Get An N54 Or An N55?

Mad Maxx · 06-22-2010, 04:07 PM

Hey Guys...New to the Board here. Been Lurking as a Guest for a while now, doing Research and all that.

I'm really Interested in getting a 135i.

I found a Dealer that has a New '09 Leftover, with pretty much everything I want on it, it just has a Different Interior Color and Woodgrain from what I would want.

I know the N54's have the HPFP Issues, and it's not really Confirmed yet if the N55's are going to have them too.

The only thing that really makes me want the N55 Motor is the DCT Tranny. How much Different is the N54 Steptronic VS the N55 DCT? I mean in Terms of Shift Time, Firmness, ect...

This won't be my First BMW. I had a '99 E36 323is in High School...and before I Bought my Truck I have now, I had an S60R.

Just Looking to get some Insight and Input from actual Owners to help me in my Decision.

eleven11 · 06-22-2010, 04:13 PM

The DCT, from what most people express, is very nice. Definitely quicker than the previous Steptronic system. Regarding the N54 vs N55: both, imo, are great engines. However, if you are planning on doing any tuning in the near future, I would go with the N54 - the N55 will eventual be nearly up to speed with the N54 tunes, but you're going to have to wait several months.

In your position, if there's a 2009 with all the options you want, I would definitely grab it. You will likely save a ton of money.

mephiska · 06-22-2010, 04:13 PM

Everyone here says the DCT is sweet. I've got step and its really good as well, but people who have driven both say the DCT is just a great tranny (if you're not going manual)

jpd · 06-22-2010, 04:33 PM

An 09 maybe a good deal if you are going to keep it for a while. However, it will have 2yrs of depreciation when you drive out the door. N55 gives excellent gas milage. Mine gets 25-27 in stop and go driving and up to 30 mpg on trips-all of this is attributed to the N55.

MarkR171 · 06-22-2010, 04:52 PM

If you're considering a step N54... get a DCT N55. Night and day difference.

People say the N54 has more potential, but that's after numerous modifications that 98% of owners won't ever do. Even if the N54 has more power potential (looks to be ~20hp difference after tune), you're putting that power through an automatic. An N55 with 20 less hp and a DCT instead of an automatic will be a much more rewarding, and better performing car to drive.

Mad Maxx · 06-22-2010, 05:00 PM

I'll def. be Modding the Car just as much as everyone else around here. It'll be Strictly for the Street, no Tracking at all, but it will def. have all the Go Fast Goodies, plus the Suspension, Braking, and Looks to back it all up.

MarkR171 · 06-22-2010, 05:08 PM

I still say N55 as long as you are willing to wait a few months for companies to release their products. Burger is already working on getting tune out for the N55 soon for example.

The N54 will be able to squeeze out a tiny bit more power, but since you mention street only, I doubt the power difference would be noticeable on the street. On the other hand, the transmission difference would be immediately noticeable. The DCT has a better (in my opinion) paddle layout:

- N54 Step = Pull any side for upshift, push any side for downshift
- N55 DCT = Pull left for down, pull right for upshift

Also, 2011 models get leather and iPod connectivity as a no cost option to offset some of the cost difference between a left over '09 and '11. The '11 models have M-Sport packages available which only started with 2010 model cars. Even if the '09 is new, it would be 2 years old as soon as you drove it off the lot when it comes to used car values, the '11 will be 2 years newer and hold the value longer.

Mad Maxx · 06-22-2010, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarkR171

I still say N55 as long as you are willing to wait a few months for companies to release their products. Burger is already working on getting tune out for the N55 soon for example.

The N54 will be able to squeeze out a tiny bit more power, but since you mention street only, I doubt the power difference would be noticeable on the street. On the other hand, the transmission difference would be immediately noticeable. The DCT has a better (in my opinion) paddle layout:

- N54 Step = Pull any side for upshift, push any side for downshift
- N55 DCT = Pull left for down, pull right for upshift

Also, 2011 models get leather and iPod connectivity as a no cost option to offset some of the cost difference between a left over '09 and '11. The '11 models have M-Sport packages available which only started with 2010 model cars. Even if the '09 is new, it would be 2 years old as soon as you drove it off the lot when it comes to used car values, the '11 will be 2 years newer and hold the value longer.

Hmmm, the Paddle Layout on the Step Sounds better to me. Being able to Use both Paddles for Up & Down Shifting just Sounds alot Easier.

MarkR171 · 06-22-2010, 06:03 PM

Depends on what you're used to I guess, I hated it on my test drive but I can see it being fine after some getting used to.

Mad Maxx · 06-22-2010, 06:39 PM

I'll prob. go do a Test Drive Next Week.

Hopefully they'll have an N55 there to Compare the 2 to each other, and ultimately See which one I like better.

It sucks though, because the Closest Dealer to me is Undergoing an Owner Change and Re-Model, so they aren't even Open. Now I'm gonna have to Travel 30-40 Minutes to the Next Closest Dealer.

fatjoez · 06-22-2010, 06:45 PM

mad maxx we think alike
Im rolling with 09 - n54 and was also thinkin today I'd prefer it over n55 for

- nicer looking mirrors
- paddle shift on both steerinwheels instead of one

bad sides
- steptronics a bit lame, dct would probably be nicer

It's a compromise, I'd probably go that n55 at the dealership

NYC6 · 06-22-2010, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mad Maxx

I'll prob. go do a Test Drive Next Week.

Hopefully they'll have an N55 there to Compare the 2 to each other, and ultimately See which one I like better.

It sucks though, because the Closest Dealer to me is Undergoing an Owner Change and Re-Model, so they aren't even Open. Now I'm gonna have to Travel 30-40 Minutes to the Next Closest Dealer.

Competiton in Smithtown. Should have bought mine there. Could have got a better deal than I did at Habberstad. Not to mention some BS on my trade in they pulled.

1ottawa · 06-22-2010, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpd

An 09 maybe a good deal if you are going to keep it for a while. However, it will have 2yrs of depreciation when you drive out the door. N55 gives excellent gas milage. Mine gets 25-27 in stop and go driving and up to 30 mpg on trips-all of this is attributed to the N55.

i get 35mpg (34.9) on highway with N54

egainer · 06-22-2010, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1ottawa

i get 35mpg (34.9) on highway with N54

not average. Maybe instant, but not average. My 2.0t audi motor maxed 36 average from fill up to fill up, 500+ miles, all highway, 55mph entire trip.

The bmw engine does not have this capability unless 50% off your trip was downhill

Mad Maxx · 06-22-2010, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NYC6

Competiton in Smithtown. Should have bought mine there. Could have got a better deal than I did at Habberstad. Not to mention some BS on my trade in they pulled.

Yea, there's 2 135i's and 1 335i @ Habberstad I wanna Look at, then over at Competition, supposedly they have some Special Edition 135i that's all Blacked Out already that I wanna Look at.

UdubBadger · 06-22-2010, 09:07 PM

from my 900 miles on the N55 I love it. a little more low end torque than its older brother. The N54 may end up being more tuneable when you get up to stage II or II by a little but I think the N55 will still be up there. I'd go for reliabiltity (not that the N55 has proven it is, it's just the N54 has proven it's NOT) over a few HP that you probably won't use. I can barely wind out my stock engine on my way to-from work as it is. just my $.02

blacknbean · 06-22-2010, 09:26 PM

if ur interested in dct, id go n55 no doubt. the only way id go n54 is if you want to mod it right away. the n55 will take time to sort everything out

Dak Tirque · 06-22-2010, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by egainer

not average. Maybe instant, but not average. My 2.0t audi motor maxed 36 average from fill up to fill up, 500+ miles, all highway, 55mph entire trip.

The bmw engine does not have this capability unless 50% off your trip was downhill

That's what I'm talkin about..where are some of you guys getting these numbers? Trip computer? No way you are getting mpg's this "generous".

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mad Maxx

Yea, there's 2 135i's and 1 335i @ Habberstad I wanna Look at, then over at Competition, supposedly they have some Special Edition 135i that's all Blacked Out already that I wanna Look at.

Which Habberstad are you alluding to? The old one or the newer one in Bayshore? I got mine in Bayshore, the manager Uday is a pretty good guy, and the showroom/garage bay are magnificent (you can get a tour if you ask!). They weren't to difficult on the haggling either, car came quicker than expected and exactly as ordered. No complaints here...

...no threadjack intended. Haven't driven the N54 but for one test drive. Having 1100mi on the N55, I can say that there IS definative turbo lag, but when it hits, you will like it.

I enjoy the HK stereo and the "free" leather and iPod jack was a nice bonus...

new2the3 · 06-22-2010, 09:41 PM

Whats the price difference? If it's 5k or greater the 2009 is a no brainer IMO. The steptronic on these cars is very good. The N54 is a top notch engine (minus a few issues which may or may not affect you), better looking mirrors, and the M-Sport package is available on 09s with 01/09 build date and newer. You might also even get the trunk key hole, plus the ash tray cover. I am pretty happy with my 01/09 build.

moveswiftly · 06-22-2010, 09:46 PM

i'd get the n54 lol

Dak Tirque · 06-22-2010, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by new2the3

Whats the price difference? If it's 5k or greater the 2009 is a no brainer IMO. The steptronic on these cars is very good. The N54 is a top notch engine (minus a few issues which may or may not affect you), better looking mirrors, and the M-Sport package is available on 09s with 01/09 build date and newer. You might also even get the trunk key hole, plus the ash tray cover. I am pretty happy with my 01/09 build.

I would think that 5k less for a 2009 shouldn't be hard to find. But at the same, time, there are 2008's with low miles on cars.com asking 38-39k! Shit, for that small of a price difference I'd def go for a virgin N55..

Freakazoid · 06-22-2010, 10:00 PM

I think it's pretty simple to boil down...

If you're going automatic, go N55. Period

. EVERYONE raves about how the DCT is better than the step. (I have a N54 step)

If you're going stick, it'll be up to you and how fast you plan on tuning. If you're looking for quick, guaranteed power, go N54. If you are willing to wait and see what develops, go N55.

06-22-2010, 04:07 PM	#1
Mad Maxx New Member 2 Rep 13 Posts Drives: Silverado Duramax Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Hamptons, Long Island, NY iTrader: (0)	Get An N54 Or An N55? Hey Guys...New to the Board here. Been Lurking as a Guest for a while now, doing Research and all that. I'm really Interested in getting a 135i. I found a Dealer that has a New '09 Leftover, with pretty much everything I want on it, it just has a Different Interior Color and Woodgrain from what I would want. I know the N54's have the HPFP Issues, and it's not really Confirmed yet if the N55's are going to have them too. The only thing that really makes me want the N55 Motor is the DCT Tranny. How much Different is the N54 Steptronic VS the N55 DCT? I mean in Terms of Shift Time, Firmness, ect... This won't be my First BMW. I had a '99 E36 323is in High School...and before I Bought my Truck I have now, I had an S60R. Just Looking to get some Insight and Input from actual Owners to help me in my Decision. __________________ 07 Silverado 2500HD - EFI Live/Corsa Exhaust/Injen Intake/EGR Blocker/TTS Dual LP's/BD Manifold/Diamond Eye DownPipe/PCV Re-Route/3" IC Pipe/AFE Bladrunner/Suncoast GMAX-6 & 1054/Grid Heater Delete.
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06-22-2010, 04:13 PM	#2
eleven11 Major 372 Rep 1,425 Posts Drives: -F85 X5M- Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Derby City iTrader: (0)	The DCT, from what most people express, is very nice. Definitely quicker than the previous Steptronic system. Regarding the N54 vs N55: both, imo, are great engines. However, if you are planning on doing any tuning in the near future, I would go with the N54 - the N55 will eventual be nearly up to speed with the N54 tunes, but you're going to have to wait several months. In your position, if there's a 2009 with all the options you want, I would definitely grab it. You will likely save a ton of money. __________________ 2017 X5M - Current 2017 F31 Wagon - Current 2014 M5 ZCP - Retired 2011 135i Coupe - Retired 2007 335i Sedan - Retired
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06-22-2010, 04:13 PM	#3
mephiska Major 515 Rep 1,001 Posts Drives: 2016 M3 Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: East Bay iTrader: (0) Garage List 2022 Tesla Model Y ... [0.00] 2016 BMW M3 [0.00] 2015.5 Volvo V60 T5 ... [0.00]	Everyone here says the DCT is sweet. I've got step and its really good as well, but people who have driven both say the DCT is just a great tranny (if you're not going manual)
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06-22-2010, 04:33 PM	#4
jpd Lieutenant 5 Rep 572 Posts Drives: Alpine White 135 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	An 09 maybe a good deal if you are going to keep it for a while. However, it will have 2yrs of depreciation when you drive out the door. N55 gives excellent gas milage. Mine gets 25-27 in stop and go driving and up to 30 mpg on trips-all of this is attributed to the N55.
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06-22-2010, 04:52 PM	#5
MarkR171 Lieutenant Colonel 102 Rep 1,552 Posts Drives: '19 M2C \| '20 100AE ND2 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Phx, AZ iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 BMW M2C [0.00]	If you're considering a step N54... get a DCT N55. Night and day difference. People say the N54 has more potential, but that's after numerous modifications that 98% of owners won't ever do. Even if the N54 has more power potential (looks to be ~20hp difference after tune), you're putting that power through an automatic. An N55 with 20 less hp and a DCT instead of an automatic will be a much more rewarding, and better performing car to drive. __________________ 2019 M2C - Alpine White - 6MT 2023 Supra 6MT - Deposit and Wait
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06-22-2010, 05:00 PM	#6
Mad Maxx New Member 2 Rep 13 Posts Drives: Silverado Duramax Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Hamptons, Long Island, NY iTrader: (0)	I'll def. be Modding the Car just as much as everyone else around here. It'll be Strictly for the Street, no Tracking at all, but it will def. have all the Go Fast Goodies, plus the Suspension, Braking, and Looks to back it all up. __________________ 07 Silverado 2500HD - EFI Live/Corsa Exhaust/Injen Intake/EGR Blocker/TTS Dual LP's/BD Manifold/Diamond Eye DownPipe/PCV Re-Route/3" IC Pipe/AFE Bladrunner/Suncoast GMAX-6 & 1054/Grid Heater Delete.
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06-22-2010, 05:08 PM	#7
MarkR171 Lieutenant Colonel 102 Rep 1,552 Posts Drives: '19 M2C \| '20 100AE ND2 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Phx, AZ iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 BMW M2C [0.00]	I still say N55 as long as you are willing to wait a few months for companies to release their products. Burger is already working on getting tune out for the N55 soon for example. The N54 will be able to squeeze out a tiny bit more power, but since you mention street only, I doubt the power difference would be noticeable on the street. On the other hand, the transmission difference would be immediately noticeable. The DCT has a better (in my opinion) paddle layout: - N54 Step = Pull any side for upshift, push any side for downshift - N55 DCT = Pull left for down, pull right for upshift Also, 2011 models get leather and iPod connectivity as a no cost option to offset some of the cost difference between a left over '09 and '11. The '11 models have M-Sport packages available which only started with 2010 model cars. Even if the '09 is new, it would be 2 years old as soon as you drove it off the lot when it comes to used car values, the '11 will be 2 years newer and hold the value longer. __________________ 2019 M2C - Alpine White - 6MT 2023 Supra 6MT - Deposit and Wait
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06-22-2010, 06:03 PM	#9
MarkR171 Lieutenant Colonel 102 Rep 1,552 Posts Drives: '19 M2C \| '20 100AE ND2 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Phx, AZ iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 BMW M2C [0.00]	Depends on what you're used to I guess, I hated it on my test drive but I can see it being fine after some getting used to. __________________ 2019 M2C - Alpine White - 6MT 2023 Supra 6MT - Deposit and Wait
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06-22-2010, 06:39 PM	#10
Mad Maxx New Member 2 Rep 13 Posts Drives: Silverado Duramax Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Hamptons, Long Island, NY iTrader: (0)	I'll prob. go do a Test Drive Next Week. Hopefully they'll have an N55 there to Compare the 2 to each other, and ultimately See which one I like better. It sucks though, because the Closest Dealer to me is Undergoing an Owner Change and Re-Model, so they aren't even Open. Now I'm gonna have to Travel 30-40 Minutes to the Next Closest Dealer. __________________ 07 Silverado 2500HD - EFI Live/Corsa Exhaust/Injen Intake/EGR Blocker/TTS Dual LP's/BD Manifold/Diamond Eye DownPipe/PCV Re-Route/3" IC Pipe/AFE Bladrunner/Suncoast GMAX-6 & 1054/Grid Heater Delete.
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06-22-2010, 06:45 PM	#11
fatjoez student 226 Rep 911 Posts Drives: e90 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Bermuda Triangle iTrader: (0)	mad maxx we think alike Im rolling with 09 - n54 and was also thinkin today I'd prefer it over n55 for - nicer looking mirrors - paddle shift on both steerinwheels instead of one bad sides - steptronics a bit lame, dct would probably be nicer It's a compromise, I'd probably go that n55 at the dealership
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06-22-2010, 09:07 PM	#16
UdubBadger Banned 633 Rep 24,685 Posts Drives: '04 330i ZHP Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Chicago Burbs iTrader: (22) Garage List 2004 BMW 330i ZHP [9.50] 2011 135i [7.46] 2008 328xi [8.76]	from my 900 miles on the N55 I love it. a little more low end torque than its older brother. The N54 may end up being more tuneable when you get up to stage II or II by a little but I think the N55 will still be up there. I'd go for reliabiltity (not that the N55 has proven it is, it's just the N54 has proven it's NOT) over a few HP that you probably won't use. I can barely wind out my stock engine on my way to-from work as it is. just my $.02
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06-22-2010, 09:26 PM	#17
blacknbean Major 14 Rep 1,044 Posts Drives: e92 335i 6MT Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: LA iTrader: (2)	if ur interested in dct, id go n55 no doubt. the only way id go n54 is if you want to mod it right away. the n55 will take time to sort everything out
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06-22-2010, 09:41 PM	#19
new2the3 Colonel 380 Rep 2,067 Posts Drives: 2020 X3M Competition Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: San Diego iTrader: (0)	Whats the price difference? If it's 5k or greater the 2009 is a no brainer IMO. The steptronic on these cars is very good. The N54 is a top notch engine (minus a few issues which may or may not affect you), better looking mirrors, and the M-Sport package is available on 09s with 01/09 build date and newer. You might also even get the trunk key hole, plus the ash tray cover. I am pretty happy with my 01/09 build. __________________ 2020 X3MC 2009 135i: AW/CR Aluminum Trim, 6 speed, M-Sport, Premium, Heated Seats, Ipod, BMW Performance Pedals, BMW Performance SSK, BMW Performance Exhaust, BMW Performance Grills E93 M3 FSB
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06-22-2010, 09:46 PM	#20
moveswiftly Colonel 381 Rep 2,926 Posts Drives: Cayman GT4, 135i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: NJ iTrader: (12) Garage List 2012 335iS [0.00]	i'd get the n54 lol __________________ Current: M2CS Gone but not forgotten: Cayman GT4, M2C, 2011 135i, E83 X3 6MT, 2016 SO M3, 2012 335iS, 2010 135i and 2006 e90 325xi
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06-22-2010, 10:00 PM	#22
Freakazoid Captain 181 Rep 962 Posts Drives: Saturn Redline Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Pittsburgh iTrader: (0)	I think it's pretty simple to boil down... If you're going automatic, go N55. Period . EVERYONE raves about how the DCT is better than the step. (I have a N54 step) If you're going stick, it'll be up to you and how fast you plan on tuning. If you're looking for quick, guaranteed power, go N54. If you are willing to wait and see what develops, go N55.
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