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M60 and M62 vs BMW N20: which engine is more reliable?

The M60 and M62 and the BMW N20 tie on our risk index: 63/100 (high risk). The M60 and M62 has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Broken or worn plastic timing chain guides»; the BMW N20 has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Timing chain guide and tensioner wear (2011-2015)».

Risk index

M60 and M62

63

High risk · 2 serious faults

Risk index

BMW N20

63

High risk · 2 serious faults

The index (0–100) weights the severity and frequency of the three most serious documented faults. How it is calculated

10 sourcesHow we work

Is the M60 and M62 reliable?

BMW's M60 and M62 V8s have a reputation for durability if the cooling system is looked after, but the M62 carries two well-documented weak points: the plastic chain guides of the timing chain and, from 1998, the VANOS seals. The M60 suffered cylinder wear from Nikasil with sulphur-contaminated petrol.[1][2][3][4]

See the 5 of the M60 and M62 faults

Is the BMW N20 reliable?

The BMW N20 (2011-2017) was the first turbocharged four-cylinder with which BMW replaced its naturally aspirated six-cylinders in models such as the 320i, 328i and X3, and it is generally mechanically sound. Its best-documented weak point is the timing chain guides and tensioner on units built before 2015; oil leaks, the electric water pump and, to a lesser extent, the turbo and the high-pressure fuel pump are also known issues.[5][6]

See the 5 of the BMW N20 faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of M60 and M62 and BMW N20
M60 and M62BMW N20
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement—1,997 cm³
TimingChainChain
Power218–347 hp156–245 hp
Production1992–2005[4][7][8][9]2011–2017[5][10]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)63High risk63High risk
Documented faults55
Of high or critical severity22
Worst severityCritical severityCritical severity
Main faults
  1. Critical severity: Broken or worn plastic timing chain guides
  2. Critical severity: Cylinder wear in the M60 (and some early M62s) from the Nikasil coating
  3. Medium severity: Worn seals on the M62 TU VANOS unit
  1. Critical severity: Timing chain guide and tensioner wear (2011-2015)
  2. Critical severity: Electric water pump failure (BMW campaign in the US over fire risk)
  3. Medium severity: Oil leaks from the rocker cover gasket and the filter housing
Most expensive documented repairNo reliable dataNo reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versionsNoneNone
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • M60B30, 3.0 litres (218 hp; 1992-1996)[1][2][4]
  • M60B40, 4.0 litres (286 hp; 1992-1996)[1][3][4]
  • M62B35, 3.5 litres (235 hp; 1996-1998)[1][2]
  • M62TUB35, 3.5 litres (238-245 hp; 1998-2003)[1][2]
  • M62B44, 4.4 litres (286 hp; 1996-1998)[1][2]
  • M62TUB44, 4.4 litres (286 hp; 1998-2005)[1][2]
  • M62TUB46, 4.6 litres (347 hp; 2002-2004)[1][2]
  • N20B20 156 hp (115 kW, 2013-2016)[6]
  • N20B20B 184 hp (135 kW, 2011-2017)[6]
  • N20B20 218 hp (160 kW, 2012-2015)[6]
  • N20B20A 245 hp (180 kW, 2011-2017)[6]
AvoidVersions to avoidNoneNone

Severity of each fault: green, low; amber, medium; red, high; dark red, critical. How we rate them

Cars that each one is fitted to

M60 and M62

BMW N20

See the 8 models with the BMW N20

Other comparisons

With the M60 and M62

With the BMW N20

Compare other engines

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Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. BMW M62 V8 Engine Guide: Problems, Reliability, TuningBMWBlog · Motoring press · published 27 September 2026 · consulted 2 November 2026
  2. BMW M62 4.4 V8 (1996-2003): problemas conocidosEnginescope · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  3. BMW 7er (1994-2002): Schwachstellen und MotorenAuto Bild · Motoring press · published 25 February 2002 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  4. BMW M60Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  5. BMW N20Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  6. BMW N20 Engine: Pros, Cons, Reliability, Tuning, and Maintenance GuideBMW BLOG · Motoring press · published 8 June 2025 · consulted 27 September 2026
  7. BMW M60Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  8. BMW M62Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  9. BMW M62Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  10. BMW N20Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German