Quote:
Originally Posted by Alan Smithee
Going back to the original post in reference to the new N20 2.0 4-cylinder turbo, I think a better comparison is to the engine it is replacing, which is what my initial comments were based on. Certainly you wouldn't bet against the N52/N53 lasting longer without major work, would you?
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Lasting longer isn't an indication of reliability. It is an indication of durability.
If one engine breaks down every month, but runs for 300,000 miles with regular interventions, and another engine never breaks down, but runs for 200,000 miles before requiring an overhaul, which is more reliable? IMO, it is the one that never breaks down.
How many late model BMWs get traded in because the engines are worn out (rings, cylinders, valves, etc) vs those that get traded in because they are always leaving their owners on the side of the road?
I would bet that the N52/N53 would be as reliable as the N20, once both are past their typical first-year-of-production build issues.
In terms of durability, I don't have data to suggest that one is more durable than the other, but I would bet that other systems on the car would be the determining factor, not the presence of a single turbocharger.