium engine)

  0 0 Reply
• BeemerFreak on May 11, 2010 at 4:42 pm

  Wonder why did beemer not follow the trend of other german marques in producing turbocharged small capacity engine for cars knowing that it is the trend. VW and Audi went that way first, recent mercs CGI engines on the E and C class were excellent and perfect for countries like ours.

  0 0 Reply
  • haywire on May 11, 2010 at 6:25 pm

    In my opinion I think BMW is more focussed on fuel efficiency rather than performance these days. No other manufacturers can match their fuel efficent figures.

    BMW will introduce a turbocharged 3 potter engine in the next 3 series in 2012, its in the news. Enough for slightly over 150 bhp.

    0 0 Reply
    • pregnant gaga on May 11, 2010 at 8:03 pm

      What about recent ferrari model?

      0 0 Reply
  • KZM on May 11, 2010 at 6:27 pm

    same also with malaysian who want big engine unlike the trend now…hehe..kidding

    0 0 Reply
• lchan on May 11, 2010 at 5:40 pm

  a detuned N53B25 which is basically a 3.0 puts out the most pathetic power. But its typical of bmw’s marketing strategy to do that. Once there is a facelift, they will up the power. But using a 3.0L as a 2.5 will not be a good idea in Malaysia due to roadtax. So, maybe we will have the N52 engine for a longer period.

  0 0 Reply
• philip on May 11, 2010 at 6:21 pm

  A virgin is a virgin. An old woman is an old woman. No matter how much one tries to prove that the old woman is a virgin, the old woman will always be an old woman.

  The old woman can go for surgery to repair her hymen but she is still an old woman and can never match the virgin.

  2 0 Reply
  • haywire on May 11, 2010 at 6:27 pm

    but she’s an old virgin woman. How?

    1 1 Reply
    • Littlefire on May 11, 2010 at 8:22 pm

      LOL~!

      0 0 Reply
  • pregnant gaga on May 11, 2010 at 8:01 pm

    which part of N52 is a hymen? wait, What’s is a hymen? Hi to all men?

    0 0 Reply
• kc on May 26, 2011 at 2:53 pm

  Can we use RON95 in n53b25 engine in Malaysia? What is the consequences if use it ?

  0 0 Reply
• Mark Maycock on Sep 09, 2011 at 6:17 pm

  BMW are introducing a new generation of turbocharged 3 cylinder petrol and diesel Pepper Pot engines. They will be highly strung with high boost pressures and electric low speed turbo spooling. The cylinder head and cylinder bore will be cast as one unit allowing higher compression ratios and banishing head gasket failure to the history books. They are engineered to have a service life in excess of 200,000 miles.

  With a starting capacity of 1500cc I don’t belive we will be seeing a 315i, or a 315d. Later there will be Pepper Pot equipped F10’s, I can’t see a 515d sounding good!!!!

  0 0 Reply
• fening aku pulih kereta on Oct 16, 2011 at 6:47 pm

  Paul or others,

  I’m now plan to buy 525 recond yr 2008 unreg . The salesman propose to me the one with N53B30.

  I need some advise …which one is better N53B30 or N53B25 or N52B25? As i noticed N52B25 can use Ron95, what about N53B30 and N53B25? Which engine is smoother and possible to get less problem? Do we have in the market 525 yr 2007 or 2008 LCI but with N52B25 engine?

  Please advise.

  tq

  0 0 Reply
• Matthew Dawood Khaghani on Dec 05, 2016 at 8:05 am

  I’m disappointed there are no 3 cylinder engines offered with the new five series about to be released. I think they can be far more refined than a 4 cylinder, especially as a diesel.

  0 1 Reply
• Chong Loy Hin on Feb 06, 2018 at 8:02 am

  I have a problem with my BMW E60 N53 sourcing the used spare part board . Can anyone suggest where can I find in kl or how much if order a new one ? Thank you.

  0 0 Reply

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