BMW N55 Engine guide

What BMWs Have The N55 Engine?

The BMW N55 engine is a popular, highly acclaimed turbocharged 3.0 liter inline 6-cylinder motor that was first introduced in 2009. It has provided reliable, smooth power to many modern BMW models over the years. Those looking to buy a pre-owned vehicle with an N55 engine will find it in vehicles such as the 1 Series E81/E82/E88 (128i and 135i), Many of the 3 Series E90/E91/E92/E93 (328i and 335i) , The 5 Series F10/F11 (535i) , The X3 F25 (xDrive28i and xDrive35i), The X5 E70 (xDrive35i) and much more! All these cars offer excellent performance, along with the fuel efficiency associated with modern engines like the N55. There’s no doubt that when you buy one of these cars, you’ll be driving for years to come in total comfort and style!

F11 (535i)

BMW N55 Engine: Modification

Modification: N55B30M0

  • Volume 2979 cm³
  • Direct injection power system
  • Engine power 306 hp
  • Torque 400 Nm
  • Cylinder block made of aluminum R6
  • Cylinder head – aluminum 24v
  • Cylinder diameter 84mm
  • Piston stroke 89.6mm
  • Compression ratio 10.2
  • Features of Valvetronic III engine
  • Hydro-compensators yes
  • Timing chain drive
  • VANOS variable cam timing
  • twin-scroll turbocharger
  • What kind of oil to fill 6.5 liter 5W-30
  • Euro 5 environmental class
  • Approximate service life: 300,000 km

Modification: N55B30 O0

  • Volume 2979 cm³
  • Power supply system direct injection
  • Engine power 320 to 326 hp
  • Torque 450 Nm
  • Cylinder block in aluminum R6
  • Aluminium cylinder head 24v
  • Cylinder diameter 84mm
  • Piston stroke 89.6mm
  • Compression ratio 10.2
  • Features of Valvetronic III engine
  • Hydro-compensators yes
  • Timing chain drive
  • VANOS variable cam timing
  • Turbocharger twin-scroll
  • What kind of oil to fill 6.5 liter 5W-30
  • Euro 5 environmental class
  • Approximate service life 275,000 km

Modification: N55B30T0

  • Volume 2979 cm³
  • Power supply system direct injection
  • Engine power 360 – 370 hp
  • Torque 465 Nm
  • Cylinder block made of aluminum R6
  • 24v aluminium cylinder head
  • Cylinder diameter 84mm
  • Piston stroke 89.6mm
  • Compression ratio 10.2
  • Features of Valvetronic III engine
  • Hydro-compensators yes
  • Timing chain drive
  • VANOS variable cam timing
  • twin-scroll turbocharger
  • What kind of oil to fill 6.5 liter 5W-30
  • Euro 5 environmental class
  • Estimated service life 250,000 km

BMW N55 Tuning & Performance Upgrades

BMW’s N55 engine is one of the most popular and reliable engines available, delivering fast and consistently powerful performance. To further enhance its capabilities, BMW owners have several tuning options at their disposal including replacing their fuel injectors or turbocharger and remapping their ECU. Not only does this boost the power output but also improves fuel economy and responsiveness for a truly customized driving experience. Those looking to optimize their BMW’s N55 further can upgrade their exhaust system which increases air-flow in the vehicle, bringing out even more horsepower as well as improving sound. With the right tuning and upgrades, BMW owners can get the most out of the great N55 engine’s capabilities for an exciting driving experience.

How long will a BMW N55 engine last?

The BMW N55 engine is known for its reliability, durability and longevity. It is not uncommon to see a N55 engine last well over the 200,000 mile mark with regular servicing and maintenance. However, the actual lifespan of any given N55 engine depends heavily upon its individual users driving habits, location and general upkeep. For example, an N55 driven only in low speed stop-and-go traffic is likely to experience accelerated wear on key components such as turbo chargers and piston rings – reducing the engine’s effective life span significantly. Meanwhile, an N55 driven mainly on highways or with regular diligent maintenance should see a much longer life since these conditions keep major wear off sensitive parts and reduce buildups of damaging elements like dirt, grime and rust.

The BMW N55: Reliability & Common Problems

The BMW N55 is a turbocharged 3.0L inline-6 engine that was used in many BMW cars from 2011 to 2019. It’s an impressive engine with plenty of power and great fuel economy, but like any engine it can have its issues. In this part, we’ll take a look at the reliability and common problems associated with the BMW N55.

  • The N55 motor has a reputation for having issues with valve cover gaskets, spark plugs/coil packs and water pumps.
  • The notorious issue with this engine is the Oil Filter Housing Gasket (OFHG).
  • Researching on forums reveals that some engines have seized up several miles after OFHG replacement.
  • It appears to be caused by an air bubble forming in the oil cooler during OFHG replacement and it should be primed three times before restarting engine post-procedure to lubricate internals properly.

BMW N55 Engine 1

Reviews

  • An E92 coupe powered by N52 motor was driven up to 200k miles without any issues or check engine lights; its OFHG was replaced at 175k miles successfully within 40 minutes and drove fine afterwards.
  • At 30,000 miles a Front Electronics Module (FEM) failed and had to be replaced under warranty.
  • At 40,000 miles the rear differential was also replaced due to leaking and noise issues.
  • At 41,000 miles a charge pipe broke which was fixed under warranty as it’s known to be an issue with N55 engines.

 

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