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The N52 is a pretty solid motor, if you are looking at a pre-2011. The N54 is basically an n54/n55 without the turbo charger(s). I think in 2011, they switched to an N55. 2011 and beyond are turbo charged and do get slightly better gas milage. The biggest thing about a BMW is staying up on the maintenance. If you think you are going to drive it and not have to do this and that, BMW is not for you. BMW's require the brake fluid to be changed out every 2 years for example; its a good/great idea to change out the power steering fluid every 50k. If you drive 20+ k a year, you probably should do a complete fluid swap every 50k to be honest.
Things I have noticed on a BMW that do wear out.....
1) Oil Filter Housing gasket (75 to 100k)
2) Megatronic Sleeve (75-100k)
3) Valve cover gasket (75-100k)
4) Water pump (75-100k)
5) Belts and pulleys (75-100k)
Most of the things above, you can change yourself with a decent set of tools and research via DIY's.
BMW's are awesome on brakes, but the OEM brake dust sucks. Hence, most people use a ceramic brake pad once their OEM pads and rotors go.
The other thing about a BMW is that I am not convinced you can go 100k on is a set of plugs. I would change them every 50k. The N54 motor requires 45k intervals for example. You should be able to get 100k out of a set of coils no problem; after that your on borrowed time with a set of OEM coils.
One last thing about a BMW is that you need to clean out the vanos solenoids once a year; you simply take them out and clean them with brake fluid and compressed air. When these get gummed up, they become useless, and they are very expensive to replace to the tune of $200.00.
Oil changes and what brand seems to be a bone of contention. Lots of guys swear by 5-7k intervals even though BMW says you can use 17k intervals. Myself, I use 16K intervals and change out the filter every 8k. I also use an engine flush and magnetic drain bolt. I also use Amsoil throughout the entire car in every fluid.
Hope this helps.
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