M versus N55

[tuj]

Hi all:

I'm curious what the differences are between the M-edition engine and the N55. Obviously the N54 uses twin turbos while the N55 uses the twin-scroll single turbo.

How would a Dinan-modified N55 compare to an M power-wise? Stage 2 software, upgraded IC, upgraded oil cooler on the N55.

Thanks!

[HP Autosport]

Originally Posted by tuj

Hi all:

I'm curious what the differences are between the M-edition engine and the N55. Obviously the N54 uses twin turbos while the N55 uses the twin-scroll single turbo.

How would a Dinan-modified N55 compare to an M power-wise? Stage 2 software, upgraded IC, upgraded oil cooler on the N55.

Thanks!

N54 vs N55? Dual vs single turbo is the biggest difference.

[tuj]

I guess my question is: can an N55 make M-power-levels? Dinan seems to suggest yes.

[HP Autosport]

Originally Posted by tuj

I guess my question is: can an N55 make M-power-levels? Dinan seems to suggest yes.

That depends on which M-power you are comparing it to.

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by tuj

I guess my question is: can an N55 make M-power-levels? Dinan seems to suggest yes.

A tuned N55 can make stock level 1M power, but not much more. Most tuners say the N55 is good for about 360 Hp while a tuned N54 can easily crack the 400 Hp level.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Tuned N55 can make the same power as a Stock M ( Depending on what M power you are talking about of course)

[HP Autosport]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

A tuned N55 can make stock level 1M power, but not much more. Most tuners say the N55 is good for about 360 Hp while a tuned N54 can easily crack the 400 Hp level.

That is correct. N55 is limited by the amount of air the N55 single turbo can move towards to top of the powerband.

[M3 Adjuster]

Originally Posted by tuj

I guess my question is: can an N55 make M-power-levels? Dinan seems to suggest yes.

When asked, in person, by yours truly, BMW M engineers stated that the N54 makes more power. Twin turbo > single turbo.

Note when the N55 was instroduced. (end of 2011 for the 2012 model years)

The N55 was designed as a world motor for FUEL ECONOMY to help with ( for example) CAFE averages is the US market.
Even further development of the N55 in single turbo guise for the current crop of models shows it has gotten closer to the N54T but not exceeded it.

The N54T which was used in the 1M, is *still* used in the 135is, 335is and the Z435is and the entire technology was purchased by ALPINA for further devlopment.

http://www.f30post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=872279

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=351798

[gregthegr8]

Originally Posted by M3 Adjuster

The N54T which was used in the 1M, is *still* used in the 135is, 335is and the Z435is and the entire technology was purchased by ALPINA.

Any questions?

Unfortunately, the 135is has the N55, albeit with the PPK2. =(

[M3 Adjuster]

Originally Posted by gregthegr8

Unfortunately, the 135is has the N55, albeit with the PPK2. =(

apparently, there are questions... please reference BMW website for the 135is


http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Conte...and_Specs.aspx

3.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder, 24-valve 320-horsepower engine; combines a twin-scroll turbocharger with variable valve control (Double-VANOS and Valvetronic) and high-precision direct injection

[3puttDan]

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=691753

[gregthegr8]

Originally Posted by M3 Adjuster

apparently, there are questions... please reference BMW website for the 135is


http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Conte...and_Specs.aspx

3.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder, 24-valve 320-horsepower engine; combines a twin-scroll turbocharger with variable valve control (Double-VANOS and Valvetronic) and high-precision direct injection

That's just BMW's fun semantics for the N55 as it has a single twin-scroll turbocharger as opposed to the N54's twin turbos. Any N55 will say "TwinPower" on the engine cover too.

Trust me, there is no doubt the 135is has the N55. Aside from the press release, I previously had a 2008 N54 135i and the N54 looks very different (and much better I think) than the N55. Also, if you run a 135is vin through a vin decoder, it'll also show it's an N55.

The 135is just takes a 135i with the m-sport package and they add the PPK2 and performance exhaust at the port essentially. So, mechanically it's just a normal 135i with a slight tune for an extra 20 horsies.

[P90Puma]

Originally Posted by M3 Adjuster

apparently, there are questions... please reference BMW website for the 135is


http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Conte...and_Specs.aspx

3.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder, 24-valve 320-horsepower engine; combines a twin-scroll turbocharger with variable valve control (Double-VANOS and Valvetronic) and high-precision direct injection

Uhh yeah, that's the N55. Note the "TwinPower" versus TwinTurbo.

[Klepper1]

My wife's 135is definately has an N55.

[PeteA]

Was unaware that the N55 was ~360HP limited? Depends how much $$ you invest in it. With a simple flash only that's probably accurate an number. There are 400hp N55's I've seen posting dyno charts on this forum.

From what I know....
The Dinan Stage 3 is good for 370HP + 400ft/lbs. I also know they're working on a larger compressor for the twin scroll turbo which according to them is good for 400HP.

RB is almost finished with a turbo upgrade for the N55 similar to what they have made in the past for the N54.

[bdaddylo]

Originally Posted by PeteA

Was unaware that the N55 was ~360HP limited? Depends how much $$ you invest in it. With a simple flash only that's probably accurate an number. There are 400hp N55's I've seen posting dyno charts on this forum.

From what I know....
The Dinan Stage 3 is good for 370HP + 400ft/lbs. I also know they're working on a larger compressor for the twin scroll turbo which according to them is good for 400HP.

RB is almost finished with a turbo upgrade for the N55 similar to what they have made in the past for the N54.

Don't forget that Dinan's published numbers are at the crank.

[PeteA]

Originally Posted by bdaddylo

Don't forget that Dinan's published numbers are at the crank.

They use an axle dyno to remove the issue of tyre slip and other factors which can throw off the reading. But yes we are talking crank here.

[tuj]

I know this is a dumb question, but can anyone describe for me the 'twin-scroll' design? Is it a compound curvature of the turbine wheel? I've never really understood the term. Obviously the benefit of 'twin-scroll' is faster spool-up, but I have never actually understood exactly how.

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by gregthegr8

...Trust me, there is no doubt the 135is has the N55.

^^Yes, that is correct. All 135iS were powered via the N55 motor.


And IF I am not mistaken... BMW's last car to be powered by the N54 is the Z4 sDrive35is. All the other models have ended their production life(cycle).

[PopsnBurbles]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

^^Yes, that is correct. All 135iS were powered via the N55 motor.


And IF I am not mistaken... BMW's last car to be powered by the N54 is the Z4 sDrive35is. All the other models have ended their production life(cycle).

Doesn't the Z4 35i also carry the N54? I'm not sure now after the facelift but I doubt it'll change now.

[robertm]

Thought the 740 was getting the n54 as well.

Also easy was to tell it's n55 is the valvetronic wording. N54 wasn't equipped.