n54 vs n55

Catalina Wine Mixer · 05-24-2012, 12:03 AM

I am considering upgrading to a new bmw with the n55 motor but have heard some mixed reviews about the n55 and have been told to get the n54 motor. Apart from the n55 being in the newer bmws what are the pros and cons of them? does one yield more horsepower? which one is better for tunes? please share your thoughts on this!
thanks

eyim1988 · 05-24-2012, 12:07 AM

N54 : more power and more aftermarket support.
N55 ; about 390-400 whp max on a Dynojet.
This is coming from a n55. Get the 335is with the n54.

Catalina Wine Mixer · 05-24-2012, 12:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eyim1988

N54 : more power and more aftermarket support.
N55 ; about 390-400 whp max on a Dynojet.
This is coming from a n55. Get the 335is with the n54.

thanks the 335is seems to be out of the picture though

skatenc123 · 05-24-2012, 12:49 AM

the n54 engine has been out longer so theres more tunes/parts and knowlege of it.

Fun w/N54 · 05-24-2012, 01:13 AM

All 'new' get the N55 except for the 335is. N54 was used from 2007 to 2010 on all 1, 3, 5 series.

CPWINCH · 05-24-2012, 01:38 AM

i would get a n54.

TigOn. · 05-24-2012, 07:33 AM

Get a CPO N54 with low miles and call it a day.

MCweapon · 05-24-2012, 07:48 AM

Get the N54

Jalndrs · 05-24-2012, 08:15 AM

From someone who has a N55 go with a N54. Going back in time I would of found a leftover 2010 or better yet an IS.

qba335i · 05-24-2012, 08:30 AM

Get N55 for newer engine/car. If you want to go fast get a bike... or a real sports car.

I have N55 with power kit and am very happy. More then enough for regular (and some) fast driving.

When I have a need for adrenaline rush I take 1000rr for a spin

Edit: and hopefully soon they will offer an upgraded turbo.

benzy89 · 05-24-2012, 08:35 AM

Since you're on this forum, I'd assume you have some degree of interest in adding some aftermarket parts to your car. Like everyones said, go with the N54 in that case -- It's been on the market a lot longer, so there's a lot more R&D that's gone into the motor, so getting up to 500 HP+ isn't too difficult on a FBO N54 with RB Turbos (no meth). Another benefit is that since there are a lot more parts (new/used) available, aftermarket modding won't be as expensive.

The N55 isn't a bad motor, but you'll be waiting for similar aftermarket options to really open up. Majority of the tuners are still trying to squeeze the last 10% out of the N54, so the N55's power potential hasn't been exposed. Bottom line: It's just a matter of time until someone breaks the N55 open and we start seeing similar power numbers to the N54s (if not higher since the N55 is essentially a fancy, single-turbo setup).

IMO: Go N54, if you're serious about making aftermarket mods & turning your car into a road rocket. This motor is essentially the German version of the Toyota 2JZ in the Supras or the Mitsu FQs in the Evos.

E90Company · 05-24-2012, 08:36 AM

N54. Sounds better, looks better, performs better.

Ejr76 · 05-24-2012, 09:31 AM

Gotta love the true twin turbo N54

Evooooo · 05-24-2012, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E90Company

N54. Sounds better, looks better, performs better.

The n54 does not sound better at all. Your out of your mind for making this statement. The n54 is better overall tho I will agree with that.

marv85 · 05-24-2012, 10:45 AM

N54, no question about it...

cstavaru · 05-24-2012, 10:45 AM

Think about it: it has just become semi-official that the new M3 will have a twin-turbo inline-6 engine, most probably a 3-liter.

By the way, if you want better mileage get the N55.

ciomas · 05-24-2012, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E90Company

N54. Sounds better, looks better, performs better.

n55 does actually sound much better. One less turbo supressing the original I6 engine noise does make a difference.

new2the3 · 05-24-2012, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evooooo

The n54 does not sound better at all. Your out of your mind for making this statement. The n54 is better overall tho I will agree with that.

N54 does sound better, especially with the performance exhaust

Mike@N54Tuning.com · 05-24-2012, 11:01 AM

The N54 is hands down a more mod friendly platform. We will see how the N55 shapes out but it doesn't look like it will be more mod friendly or make more power then the N54. The 2012 IS still uses the N54 engine as does the 1M

Mike

E90Company · 05-24-2012, 11:01 AM

N54 sounds much much better, but it's really only an opinion.

scott_uw · 05-24-2012, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by benzy89

Bottom line: It's just a matter of time until someone breaks the N55 open and we start seeing similar power numbers to the N54s (if not higher since the N55 is essentially a fancy, single-turbo setup).

IMO: Go N54, if you're serious about making aftermarket mods & turning your car into a road rocket. This motor is essentially the German version of the Toyota 2JZ in the Supras or the Mitsu FQs in the Evos.

N55 will not make more power than N54 even if you upgrade the internals of the turbo, turbo has already been taken apart by Rob of RB. It's unlikely that we'll see N55 > N54 unless you manage the change the turbo completely. I think you meant 4G series for the Mitsus..

bryce · 05-24-2012, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E90Company

N54 sounds much much better, but it's really only an opinion.

i agree. n55 exhaust sounds like a truck to me. n54 exhaust

sounds exotic

05-24-2012, 12:03 AM	#1
Catalina Wine Mixer Lieutenant Colonel 169 Rep 1,677 Posts Drives: 09 335i Coupe White/Coral Red Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 335i [7.26] 2008 328i [5.50]	n54 vs n55 I am considering upgrading to a new bmw with the n55 motor but have heard some mixed reviews about the n55 and have been told to get the n54 motor. Apart from the n55 being in the newer bmws what are the pros and cons of them? does one yield more horsepower? which one is better for tunes? please share your thoughts on this! thanks __________________ \| 09 335i Coupe \| Alpine White/Coral Red \| M Sport \| 6mt \| Premium \| Logic7 \| 19" Beyern Mesh \| 20% Tint \| LUX Angel Eyes \| 5000k Fogs \| Black Kidney Grill \| BMS DCI \| Cobb Stage 1 \| M-Pedal Set \| Painted Side Reflectors \| Rear Lip Spoiler \| Euro Front Plate \| Passport 9500ix \| BIM Coded \| Who is John Galt??
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05-24-2012, 12:07 AM	#2
eyim1988 Lieutenant Colonel 98 Rep 1,647 Posts Drives: 2022 BMW M4 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (5) Garage List 2022 M4 [0.00]	N54 : more power and more aftermarket support. N55 ; about 390-400 whp max on a Dynojet. This is coming from a n55. Get the 335is with the n54. __________________ Current: 2021 X3MC Past: 2013 bmw 335i, 2011 bmw 335i coupe, 2016 bmw m3
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05-24-2012, 12:49 AM	#4
skatenc123 Captain 11 Rep 645 Posts Drives: 2007 335i coupe Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: NC iTrader: (1)	the n54 engine has been out longer so theres more tunes/parts and knowlege of it.
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05-24-2012, 01:13 AM	#5
Fun w/N54 Lieutenant 39 Rep 592 Posts Drives: '11 E92 335is AW/CR/DCT Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: WI iTrader: (2)	All 'new' get the N55 except for the 335is. N54 was used from 2007 to 2010 on all 1, 3, 5 series. __________________ Evolution Racewerks FMIC and Charge Pipe with TIAL-Q. Wedge Tuned 93 Oct, K&N Panel, Conti DWS 245/275.
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05-24-2012, 01:38 AM	#6
CPWINCH Brigadier General 734 Rep 4,635 Posts Drives: Toyota Prius Join Date: May 2010 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (7)	i would get a n54. __________________ Follow my BMW instagram @CARMODIFICATION Let me know you are from bimmerpost and i'll follow back
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05-24-2012, 07:33 AM	#7
TigOn. Lieutenant 37 Rep 495 Posts Drives: 2013 e92 M3 CZP,07 e90 335 FBO Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Miami Beach iTrader: (0)	Get a CPO N54 with low miles and call it a day. __________________ Garage///2013 e92 M3 ZCP ///2007 e90 335 FBO///
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05-24-2012, 07:48 AM	#8
MCweapon Enlisted Member 2 Rep 30 Posts Drives: 08 335i Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: PA iTrader: (0)	Get the N54
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05-24-2012, 08:15 AM	#9
Jalndrs Second Lieutenant 27 Rep 248 Posts Drives: 2015 F15 35i Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Boston iTrader: (0)	From someone who has a N55 go with a N54. Going back in time I would of found a leftover 2010 or better yet an IS.
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05-24-2012, 08:30 AM	#10
qba335i First Lieutenant 400 Rep 329 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	Get N55 for newer engine/car. If you want to go fast get a bike... or a real sports car. I have N55 with power kit and am very happy. More then enough for regular (and some) fast driving. When I have a need for adrenaline rush I take 1000rr for a spin Edit: and hopefully soon they will offer an upgraded turbo.
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05-24-2012, 08:35 AM	#11
benzy89 Banned 79 Rep 2,396 Posts Drives: '08 E90 335i Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Northern NJ iTrader: (3) Garage List 2008 BMW 335i [7.50]	Since you're on this forum, I'd assume you have some degree of interest in adding some aftermarket parts to your car. Like everyones said, go with the N54 in that case -- It's been on the market a lot longer, so there's a lot more R&D that's gone into the motor, so getting up to 500 HP+ isn't too difficult on a FBO N54 with RB Turbos (no meth). Another benefit is that since there are a lot more parts (new/used) available, aftermarket modding won't be as expensive. The N55 isn't a bad motor, but you'll be waiting for similar aftermarket options to really open up. Majority of the tuners are still trying to squeeze the last 10% out of the N54, so the N55's power potential hasn't been exposed. Bottom line: It's just a matter of time until someone breaks the N55 open and we start seeing similar power numbers to the N54s (if not higher since the N55 is essentially a fancy, single-turbo setup). IMO: Go N54, if you're serious about making aftermarket mods & turning your car into a road rocket. This motor is essentially the German version of the Toyota 2JZ in the Supras or the Mitsu FQs in the Evos. Last edited by benzy89; 05-24-2012 at 08:45 AM..
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05-24-2012, 08:36 AM	#12
E90Company Major General 194 Rep 6,136 Posts Drives: Car Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: FL iTrader: (2)	N54. Sounds better, looks better, performs better.
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05-24-2012, 09:31 AM	#13
Ejr76 New Member 0 Rep 24 Posts Drives: BMW E90 335xi Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: New England iTrader: (2)	Gotta love the true twin turbo N54 __________________ 08 E90 335xi w/mods
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05-24-2012, 10:45 AM	#15
marv85 Colonel 70 Rep 2,626 Posts Drives: '07 E92 335i MT Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (7)	N54, no question about it... __________________ '07 E92 335i 6MT- HP650, inlets/outlets, ER FMIC, VRSF CP, LPFP stg2, CSF rad, 'is Aux rad, ER OC, Ohlins, M control arms, eibach front sway bar. '05 C55 AMG SOLD - '22 Tesla M3P \| '10 E92 335i M, 6MT COBB, FBO, st2 LPFP, Mfactory LSD \| '07 E90 335i, PTF COBB E50, FBO, HFS4
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05-24-2012, 10:45 AM	#16
cstavaru Brigadier General 313 Rep 3,262 Posts Drives: 2009 335i M Sport Sedan 6MT Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Bucharest, Romania iTrader: (0)	Think about it: it has just become semi-official that the new M3 will have a twin-turbo inline-6 engine, most probably a 3-liter. By the way, if you want better mileage get the N55. __________________ Mods(click): Cobb + RB Turbos \| Aquamist HFS-4 Meth \| Drexler LSD \| Bilstein B12 Pro-Kit \| Custom K&N Apollo Intake \| Wagner Intercooler \| Macht Schnell Downpipes \| BMW Performance Power Kit \| BMW Performance Exhaust \| BMW Performance Short Shifter \| M3 Subframe Bushings \|
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05-24-2012, 11:01 AM	#19
Mike@N54Tuning.com Joint Chiefs of Staff 4918 Rep 115,980 Posts Drives: 2007 335i, 2015 M3 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: N54tuning.com iTrader: (89)	The N54 is hands down a more mod friendly platform. We will see how the N55 shapes out but it doesn't look like it will be more mod friendly or make more power then the N54. The 2012 IS still uses the N54 engine as does the 1M Mike
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