BMW Knowledge Base

Technical articles, diagnostic guides and deep dives into problem BMW components.

951 articles in the base · updated regularly

All Cooling System 22 OBD-II Diagnostics 34 Transmission 16 Buying Guide 60 Engine Mechanical 377 Car Overview 327 Maintenance 47 Suspension 1 Electrical System 24

Engine series:

All B47 B48 B57 B58 N20 N47 N52 N57 S55 S58

Engine Mechanical Overview

Common BMW Oil Leak Points

The most common oil leak points on a BMW: the valve cover gasket, the oil filter housing gasket, the oil pan gasket, the crankshaft seals — and, on the N62, the infamous Alpha gasket.

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Engine Mechanical ⚡ Express

BMW E60 Tuning: A Complete Guide to the N54, M57, N62, and Other Engines

A complete guide to BMW E60 tuning: the N54, M57, N62, and other engines, common problems, maintenance advice, and a buyer's checklist. Learn how to get the most out of your E60.

Engine Mechanical ⚡ Express

BMW N43 Engine: Problems, Service Life, and Reliability Secrets

A close look at BMW's N43 4-cylinder with direct injection: common problems, real service life, maintenance, and diagnostics—plus tips to make the engine last.

Engine Mechanical ⚡ Express

BMW N62B48 Engine: A Complete Guide to Problems, Maintenance, and Ownership

Complete guide to the BMW N62B48 engine: specs, common problems (oil consumption, coolant leaks, ignition coil failures), maintenance tips, and a checklist for buying a BMW with this motor.

Engine Mechanical ⚡ Express

M52 Engine Repair on the BMW E39: Head Gasket Replacement and Common Problems

A detailed guide to repairing the M52 engine in the BMW E39: head gasket replacement, diagnosing common failures (air in the cooling system, stripped threads), tips for extending engine life, and repair costs.

Engine Mechanical ⚡ Express

BMW N54 Engine: Reliability, Problems, Tuning, and a Complete Owner’s Guide

Complete guide to the BMW N54 engine: specs, common problems (oil leaks, turbo wear, injector issues), a maintenance schedule that extends service life past 155,000 miles, a pre-purchase checklist, and tuning advice.

Engine Mechanical ⚡ Express

BMW M73 V12 Engine: Overview, Problems, Service Life, and Reliability of the Legendary E38 Motor

A look at the BMW M73 V12: specs, common problems, maintenance, and buying advice. What to expect from the service life and reliability of the legendary E38 engine.

Engine Mechanical ⚡ Express

BMW N55 Engine: Complete Overview, Problems, Maintenance, and Tuning

A complete guide to the BMW N55 engine: specifications, common problems, maintenance and tuning advice. Learn how to extend the engine's life and what to look for when buying a car with the N55.

Engine Mechanical ⚡ Express

BMW N55 Engine: Specs, Common Problems, Tuning, and Ownership Tips

The BMW N55 is a turbocharged inline-six produced since 2009. Learn its specs, common problems (oil consumption, injectors), maintenance schedule, tuning potential, and how it compares to the N54 and S55.

Engine Mechanical ⚡ Express

BMW M40B18 Engine: Specs, Problems, and Service Life

BMW M40B18 engine: specs, common problems, and service life. What to know about its design, maintenance, and what to check before buying a BMW with this engine.