page_title: BMW N52
section_title: Design
hierarchical_section_title: BMW N52 / Design
caption_attribution_description: Deutsch: Schnittmodell eines BMW-N52-Motors, Institut für Angewandte Materialien – Werkstoffkunde (IAM–WK), Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT) English: Sectional model of a BMW N52 engine, Institute of Applied Materials – Materials Science (IAM–WK), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)
context_page_description: The BMW N52 is a naturally aspirated straight-six petrol engine which was produced from 2004-2015. The N52 replaced the BMW M54 and debuted on the E90 3 Series and E63 6 Series.
  The N52 was the first water-cooled engine to use magnesium/aluminium composite construction in the engine block. It was also listed as one of Ward's 10 Best Engines in 2006 and 2007.
  In European markets, the N52 began to be phased out following the release of the BMW N53 in 2007. However, in markets such as the United States, Canada, Australia and Malaysia, the N53 was deemed unsuitable due to the high levels of sulfur in the fuel. From the year 2011, the N52 began to be replaced by the BMW N20 turbocharged four-cylinder engine until production of the N52 finished in 2015.
  Unlike its predecessors, there is no BMW M version of the N52.
context_section_description: Compared with its M54 predecessor, the N52 features Valvetronic (variable valve lift), a lighter block due to the use of a magnesium alloy and an electric water pump (replacing the belt-driven water pump) and a variable output oil pump. The redline was increased from 6,500 rpm to 7,000 rpm.
  Like the M54, the N52 uses electronic throttle control and variable valve timing (double-VANOS). Higher output versions of the N52 use a three-stage variable length intake manifold (also called "DISA").
  The N52 engine block is made from a combination of magnesium and aluminium. Magnesium is lighter than aluminium, however it has a greater risk of corrosion from water and may creep under load at high temperatures; this makes traditional magnesium alloys not suited for withstanding the high loads to which an engine block is exposed. Therefore, BMW used a magnesium alloy for the crankcase shell, with an aluminum 'inner block' to overcome the limitations of magnesium alloys. The cylinder liners are made of Alusil and a hollow camshaft is used to reduce weight.
  The engine control unit (also called "DME") is a Siemens MSV70.
caption: Rear of N52, with Valvetronic visible
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