BMW N52 Head Gasket Keychain - 130i 330i Z4 E90 Stainless Memento

This stainless-steel head gasket keychain celebrates the BMW N52, BMW’s naturally aspirated magnesium-aluminium inline-six petrol-engine family. Introduced in 2004 to replace the M54, the N52 was produced in 2.5-litre and 3.0-litre forms and became a defining engine of BMW’s 2000s-era six-cylinder range.

Engine Identity

Manufacturer: BMW AG.
Engine family: N52.
Common engine codes: N52B25 and N52B30, with output-specific suffixes varying by model, market and year.
Configuration: Front-mounted, longitudinal naturally aspirated inline-six petrol engine.
Cylinder count: 6
Displacement: N52B25: 2,497 cc / 2.5 litres; N52B30: 2,996 cc / 3.0 litres.
Production period: 2004–2015, although European production was largely superseded by the direct-injection N53 from 2011.
Valvetrain: DOHC, four valves per cylinder, 24 valves total, with Double VANOS variable cam timing and Valvetronic variable valve lift.
Fuel system: Port fuel injection; N52 is not BMW’s direct-injection N53 engine.

The N52 uses a magnesium-aluminium composite crankcase, a major weight-saving feature compared with the preceding M54. BMW listed the N52 at approximately 161 kg, around 10 kg lighter than the M54 it replaced.

Vehicle Compatibility Matrix

The N52 was fitted across a wide range of BMW models. The matrix below lists principal European applications; fitment, output and engine-code suffix differ by market and model year.

Engine variant	Vehicle models	Chassis	Typical years	Typical output range
N52B25	BMW 1 Series 125i	E81/E82/E87/E88	2006–2011	218 PS / 160 kW in higher-output applications.
N52B25	BMW 3 Series 323i and 325i	E90/E91/E92/E93	2005–2013	177–218 PS, depending on version and market.
N52B25	BMW 5 Series 523i / 525i	E60/E61	2005–2010	177–218 PS, depending on engine version.
N52B25	BMW Z4 2.5i / 2.5si	E85/E86	2005–2008	177–218 PS, depending on specification.
N52B30	BMW 1 Series 125i / 130i	E81/E82/E87/E88	2006–2011	218–265 PS, depending on model and market.
N52B30	BMW 3 Series 325i, 328i and 330i	E90/E91/E92/E93	2005–2013	218–272 PS, depending on version and market.
N52B30	BMW 5 Series 525i, 528i and 530i	E60/E61; F10/F11	2005–2011	218–272 PS, depending on version and market.
N52B30	BMW 6 Series 630i	E63/E64	2004–2010	258 PS in the launch application.
N52B30	BMW X1 and X3	E84; E83/F25	2006–2015	Output varies by model, market and year.
N52B30	BMW Z4 3.0si and Z4 30i	E85/E86/E89	2005–2011	Typically 258–272 PS
N52B30	BMW 7 Series 730i	E65/E66	2005–2008	Market-specific application.

The N52 was installed in the 1 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, 7 Series, X1, X3 and Z4 ranges. Because N52B25 and N52B30 engines have different cylinder bores and different capacities, buyers must confirm the engine code before treating a keychain profile as a specific service-gasket reference.

Why This Engine Matters

The N52 is celebrated as one of BMW’s last widely used naturally aspirated straight-sixes before turbocharged engines became standard across much of the range. Its magnesium-aluminium crankcase, Valvetronic variable valve lift and Double VANOS cam timing combined traditional BMW six-cylinder smoothness with lower weight and improved efficiency.

The engine appeared on Ward’s 10 Best Engines list in 2006 and 2007. For enthusiasts, high-output 3.0-litre versions such as the 258 PS 630i and 265 PS 130i/330i are especially associated with BMW’s naturally aspirated driving character.

Technical Specifications

Specification	N52B25	N52B30
Capacity	2,497 cc / 2.5 litres.	2,996 cc / 3.0 litres.
Configuration	Naturally aspirated inline-six petrol.	Naturally aspirated inline-six petrol.
Cylinder head	DOHC, four valves per cylinder; 24 valves total.	DOHC, four valves per cylinder; 24 valves total.
Bore x stroke	82.0 x 78.8 mm	85.0 x 88.0 mm
Compression ratio	11.0:1	10.7:1
Cylinder block	Magnesium-aluminium composite crankcase.	Magnesium-aluminium composite crankcase.
Variable valve systems	Double VANOS and Valvetronic.	Double VANOS and Valvetronic.
Timing drive	Timing chain.	Timing chain.
Stock power range	177–218 PS. otoba+1	218–272 PS.
Stock torque range	230–250 Nm.	270–315 Nm.
Example rev limit	7,000 rpm in a 177 PS N52B25 application.	Varies by calibration and vehicle; confirm by engine-code-specific handbook.

Performance varies by engine calibration. For example, published N52B30 outputs range from 218 PS to 272 PS, so a particular vehicle’s figures must be matched to its model year and engine-code suffix.

Product Details

Stainless-steel head gasket keychain inspired by the BMW N52 naturally aspirated inline-six cylinder-head gasket profile.
Designed for owners and enthusiasts of N52-powered BMW 1 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, 7 Series, X1, X3 and Z4 models.
Finished using our three-stage vibratory polishing process for a smooth, durable metal finish.
Supplied on a plywood display card for gifting, collecting or display.
A compact tribute to BMW’s magnesium-aluminium, naturally aspirated six-cylinder era.

FAQ

What is the BMW N52 engine?

The BMW N52 is a naturally aspirated inline-six petrol-engine family produced in 2.5-litre N52B25 and 3.0-litre N52B30 forms. It uses Double VANOS, Valvetronic and a magnesium-aluminium crankcase.

Which cars use the BMW N52?

The N52 was used in BMW 1 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, 7 Series, X1, X3 and Z4 models, with fitment varying by capacity, market and production year.

Is the N52 the same as the N53?

No. The N52 is a port-injected naturally aspirated inline-six, while the N53 is a later direct-injection naturally aspirated inline-six that replaced the N52 in many European applications.

Is this a functional replacement head gasket?

No. This is a decorative stainless-steel keychain inspired by the BMW N52 head-gasket shape; it is not an engine-service component.

N52 – BMW 125i, 130i, 325i, 330i & Z4 Head Gasket Keychain