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Message: <blockquote data-quote="E46Fanatic" data-source="post: 341089" data-attributes="member: 81">Ya, unfortunately there are known excessive oil burn issues with the N52 for _some_ cars but not all. In most cases the oil burn is acceptable ~ a quart in about 7-8k kms which even in the M54 days most folks wont notice cos they never pop the hood and pull the dip stick to check oi levels at all.  In our cars its just via push of buttons from the cockpit so, folks generally check more often (I know I do with the N52).Having owned and driven both the N52 and M54, I'll still take the N52 anyday!  Its much better mated with the 6 speed gearbox which is a lot more responsive and its got lower center of gravity compared to the rather top heavy feeling M54.  Even braking distances is shorter on a E90 330i with the N52 vs. a E90 335i fitted with bigger brakes all round and an N54 (similar block to M54), so you get the benefit of a lighter engine in these areas as well.  In terms of excitement, the M54 doesn't come close to the N52, esp when its screaming away at 7k rpms. The M54 is much more subdued, and more Merc V6 like.  Different strokes for different folks.</blockquote>