Automobile Mag puts N55 on the Dyno!

[TreDirtyFive]

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

[woner]

Cool article. I found this part interesting:

"In fact, the only real difference between the regular N54s and their successor, the N55, is that the N55's output drops off more as it approaches its maximum speed."

This is the opposite of what I have read on the forums .

Not that it matters, I love my n55's powerband.

[scott135i]

Agreed. Doesn't make sense. Having driven both, the n55 feels stronger above 5k, without question.

But hey, you never know.

[bryans2k]

Pretty accurate. I went from a 335i N54 6SP to a 135i N55 DCT and basically noticed the samething that was in the dyno's.

The N54 has a bit more top end where the N55 has a bit more low end torque but what is not shown is how quick the DCT shifts which would close the gap.

[MarkR171]

There is another dyno comparison done by someone else somewhere on these boards showing the N55 stronger in the higher end as well. On that comparison, the N55 was stronger at low rpms, then the N54 was stronger in the mid range while the N55 was again stronger at the top.

Both comparisons show the difference in low end torque though, and I can definitely feel the difference with the N55, having driven an N54.

[Mike@N54Tuning.com]

BMS posted some N54 vs. N55 dyno charts showing they were about the same stock for stock. Tuned for tuned the N55 holds its own on torque but the single turbo can not keep up with N54 power levels.

[Novator]

My 135i with BMW Power Kit makes the same numbers, but mine was on a Dynapack (power measured at the hubs, not a rolling dyno). I have to tell you the N54 is a beast, but I have yet to ride in a DCT equipped N55 car. If its anything like the E46 M3's SMG transmission which I have ridden it, the feel must be way better. I have an auto tranny, I love it, but if DCT were an option around the time I ordered my car back in '08 I would have jumped on it. I wonder though if someone couldn't just fit a larger twin scroll or single turbo to up the power since the engine is already designed for a single turbo and there seems to be more room for that sort of thing, no?

[TreDirtyFive]

For maximum output mod to mod we all know the N54 will not be matched by the N55...it's basic science. But the N55 seemingly has it's own unique strengths and character that lends to newer technology and efficiency. Ths "IS" has the best of both worlds...the N54, with the upgraded cooling components, and the DCT. I have both powerplants and love both like 2 different kids

[MarkR171]

Originally Posted by Novator

My 135i with BMW Power Kit makes the same numbers, but mine was on a Dynapack (power measured at the hubs, not a rolling dyno). I have to tell you the N54 is a beast, but I have yet to ride in a DCT equipped N55 car. If its anything like the E46 M3's SMG transmission which I have ridden it, the feel must be way better. I have an auto tranny, I love it, but if DCT were an option around the time I ordered my car back in '08 I would have jumped on it. I wonder though if someone couldn't just fit a larger twin scroll or single turbo to up the power since the engine is already designed for a single turbo and there seems to be more room for that sort of thing, no?

You coming to the around the island cruise this sunday? If so, I'll give you a ride at one of the stops.

SMG isn't even in the same league as DCT.