Is the S54 reliable?
We rate the S54 70 of 100 for reliability: good. The rating is one of the inputs to every Guide Score below, and it is argued for on the method page with the others.
Why that rating
The lit mark is the S54; each grey mark is another engine on the engines page.
The E46 M3's high-revving six is durable when maintained, with known expensive items: rod bearings, which many owners replace preventively, VANOS seals and bolts, and regular valve clearance adjustments.
Cars in this guide with the S54
| Car | Years with this engine | Reliability | Guide Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| M3 E46 | 2001 to 2006 | 62 | 80 (2006) |
| M Roadster and M Coupe E36/7 | 2001 and 2002 | 62 | 80 (2000) |
| Z4 M E85 | 2006 to 2008 | 66 | 76 (2008) |
Reliability is each car's score out of 100 for the years it had this engine: the engine rating plus that car's own known problems, service costs and age. The Guide Score is for the car's best year to buy.
Known problems on the S54
| Problem | Named in the guides for | Typical bill |
|---|---|---|
| Rod bearing wear | M3 E46, Z4 M E85, M Roadster and M Coupe E36/7 | $2,500 |
| VANOS wear | Z4 M E85 | $2,000 |
Bills are the guides' estimates, not quotes; each car's guide says which model years a problem hits and how to check for it. The bars share one scale, up to the costliest bill here.
Other engines
Every engine we rate, from the most reliable down, is on the engines page.