Urgent: Can I use Cylinder head from a N51 on my 2006 330i?

u170who · 10-08-2023, 01:33 PM

Hey guys and gals, I have to replace my cylinder head on my N52. I find reasonable prices from junkyards for the N51 and N52K engines. Can I use them and which one is more compatible? I’m trying to get it with the magnesium valve cover also because mine has a little bit of aluminum missing at the top of one of the spark plug holes. Most important though is the Head. I’ve ahead ordered the N51 from a junkyard and I’m afraid it would be incompatible.

NZE90 · 10-08-2023, 05:41 PM

N52K. N51 is a low compression engine so you will lose power if you get that one.

Leucosticte · 10-09-2023, 08:14 AM

N51 head is different due to lower compression.

10-08-2023, 01:33 PM	#1
u170who Private 5 Rep 62 Posts Drives: e90 330I Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: New York City iTrader: (0)	Urgent: Can I use Cylinder head from a N51 on my 2006 330i? Hey guys and gals, I have to replace my cylinder head on my N52. I find reasonable prices from junkyards for the N51 and N52K engines. Can I use them and which one is more compatible? I’m trying to get it with the magnesium valve cover also because mine has a little bit of aluminum missing at the top of one of the spark plug holes. Most important though is the Head. I’ve ahead ordered the N51 from a junkyard and I’m afraid it would be incompatible. Last edited by u170who; 10-08-2023 at 03:15 PM..
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10-08-2023, 05:41 PM	#2
NZE90 Lieutenant 271 Rep 416 Posts Drives: 325i Join Date: Nov 2022 Location: Mars iTrader: (0)	N52K. N51 is a low compression engine so you will lose power if you get that one.
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10-09-2023, 08:14 AM	#3
Leucosticte First Lieutenant 205 Rep 345 Posts Drives: 2007 BMW 328xi E92 6mt swap Join Date: Oct 2019 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 BMW 328xi [0.00]	N51 head is different due to lower compression.
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