N52B30 buying advice

fareast1 · 11-23-2019, 07:39 AM

Hi all!

So it seems I need a replacement motor in my 2010 X5 Msport. It is an N52B30 with ~100k miles.
The car is in good shape, if you can say that, aside from the motor.

I am a little concerned about buying a used motor and am seeking advice on things I should look for and/or avoid.

Appreciate your thoughts on the matter.

Thanks in advance,

FE1

smass · 11-23-2019, 09:25 AM

Many salvage yards offer a 30-90 day warranty. You are still out the labor but at least you get your money back for the part. I would do a little research on realoem as to what blocks and heads will fit. If you can start with a E90 328i N52 long block, that is the easiest engine to find at low cost. If the block is the same, things would need to be swapped from your old engine such as oil pan and intake manifold.

I am curious what happened to your original motor? It is tough to kill one. And are you replacing the motor yourself?

fareast1 · 11-23-2019, 10:35 AM

Hi Smassey,

I wish I knew what caused the engine to self destruct. I have the same opinion, these are pretty tough motors.

I only put a couple hundred miles on the car since I bought it. I suspect it was overheated. One of the first things I did when I got it was to change the cooling system, the old water pump had impeller parts in it.
I am hoping to pick up the complete motor and just swap it out. I am going to have the local shop do it. I just don't have the time.

I captured a video of the noise it was making, its on here somewhere.

Thanks for the gouge, I will look for a used motor with a warranty.

FE1

11-23-2019, 07:39 AM	#1
fareast1 Second Lieutenant 41 Rep 208 Posts Drives: 2006 330I, 1996 z3, 2010 X5 Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Northeast iTrader: (1)	N52B30 buying advice Hi all! So it seems I need a replacement motor in my 2010 X5 Msport. It is an N52B30 with ~100k miles. The car is in good shape, if you can say that, aside from the motor. I am a little concerned about buying a used motor and am seeking advice on things I should look for and/or avoid. Appreciate your thoughts on the matter. Thanks in advance, FE1
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11-23-2019, 09:25 AM	#2
smass Lieutenant Colonel 401 Rep 1,579 Posts Drives: 06 325i - 10 335i Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Scottsdale, AZ iTrader: (1) Garage List 2010 E90 335i [0.00] 2016 F15 35i [0.00] 2003 E53 3.0 [0.00] 2006 E90 325i [0.00]	Many salvage yards offer a 30-90 day warranty. You are still out the labor but at least you get your money back for the part. I would do a little research on realoem as to what blocks and heads will fit. If you can start with a E90 328i N52 long block, that is the easiest engine to find at low cost. If the block is the same, things would need to be swapped from your old engine such as oil pan and intake manifold. I am curious what happened to your original motor? It is tough to kill one. And are you replacing the motor yourself?
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11-23-2019, 10:35 AM	#3
fareast1 Second Lieutenant 41 Rep 208 Posts Drives: 2006 330I, 1996 z3, 2010 X5 Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Northeast iTrader: (1)	Hi Smassey, I wish I knew what caused the engine to self destruct. I have the same opinion, these are pretty tough motors. I only put a couple hundred miles on the car since I bought it. I suspect it was overheated. One of the first things I did when I got it was to change the cooling system, the old water pump had impeller parts in it. I am hoping to pick up the complete motor and just swap it out. I am going to have the local shop do it. I just don't have the time. I captured a video of the noise it was making, its on here somewhere. Thanks for the gouge, I will look for a used motor with a warranty. FE1
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