N54T in 1M (and Z4 35is) wins engine of year

[BMW86]

Originally Posted by MrBlonde

Certainly are great cars, but no lag means "beast" is exactly the wrong description! I love "lag" because it means when the turbo hits, it hits hard.

If you "laggy" turbo car still makes more power before the turbo hits, then lag is not a bad thing.

Agreed, no lag and beast use to describe the same car is an oxymoron. These cars are the exception though

[gazz]

Originally Posted by BMW86

Which cars prior the N54 135i have turbos and virtually no lag?

Not sure if it preceded the N54 or not but the 2.0 turbo in the MK V Golf GTI also won engine of the year and it was virtually lag free. I bought mine in May 2006 ( ordered Nov 05 ). Great car.

[TimMc]

Originally Posted by MrBlonde

If you "laggy" turbo car still makes more power before the turbo hits, then lag is not a bad thing.

Not a good thing if you're on the edge already, on track, on a mountain road, in the wet etc. Here you want smooth predictable power. I don't know how Dick & his mates coped with that Sierra...

[MrBlonde]

Originally Posted by TimMc

Not a good thing if you're on the edge already, on track, on a mountain road, in the wet etc. Here you want smooth predictable power. I don't know how Dick & his mates coped with that Sierra...

It only made 400 bhp! You're speaking to a Drag Racer mate!

[BMW86]

Originally Posted by gazz

Not sure if it preceded the N54 or not but the 2.0 turbo in the MK V Golf GTI also won engine of the year and it was virtually lag free. I bought mine in May 2006 ( ordered Nov 05 ). Great car.

I've only heard great things about the GTI, I really need to drive one to see what it's all about.

Originally Posted by TimMc

Not a good thing if you're on the edge already, on track, on a mountain road, in the wet etc. Here you want smooth predictable power. I don't know how Dick & his mates coped with that Sierra...

+1 Agreed, I think with the amount of power and torque it has, it's quite smooth and predictable. It still cannot be compared to the smooth revving NA engines BMW have produced in the past, but they've barely made any compromises moving to FI technology, with the exception of losing power to redline. Still prefer to have power from 1500rpm though

Almost every other turbo car I've sat in I've felt the turbo lag. I understand it's a preference for some people, and it can be fun feeling that rush when you least expect it. With the N54, the rush feels instant but you know when to expect it. It feels comfortable in the city, on highways, track/drags, windy backroads.

The downside is wet conditions the power is useless. Too much power/torque down low, traction control is working over-time. I'd love to turn off the nannies but I know my limitations so I keep everything on and run stock boost.

[Alext]

All I know from owning several sports cars that all go fast including two N54 engined ones, the N54 just *sounds* beautifully engineered.