Black Top, Silver Top, does it even matter?

Z

Zed-X

Member
Hi All
I've been doing some research but still none the wiser, as there seems to be differing opinions on it.

I'd like to know what, if any, are the differences between the 2 engine types (N52 & N52K?) and do they actually make one better than the other?

TIA (and apologies for reviving a done-to-death topic!)
 
Speaking as somebody thats owned both (and now an M54), the N52 sounds like a diesel when it's cold. Not a good look for BMW, so the N52k introduced an anti-flowback valve in the head.

Lifter noise from the N52 is due to the car sitting cold. Hot, thin engine oil would easily drain out of the head - cold start this engine and the valve train would lack the quantities of oil it needed, so the lifters turn your car into a diesel sewing machine until the car warms up to temp again. eventually,

To answer your question though - it doesn't really matter. There’s not long term issue with the noise and most people live with the N52 quirks, with some introducing 0W40 as a way to help reduce the amount of noise.
 
inkey$ has summed it up pretty well there!

I've had both in E86s and in terms of how they drive and perform I really didn't notice any difference. If it helps my N52 one was built in August 2006 and my N52K was built in October 2006.

I've also had two 3 Series with the earlier N52 engine and the lifter tick when cold only seems to happen when they have been sitting a few days, but soon stops once the engine is warm and doesn't seem to cause any issues. My E91 325i had done 139K when I sold it and my current 330i E90 has done 120+K and both engines performed brilliantly. :)

Here's a link to a previous thread anyway:- https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=105709&start=45

It mentions a revised water pump on the N52K but in my case that didn't mean longer lasting! My N52k needed a new water pump after 10 years and 60K but my N52 seemed to be on the original pump after 13 years and 91K miles.

Personally I'd happily buy either as any N52 is a fantastic engine - that's why when I bought my 3 Series I deliberately looked for ones with the N52 as later E9* models got the more troublesome N53. Luckily BMW never fitted that to the E85/86 range!
 
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