BMW N52

The BMW N52 is a straight-6 DOHC piston engine which replaced the M54 and was produced from 2004 to 2011. Compared with its M54 predecessor, the N52 features variable valve lift (called Valvetronic by BMW) and also Dual VANOS, a continuous variable valve timing control for both inlet and exhaust camshafts. The N52 crankcase is made entirely of magnesium and aluminum. The N52 debuted in on the 2004 BMW E63 630Ci.

All BMW nameplates (3 series, 5 series, X3, Z4, etc) have been offered with an N52 engine. The N52 was replaced with the N53, however since the N53 was not sold in North America, Australia or Malaysia, these markets continued to use the N52 until the introduction of the N53's successor, the N20 turbocharged 4-cylinder engine.