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      02-07-2020, 09:41 AM   #1
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F15/F16 50 Reliability

I’ve enjoyed rock solid reliability on my ‘11 35i with the N55 engine. I have a lead on a loaded-to-the-gills ‘17 50 just outside of warranty. I’ve read about lots of N63 issues on the E70 platform (CCP, valvetrain, coolant lines, etc). I’m curious to know about folks’ general reliability experience with the 50 engine on the F15/F16 platform. Please opine. Thanks!
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      02-07-2020, 09:48 AM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Poppyboy View Post
I’ve enjoyed rock solid reliability on my ‘11 35i with the N55 engine. I have a lead on a loaded-to-the-gills ‘17 50 just outside of warranty. I’ve read about lots of N63 issues on the E70 platform (CCP, valvetrain, coolant lines, etc). I’m curious to know about folks’ general reliability experience with the 50 engine on the F15/F16 platform. Please opine. Thanks!
The N63TU (the 'TU' stands for 'Technical Update') that's in our F15/16 50i's resolved a lot of the issues of the preceding N63. I don't see many posts here about major issues. Many of us run tunes of one sort or another, which would quickly reveal any major mechanical flaw.

All that is purely anecdotal, of course. I don't have any hard data. I know that mine has been completely without malfunction of any kind. Doesn't burn any oil and will run away and hide from almost anything else out on the road on a given day.
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      02-07-2020, 10:50 AM   #3
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No problems here either on either 2015 x5 50i or 2016 x6 50i after 1+ year of ownership. The x6 does seem to drink more oil than my wifes x5 but after 3000 miles which IMO is pretty good. $16 every 3000 miles to top off with 2qt of oil is a small price to pay.
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      02-07-2020, 11:21 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Poppyboy View Post
I’ve enjoyed rock solid reliability on my ‘11 35i with the N55 engine. I have a lead on a loaded-to-the-gills ‘17 50 just outside of warranty. I’ve read about lots of N63 issues on the E70 platform (CCP, valvetrain, coolant lines, etc). I’m curious to know about folks’ general reliability experience with the 50 engine on the F15/F16 platform. Please opine. Thanks!
I recommend reviewing these threads by our old friend DuSh.

https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1580153
https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...ighlight=N63TU
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      02-07-2020, 01:02 PM   #5
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I just turned 100k in my 50i. I just did plugs and coils (~$200) and I had to replace the PCV tubes. I replaced one with an eBay knock off ($50) and used heater hose and clamps to replace the larger PCV tube (BMW replacement is ~$350, no knock off available). I change my oil around every 5-6k miles (bc it makes me feel good) and I always use an OEM filter and Rotella T6 oil (I use less than a quart of oil between changes). Other than that, I've had no issues. Vehicle is tuned a BM3 Stage 1 flash stacked with JB4 @ 21.5lbs. Runs 11.7 in the 1/4.

Engine aside, I'm also gearing up for the following: transmission mount (have a low RPM vibration that I believe is being caused by this), front and rear diff fluids, tcase fluid, transmission fluid and filter, front control arms. Just need to find the time to do it all.

That's been my experience at least...
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      02-08-2020, 07:15 AM   #6
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Thanks so much, everyone. I really appreciate it!
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      02-08-2020, 03:19 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Poppyboy View Post
I’ve enjoyed rock solid reliability on my ‘11 35i with the N55 engine. I have a lead on a loaded-to-the-gills ‘17 50 just outside of warranty. I’ve read about lots of N63 issues on the E70 platform (CCP, valvetrain, coolant lines, etc). I’m curious to know about folks’ general reliability experience with the 50 engine on the F15/F16 platform. Please opine. Thanks!
No issues here at all with my 2015 X6 50i N63TU... Of course you can find horror stories on every make and model out there.. But if your worried.... I think your in a good spot as the 2016+ 50i has the N63TU2.
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      02-15-2020, 12:04 AM   #8
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2014 50i with 72k miles, no significant engine issues yet. (Knocking on wood)
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      02-15-2020, 01:48 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Poppyboy View Post
I’ve enjoyed rock solid reliability on my ‘11 35i with the N55 engine. I have a lead on a loaded-to-the-gills ‘17 50 just outside of warranty. I’ve read about lots of N63 issues on the E70 platform (CCP, valvetrain, coolant lines, etc). I’m curious to know about folks’ general reliability experience with the 50 engine on the F15/F16 platform. Please opine. Thanks!
I was doing the same thing as you a few months ago. I'd convinced myself that the TU version was reliable enough to take the plunge. Fast forward till today when the BMW shop is tearing down the motor to find out where the knock is coming from. I'm pretty sure the motor is shot and I'm out of warranty but we'll see how BMW handles it.

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      02-15-2020, 05:47 AM   #10
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Would not touch anything with a N63 (TU or not) with a six foot pole.
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      02-15-2020, 05:56 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by skoold2003 View Post
I was doing the same thing as you a few months ago. I'd convinced myself that the TU version was reliable enough to take the plunge. Fast forward till today when the BMW shop is tearing down the motor to find out where the knock is coming from. I'm pretty sure the motor is shot and I'm out of warranty but we'll see how BMW handles it.

That sucks! How many miles are on it and how many were miles you put on it? Was is going thru oil and if so how frequently? Good luck hope BMW helps you out.
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      02-15-2020, 07:53 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by skoold2003 View Post
I was doing the same thing as you a few months ago. I'd convinced myself that the TU version was reliable enough to take the plunge. Fast forward till today when the BMW shop is tearing down the motor to find out where the knock is coming from. I'm pretty sure the motor is shot and I'm out of warranty but we'll see how BMW handles it.

Just an FYI. My 14' 50i engine was replaced last summer a year out of warranty. I had a cylinder go out (#5) from what I now suspect was a faulty HPFP (I think that it wasn't throwing codes but leaning out that bank) BMW goodwilled 75% at their cost. I think I paid $3400 total. I think they realize there are some engines with issues. They stuck the same HPFP on the brand new long block and 6 months later I was getting bogging and a CEL again. This time it did throw a fuel pump plausibility code. At first they weren't going to warranty that but came back and decided to do it all for free (since that should have been suspecting in the first place). Hopefully it works out for you.
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      02-15-2020, 12:11 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CT335xi View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by skoold2003 View Post
I was doing the same thing as you a few months ago. I'd convinced myself that the TU version was reliable enough to take the plunge. Fast forward till today when the BMW shop is tearing down the motor to find out where the knock is coming from. I'm pretty sure the motor is shot and I'm out of warranty but we'll see how BMW handles it.

That sucks! How many miles are on it and how many were miles you put on it? Was is going thru oil and if so how frequently? Good luck hope BMW helps you out.
It has 45k miles of which about 4k were mine. It was definitely going through oil quick because I changed the oil plus had to put two quarts in..
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      02-15-2020, 12:21 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by skoold2003 View Post
It has 45k miles of which about 4k were mine. It was definitely going through oil quick because I changed the oil plus had to put two quarts in..
How many miles did you put on before you had to add 2 quarts? Mines has been different, sometimes 2 quarts in 2500 miles and sometimes 3700-4000 miles before it asked for 2 quarts. I usually change the oil every 5-6k. That definitely sucks who would think with 45k it would be shot!! I’m going to monitor mine closely, picked up a extended warranty by Continental thru my BMW dealer for like $4100 ($200 deductible) 3 year/36k or 10/22, my cpo was up 10/19. Hope BMW takes care of you like they did for AZTWW !
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      02-15-2020, 12:30 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CT335xi View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by skoold2003 View Post
It has 45k miles of which about 4k were mine. It was definitely going through oil quick because I changed the oil plus had to put two quarts in..
How many miles did you put on before you had to add 2 quarts? Mines has been different, sometimes 2 quarts in 2500 miles and sometimes 3700-4000 miles before it asked for 2 quarts. I usually change the oil every 5-6k. That definitely sucks who would think with 45k it would be shot!! I'm going to monitor mine closely, picked up a extended warranty by Continental thru my BMW dealer for like $4100 ($200 deductible) 3 year/36k or 10/22, my cpo was up 10/19. Hope BMW takes care of you like they did for AZTWW !
I'd say about 2500 miles before I had to add. Maybe you could get your oil tested for metal if you want to be proactive. That's the best way to tell if a bearing is going bad.

I'm definitely keeping my fingers crossed that BMW will come through! I guess I should mention that if they don't a lot of potential customers will see it on the forum.
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      02-20-2020, 11:44 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AZTWW View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by skoold2003 View Post
I was doing the same thing as you a few months ago. I'd convinced myself that the TU version was reliable enough to take the plunge. Fast forward till today when the BMW shop is tearing down the motor to find out where the knock is coming from. I'm pretty sure the motor is shot and I'm out of warranty but we'll see how BMW handles it.

Just an FYI. My 14' 50i engine was replaced last summer a year out of warranty. I had a cylinder go out (#5) from what I now suspect was a faulty HPFP (I think that it wasn't throwing codes but leaning out that bank) BMW goodwilled 75% at their cost. I think I paid $3400 total. I think they realize there are some engines with issues. They stuck the same HPFP on the brand new long block and 6 months later I was getting bogging and a CEL again. This time it did throw a fuel pump plausibility code. At first they weren't going to warranty that but came back and decided to do it all for free (since that should have been suspecting in the first place). Hopefully it works out for you.
It sounds like they're gonna replace my engine for about the same price as they did for you. At least we don't have to spring for the whole $15k!
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      02-20-2020, 12:28 PM   #17
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It sounds like they're gonna replace my engine for about the same price as they did for you. At least we don't have to spring for the whole $15k!
Congrats! That's great news and I imagine a massive relief to hear.

To close the loop on the "reliability" factor, have either of you been provided a cause of the issue or is it just one of those things that happens?
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      02-20-2020, 04:28 PM   #18
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That’s great to hear that most of it is coming out of there pockets!!
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      03-13-2020, 06:42 PM   #19
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Congrats! That's great news and I imagine a massive relief to hear.

To close the loop on the "reliability" factor, have either of you been provided a cause of the issue or is it just one of those things that happens?
So the replacement is done finally! The report said that when they tore down the motor there was scoring on rod and main bearing caps. I'm not sure what would cause that since the motor was serviced at suggested intervals?
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      03-13-2020, 08:42 PM   #20
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Congrats, I bet you’re stoked that’s over and BMW ate most of the cost.
Interesting findings for sure, especially since it was maintained/serviced on schedule.
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      03-13-2020, 09:54 PM   #21
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Congrats, I bet you're stoked that's over and BMW ate most of the cost.
Interesting findings for sure, especially since it was maintained/serviced on schedule.
For sure! Now I'm trying to decide if I want to install this tune I have sitting on my desk or sell it

I'm not sure if I'm crazy for considering it or a pussy for not just doing it..
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      03-14-2020, 07:50 AM   #22
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For sure! Now I'm trying to decide if I want to install this tune I have sitting on my desk or sell it

I'm not sure if I'm crazy for considering it or a pussy for not just doing it..
I say go for the tune and let it rip, but then the other side of me says man what of something happens again and the entire bill is on me. Like they say have to pay to play.
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