[CTinline-six]

A co-worker owns a 2007 328i, the car has about 100k miles. Recently she needed a couple grand in work done to the engine. She showed me the paperwork and it detailed camshaft bearing work.

From my research, it seems this was the N52 cam bearing ledge problem where grooves are created in the head, causing a loss of oil pressure and VANOS problems.

My questions are:

1. How common is this problem?

2. Research seems to indicate it was fixed by late 2008. Is this true? How was the problem fixed?

3. Would running a thicker grade of oil (0w40 vs. 5w30) make a difference?

Thanks!

[hassmaschine]

Poor maintenance imo. Not a common problem.

[talisman311]

Originally Posted by CTinline-six

A co-worker owns a 2007 328i, the car has about 100k miles. Recently she needed a couple grand in work done to the engine. She showed me the paperwork and it detailed camshaft bearing work.

From my research, it seems this was the N52 cam bearing ledge problem where grooves are created in the head, causing a loss of oil pressure and VANOS problems.

My questions are:

1. How common is this problem? This occurred on my car.. Dealership replaced under a TSB when it was under warranty. They did say that the metal BMW used was too soft.

2. Research seems to indicate it was fixed by late 2008. Is this true? How was the problem fixed?

3. Would running a thicker grade of oil (0w40 vs. 5w30) make a difference?

Thanks!

1. How common is this problem? This occurred on my car.. Dealership replaced under a TSB when it was under warranty. IIRC, mileage was roughly 60k They did say that the metal BMW used was too soft.

[CTinline-six]

Originally Posted by talisman311

1. How common is this problem? This occurred on my car.. Dealership replaced under a TSB when it was under warranty. IIRC, mileage was roughly 60k They did say that the metal BMW used was too soft.

Interesting, thanks for the info!

My coworker takes very good of her car, it has always been dealer serviced since new at the specified intervals.

Seems like one of those strange hit or miss issues like the head bolts breaking. Also an issue that seems to be a problem on mostly the earlier cars.