Help! N54 or N55?

[JasonCSU]

Originally Posted by 530i-2002

I am in the same boat... Check out this official press release on BMWGroup USA site, it lists all upcoming changes (that was previously posted on Bimmerfile but now that its on BMW press site I consider this official).

Here's a portion from the article regarding the updated 6MT:

Enhanced dynamics, greater efficiency: new six-speed manual gearbox and optional seven-speed Double-Clutch Gearbox.
Both the BMW 135i Coupe and the BMW 135i Convertible come as standard with a newly developed six-speed manual gearbox. Optimised for maximum efficiency, this high-tech gearbox features dry sump lubrication significantly reducing drag forces and completely avoiding splash losses in the interest of even greater efficiency all round.

[NYC6]

Originally Posted by 530i-2002

No, but ZF still makes these automatic transmissions (progressively more complex and with more gears). I don't know what Roundel and car magazine reviewers are thinking recommending automatics to their readers but they certainly don't consider long term reliability of these transmissions. The only recommendation you can get from BMW service is replace the entire thing with a rebuilt unit (upwards of $4000 + labor)

I hope I dont end up having issues like you did. Sorry to hear.

Originally Posted by fwmcb

The transmission on the 135i is the new BMW unit. Congrats on the new ride. I had to make similar compromises, I had to take the black L-ette instead of the taupe that I wanted and drop the premium stereo. So when you get it let me know how it sounds! Any idea when you will take delivery?

Thanks, just got off the phone. The car was still available and will be routed to my dealer. Ship should be in the States on 1/29 and he said about a week or so after that it will be at the dealer. I listened to the stock stereo in a test drive car and it sounded pretty good actually. I'll live with it for a while and likely upgrade at some point.

[fwmcb]

Originally Posted by NYC6

I hope I dont end up having issues like you did. Sorry to hear.



Thanks, just got off the phone. The car was still available and will be routed to my dealer. Ship should be in the States on 1/29 and he said about a week or so after that it will be at the dealer. I listened to the stock stereo in a test drive car and it sounded pretty good actually. I'll live with it for a while and likely upgrade at some point.

Awesome, mine will be here on the 26th or 27th and to my dealership shortly thereafter. Maybe they are on the same ship.

[Prof T]

.......so any pics of the new ride? I went though a similar choice and got a 2010 135. I did want the n54, but still went thought the +/- of 2010 vs 2011. I have bumped mine to 305 hp at 5600 rpm and 340 lb-ft of torque at 3000 rpm. Torque in the lower rpm is improved. It's not a M, but it's fun to drive and has excellent agility. Wider (just a little) tires are next on the list (sway bars done), but will not lower it for awhile (if ever). I have a 2009 M3 and just sold my 2008 328. I just like the old school look of the 1 series.

[hot_ride]

I don't know either way, but I will point out that most cars running the engines are running the N54, not the N55 from what I know. Look at the 1M, back to the N54... There must be a reason, I'm just sayin'

[NYC6]

Originally Posted by Prof T

.......so any pics of the new ride? I went though a similar choice and got a 2010 135. I did want the n54, but still went thought the +/- of 2010 vs 2011. I have bumped mine to 305 hp at 5600 rpm and 340 lb-ft of torque at 3000 rpm. Torque in the lower rpm is improved. It's not a M, but it's fun to drive and has excellent agility. Wider (just a little) tires are next on the list (sway bars done), but will not lower it for awhile (if ever). I have a 2009 M3 and just sold my 2008 328. I just like the old school look of the 1 series.

Way to revive a long dead thread!

Got the 1 shortly after this thread.

[bogart]

I have an N55 with the DCT, I put 6,000 miles on it so far, and the only issue I had right away was a vacuum leak (very high pitched noise coming from engine bay under load), which was fixed the first time I brought it back to the dealer.

[gordongekko]

Originally Posted by bogart

I have an N55 with the DCT, I put 6,000 miles on it so far, and the only issue I had right away was a vacuum leak (very high pitched noise coming from engine bay under load), which was fixed the first time I brought it back to the dealer.

I think I have a similar noise, but I can't decide if it's what you are describing or "turbo whine".

[UdubBadger]

Originally Posted by NYC6

Way to revive a long dead thread!

Got the 1 shortly after this thread.

wait so after all that (a yr ago) you took the N54 but got an automatic???

man, i would have totally guessed you'd pick the DCT over the step if that was the case.

[NYC6]

After much research having the N54 was more important to me than the DCT. The steptronic is a fine transmission and I like it just fine.It puts down the power, is reliable and shifts plenty fast. 0-60 and 1/4 mile times are in line or faster than the stick cars. Im happy with my decision.

[UdubBadger]

fair enough, wasn't hatin... just curious how you decided. the dct just seems "sexier" on the surface.

[doublevanosrc]

Originally Posted by bogart

I have an N55 with the DCT, I put 6,000 miles on it so far, and the only issue I had right away was a vacuum leak (very high pitched noise coming from engine bay under load), which was fixed the first time I brought it back to the dealer.

Originally Posted by gordongekko

I think I have a similar noise, but I can't decide if it's what you are describing or "turbo whine".

I have turbo whine while the engine is cold but i can't say it's high pitched. Once it warms up its all good.

[bogart]

Originally Posted by gordongekko

I think I have a similar noise, but I can't decide if it's what you are describing or "turbo whine".

Originally Posted by doublevanosrc

I have turbo whine while the engine is cold but i can't say it's high pitched. Once it warms up its all good.

It is hard to describe, but one thing I do know is that my car does not whine at all until I hear it spooling-up at high RPM, and I can hear the "blow-off valve" as well. The best description I can give is that when I started the car up there was no whine. When I started driving, anything outside of 1st gear and above 2,000 RPM would give off a high-pitched, constant whine until the car was stopped. To be honest, it almost sounded like radio frequency whine, to the point I thought it was electrical. I tried disconnecting my ipod, turning off the radio, nothing. I also noticed that it did not fluctuate with the throttle, it was constant. So, I took it in, they tested the system with "smoke" to find the leak, found it, disconnected the hose and reconnected it correctly and the noise was gone.

[1on135_deal]

if your looking to mod heavly from my understanding n54 is better still than n55; cuz n55 is still new, stock vs stock n55 is much much faster in dct. All depends on mods =)

[gordongekko]

Originally Posted by bogart

It is hard to describe, but one thing I do know is that my car does not whine at all until I hear it spooling-up at high RPM, and I can hear the "blow-off valve" as well. The best description I can give is that when I started the car up there was no whine. When I started driving, anything outside of 1st gear and above 2,000 RPM would give off a high-pitched, constant whine until the car was stopped. To be honest, it almost sounded like radio frequency whine, to the point I thought it was electrical. I tried disconnecting my ipod, turning off the radio, nothing. I also noticed that it did not fluctuate with the throttle, it was constant. So, I took it in, they tested the system with "smoke" to find the leak, found it, disconnected the hose and reconnected it correctly and the noise was gone.

That doesn't sound like what I'm experiencing. I don't know if it's weather related because I've only seen cold weather since I got my 135. I guess I'll keep monitoring and see what's up in the Spring when it warms up. Thanks for the response.

[NYC6]

Originally Posted by UdubBadger

fair enough, wasn't hatin... just curious how you decided. the dct just seems "sexier" on the surface.

no offense taken

[UdubBadger]

love the AW/terra combo too... that was my 1st choice.

[NYC6]

Thanks, I wanted all black interior but this was the last 2010 that had the options I wanted. It was on the boat on the way to another dealer when I jumped on it. Wasnt sure about the TC till I picked it up. Loved it right away and get many compliments on it.

[Prof T]

Originally Posted by NYC6

After much research having the N54 was more important to me than the DCT. The steptronic is a fine transmission and I like it just fine.It puts down the power, is reliable and shifts plenty fast. 0-60 and 1/4 mile times are in line or faster than the stick cars. Im happy with my decision.

Excellent. Thanks for the pics.