We’re heavy-handed on the reward for the N52 engine. And why shouldn’t we be? The light-weight unit made its means beneath the hood of lots of of hundreds of BMWs from the mid-2000s on, and was the final non-turbo inline-six we noticed from the automaker within the US. Strong energy figures and a popularity for reliability imply that there are many good causes to get into an N52-powered BMW. And these are the very best.
BMW X3 3.0si
Logically, essentially the most highly effective N52 iteration should wind up on the listing of greatest N52-powered automobiles. The X3 is the one SUV on our listing, and it utilized a 260-horsepower N52B30, the very best manufacturing unit score of any N52-powered automobile. This glorious engine paired with an out there handbook transmission makes it a little bit of a must-include on this listing. Although, admittedly, the driving expertise isn’t precisely outstanding previous the gimmick of getting a handbook transmission and a terrific six-cylinder beneath the hood. However we predict that in 2025, that’s notable sufficient to advantage its inclusion on an inventory detailing the very best N52-powered BMWs.
2006 BMW E90 330i
The very best-output N52-powered E90 was truly solely out there for one mannequin yr within the US. The 2006 330i supplied 255 horsepower, whereas later 328i fashions supplied simply 230. The E90 3 Collection continues to be a terrific driver’s automobile at present, and the 255-horsepower N52 delivers a delightfully classic BMW expertise. Whereas not as fast because the 335i – which used a fiery N54 twin-turbo inline-six – the 330i was nonetheless lots satisfying and king of the luxurious sedan section means again when. Better of all, its driving expertise is ageing like wine whereas pricing stays comparatively steady.
2011 BMW Z4 sDrive30i (E89)
The final Z4 to function a naturally aspirated engine, the sDrive30i utilized the N52 engine with nice success. A stalwart 255 horsepower mixed with the roadster’s relative lightness, first rate steering, and out there six-speed handbook transmission to make this – a minimum of on paper – the perfect two-seater. The Z4 is held again a little bit bit by its unnecessarily stiff suspension and exact however less-than-talkative steering, nevertheless it’s nonetheless among the best examples of the N52 delivering an exhilarating driving expertise.
BMW 128i
The BMW 128i Coupe shares a ton of apparatus with the Z4 we simply talked about. So, why does this snatch second place on our listing, as an alternative of a two-seater platform that makes use of a lot of the identical gear? Honestly – practicality. The 1 Collection has a downright usable backseat and trunk, whereas the 2011 Z4 is, effectively, small. Usually, that’s factor, however its measurement, sadly, doesn’t make it considerably extra enjoyable to drive than the 128i. Although the Z4 makes a tad bit extra energy (255 vs. 230 horsepower), it weighs about the identical, and the Z4 is way from a devoted sports activities automobile. There’s additionally one other Z4 that’s extra worthy of taking the crown.
BMW Z4 Coupe 3.0si (E86)
Oh yeah, that is what we’re speaking about. The Z4 coupe is instantly recognizable and virtually unique in its rarity. Whereas the Z4 M is the one which grabs headlines, courtesy of its M3-borrowed S54, the N52-powered variant is completely price driving. In comparison with the E89 roadster we detailed above, the E86 trades a detachable high for a hard and fast roof, weighing 100 kilos much less whereas providing the very same energy. And if that was the entire story, the Z4 coupe can be merely topped the winner and we’d bid you adieu.
However the E86 coupe outshines the newer automobiles handily, embodying “much less is extra.” It’s six inches shorter in size, whereas standing an inch decrease and providing a functionally similar wheelbase. Whenever you’ve solely bought 255 horsepower to work with, each inch and pound issues. The Z4 Coupe 3.0si, then, is measurably higher to drive than the newer Z4. And it’s – a minimum of in our opinion – the very best N52-powered automobile cash should buy.
