Those of you who have noticed the tendency of car manufacturers to use confusing naming systems will be familiar with BMW’s clever nomenclatures. Their first car, the BMW 3/15 PS was first to introduce this naming convention; the logical structure in which the power and tax bracket was displayed still showed prominence in the modern era. So come 2021, we still have the 318i, 530i, and the Toyota Z4 30i to carry the flag of history forward.

Where the confusion kicks in is when you find out the 18i from the 318i isn’t a reflection of the engine displacement but the power in kilowatts. To add more fuel to the fire of confusion, converting the 18kw to horsepower only results in a value of 24 hp. You see, the value 18 corresponds to a kw bracket. With a value of 45 correlating to a kw bracket of 300 - 350 kw, you can sleep at night knowing your brand spanking new 3 series doesn’t have 24 horsepower.

For those unfamiliar with this iteration of BMW' straight-six engines, the N52 was the first engine to use a magnesium/aluminum composite block.

Here's What You Should Know About The N52

With durability and lightness as the engine's trump cards, the N52 was an exceptional replacement to its predecessor, the M54. Being light meant better weight distribution, and with the addition of double electronic variable valve timing, these engines could produce upwards of 260 naturally aspirated horsepower. Throw in a variable-length intake manifold and your engine will be singing a healthy note equaling that of the famed 2JZ 'GE'.

Whereas the 2JZ GE comes with forged internals such as conrods and pistons (the GTE had different pistons and head gaskets), the N52 was reluctant to undertake any high level of forced induction, albeit a few expensive supercharger kits that milks out an extra 50 ponies at best.

Obviously, if you have the budget, there is always the option of forging the whole unit, but why would you when you can buy an N54, which is the GTE’s envious opponent? In essence, the N52 is like one of those dishes that is best served on its own. No meat. No salad. And definitely no gravy.

If you are not a fan of gravy, you can always throw in some red hot chili flakes in the form of some decat headers and a non-resonated cat back system. If you want to add these components and have any doubts, please contact a professional for help. It can be said that not every car should be straight piped, but that's not the case here.

Burbles, pops, and bangs along with a linear power band make the N52 one of the best sounding inline six engines. Then there's its party trick: its ability to tread along the highway and return 39 mpg, which may not seem like a lot but don't forget that this is the same engine that can launch an e92 coupe from standstill to 60 mph in six seconds. So not a lot to compromise here.

Final Thoughts

With respect to all the inline six engines out there, the N52 was in a league of its own, collating awards and fans throughout a lifespan of eleven years. But the universe exists due to balance, and with that in mind, the N52 will need its fair share of problems to equate its sway. Oil leaks, VANOS and not to forget failing water pumps, meant that your 328i will occasionally remind you that you're not driving a Toyota Corolla.