The 4 Common Problems with the BMW N53 Engine

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The 4 Common Problems with the BMW N53 Engine. The BMW N53 engine was produced from 2006-2013. It is the last of a custom from BMW that goes back to 1968. The naturally aspirated directly six has been a significant part to BMW’s formula, which additionally includes rear wheel drive, and also near 50/50 weight circulation. Based upon extensive research study, there are some significant common issues with the N53 however overall it is extremely dependable engine. Let’s go over the 4 common troubles with the BMW N53.

History and Models

Suited BMW E9x 3series, E60 5 collection as well as even the F10 5 collection up until 2011. The N53 replaced the N52 in the majority of markets, besides significantly the North American Market and Australia. These markets were omitted because of high sulfur material in the fuel. BMW had the ability to lower fuel intake in the N53 engine by adding direct injection as well as a nitrogen oxide storage catalytic converter. This catalytic converter required low sulfur web content fuel to run effectively. While most markets obtained the updated BMW N53, the United State, Canada, and Australia continued to obtain the N52.

4 Common Problems with the N53 Engine

  • Spark Plugs
  • Coil Packs
  • Fuel Pump
  • Injectors

The 4 Common Problems with the BMW N53 Engine

1) N53 Spark Plug Failure

Not a massive problem on the BMW N53, yet something I saw come up several times with proprietors trying to remedy their misfire and harsh still scenario. The spark plugs have actually been understood to put on too soon, creating misfires and rough idles. Dripping fuel injectors dump additional fuel near the spark plug suggestions causing early wear. Also, if you have or had a valve cover gasket leakage, there is an opportunity that oil has saturated right into the plugs.

Symptoms of Poor N53 Spark Plugs

  • Rough still
  • Faltering acceleration
  • Loss of power & torque
  • Decreased engine responsiveness

Along with early wear, spark plugs normally wear down gradually as well as end up being much less effective or malfunctioning, triggering the very same symptoms over. They ought to be replaced roughly every 40,000-50,000 miles, and also are a low-cost repair work that can conveniently be finished by newbie DIY’ers. , if you know your trigger plugs have not been changed in that time framework it may be a great suggestion to knock out the repair work as preventative upkeep.

2) N53 Bad Ignition Coils

An additional BMW N53 issue triggering power loss, misfires and harsh idles (comparable or same symptoms as spark plugs). The coil packs are usually an ignored issue. It seems most proprietors report this as the last thing they change after the injectors, and spark plugs to take care of the misfires as well as harsh idles. While it is tough to diagnose with certainty, reaching the coils is fairly simple; they really sit on top of the spark plugs and should be taken out to replace the spark plugs. If the engine has over 50,000 miles (or if they have not been replaced in the last 50,000 miles), possibilities are the ignition coils might be defective or under-performing.

3) N53 High Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP).

This is the very first common as well as most common concern ahead up with the N53. When the engine initially came out that BMW issued a recall on the engine, high Stress fuel pumps were such a concern. The N53 utilizes the same HPFP as the BMW N54, as well as these concerns are well recorded.

Symptoms of N53 HPFP Failure.

  • Lengthy crank.
  • 1/2 engine light.
  • Harsh still.
  • Stuttering acceleration.

When the high pressure fuel pump is failing it will not deliver enough fuel to the engine for appropriate operation. The lack of fuel circulation is what creates long cranks, harsh idling, and stuttering while increasing. The 1/2 engine light might illuminate and the cars and truck will likely remain to drive up until the HPFP totally fails and does not move adequate fuel for the engine to fire.

Mileage for Failure

High pressure fuel pumps on the BMW N53 might fall short at any mileage; lots of likely fell short beforehand and were changed under the recalls and also expanded service warranty. In 2012/2013, after multiple attempts, BMW finally re-designed the HPFP which appears to have actually resolved the problems. If you are checking into purchasing a model with the N53, make certain to inspect the upkeep records to ensure the HPFP has been replaced either by recall or by the previous owner. Most N53 HPFP’s most likely skilled failure early on and also received the upgraded fuel pump, yet there might be a few around still running the initial malfunctioning part.

4) N53 Fuel Injector Failure

The N53 went from port injection to route injection with Piezo injectors (similar to the BMW N54). With this change, came a learning curve as well as lots of changes and reprogramming to these components. The BMW N53 and N54 both used direct injection featuring Piezo injectors the actual part number as well as injectors were different on each engine. Regardless of this difference, they experienced a similar fate with common failures.

Symptoms of N53 Fuel Injector Failure:.

  • Misfires.
  • Limp Mode.
  • Harsh Idle.
  • Poor Fuel Economy.
  • Inspect Engine Light.

Unlike the HPFP issue that does not move adequate fuel, the injectors usually fall short by developing leaks and disposing additional fuel right into the cylinders. This added fuel causes misfires, rough still, inadequate fuel economy and also potentially check engine lights as well as limp mode.

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If you do need to replace the injectors, do deny them reconditioned or used, and also attempt to obtain them to match the exact same index. The newer fuel injectors that took care of the early issues have different indexes; it is important to keep in mind that various index fuel injectors can not be mixed on the same financial institution (i.e. cylinders 1-3 or 4-6). After substitute, they will require to be coded. Not changing them appropriately can trigger the engine to still run harsh, which might lead into the next two concerns. These 3 of the 4 common N53 problems have to do with misfires as well as harsh idles.

Summary.

Compared to various other engines in the BMW lineup, I would state this engine is prepared and trustworthy for a lengthy life. Thinking about these 4 common issues with the N53, there are no major concerns with oil dripping or with the air conditioning system which have a tendency to finish the life of the engine. Of course, older engines with high mileage may develop oil leaks or other concerns as a part of basic damage, though they are not extremely common problems. A fuel pump may put you in limp setting, yet will not retire the car to the junk lawn. Very same selects for the injectors, spark plugs and coil packs.

BMW produced a superb engine to make its mark as their last normally aspirated engine. If you have one or your experience with it, let me understand what you think of the engine.