Newbie question: Why N55 in F15/16 Makes Less Power?

[AlpineOnCoral]

Just bought my first BMW and I am really enjoying the car and the BMW community!

One thing I’ve been wondering is why the N55 in the F15 and F16 makes lower HP and Torque than in other current BMWs with the “same” engine?

Are the engines the same, the tune is just different? If so, with an aftermarket tune, is the potential the same?

Or are other components different, limiting the engine’s potential without changing internal parts?

Thanks for all the help that you’ve documented in this forum!!

[AlpineOnCoral]

I know...I know...threads are better with pictures!

[sbinshihon]

Originally Posted by AlpineOnCoral

I know...I know...threads are better with pictures!

Nice ride! I think the reason is pure marketing so they can sell you MPPK for another $1000. Or worse "M40i" model!

I myself want more power so I added the jb4 for couple hundreds which is an excellent value.

[Wavy]

Nice. Not to many X6 members on here.

[boyce89976]

Just a guess but is it because of Xdrive vs. two wheel drive?

[twelve535i]

Which other cars still use n55, beside m2?
I thought the other lines upgraded to b58

[AlpineOnCoral]

According to wikipedia, the X4, X5 and X6 are the only platforms still being produced with the lowest hp/torque version of the N55 engine, the N55B30M0 It seems the "MO" distinguishes it from the higher-performance N55 versions.

N55B30M0 (225 kW)
Applications:

2009–2017 F10/F11/F07 535i
2010-2013 E90/E91/E92/E93 335i
2010-2013 E82/E88 135i
2010–2017 F25 X3 xDrive35i
2011-2013 E70 X5 xDrive 35i
2011–2015 F30/F31 335i
2011–2014 E71 X6 xDrive 35i
2012–2015 E84 X1 xDrive35i
2013–2016 F32/F33/F36 435i
2014–present F15 X5 xdrive 35i
2014–present F16 X6 xDrive35i
2014–present F26 X4 xDrive 35i

The 640i is still being produced with the higher-hp version and it has been in many outstanding past-model BMW's:
N55B30 (235 kW)
Applications:

2011–present F06/F12/F13 640i[18]
2012–2013 E82/E88 135is[19]
2012–2015 F20/F21 M135i[20][21]
2012–2015 F01 740i/Li

Are there any mechanical differences in the "MO" version that limit its output, or is it simply tuned differently?

[CeeTeeX5]

I’m going to wager a combination of the following result in our N55 having lower output.

Marketing
Emissions
Fuel economy

With the only real difference being the tune.

[Kzang]

Originally Posted by CeeTeeX5

I’m going to wager a combination of the following result in our N55 having lower output.

Marketing
Emissions
Fuel economy

With the only real difference being the tune.

Agreed with this. More weight means more emissions and economy.

[absolutegtr]

The S-drive x5 35i I had loaned to me for a week while my xdrive35i was being warrantied felt noticeable quicker.

Even my wife said something about it! And she is the last person to know about cars! (Mine is an msport while the loaner was not!)

The AWD saps some power for sure.

[Wavy]

Originally Posted by absolutegtr

The S-drive x5 35i I had loaned to me for a week while my xdrive35i was being warrantied felt noticeable quicker.

Even my wife said something about it! And she is the last person to know about cars! (Mine is an msport while the loaner was not!)

The AWD saps some power for sure.

Makes sense. Less weight and less drivetrain loss.

[AlpineOnCoral]

Originally Posted by CeeTeeX5

I’m going to wager a combination of the following result in our N55 having lower output.

Marketing
Emissions
Fuel economy

With the only real difference being the tune.

A user on another thread wrote,
"Iirc m0 vs o0 : o0 has a forged crankshaft (lighter/stronger) while m0 has a cast crankshaft. That doesn't prevent bmw from selling the MPPK which brings the m0 to o0 power level"