The N54 BMWs first mass-produced turbocharged engine and the first turbocharged BMW petrol engine in almost 30 years. Read on to discover why this engine is so love by tuners and other enthusiast.
Introduction
BMW launched the N54 engine, a 3.0L inline-six engine, in 2006. When it debuted, it was the manufacturer's first mass-produced turbocharged engine and the first turbocharged BMW petrol engine in almost 30 years.
The N54 was equipped with two small-pressure turbochargers, an aluminum crankcase, iron cylinder liners, and a steel camshaft. It had a forged crankshaft and connecting rods with cast pistons, and its tough build played a big part in how soon it became popular among tuners.
Today, the N54 is a highly sought-after engine since it can be upgraded to provide significantly more power for a relatively low cost. However, it was uncharted ground for the company, which meant it arrived with a slew of issues. Here's a brief rundown of everything you should know about the BMW N54.
Available Versions
The N54 first appeared in the E92 3-Series range as part of the 335i; however, it swiftly spread to other cars in the BMW lineup. Surprisingly, it received no substantial modifications over its decade-long production life. In actuality, with the exception of the Alpina tuned versions, BMW employed it in the same configuration — displacing 2,979cc, with an 84 mm bore, 89.6 mm stroke, and a 10.2:1 compression ratio — on all models.
Because it was virtually the same engine throughout its career, it was classified based on the amount of power it generated.
225kW (302hp)
From 2006 through 2016, this was the very first edition of the N54 engine. Peak power and torque ratings were officially rated as 302hp at 5,800 rpm and 295lb-ft of torque from 1,400-5,000 rpm; however, testing revealed that these figures were lower than what the engine really generated.
According to independent tests, the original N54 generated up to 311 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. The E90/E91/E92/E93 335i (2006-2010), E60/E61 535i (2007-2010), E82/E88 135i (2007-2010), E71 X6 xDrive35i (2008-2010), and E89 Z4 sDrive35i were all powered by this engine (2009–2016).
240kW (322hp)
BMW introduced a higher-tuned version of the engine in the F01 740i in 2008, which remained in production until 2012. Peak power was increased to 322 hp at 5,800 rpm, while torque increased to 332 lb-ft from 1,500 to 4,500 rpm. From 2011 to 2013, this engine also powered the E92/E93 335is.
250kW (335hp)
BMW released the most powerful version of the N54 in 2011. While peak torque stayed unchanged from the previous engine type, power was increased to 335 horsepower at 5,900 rpm. This engine was arguably the most iconic version of the N54, as it powered the beloved first-generation 1 Series M Coupe in 2011. From 2011 to 2016, it was also available on the E89 Z4 sDrive35is.
BMW also sent the engine to Alpina, which upgraded it with new pistons, an oil cooler, and ECU improvements. It produced 402 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 398 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm in the Alpina B3 (E90), Alpina B3 S, and Alpina B3 GT3.
Why Tuners Love The BMW N54
The tuning possibilities of the N54 has made it a contemporary legend. Enthusiasts have dubbed it the "German 2JZ" and compared it to the classic Nissan RB26DETT, which powered three models of the Skyline GT-R.
Owners might gain 15-30% more power by installing a large single turbocharger and upgrading the fuel system. This engine can probably handle more, and there are examples of fully modified N54s that produce as much as 700hp at the wheel!
Common N54 Problems
The N54 was one of the most adaptable and competent engines of all time, but it was not without flaws. The BMW N55 engine, its immediate replacement, has worked out the majority of these issues. It is up to the individual to decide if these drawbacks outweigh the engine's potential. We'll list them so you can make an informed selection if you're in the market for one.
High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure (HPFP)
The failure of the high-pressure fuel pump is one of the most prevalent problems with the N54. The HPFP is in charge of putting fuel into the engine, and some owners have reported it failing.
Because this was a recurring issue, BMW extended the part's warranty to ten years/120,000 miles. However, given that the vast majority of these engines have already beyond the 10-year mark, it's probable that the fuel pump has been changed at some time.
Fortunately, this issue is easily identified by signs such as a long crank time (when starting up) and a notable loss in power. The check engine light on the dashboard will most likely illuminate as well. Unfortunately, there is no way to predict this, and there is little you can do to avoid it.
Running your engine hard may increase the likelihood of a fuel pump failure, but feathering it will not help your case.
Clogged or Leaky Fuel injectors
The N54's fuel injectors function in tandem with the previously mentioned fuel pump. They are always functioning and, despite multiple improvements by BMW, are rather unreliable.
The most typical cause of failure is a buildup of carbon on the injectors, which causes them to spray fuel inefficiently. Running an ethanol cleaner into your gasoline on a regular basis can help prevent this issue.
Another issue with fuel injectors is that they might be leaky. Because of the way they are positioned, gasoline may spill onto the spark plugs, causing start-up issues and misfiring when running.
Turbo Failure and Wastegate Rattle
The fuel pump failure is a pretty affordable repair, and it's covered by a broad warranty if you get your hands on a modern engine. Another typical problem with the N54 is with the turbocharger wastegate, which, unlike the fuel pump issue, will be costly to repair.
A turbocharger's wastegate regulates the flow of exhaust gases from the turbochargers as well as the spool speed of the turbo. Essentially, it regulates boost pressure. Wastegate rattling is produced by a worn-out actuator rod. If this isn't resolved, your turbo will blow, which isn't something you want to deal with. A new turn can cost several thousand dollars, and replacing them is a labor-intensive task, so those expenses must be considered.
Remember to watch out for low boost engine codes, considerable power loss, or engine shaking.
Water Pump Failure
BMW chose an electronic water pump over a more traditional chain or belt configuration for the N54. An electric unit offers various advantages, but the one found on the N54 was renowned for failing abruptly.
The water pump is critical to the smooth operation of your engine since it pushes water into the radiator to lower engine temperatures. In most situations, the water pump will go over 100,000 miles, however there have been reports of them failing as early as 50,000 miles.
Unfortunately, there is no way to predict a water pump failure. High engine temperatures, a fast drop in coolant levels, and a noisy radiator are all warning indications of a failed pump.
The Impact Of the N54 Engine
As we already know, there isn't a flawless machine out there. Every engine ever built is sure to have a flaw or two, and the N54 is no exception. Granted, the N54 has a little longer list of difficulties than others, but there's no doubting that this is an engine with unrivaled potential.
The fact that it has won five consecutive International Engine of the Year honors and three consecutive Ward's 10 Best Engines awards attests to this. The N54 was subsequently replaced by the N55, which was essentially the same engine but with a redesigned turbo configuration and other components to improve reliability. This boost in efficiency, however, came at the expense of performance.
Today, tuners and enthusiasts still prefer getting their hands on a N54 over a N55 because of how much more you can do with it.
