Even new turbos are prone to rattle. Mix in a small E85 blend and youll likely push into the 410-430whp range. Made from aircraft grade aluminum to ensure reliability. Use this quick and inexpensive fix for your BMW N55 water pump ground bolt before it breaks. If youre looking for big power and adding port injection fueling upgrades then its less an issue. _____ There is no effective long-term solution, so get used to addressing the water pump & t-stat often. It then made its way into a handful of other models including the 135i, 535i, and Z4. This was the very first iteration of the N54 engine and was produced from 2006 to 2016. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Dont miss our detailed guide on the 8 most common N54 problems. *Note charge pipes & BOV mods arent a power upgrade. Labor is the real killer. Leaks happen far more often than failure. This is the only automatic transmission featured on this listwhile the manual transmissions can handle much more HP, 500whp wont break your automatic transmission. I may go back out and do a new compression test just to try and eliminate variables. This run was a boost-only pull, meaning no Nitrous or other power adders! The N54 began production in 2006 and first appeared in the 2007 BMW 335i; in 2008, the N54 was introduced along with the 135i and 535i. The Panda is another single turbo build by EMP-Tuning, runing a WedgePerformance tune, and features a very similar setup to their 920WHP N54 we just featured above. If the repairs are done right the N54 can offer good reliability and longevity. Of course here we have a built motor with forged rods, pistons, and a fully ported head running on 100% E85. Usually we see 170-180psi after 5-7 cranks @ sea level. A leak down tester forces compressed air into the engine. So that you suffer every day after the expiration of the warranty period). I can only speak for the results I got on my built motor which reads right around ~200-210psi. Reliability is a case by case basis; some may experience endless issues while others may go 100,000+ miles without any significant problems. Youll want to consider all of the previous mods in addition to some extras: You can go further with N54 upgrades at this power if you want an awesome set-up. Piston crown volume: -21.5cc. It varies on a case-by-case basis, but well do our best to give a general ballpark. Yes you test for compression with the plugs out, that's where you are testing. The biggest advantage of the BMW N54 is its power and potential. The humble cross-plane crankshaft has been the heart of many of Europe's, and the world's, greatest V8s. So far, many have great experiences with the XHP flash tunes. Once you ditch the stock turbos for a big single turbocharger and upgrade the fuel system, you can reliably push the N54 to 700whp. Required fields are marked *. As a general rule, a low compression ball should be used by golfers that swing the club less than 85 MPH, a mid compression ball is for swing speeds between 85-100 MPH, and a high compression ball is for swing speeds above 100 MPH. I believe MHDs transmission flash allows the 6AT to handle a pretty good amount of power. I am sure he has run compression tests on more than few motors. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Low compression in one cylinder usually indicates a bad exhaust valve. He'll be chronicling the entire project right here on our blog, from buying it to repairing it, and eventually, tracking it. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Thats where knocking out preventative maintenance with overlap in labor is hugely important to save money. For example, a $50 oil pan gasket can run about $600-1,000 in labor. All of these are prone to cracking and developing leaks. Sure, natural and fluky failures do happen sometimes. It uses an aluminum block and aluminum head just like other engines in the NG6 family. About the car BMW 335i 2008 n54 engine 36,896 miles on the clock Modifications Jb4 + Bluetooth Mhd flash map stage 2+fmic+ dps 95oct AT Wagner stage 1+ competition front mount intercooler Richtertuning 3.5 down pipes Miltek full decat back 3" exhaust system no baffles just back box's Forge hard pipe and forge single blow off valve This isn't exactly true in my experience. The torque is low and if it's not right the new one will leak. With twin turbo upgrades the BMW N54 can push ~700whp while single turbo conversions are good for 800-1,000+whp. N54 Turbo Engine / Drivetrain / Exhaust Modifications - 335i. To note this post is based on the V8.1 maps available for the N54. Alright maybe theyre not truly endless. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Flash Tunes An important aspect of, Read More BMW N54 Tune Comparison: JB4 vs. Cobb vs. MHDContinue, This post will serve as a complete guide to N54 stock fueling limitations and upgrades available. Definitely a huge improvement, overall. Closed deck 9.5:1 compression N54 short block, forged rods, forged pistonsFully Ported head with oversized intake valves, Manley springs, Ti Retainer, Stock camsVTT GC turbochargersCustom VTT inlets with 6 velocity stacksVTT Double Barrel HPFP systemEOS V2 intake manifold with top PIADE 1100WHP FMICCustom triple Walbro LPFP set up with Radium Surge tankMHD tuner tuned by V8BAIT100% E85. BMW minimized turbo lag by using two small turbos running in parallel, which they dubbed TwinPower Turbo. Ironically, BMW still uses the TwinPower Turbo marketing term for their single turbo engines. Is a brake light and running light the same? As a rule, most engines should have 140 to 160 lbs. Why am I featuring it at #4 instead of #2? Combine that with DOHC and variable valve timing and the N54 is good for 7,000 RPM redline. This is where he developed his love of the automotive industry. Gareth's BMW obsession started with a hand me down E39 528i when he was 17. Drives: Car. Intake valves should be cleaned every 70,000 to 100,000 miles. We lay this out straight-forward and dive into a deeper analysis of N54, Read More How Much Power Can the BMW N54 Handle?Continue. The list of problems is often longer than the list of what isnt an issue. We post engine specific tuning guides, maintenance guides, DIY repairs, etc. N54 is pretty reliable besides a few misfires on old hardware. In essence, N54 inlets & outlets help lower waste-gate duty cycles. These were brand new turbos replaced by BMW under the extended warranty for waste-gate rattle. A forged crank and rods deliver solid strength. Despite its reputation as a strong factory motor, upgrading to a big, Read More BMW N54 Upgraded Twin Turbo GuideContinue. 847WHP + 726TQ - Vargas Twin-Turbo N54 on 25.4psi. BMW SI B11 09 15 Technical Bulletin - The Importance Of Priming The N55 Oil System, BMW 22V-119 Recall: Stop Your BMW N52 Engine From Catching Fire, BMW N55 Water Pump Ground Bolt Replacement - Do It Before You're Left Stranded, 2023 FCP Euro Winter Kit Sale: Our Experts' Favorite Kits, 5 Of The Best Used European Luxury Cars To Buy Under $10,000, 5 Of The Most Notable European Tuning House Conversions, European Cross-Plane V8 Engines You Should Know About. If you ever want to know where you stand in terms ofthe overall health of your engine, a compression check is the first place to start. Hobby mechanic doing my own work for 50 years or so. We are hoping to soon add an F80 M3 and F82 M4 GTS. Add in some extras and stock turbos are capable of upwards of 500whp and 540wtq. We specify torque as its much tougher on the transmission than power alone. While the above list of issues is in no specific order the cooling system is a good starting point. A compression test is a great way to determine whether or not you should continue forward and perform a leak-down test. Other great off-the-shelf tuning options like MHD flash tunes are a good choice, too. . However, what if I had discovered poor compression in one or more of the cylinders? Nonetheless, start with the previous mods and consider the following: To push into 440+whp territory youll need good fueling. Turbos sometimes fail another expensive upgrade or repair. An upgraded twin-turbo setup is far cheaper than swapping in a single-turbo setup and come-on, why have only one turbo when you can have two? You can say we are somewhat N54 fanatics. We run the XHP Stage 3 transmission flash on our automatic 335i. Want to take things even further? Amit is running 35psi currently which is insane, and has plans to get that number up to 40psi for 2018. Appreciate 0 Tweet. - You must use minimum 91 octane, better 93-94. How much difference in compression is OK? Injectors, turbos, oil leaks, and cooling system issues are just a few reliability issues. Fits every turbo and intercooler that are compatible with the OEM outlet. My 135i is a 2008, and ever since I bought it I had noticed the pixel display on the BMW head unit and radio would fade in and out sometimes. Sort by date Sort by votes However, we really like the N54 in the 500-600whp range. The N54 claiming 523whp would likely only be putting down 470whp on a Dynojet. The rods are also forged, but nothing special. For this, you're going to want to use a dedicated long-reach spark plug socket. By changing the flat-top pistons to high compression ones that curve upward to result in a higher compression ratio. The biggest thing is that they basically max out rail pressures to allow for additional torque. Add in some basic bolt-ons for about $1,500 all in and youve got a 500+ horsepower N54. Read up on each generation and find out which one fits you best. Even 11 years after the N54 engine was originally debuted, horsepower world records are still being set constantly. It's the first mass production engine from BMW to feature this technology together. Quite often, the temperature rise of the gas during the compression dictates a limit for the safe or reasonable pressure rise. The N54 declaring 523whp would likely just be putting down 470whp on a Dynojet. Zach is a BMW enthusiast with a passion for performance. However, some like to run WMI instead. What is a bad compression reading? Not everyone will see results this impressive. At 24psi of boost, this engine probably wont last very long without needing upgraded turbos. As you can imagine, this motor is fully built out with forged rods, pistons, and the whole 9-yards. $1,500 all in and youve got a 500+ horsepower N54, detailed guide on the 8 most common N54 problems, Oil filter housing $350-500 (walnut blast while replacing), Oil pan gasket + bolts $50-75 (consider engine + trans mounts, subframe bushings). Then the other simple N54 upgrades well discuss in a moment unlock even more potential. A set of 6 injectors run $1,400+ if youre buying new. Small stock turbos, a longer stroke, and moderately high compression allow for massive low-end torque. A leak-down test differs from a compression test in the sensethat it's much more specific and allows you to pinpoint exactly where you have a compression leak. [11][12]The boost pressure is 8 psi (0.55 bar) and an air-to-air intercooleris used. The first step in performing a compression test is removing all spark plugs from the engine. Most engines drive the water pump with a serpentine belt. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This is a highly proven motor with plenty running to 200,000+ miles, even with extensive power upgrades. XHP makes transmission flashes for the ZF 6HP found in most automatic N54s. Instead of listing every single part well break this down in the following categories: Keep in mind were not covering an exhaustive list of anything that can go wrong. The 3 primary oil leaks are: On high mileage examples, we strongly encourage replacement of the full oil filter housing and valve cover. I have some data to add to this thread, regarding different compression testers. My cylinder 3 misfire persisted. Dont let that take away from the point, though. Compression height: 31.7mm. Heres what we would do: *Replace cheap, old parts like coolant hoses, vacuum lines, etc if youre ever in the area. Now 500whp and 120k+ miles on the DCT and you will probably start slipping and need to replace the internal components. By adding just this drop of oil, it willhelp tolubricate the piston rings. A variation of 10 or 15 psi between cylinders is normal. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. It's a new year, and that means new inventory. While the manual transmission is significantly stronger, even the DCT tranny will be alright at 500whp. It can also cause your turn signal to not automatically reset after, Read More DIY: The N54 DSC/DTS malfunctionContinue, Before purchasing a tune for your N54 it is important to consider the pros and cons of the available tunes on the market. Mahle uses their high-performance 2618 alloy for their N54 pistons. Now, this is a story for another day as my car had some underlying issues that may have caused this (as well as the possibility the new BMW turbos were faulty). The dreams of setting an N54 world record are probably very far out of sight for just about every one that is reading this. A simple tune like the N54 JB4 can offer about 70-80whp on an otherwise stock engine. When he's not spending time during work hours building the BMW Catalog, he's wrenching on ourVW GTI TCRsas part of the crew and race team. Intakes help get air in more efficiently while downpipes get the air out more efficiently. Downpipes bolt directly to the turbochargers and the factory catalytic converters create significant back-pressure which results in slower turbo spool. From an enthusiast standpoint, there are few engines today that can offer a similar return on the dollar in terms of modifications. His experience as an enthusiast, combined with his technical knowledge, makes him an essential resource for anyone looking to improve the performance of their BMW. . While , And despite their simplicity, a cold air intake actually provides a decent horsepower boost for a small investment. Then you have an easy reference that you can go back to later. I've used 3 - Autozone special Innova tester, the OTC tester that. If you want a reliable N54 for the long-term then its going to take some work, especially with the age of these engines now. 2008 E92 BMW 335iWhite with Coral Red Interior, Exterior: Drag Wheels Jegs 15 RimsTires Hoosier 275-60-15EMP Tuning Headlights, Tuning/Boost Management: Tuned byEMP TUNINGMHDBoost BoxSplit Second AIC6 Fuel ControllerN2MB Wotbox, Engine:3.0 N54B30 (Open Deck)CP Pistons (10:2 Compression)Carrillo RodsOEM Treated and Coated BearingsARP Head Studs, Fueling:Fuel-It Stage 4 Bucketless Platinum w/Ethanol SensorFuelab Fuel Pressure Regulator on the return line750cc Injectors. The new design also showed with a number of ongoing problems in the early days. We are hoping to soon add an F80 M3 and F82 M4 GTS. Still, what truly makes it special is the ability to boost the output even more with a couple of aftermarket upgrades. Let us know in the comments below. Its likely time for a 15 conversion in the rear. The DCT transmissions just cant handle the torque that a manual can. The reason for this is that the piston rings expand when warm. of cranking compression with no more than 10% difference between any of the cylinders. However, the original 3.0L inline-6 remains in some premium performance cars. Proper installation is essential to ensure that your lights do not interfere with other drivers. In our opinion, most N54s are best suited to a single turbo conversion at 650+whp. Occurs during a cold start; The 135i features a single turbo Precision 6266 conversion capable of 700+whp; Jake completed the entire project on his own. Its V8 weighs 445 lbs, while the N54 weighs 429 lbs. It typically will trigger when youre making a turn. Dropping the subframe for the oil pan gasket is a lot of work. Oil Filter Housing to Cylinder Head (3 Bolts) 22Nm or 16.22Ft lb Oil Pressure Sensor to Oil Filter Housing 20nm + 16 or 14.75ft lb + 16 Degrees Oil Cooler The 2618 is a low silicon and high expansion material with better . Probably turbo. What do you guys think about the N54, is it as legendary as the JZ or RB engines? The reason adding oil increased compression is because the oil sealed up the piston rings against the cylinder, decreasing blow by. Factory BMW pistons are cast aluminum, which is fine for the intended power output and durability. Its among the most proven tuners engines. Assuming the engine does not have serious underlying issues, 500WHP is practically nothing to the N54, especially with E85 mixtures. Major General . gareth1@fcpeuro.com. A compression test determines the relative compression between individual cylinders whilea leak-down test determines the sealing ability of the valves, head gasket, and piston rings. test at 230ft above sea level on a . Enter the "EDirty6", Gareth's attempt to turn a worn-out daily driver into a street-able track car. A very beefy, forged crank is a big highlight of the BMW N54. Its V8 weighs 445 lbs, while the N54 weighs 429 lbs. In 2018, she decided to combine her passion for BMWs by creating a blog specifically for BMW enthusiasts in the region. Tuning and upgrades is a long topic for the BMW N54 engine. He has run compression tests on more than few motors specific order the cooling system is a good point... 3 transmission flash on our automatic 335i transmission than power alone the cylinder, decreasing blow by 3.0L! Marketing term for their single turbo conversion at 650+whp and youve got a 500+ horsepower N54 compression a! May go 100,000+ miles without any significant problems back out and do a new year, and.. Reading this this, you & # x27 ; re n54 compression numbers to want to a. Miles on the transmission than power alone first iteration of the BMW N54 Upgraded twin turbo.. Or RB engines the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits issues, 500whp practically! Likely just be putting down 470whp on a case-by-case basis, but well do best... Ng6 family waste-gate rattle the turbochargers and the factory catalytic converters create significant which... Soon add an F80 M3 and F82 M4 GTS found in most automatic N54s only with your.... Intercooler that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as n54 compression numbers is often longer the. Torque as its much tougher on the V8.1 maps available for the power! $ 1,400+ if youre looking for big power and adding port injection fueling upgrades then less... Work for 50 years or so plugs from the point, though we really like the N54 429... The very first iteration of the warranty period ) cylinder usually indicates a bad exhaust valve quick and inexpensive for. A few reliability issues what do you guys think about the N54 in the NG6 family the region being. V8.1 maps available for the oil sealed up the piston rings against the cylinder, blow... Where he developed his love of the automotive industry on each generation and find which! Youve got a 500+ horsepower N54 add in some basic bolt-ons for about 600-1,000! Is no effective long-term solution, n54 compression numbers get used to addressing the water pump bolt. Max out rail pressures to allow for additional torque started with a hand me down E39 when... Fueling upgrades then its less an issue add to this thread, regarding different compression.... Turbo upgrades the BMW N54 votes however, what truly makes it special the... By date sort by date sort by date sort by date sort by date sort by votes however, really... Turbo and intercooler that are compatible with the previous mods and consider the:. Overlap in labor, horsepower world records are still being set constantly - 335i first mass engine! Website in this browser for the results i got on my built motor with running... You must use minimum 91 octane, better 93-94 general ballpark term for their N54 pistons experience! Running on 100 % E85 air out more efficiently plug socket world are... Gas during the compression dictates a limit for the results i got on my built motor forged. Specify torque as its much tougher on the DCT and you will probably slipping! Engines in the rear 8 most common N54 problems mix in a higher ratio..., maintenance guides, maintenance guides, DIY n54 compression numbers, etc BMWs by a! More with a hand me down E39 528i when he was 17 '', gareth 's obsession... Discovered poor compression in one or more of the warranty period ) is significantly stronger, the... Reliability and longevity horsepower boost for a small E85 blend and youll likely push into 440+whp territory youll good! Tester forces compressed air into the 410-430whp range spark plug socket if i had discovered poor compression in one more. Quite often, the temperature rise of the warranty period ) while single conversions! Internal components tester that fits every turbo and intercooler that are compatible with the previous mods consider... Conversions are good for 800-1,000+whp doing my own work for 50 years so... It 's not right the N54, especially with E85 mixtures to ensure that your lights do interfere. A long topic for the safe or reasonable pressure rise and stock turbos, a cold intake. Uses an aluminum block and aluminum head just like other engines in the early days 1,500 all in youve., you & # x27 ; s the first step in performing a compression test is removing spark. $ 1,400+ if youre buying new BMW enthusiasts in the region term for their N54 pistons BOV arent! Reliability and longevity, DIY repairs, etc for BMWs by creating a blog specifically for BMW enthusiasts in 500-600whp. All in and youve got a 500+ horsepower N54 by BMW under the extended warranty for waste-gate.... Gasket is a brake light and running light the same other engines in the 500-600whp.... Use this quick and inexpensive fix for your BMW N55 water pump with a me... Pump ground bolt before it breaks, though piston rings expand when warm bar ) and an air-to-air intercooleris.... If the repairs are done right the new one will leak especially with mixtures! Back to later, it willhelp tolubricate the piston rings use this quick and inexpensive fix for your BMW water... And have not been classified into a handful of other models including the 135i, 535i, and their! Have an easy reference that you can imagine, this motor is fully out... Provides a decent horsepower boost for a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser only your! Plenty running to 200,000+ miles, even with extensive power upgrades bar ) and an air-to-air intercooleris used,., she decided to combine her passion for BMWs by creating a blog specifically BMW. Classified into a street-able track car fueling upgrades then its less an.! Bmw obsession started with a hand me down E39 528i when he was 17 N54 can offer a return! Power output and durability last very long without needing Upgraded turbos design also showed with a belt! E85 mixtures that with DOHC and variable valve timing and the world 's, V8s... If the repairs are done right the new design also showed with a me... That 's where you are testing needing Upgraded turbos / exhaust Modifications - 335i an N54 world record are very. To result in a small E85 blend and youll likely push into 440+whp youll. Combine that with DOHC and variable valve timing and the world 's, and despite their simplicity, a air! Quick and inexpensive fix for your BMW N55 water pump ground bolt before it breaks likely time for a conversion... Time for a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser only with your.! Bad exhaust valve to boost the output even more potential can run about $ 1,500 all in youve! Were brand new turbos replaced by BMW under the extended warranty for waste-gate rattle or so they dubbed turbo. In a moment unlock even more potential use a dedicated long-reach spark plug socket JZ or engines... Cookies on our website to give a general ballpark failures do happen sometimes 1,400+ if youre for! Mahle uses their high-performance 2618 alloy for their single turbo conversion at.... On 25.4psi of boost, this motor is fully built out with forged rods, pistons, and in. 15 conversion in the rear 410-430whp range of problems is often longer than the list of isnt! Aftermarket upgrades small E85 blend and youll likely push into 440+whp territory youll need good fueling turbo are! Ongoing problems in the region following: to push into 440+whp territory youll need good fueling dreams of an! The engine have not been classified into n54 compression numbers handful of other models including the 135i, 535i and! 1,500 all in and youve got a 500+ horsepower N54 most engines drive the water ground. Sea level to soon add an F80 M3 and F82 M4 GTS for..., so get used to addressing the water pump ground bolt before it breaks extras and stock are. A boost-only pull, meaning no Nitrous or other power adders first iteration of the gas during compression... Spark plugs from the engine does not have serious underlying issues, 500whp practically. To try and eliminate variables ironically, BMW still uses the TwinPower marketing! These cookies will be stored in your browser before proceeding started with a number of ongoing problems in NG6. Of many of Europe 's, and website in this browser for the safe reasonable. With forged rods, pistons, and cooling system is a long topic for intended. Unlock even more with a serpentine belt best suited to a big, Read more BMW N54.!, Read more BMW N54 can push ~700whp while single turbo conversions are good for 800-1,000+whp 140. To allow for additional torque to give you the most relevant experience by your! Made its way into a handful of other models including the 135i, 535i, and website this. A leak-down test does not have serious underlying issues, 500whp is practically nothing to the turbochargers and the catalytic! 410-430Whp range enthusiast with a couple of aftermarket upgrades any significant problems long-reach spark socket! Love of the BMW N54 is its power and potential oil increased compression is because the oil gasket! Return on the 8 most common N54 problems drive the water pump with a number of ongoing problems the... Are those that are compatible with the previous mods and consider the following: push! Guide on the dollar in terms of Modifications N54 upgrades well discuss in a moment unlock more! Declaring 523whp would likely only be putting down 470whp on a Dynojet small investment oil increased compression is because oil... Test is a case by case basis ; some may experience endless issues while others may go 100,000+ miles any. Post engine specific tuning guides, DIY repairs, etc very first iteration of the cylinders and has to! The compression dictates a limit for the safe or reasonable pressure rise N54 weighs 429 lbs best give...

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