BMW N42B20 Engine

[softmuffin]

Hi guys,I know this is not BMW best engine but can it be that bad? A workshop told me this engine will give problems every 2months, never ending even you fixed the issue it will come back!! I was so surprise.. Anyway upgraded from E46 CI 1.9 to E46 N42. Any N42 owners can provide any feedback?cheers to all

 

[anaksarawak]

ONG!! Why didn't you offer vixxx for his M52 2.5 engine??? N42 is an engineering marvel by BMW, they are very advanced comparing to Japanese or French or American design engine.

Too many plastic and rubber parts which designed to last 100k km or 5 years of usage hence the multiple issues during your ownership.

 

[gendong]

Yes n42 engine is known to be a bit on the manja side. This engine was supposed to be the 'next' upgraded engine from M43 variant in terms of technology advancement, hence the frequent attention it needs. Problems? Yes, there are but not every 2 months as claimed. It all depends on how you take good care of the engine as most owners would rank appearance as priority. Main problem is the engine consume engine oil over a period of time.

What i did? After a year of ownership, and serious makan minyak hitam issue, decided to change all the gaskets, valves etc i.e. top overhaul. That solved the problem. Now I change engine oil every 8k km. Also, i found out my cooling system was blocked, so I too changed all the hoses, pumps, radiator and related stuff just to be safe. I think most members in here does the same.

Other than that, Im happy with my ride........ :rock:

Some reference http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_N42

p/s : now craving for more hp/torque :listen::wink:

 

[softmuffin]

Well says guys and I don't believe the engine is that bad. I believe if you maintain your car then it will serve you well.

 

[aidilj]

Hi, I'm on N42 as well, had some oil leaks but fixed after changed most of the seals. Was using mineral oil while leaks are being fixed, now back to synthetic / semi.

Bro gendong, you need to go manual to unleash the horses..

 

[kby88]

I am among those n42 owner that really, fully utilize every single horse that came out from it...he
Car is a machine that need to be taken care of. Definitely got wear n tear parts.
But to say every 2 month give problem is ridiculous but its still possible if you are not maintaining it the right way and the right time.

What I can say is, most of us (same with me, N42 owner) who is first time buying BMW, with no experience, knowledge about BMW, will opt for a "2 liter" engine. Sounds safe.
So, when theres part that wear out, coincidentally every month got 1 part wear out, than we will blame the engine/car.

p/s: who ever frustrated with their N42, you guys should taxi ride aidilJ N42 :top:
haa, and dont forget to manuallize it

 

[e46_UDM]

I too own a N42 Y2002 ride. Apart from the wear & tear parts that I changed at d first century mileage which was about two years ago, I only do the normal maintainence of changing the engine oil (semi sym) every 7/8K and ATF every 40K. Touch wood, so far so good. No major problem yet! Fingers crossed... But having said that, still can't run away from the topping up of the engine oil every now and then... Think it's time to do the top overhaul like most owner of N42 had done... Gud luck bro!

If u treat her nicely, she will repay u with all d pride & joy. And, my fren, that is PRICELESS!!!

 

[Ibrahim Hanif]

Hi, I'm on N42 as well, had some oil leaks but fixed after changed most of the seals. Was using mineral oil while leaks are being fixed, now back to synthetic / semi.

Bro gendong, you need to go manual to unleash the horses..

Bro, after you change all your seals no leak already is it?. or slightly have

 

[Ibrahim Hanif]

Mine also with N42 engine. So far no major problem. Being driving for 3 years already. Like them said, all wear & tear have to be changed. Oil level need to monitor and also cooling system. The engine is not that complicated. I'm happy with my ride.

 

[Ibrahim Hanif]

Guys, please update. What are the things to be change for doing top overhaul. I plan to do so. Will source for the items maybe in Singapore. Thanks in advance for the updates.

 

[gendong]

Bro gendong, you need to go manual to unleash the horses..

After seeing your ride last time during the Ulu Yam run (I honestly cant keep up), i am convinced manual is the way to go. But me old dy, sakit lutut main clutch.....hehehe......

 

[wingzee]

Yes n42 engine is known to be a bit on the manja side. This engine was supposed to be the 'next' upgraded engine from M43 variant in terms of technology advancement, hence the frequent attention it needs. Problems? Yes, there are but not every 2 months as claimed. It all depends on how you take good care of the engine as most owners would rank appearance as priority. Main problem is the engine consume engine oil over a period of time.

What i did? After a year of ownership, and serious makan minyak hitam issue, decided to change all the gaskets, valves etc i.e. top overhaul. That solved the problem. Now I change engine oil every 8k km. Also, i found out my cooling system was blocked, so I too changed all the hoses, pumps, radiator and related stuff just to be safe. I think most members in here does the same.

Other than that, Im happy with my ride........ :rock:

Some reference http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_N42

p/s : now craving for more hp/torque :listen::wink:

So bro, it's safe to say that after a top overhaul? The engine should perform normally like any other engine (without the need of topping up engine oil)? Just regular engine oil change will do?

 

[gendong]

Before top overhaul, engine oil starts to dip at 4-5k km and had to top up at least 1lit, and makan more there after. At one time, my engine oil did not even reach minimum level at 6k km. There were little sign of engine oil leak at my parking spot, but stains were there. After top overhaul, did not have to worry past the 5k km mark. As i normally service at 8k km, the oil wld always be a little bit below max each time service. Bear in mind that this is my daily ride, and its often on outstation runs, so i had to make sure its in acceptable state of readiness. Dont want to be stuck in the middle of nowhere.

From that experience, yes engine was better than before i might say.

 

[azeL_Inc]

as an N42 user, I am considering a top overhaul as well.. The adding-oil-routine is too much for me to take, haha... So far, I m quoted rm4k for top overhaul (add another 2k for full engine overhaul). Not sure that is fair price or not.. contemplating between open-and-replace-all-gaskets and top overhaul, but even change the gasket also will cost a bomb

 

[softmuffin]

Guys is good that everyone sharing their N42B20 experiences. As for me, I'll be going collect my ride this weekend. Some info from the web, for those who topup engine oil 1L+- after 4-5K might want to consider 5W-50 engine oil. Especially high mileage engine 100Km.

 

[kby88]

my mileage is approaching 300k in few days....
huh...done top overhaul few month ago because of water keep on disappear...
now its in super good condition...he...very2 minimal water n engine oil lost

 

[azeL_Inc]

my mileage is approaching 300k in few days....
huh...done top overhaul few month ago because of water keep on disappear...
now its in super good condition...he...very2 minimal water n engine oil lost

car to share how much it costs bro & where u done it bro?..seems like u re satisfied, might wanna try there also

 

[e46_UDM]

my mileage is approaching 300k in few days....
huh...done top overhaul few month ago because of water keep on disappear...
now its in super good condition...he...very2 minimal water n engine oil lost

car to share how much it costs bro & where u done it bro?..seems like u re satisfied, might wanna try there also

Yes! Pls do share wif us. Sharing is caring bro. Planning do to d top overhaul in a few months time.

 

[aidilj]

car to share how much it costs bro & where u done it bro?..seems like u re satisfied, might wanna try there also

Yes! Pls do share wif us. Sharing is caring bro. Planning do to d top overhaul in a few months time.

Guys, do share the reason why the plan for top overhaul. Bro kby88's machine had a problem where water will sip into one of the cylinder causing hard to start and losing water. Causing him to top up coolant every now and then.

Solution to this problem is top overhaul as it is suspected that the head was a bit warped when he had an overheat not too long ago.

Anyway, this was done in penang at around rm2k.

Cheers and correct me if I'm wrong bro kby88

 

[e46_UDM]

Guys, do share the reason why the plan for top overhaul. Bro kby88's machine had a problem where water will sip into one of the cylinder causing hard to start and losing water. Causing him to top up coolant every now and then.

Solution to this problem is top overhaul as it is suspected that the head was a bit warped when he had an overheat not too long ago.

Anyway, this was done in penang at around rm2k.

Cheers and correct me if I'm wrong bro kby88

My reason is due to the topping up of the engine oil (1/2liter) every 3K. My mech suggested a top overhaul.