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02-24-2011, 10:10 PM | #67 | |
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For mt6 guys the decision to me would be hard, and i'd probably stay n54, but if you're driving a 2 pedal car like me, the n55 is the way to go. I just wasn't forking over 40k or more for my car, so i bought used (6700 mi) for a lot less which isn't an option on the DCT cars yet.
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02-25-2011, 04:24 AM | #68 |
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Having driven both (I own an 08 135i with the N54 and my best friend has a 10 335i with N55, both 6MT) I think there is an almost imperceptible difference between the two. Both engines rev so quick that it is really hard to notice that 200 rpm difference when power comes on. The N54 feels stronger in mid-range (3k rpm in 3rd gear) but the N55 feels like it comes on sooner. This is especially noticeable at the higher altitudes (I am in Colorado at 6,200 feet altitude), and that altitude makes turbo lag REALLY noticeable in BOTH motors.
The N54 has a ton of after market support because it has been around for quite a while. The N55 will eventually have the same support, it is only a matter of research and development time. The big advantage that the N55 has over the N54: the DCT transmission. If they had offered that from jump street, I would have that instead of the 6MT. I think that, in itself, makes the biggest improvement over the N54. The value of a forged vs. cast crank can be debated all day long, bottom line, I don't care about either as I will never be making 800 horsepower on this car (nor do I want to). As far as twin turbo vs twin scroll turbo and the guys in Supras going to single monster turbos; if you want to make 800 horsepower, go buy a Camaro and put a big ass supercharger on it or a itty bitty Honda and put a turbo bigger than a basketball on it and drag race that, because that is all 800 horsepower is good for. A good friend of mine has a Supra that he put a huge turbo on and is currently make 787 hp with it. The thing is as fast as a raped ape in a straight line, but turns like a lead sled under power. Bottom line: I say the N54 is better only because I have one. However, I have to ask the question; if the N55 is "better", then why did BMW put the N54 in the 1M?
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02-25-2011, 06:31 AM | #69 | |
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Trust me I'm not here to make 800 hp either and I did not by means imply that the N54 is a bad motor, but the other user's rationalization was pathetic at the very least.
Why is BMW putting the N54 engine on the 1M? Only they could truly answer that question. My guess would be that there is a possible surplus of n54 engines since they were manufactured to be used across multiple platforms. One thing is for sure, and that is that the n54 is being faded out. Don't be surprised when you see the n55 and variations of it being used in the same way the n54 is being used at the moment. Cheers! Quote:
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02-25-2011, 07:15 AM | #70 | |
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All joking aside, 1SeriesStud, you are probably right though. An alternative explanation could be that the N54 already has a cult following and since they were not making a bespoke engine for the 1M, they opted to use the N54. Furthermore, it could be that the N54 is a proven powerplant while the N55 is still relatively new. I don't know, as you said, only BMW engineers know and I haven't seen anything stating why they were using the N54, only that they were using it in this application.
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02-25-2011, 11:19 AM | #71 |
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'1Seriestud' I thought it obvious that I was joking when I said the twin sounds better than a single but obviously not. A good point has been made thought that the 1M has the N54 engine, maybe due to the fact that it is the performance and flagship model. The heat has been turned down on the 135 so it is not as close performance wise to the 1M or more to the point it is not as easy or possible at all to now tune a 135 to the same bhp as the 1M? Similar to when the e36 328 came out and they had to make the m3 into the m3 evo.
I think sargetony has it sussed as he has driven both. 200 revs is not really going to be noticeable. The fact is that now for £400 you can't turn a 135 (N55) into something as quick as the M1. |
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02-25-2011, 11:28 AM | #72 |
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This is on Wikipedia about the N54: 'According to the BMW website the 135i Coupé accelerates from 0–100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.3 seconds, however Car and Driver magazine recorded 4.7 seconds for 0-60 mph acceleration'
they ran the test several times. |
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02-25-2011, 11:39 AM | #73 |
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02-25-2011, 12:12 PM | #74 |
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The N54 was developed at the same time as the S65 as they didnt know which one to choose for the M3. BMW Board decided to go with the S65 so the road was clear for the N54 to be used for the 335 etc. of course detuned.
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02-25-2011, 12:19 PM | #75 | |
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You do realize that the 2-3 tunes already available for the n55 puts the car beyond the 1m power specs right?
Do your homework. In fact, most people are disappointed to see that the 1m is not far from the 135 power-wise. Quote:
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02-25-2011, 12:22 PM | #76 |
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Lol joke of the day. Dude, historically BMW builds high revving NA engines for their m class. For the first time it is being speculated that the next m3 will be force inducted, and a variation of guess what engine will be used?! Thats right, the n55.
I highly doubt that BMW built 2 engines side by side for the same platform because "they didn't know which one to go with" |
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02-25-2011, 12:29 PM | #77 | |
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if you know better thats good for you but i still stick with my version not a joke just fact. If your N55 makes you happy i am happy as well
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