[Reggie-335i]

okay, so we know the 335i engine was a N54 and has now been replaced with an N55, has anyonehad a chance to compare the two?

if anyone knows what the main differences are, please let me know.

was just wondering whether the N54 block would be preferred, so maybe the re-sale values would hold up a little more? comments if any

[HoustonScott]

N54 engine was a complete lemon, a failure. It ran high oil temps and had people spooked right off. Then they added the oil cooler on the sport models, that didn't work they had to add it to all the models with that engine. Then the HPFP failures started and that was the beginning of the end, BMW still may have not solved that issue, so the engine was redesigned and you got the N55. The N54 will slowly go away, thank god. What a mess....

HS

[Moxie]

The N-54 is still in the 335is. N-55 in the 335i.

http://www.kbb.com/car-news/all-the-...2011-bmw-335is

http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews..._steering.html

I read somewhere they kept the N-54 in the 335is because the engineers are very certain it's capable of handling the additional power. Makes me think the N-54 is the one to mod, even with it's issues.

[Saintor]

Originally Posted by HoustonScott

N54 engine was a complete lemon, a failure. It ran high oil temps and had people spooked right off. Then they added the oil cooler on the sport models, that didn't work they had to add it to all the models with that engine. Then the HPFP failures started and that was the beginning of the end, BMW still may have not solved that issue, so the engine was redesigned and you got the N55. The N54 will slowly go away, thank god. What a mess....

HS

x2

The N55 is impressive. +10% fuel economy (went from 17 to 19 mpgUS EPA) and max torque at 1200rpm.

[jeremicium]

Not sure i'd agree with you guys. N55 is an evolution of the N54. The next gen M3 is going to be a further evolution with its twin turbo inline 6...doesn't sound like a complete lemon. Cutting edge technology...with some serious kinks to work out...but not quit a failure. It did win awards for best motor...two times I believe. And yeah...i've had that hpfp failure...but to me, a small price to pay for 300hp/tq in an extrememly driveable car both in the road and mild track use. And the power delivery of the N54...so smooth. And I still average 22mpg despite driving it like I stole it.

And for the OP...do a search, numerous members have done side by side comparisons. N55 seems great...but it remains to be seen if it is an improvement over the N54...especially for those looking to add a hundred horsepower for under $1,000.

[Reggie-335i]

has anyone been able to make a direct comparision, i.e. driven an N54 model and also the N55?
N55 is not a twin tubro is it? so will power be available throughout the rev ranges?

[Brey335i]

The fact that BMW uses the N54 in the 335is and that the next M3 will probably have an engine based on the N54 makes me think that the N54 is the more potent engine.

And as to the complete failure: I have the new fuel pump and as of now I haven't had any problem for several months that's related to the N54....

I personally believe that the only way we'll see the tuners producing as much power with the N55 as with the N54 is with a turbo swap...

[BayMoWe335]

LOL, a complete failure? A lemon? Come now...this engine has won multiple awards and still gives owners joy despite a couple hitches. Many have had no problems with it.

[HoustonScott]

Any reports on what oil temps are running on N55 engine?

For BMW the the N54 is hands down NOT the engine you want in a car to keep for years. I have been in the BMW circle since the 60's, believe me the worst engine they ever produced, way outside what we expect from BMW, just to many issues.

HS

[123Britt]

Beyond the HPFP - which my car does not have an issue @ 35k now -- even if it does the extended warranty will cover.
.
.
Seriously - The 335i does mandate old school maint -- which I think most BMW owners just don't follow. 50K and out and on to the next car.
.
.
So, I am under the belief that with good oil every 5k coupled with the old school maint program -- the 335i will be as reliable as most -- sure turbo life beyond 150k will be interesting.
.
.
Does the diesel NOT have issues? My 335i has yet to surface any N54 releated issues.

[DTRJ]

The engine oil temp on my 2007 335i never got above 252. My new 2011 335i has still gotten up to about 250. Both engine do NOT have the oil cooler.

Originally Posted by HoustonScott

Any reports on what oil temps are running on N55 engine?

For BMW the the N54 is hands down NOT the engine you want in a car to keep for years. I have been in the BMW circle since the 60's, believe me the worst engine they ever produced, way outside what we expect from BMW, just to many issues.

HS

[BTM]

I like how they changed the middle of the temp gauge from 210 to 250...runs at the same temperature but just "looks" lower on the updated gauge.

[TheAcAvenger]

Originally Posted by HoustonScott

N54 engine was a complete lemon, a failure. It ran high oil temps and had people spooked right off. Then they added the oil cooler on the sport models, that didn't work they had to add it to all the models with that engine. Then the HPFP failures started and that was the beginning of the end, BMW still may have not solved that issue, so the engine was redesigned and you got the N55. The N54 will slowly go away, thank god. What a mess....

HS

48000 miles, 41000 tuned, 414whp, 398wtq. Original fuel pump. Original wastegates. Half the people with under 300 posts on this site (a major majority of e90post members) only post unless it's to complain about something. So don't believe everything you read. My N54 has been beaten senseless and it still runs its ass off. It has never, ever been into the dealership for anything engine related. Not once.

[Alexander]

Originally Posted by 123Britt

Beyond the HPFP - which my car does not have an issue @ 35k now -- even if it does the extended warranty will cover.
.
.
Seriously - The 335i does mandate old school maint -- which I think most BMW owners just don't follow. 50K and out and on to the next car.
.
.
So, I am under the belief that with good oil every 5k coupled with the old school maint program -- the 335i will be as reliable as most -- sure turbo life beyond 150k will be interesting.
.
.
Does the diesel NOT have issues? My 335i has yet to surface any N54 releated issues.

54k zero mechanical issues, original HPFP (knock on wood), and I drive it like I stole it...

N54 is an excellent motor.

[BTM]

Originally Posted by Aonarch

54k zero mechanical issues, original HPFP (knock on wood), and I drive it like I stole it...

N54 is an excellent motor.

You looked at the service history? You're CPO right?

[Alexander]

Originally Posted by TheAcAvenger

48000 miles, 41000 tuned, 414whp, 398wtq. Original fuel pump. Original wastegates. Half the people with under 300 posts on this site (a major majority of e90post members) only post unless it's to complain about something. So don't believe everything you read. My N54 has been beaten senseless and it still runs its ass off. It has never, ever been into the dealership for anything engine related. Not once.

+1

I've never been to the dealer for anything besides free maintenance (knock on wood) with my car. BTW I follow old school maintenance procedures.

[Alexander]

Originally Posted by BTM

You looked at the service history? You're CPO right?

I have complete records. CPO'd.

My N52 was the worst BMW I have ever owned out of 7. Constant issues.

[TheAcAvenger]

Originally Posted by Aonarch

+1

I've never been to the dealer for anything besides free maintenance (knock on wood) with my car. BTW I follow old school maintenance procedures.

This.

I'd like to know if there's a correlation between cars with issues owned by people who just stick with the BMW service intervals and those of us who vomit at the thought of going past 5k on one oil change.

Not that there's anything wrong with those who just stick to the suggested guidelines (you'd think that'd suffice). Just wondering

[BTM]

I will change every 5k. Cheap insurance if you plan on keeping the car a while, and even if you don't, may make your tenure of ownership less painful. I love my N54 but I'm only 2000 miles into my ownership.

[Alexander]

Originally Posted by TheAcAvenger

This.

I'd like to know if there's a correlation between cars with issues owned by people who just stick with the BMW service intervals and those of us who vomit at the thought of going past 5k on one oil change.

Not that there's anything wrong with those who just stick to the suggested guidelines (you'd think that'd suffice). Just wondering

Well my N52 didn't get an oil change for 18,000 miles.... and it was a huge piece of shit. I overhauled that bitch.

Anyways regular maintenance prevents mechanical issues less strain is always a good thing, whether it's improper lubrication on the turbos, oil clogged IC, filty air fliters, etc. Corroded plugs... The list goes on.

[D.B.S]

CPO'd '08 here bought with 18k miles, Tuned since then, had the dreaded HPFP @ 30k miles but you know what, I still love my car, and love driving it hard and fast, and the HPFP is the only issue i've had with the car.

For the amount of power the N54 produces, and the fun associated with driving it, definately outweighs the HPFP issue, sure it's an inconvience, but don't matter to me much...

As for the N55, I'm pretty sure I remember reading that someone was already having issues on here, maybe even an HPFP issue with it... SO with that being said, not much has changed between an N54 and the 'new' N55. New Engines, same problems...

[Alexander]

Originally Posted by BTM

I will change every 5k. Cheap insurance if you plan on keeping the car a while, and even if you don't, may make your tenure of ownership less painful. I love my N54 but I'm only 2000 miles into my ownership.

My first 335 I put 20k on it zero issues and then my N52 I put 25k 100 issues. lol.

I love the advice noobs on this forum give. Get a 328 they are super reliable, 335i's are pieces of shit don't buy one.

328's have known issues as well and numerous TSB's.