N54 vs N55

[HellaFlush]

What motor do you guys think it's better ?

[Frustration]

Oh this should be fun...

[Emerson]

They're both great

[Orlin]

Flame on............

[new2the3]

They are both good, IMO the N54 sounds better.

[MarkR171]

They're both great. Stock for stock, you wouldn't notice a difference.

But... IMO, the N55 sounds better (louder, deeper, more grumbling)

[Itanius]

Originally Posted by HellaFlush

What motor do you guys think it's better ?

Welcome to 1addicts. You've got a LOT of reading to do.

[BMW86]

I'd say N55 just because you can get DCT!

[SiN55]

Newest one is allways better!

[dh58]

stock.. n55 is better because it comes with the dct and a few improvements..

modded.. n54 because it has better potential..

this is the summary of what you will read everywhere here. n55 is newer and doesn't have the same potential the n54 does because of the twin turbo being made into a twin scroll turbo and other various additions.

Welcome to 1addicts

[aleal86]

Did you really asked this question.... well here goes world war III

[///M1]

Read this for starters, I would say rather unbiased opinion and points out that all engines are great, and where the slight differential is (N54 early model, N54 later model, N55, N54 in "is" models)

http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews...est/index.html

[NYC6]

first post and obviously an inflammatory question to elicit arguement. The guy is a textbook definition troll.

[Groundpilot]

n55 runs cooler. The power output is the same.

[infinitekidM2C]

first post and trying to start n54 v. n55 war?

[Trojan4evr]

Man, another one of those threads. I have both and both are great engines. can't go wrong with either.

[Timberwolf]

Um I hear that the N55 was a cost cutting measure. It also apparently doesn't have the forged internals that the N54 has. Nuf said if you ask me.

[NYC6]

Originally Posted by Timberwolf

Um I hear that the N55 was a cost cutting measure. It also apparently doesn't have the forged internals that the N54 has. Nuf said if you ask me.

where did you hear about the forged internals?

[JB135MDCT]

Originally Posted by Timberwolf

Um I hear that the N55 was a cost cutting measure. It also apparently doesn't have the forged internals that the N54 has. Nuf said if you ask me.

Forged internal differences are?

I like the N55, but the future I4 twin turbo is confusing. Why not use a twin scroll turbo for the I4, like the Mini S?

I was on the edge with the valvtronic, but it appears to be more responsive than I expected ( See Vish ). Little concerned about the popping, it's like I need a 911 SC popoff valve to feel better.

N55 Valvtronic, MAF, MAP and throttle body makes for an interesting control algorithm. N54 is old school in this regard. On the flip, keeping it simple is good too, less things to break.

[1SerieStud]

Originally Posted by Timberwolf

Um I hear that the N55 was a cost cutting measure. It also apparently doesn't have the forged internals that the N54 has. Nuf said if you ask me.

let's cut cost and make a more modern engine combining valvetronic and twin scroll turbo technology which exhibits full torque 200 rpm's sooner than the n54. Doesn't sound like a cost cut to me

FYI - internals are still forged.

[Timberwolf]

Originally Posted by maxnix

We ask that you cite your references, please!

Is that "Enough said" for you?

My certified bmw technician told me. He went to BMW headquarters for training on the motor, and the field service engineer shared that information. FYI the crank shaft in the N55 is NOT FORGED... It was in the N54

I'd rather lose a mile or two, but have a more robust platform. But that' just me.

[eleven11]

I've had both. They're both great, but different beasts. The N55 sounds much better (deeper, throatier), imo. I do think the N55 gives more of a feeling of starting 'lag' (minor), but has significantly more oomph in most other settings (perhaps that has to do with the DCT, which destroys the Steptronic I previously had). Tuning and mods are still limited for the N55, but are coming.