BMW N54 engines can be an awesome purchase for those willing to DIY. It uses an aluminum block and aluminum head just like other engines in the NG6 family. . Some complete engine failures happen due to this, but its not too common. The biggest advantage of the BMW N54 is its power and potential. Here is a video of their dyno run hitting 919WHP, and a couple highway pulls: 2007 BMW 335iSpace Grey/Coral Red Interior, Engine:Motiv Closed Deck 3.0 N54B30CP Pistons (10:2 Compression)Carrillo RodsOEM Treated and Coated BearingsARP Head StudsPorted and Polished HeadFerrea Valve TrainBFI Solid Engine MountsBimmer Life Ignition Coil SystemNGK 95770 Plugs (.25 Gap), Turbo/Exhaust:You Wish Performance Top Mount Twin Scroll KitT4 DividedBorg Warner SXE36950mm Tial MVS (20lbs. 35PSI STOCK N54 Motor Compression TEST & Misfires FIX?Become a member and get exclusive discounts at https://www.ZeroTo60.com plus other unique perks and ben. Cars like the M3 were known and loved for their high-revving naturally aspirated engines which made you work hard for the power. Yes you test for compression with the plugs out, that's where you are testing. The first issue to discuss is waste-gate rattle on N54 turbos. Then theres the basic maintenance stuff on high mileage models. E90/E91/E92/E93 (2006 - 2013) N54 Compression test. Jump to Latest Follow Buying a cheap European luxury car can be intimidating. 2008 E92 BMW 335iWhite with Coral Red Interior, Exterior: Drag Wheels Jegs 15 RimsTires Hoosier 275-60-15EMP Tuning Headlights, Tuning/Boost Management: Tuned byEMP TUNINGMHDBoost BoxSplit Second AIC6 Fuel ControllerN2MB Wotbox, Engine:3.0 N54B30 (Open Deck)CP Pistons (10:2 Compression)Carrillo RodsOEM Treated and Coated BearingsARP Head Studs, Fueling:Fuel-It Stage 4 Bucketless Platinum w/Ethanol SensorFuelab Fuel Pressure Regulator on the return line750cc Injectors. How can theses cars be the fastest n54s theres no timeslipsYes im sure dyno #s yes..but can u put it to groundHP dsnt mean anything..too many variables to make that claim..Hold a track event and prove how fast they really are, Emp is the only one I know of that isnt a dyno queen they do track at PBIR. However, we really like the N54 in the 500-600whp range. With over 10 years of experience modifying and performing DIY work on BMWs, hes developed a deep understanding of virtually every BMW engine. In essence, N54 inlets & outlets help lower waste-gate duty cycles. Probably turbo. This post will cover the various BMW N54 flash maps along with supporting mods and expected horsepower on each map. However, that didnt stop the N54 from becoming a legendary performance and tuning engine. Dont let that take away from the point, though. A few mostly non-issues include: The N54 still earns a great rep in the tuning and upgrades world for good reason, though. Then I went out and bought torgue wrenches. Mahle uses their high-performance 2618 alloy for their N54 pistons. By changing the flat-top pistons to high compression ones that curve upward to result in a higher compression ratio. $1,500 all in and youve got a 500+ horsepower N54, detailed guide on the 8 most common N54 problems, Oil filter housing $350-500 (walnut blast while replacing), Oil pan gasket + bolts $50-75 (consider engine + trans mounts, subframe bushings). Toyota 1GZ-FE: Everything You Need To Know, Ford 3.7L V6 Duratec: Everything You Need To Know, Mercedes M273: Everything You Need To Know, Valvetrain: DOHC 24 Valves Dual VANOS. Consider other things to replace while its down. It blows white smoke and misfires of multiple cylinders. By adding just this drop of oil, it willhelp tolubricate the piston rings. Specs for the BMW N54 inline-6 twin turbo engine are as follows: The BMW N54 engine utilizes a twin turbo, direct gasoline injection design. Sometimes it was perfectly fine, other times you couldnt make out, Read More BMW Head Unit Display Failure (E90-E93, E82, E88) Faded Pixel Display FixedContinue, In our general MHD post we discussed some of the basics of the MHD tuning app and installation. However, there are some gems out there that won't break the bank. Low compression in one cylinder usually indicates a bad exhaust valve. Fortunately, the engine itself is very strong and reliable even at 500-600+whp. Auto trans held up perfectly fine with no signs of slipping. Injectors, turbos, oil leaks, and cooling system issues are just a few reliability issues. 6. In both cases, power output is compromised. The N54 is a very highly regarded engine, for the most part. Around 150 is normal. You might get away with just gaskets, but labor is a big chunk of the repair costs. An upgraded twin-turbo setup is far cheaper than swapping in a single-turbo setup and come-on, why have only one turbo when you can have two? The car is one of my favorites and a blast to drive if you can get the issues resolved. A $400 water pump can add another $400-600 in labor. Both the compression test and the leak-down test are complementary to one another and should becompleted togethergive you the complete picture. I meant, mine did not look like that. Zach is highly knowledgeable about all things BMW, but his expertise in tuning and performance mods sets him apart. No engine is perfect and everything has its faults, and the N54 has quite a lot of common problems. An aluminum open-deck block is far from ideal for high power and boost. Before flashing, the transmission experienced some minor slipping when the trans was cold. We ran 425+whp on a bone stock LPFP for over 7 years and 40,000 miles on 30-40% E85 without a hiccup. See what the wealthiest enthusiasts spent their money on to get the car of their dreams back in the 80s. We run the XHP Stage 3 transmission flash on our automatic 335i. A set of 6 injectors run $1,400+ if youre buying new. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". It may not display this or other websites correctly. Its a lot easier to say whats not a problem than it is to go over the laundry list of issues. It will be heavier than the e46 m3. Upgraded turbos are the forefront of discussion when it comes to unleashing the N54s full potential. A very beefy, forged crank is a big highlight of the BMW N54. (HF ones are fine, read instructions.). google common problems of the n54 and 2, perform a compression test. When I started writing this post, EMP Tuning and their Kraken N54 had the N54 world record with 920WHPwell, within the past month, that record has been beaten! For the average street motor you should stay in the 8 to 8.5:1 range. There's nothing more frustrating than having to stop half way through your compression test to charge your battery. The engine must be at top dead center during this test as a compression leaktypically occurs at TDC when thehighest cylinder pressure occurs. Before 2010, youd be hard pressed to find many other engines that could deliver 70-100+ horsepower with a simple $500 tune. Even 11 years after the N54 engine was originally debuted, horsepower world records are still being set constantly. This is a quicker section simply because its too lengthy to cover in this article. - You must use minimum 91 octane, better 93-94. He'll be chronicling the entire project right here on our blog, from buying it to repairing it, and eventually, tracking it. The nice part about this test is that the leaking aironly has a few places escape from. Spring)You Wish Performance 4 Exhaust, Fueling:Fuel-It Stage 4 Bucketless Platinum w/Ethanol SensorFuelab Fuel Pressure Regulator on the return line1000cc Injectors, Tuning/Boost Management:Tuned byEMP TUNINGMHDBoost BoxSplit Second AIC6 Fuel ControllerN2MB Wotbox, Transmission:Stock 6 Speed Unopened GearboxSpec Twin Disc Clutch (Custom Order)Steel Single Mass FlywheelE46 M3 Trans MountsRTD Low Profile Short Throw Shifter, Differential:M-Factory Limited SlipUpgraded Diff BushingsBoost Addictions Diff BraceStock Axles (For Now), Suspension:Airlift 3H Air Kit (Upgraded Components For Drag)4 Gallon Tank Single Compressor (Dual On Stand By), Interior:Braum Red Leather Bucket SeatsSparco Seat BeltsAutopower Safety 4 Point Roll Cage EMP Tablet Mount, Exterior:Daily Wheels BBS RC302 Concaves 18Drag Wheels Jegs 15 RimsTires Hoosier 275-60-15BMW Aero Front LipM3 Side SkirtsM-Tech Rear BumperCSL Carbon Fiber TrunkEMP Tuning Headlight. A lot of the parts are reasonably priced. Required fields are marked *. In turn,this givesyou a more accurate idea of the compression within each cylinder when the engine is at operating temperatures. Poor compression can also have an effect on engine performance inregards to the balance of poweracross each cylinder. With a good set of summer tires youll put the power down pretty well. Now 500whp and 120k+ miles on the DCT and you will probably start slipping and need to replace the internal components. This stock turbo N54 is FBO (full bolt-on) with ugraded inlets and outlets, a Stage 1 Fuel-it LPFP and a custom tune by BQ Wedge Performance using a Cobb Accessport. Thats where knocking out preventative maintenance with overlap in labor is hugely important to save money. If you ever want to know where you stand in terms ofthe overall health of your engine, a compression check is the first place to start. [11][12]The boost pressure is 8 psi (0.55 bar) and an air-to-air intercooleris used. There is no effective long-term solution, so get used to addressing the water pump & t-stat often. We recommend starting with the basic bolt-on mods and going from there. However, there are a number of BMW N54 gaskets prone to leaking oil. Mine was at 25 psi which makes me question the results. Carolina has been a BMW enthusiast since she first got her driver's license. How to Diagnose & Repair Volvo "Anti-Skid Service Required" Message, Seven New European Cars That Offer A Manual Transmission (2020 Model Year). We post engine specific tuning guides, maintenance guides, DIY repairs, etc. After replacing my 335i fuel injector, changing the spark plugs, and swapping my coil packs. All of these are prone to cracking and developing leaks. Is the BMW N54 3.0L inline-6 engine reliable? I've also seen even but low compression caused by worn injector seals. When Gareth was at CCSU studying Marketing he had the opportunity to go to SEMA with the college car club. If you have a fairly lightweight car you can probably get away with 9:1 or a little more, but watch your boost and detonation threshold. The BMW N54 engine made its debut in the 2007 E90/E92 335i. gareth1@fcpeuro.com. Your email address will not be published. The N54 is part of the NG6 BMW engine family. Not a huge deal if you plan to upgrade anyways. of cranking compression with no more than 10% difference between any of the cylinders. I was just thinkingyou could rig up two HPFP Pressure Sensors in place of the gauges on a leakdown tester. 1) Injectors fail; dying mainly due to poor fuel quality and traffic in traffic jams. 5) Over time, from high temperatures gaskets, pipes, etc. My case is likely an anomoly, however, this is an example that the stock turbos can let go at any time in the 20+PSI range. On paper, the N54 specs dont offer the greatest strength. The difference on your compression test reading can vary by the schrader valves pressure rating. 4) The electric pump suddenly fails! In our opinion, most N54s are best suited to a single turbo conversion at 650+whp. For example, a $50 oil pan gasket can run about $600-1,000 in labor. JavaScript is disabled. Dont let the cheap price to purchase up-front fool you. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Honda K24: Everything You Need to Know | Specs and More, Powerstroke 6.0L: Everything You Need to Know | Specs and More. Compression testing isone of the most common procedures for checking the relative health of an engine. Hey guys, Short update about the n54 engine, I acquired a n54. It reallyshouldn't require any major work to bring it back within specifications. Sure, the twin-turbocharged petrol engine provides enough power as it is. If you'd like to keep up with my build, you can do so right here on the blog and by subscribing to our YouTube channel. Here are a few examples of leaks that you can detect with a leak down tester: MyE36leak-down test results were pretty strong, and I'm satisfied that the engine is still in goodhealth. The 30FF BMW fault code is one you do not want to see on your BMW. Running upgraded inlets and outlets and E85, the N54 stock turbos can break this 500whp barrier. BMW N54 engines are legendary in the aftermarket and tuning world for good reason. A tune is the foundation to making more power with the 3.0 inline-6 twin turbo engine. Its rare for internal engine issues to occur even at 500-600+whp. It can be reliable with the right maintenance, mods, and upgrades. For the DIY crowd the N54 is awesome. bimmerfest.com is not in any way affiliated with Bayerische Motoren Werke AG. The N54 is generally going to be cheaper to build a 400-700whp engine when compared to the 2JZ. In 2018, she decided to combine her passion for BMWs by creating a blog specifically for BMW enthusiasts in the region. Want to take things even further? Has an oil and coolant leak as well. You can say we are somewhat N54 fanatics. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. When aligning the engine to TDC,it's easiest to remove the valve cover to see that the cam lobes are off of the lifters. BMWs N55 engine began production in 2009, Read More BMW N54 vs. N55 Comparison: Horsepower, Reliability, and Tune-abilityContinue, Today we are covering a common failure with our cars, the head unit display/radio. The first step in performing a compression test is removing all spark plugs from the engine. What are the limits of the stock N54 fueling system? Since joining FCP in 2012 Gareth has sought out to develop one of the broadest and most accurate BMW replacement parts catalog. Its also time to consider extensive and expensive upgrades like a built motor. A hot compression test is done with the engine warm to ensure all the parts are up to temp and the clearances are as expected. Quote 04-26-2013, 03:01 PM #2: E90Company. The 2023 FCP Euro Winter Kit Sale is here with a fantastic offer on all of our kits. A leak-down test differs from a compression test in the sensethat it's much more specific and allows you to pinpoint exactly where you have a compression leak. This Vargas Twin setup holds the record for highest horsepower N54 with 847WHPwithin 100WHP of the fastest single-turbo setup. Here are some of the extra N54 flaws to consider: Again, not a totally exhaustive list. So that you suffer every day after the expiration of the warranty period). - Editor. Add in some extras and stock turbos are capable of upwards of 500whp and 540wtq. Its received numerous International Engine of the Year awards and had thrice won the Wards 10 Best Engine Award. I can only speak for the results I got on my built motor which reads right around ~200-210psi. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". The 135i features a single turbo Precision 6266 conversion capable of 700+whp; Jake completed the entire project on his own. My cylinder 3 misfire persisted. I've used 3 - Autozone special Innova tester, the OTC tester that. Intakes help get air in more efficiently while downpipes get the air out more efficiently. Valve covers crack regularly. N54 stock turbos do fail naturally, though. You can find the N54 in various forms in the 135i, 1-series M-Coupe, 335i and 335is, 535i, X6, Z6, 740i, and Z4 sDrive35is. The idea behind the N54 was to produce an engine which was super smooth, offered significantly more torque than previous BMW 6-cylinder engines, and virtually no turbo lag. Its the first mass production engine from BMW to feature this technology together. BMW's love for aluminum bolts has caused more than a few issues. Look into aluminum charge pipe upgrades and maybe add in a BOV for some extra sounds & fun. Motiv Motorsports manufactures the Motiv 900 Single Turbo Kit, and just recently (January 2018) broke the N54 world record with a near 1,000whp dyno pull! N54 has definitely proven its worth, but for Toyota to make such a reliable sequential twin turbo setup, attached to a strong bottom end, and sell to the consumer 20 years ago impresses me the most. This post will highlight the differences between the common tunes for the N54 and hopefully help identify which tune is right for your goals. The N54 has two small low-pressure turbochargers to minimise turbo lag. Low compression in one cylinder usually indicates a bad exhaust valve. Major General . bimmerfest.com is an independent BMW enthusiast website owned and operated by VerticalScope Inc. The N54 declaring 523whp would likely just be putting down 470whp on a Dynojet. Why is this? To expand on Jakes reply, I tried MHDs flash tune on my stock turbos at ~19.5-20 PSI and blew the turbos within 2,000 miles. e92 M3 will be about same weight as e92 335i. These questions come up frequently, but there is no perfect answer. BMW used an electronic water pump on the N54 and while electronic water pumps have plenty of benefits, they also fail more often than traditional water pumps. The N54 was BMWs first mass produced turbocharged engine. BMW N54 rods, bearings, pistons, and cranks dont have issues. Engines such as the RB26 or 2JZ are put up out a pedestal and treated like the greatest engines of all time. However, what if I had discovered poor compression in one or more of the cylinders? The N54 drive belt is something to discuss for a moment. How does E85 factor into all of this? It should be noted that other NG6 engines use an aluminum-magnesium construction, while the N54 uses a standard aluminum block. BMW's marketed the twin-turbo as "TwinPower Turbo",[10]although the term has since been used for engines which have a single twin-scroll turbocharger. However, some things arent absolutely required. Transmission & engine mounts and subframe bushings arent a bad idea. Otherwise, the LPFP can have issues but its pretty uncommon. Content on bimmerfest.com is generated by its users. The N54 is part of the NG6 BMW engine family. So I'm diagnosing some problems with my engine, and figured I'd pick up a. Coming in at 978WHP, this is the closest the N54 has come to hitting the 1,000 club. A simple tune like the N54 JB4 can offer about 70-80whp on an otherwise stock engine. However, if the belt fails it can be pulled through the front crank seal. This is a non-issue if you can run the engine, first. All these mods together will make about 375-400whp. Most failures occur from high boost and/or boost leaks. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. In order to post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and reload the page. At 24-25psi, the turbos definitely wont last long. Bringing the BMW community together. dry out. However, a custom tune can help squeeze out a bit more power. These 5 come in under $10,000. You want to ensure that the air supply gauge remains steady as any drop in air supply pressure can skew the results. Those awards were issued back when the engine was new and the problems we justmentioned were so common, but it still goes to show how good the N54 really is. Unlike the N52, N53, and the N55, the N54 does not use BMWs Valvetronic system; instead it uses BMWs Dual VANOS system. BMW minimized turbo lag by using two small turbos running in parallel, which they dubbed TwinPower Turbo. Ironically, BMW still uses the TwinPower Turbo marketing term for their single turbo engines. Hey Antony first off, thank you for your comment. As a rule, most engines should have 140 to 160 lbs. Theyre usually tired after 100,000+ miles, but may still run for a while. Can you do a compression test on a cold engine? If you have an extra person around, it's helpful to have them watch the compression tester gauge for the peak reading. Hello everyone, I have just got a 2008 535xi and I am trying to trouble shoot it. 847WHP + 726TQ - Vargas Twin-Turbo N54 on 25.4psi. Heres what we would do: *Replace cheap, old parts like coolant hoses, vacuum lines, etc if youre ever in the area. Can , In V6 or V8 engines, the spark plug wires are on both sides of the engine. Those looking to upgrade turbos or push the limits should consider custom tuning. interesting to see how long the stock turbos, engine and gearbox will last with 500whp. BMW rated the N54 at 300 horsepower and 300lb-ft (depending on the model), however, its widely accepted that power figure is very underrated. Turbo longevity also becomes a concern. Not everyone will see results this impressive. It typically will trigger when youre making a turn. We now have a new world record coming in at 978WHP! These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. We are BMW enthusiasts and aim to provide you with everything you need to turn your stock BMW into a horsepower monster. If youre at all a stickler for having a clean dash like I am, it will drive you nuts.