BMW N54 Buyers Guide - Everything You Need to Know
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- Опубліковано 2 чер 2024
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►While the BMW N54 is one of the most capable, sought-after engines in the marketplace, they’re not without their faults. Here’s a complete guide on why they’re so popular, what to look for when buying one, and what could go wrong in the future.
When you think of robust straight-six engines that have the potential to make a lot of power, what do you think of? The Toyota 2JZ and the Nissan RB26DETT might be what first comes to mind. Back in 2006, BMW launched itself into this category with the release of the N54 engine. Found in numerous BMWs for over a decade, the N54 has become one of the most popular engines that BMW has ever produced.
The N54 is a twin-turbocharged, direct injection engine, and from the factory, it made 300HP/300TQ at only 8PSI. With a simple ECU flash/tune, you can make around 380HP and around 400lb-ft of torque. Since this motor shipped with forged internals, a few mods can reveal insane power. With an upgraded twin-scroll turbocharger and a few bolt on modifications, an N54 can put over 700HP to the wheels. Check out Chad Rose's driveway-built 335xi that should be running in the 10's this season for a good example of this.
Almost all of the common issues related to the N54 aren't due to the actual engine itself; instead, they're almost always focused on the accessories. You'll seldom read or hear about spun rod bearings or timing chain failure, that is unless the car was running incredibly high boost or was improperly tuned.
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I was thinking "how have I never seen this video?!" and then I saw it was published today...
LMFAO I've done that
here 4 years after 😭
Best place to buy N54 parts.
Especially if your international buyer like me from Australia.
Good prices, good service, good shipping price, good email notifications, crazy return policy which is well crazy. FCP is an awsome place.
Posted it on a few bmw forums this is a good video for new owners. Legends FCP F Yea.
I have no affiliation with FCP euro. Just like them.
I got screwed by ecs shipping prices one to many times. $60 shipping for a bolt or a O ring never again since using fcp euro.
I'm surprised you buy from FCP when living in Australia. I'm in Canada and order from FCP and find shipping a bit expensive I can't even think how much shipping you must pay in Aus?
@@TheMidnightNarwhal Most things are $60 even if its 1 bolt. Ecs was simillar for small things but goes up alot. For a m3 control arm set it was $300 ecs and $60 from fcp. Real street is cheap to $80 for a turbo compared to $200-300 from others.
Old school mechanic here, the N54 engine are AWSOME! I have a 2007 BMW 335i twin turbo, over the years I modified the engine, now its pushing 800 horse power. Last year I installed the Vargas twin turbos. Along with a few more modifications, and the engine run perfectly. Overall great engine.
That’s sick, I hope to build one like that someday
I cant say great engine-
Electric water pump bad design- would prefer traditional
Valve cover gasket fails early
Needed new upgrade coolant hoses
@jonnyM_007
Yes I am aware of those things, mostly replace those about every 6yrs, maybe longer. Depends on how well you keep up with the maintenance of the vehicle. So far it's been running well no replacement yet just modifications.
Was told 07 335i arnt as good as 08-10 335i is that true? Looking for first car btw lol
Nothing u can't change in 2-3 hours of work in some weekends, and you end with a very nice motor, without a lot of issues and very good performance, not all engines can say that, they can be reliable, but not perform as good as N54@@jonnyM_007
Great vid. N54 is a fantastic engine overall, just needs to be maintained properly and have its problems addressed promptly. A couple additional thoughts not mentioned in this video - 1. BMW extended the turbo's warranty (at least in the 135i but I imagine in all N54s) to eight years from original purchase date or 80,000 miles. So, many owners had their car's turbos replaced under this warranty extension, fixing the waste gate rattle. 2. Not mentioned in this video is the issue with the oil filter housing gasket, which is a common issue. It's an easy fix, but if not addressed promptly can eventually drip oil onto the belt. . This can turn into a major issue if it causes the belt to slip off the pulleys, get ripped up, brake fan belts and potentially get pulled into the engine, damaging the main seal. If you see oil puddling at the top of the oil cooled housing, just have the gasket replaced asap.
This happened to my 06 330xi
my belt did slip and brake but thank god it didn't get sucked into the engine
why do bmw owners always try to convince people that changing turbos, valve cover/oil filter housing/oil pan gaskets, vanos solenoids, coolant hoses, coils and water pumps as “regular maintenance” lmao
@@DaEverything1 most of that stuff isn't regular maintenance. Turbos should only have to be replaced once unless you replace them with shit turbos. Gaskets need to be replaced on every car this isn't special to BMW, vanos solenoids last 100k miles if not more so again not regular maintenance, coils need to be replaced on every other car as well as water pumps. A lot of that stuff was just bad from the factory and needed to be replaced which most cars have already had it replaced and they aren't issues any more
@@Sporgan LOOOOOOL, gaskets/coils/solenoids DO NOT need to be replaced on every car.. the ONLY reason why you have to replace solenoids on bmws is because they wanted to modernize VVT lmaoooo... also coils are made to last the life of the car.. what is regular maintenance are spark plugs.. NOT coils LMAOOOO, same goes for water pump.. BMW wanted to modernize a waterpump and designed a poorly manufactured electronic one.. before you run your mouth, be sure to know what you are talking about
Definitely my favorite engine ever 😍
Ever is a long time... alpina had turbo l6 back in a days when engines were built to last
@@ludikonj8927 true, I should've said favorite engine I've owned thus far 😁
@@ludikonj8927 the n54 is a damn near bulletproof engine if the maintenance is taken care of
@@mogulme6190 yea just everything Around it that’s unreliable as shit I just recently
Got one w a lot of miles no leaks tho really clean car couldn’t even find any built up crud or dry oil or fluids only code I have is a 30ff tho I need a new boost solenoid pretty sure checked all my lines no holes or unplugged ones but I did the mouth test at the line on top of vacuum canisters and the one on the right not holding a vacuum gotta be solenoid right?
Brilliant video! Thanks guys
Appreciate the no-nonsense explanation and detail in this video!
Subscribed!! Content that is definitely worth watching!
Great job man! Best video I’ve seen in these by far. Really helped a lot !
You guys help keep my N54 alive thank you
Love FCPEuro’s customer service and warranty! Great video, thanks! Two small things you’ve neglected to mention on common failures are the oil filter housing gasket and the oil pan gasket. Love the explanation and quality of details in your videos! Steve
Can't thank you enough for all the DIY's on the platform. Thank you. I wouldn't own an N54 if it wasn't for the ease of access to parts with FCP Euro.
Very informative. Well done.
Great information, I’ve just purchased a beautiful 535Xi, 2008. I’m learning all about this crazy car. I’d love more videos on other systems on the car too.
Damn good video!!
Invaluable, thank you!
Good video 👍🏾. Looking to pick up my n54 this winter
Great stuff coming from FCP Euro! Thank you! Being that this video came out a fair while ago now this comment may never be seen but IMHO there is a major lack of info and DIY videos etc on working on the XI versions of these cars. As he mentions in this video "If you doing this job (Turbo swap out) on the "X" version of this car it will be much more involved". Well we NEED a lot more info and help for those of us that have the "X" models of these cars. PLEASE. Thank you!
I Paid a shop $1000 to replace my water pump, it only lasted 8 months.
I bought water pump and thermostat from FCP and did it myself today.
peace of mind.
Good to see videos on how to replace the parts you have mentioned.
priceless!!! literally the best video on youtube . give true description and excellent information !
This is literally the best comment on youtube, thank you!!
Thank you sir very helpful information about the engine!!
Looking it for the BMW 135i
Amazing thanks !
Great video - Thanks!
This couldn't have come at a better time. My 335i has been siting for over a year and I am finally going to be able to drive it again. Can't wait to get everything refreshed
I felt this. Turns out I needed a whole new engine
Great informative vid
Thanks
Surprised you didn't mention the gaskets and coils.
Thank you for so much valuable information as a bmw n54
@Tj Semeniuk underrated😭
Thank you, I bought my N54 used with about 80K on it. The hp fuel pump had already been replaced, the water pump went before 90k but to this day and my knowledge the other items you mention are original. A similar video on the ZF6 paired with the N54 and routine maintenance needs would be appreciated as well. Thanks for sharing.
Sell that money pit fast, take it from me 🤦
@@grizzlycali4508They aren't that unreliable considering the performance. People run into issues when they tune them but if you leave an N54 stock they're so overbuilt that you don't really run into any issues that aren't common on turbo direct injected engines in general...they're also so well supported with guides and tutorials that most repairs can be done in your driveway if you're at all mechanically inclined...plus the option to mod at the expense of reliability is always there.
Great video thank you for information
What kind of monster drops a dislike on this video? Nice work FCP!
Great unbiased video 👍 thanks for sharing!
You're welcome! Glad you liked it!
Great video
Thank you for the vid, looking to buy a 1 series and attempt to work on it myself
Amazing video. I’ve never seen this channel but I’m now subbing. You clearly and easily explained everything someone should know and you obviously u derstood what you’re talking about-not like other people who just read a script.
definitely want to keep an eye on those injectors, oil filter housing, and cooling system! And thank you for the kind words!
@@fcpeuro got it. What size millimeter are the turbos on these?
Great info. Top man :)
Good video!
I’m glad UA-cam algorithm put this vid in my recommended feed. I was thinking about trading my g35 for a e90 335i
dooo itttttttttt
Traded my g37 for a 09 335xi. I do miss the classic Infiniti exhaust sound but that's all. Happy i made the switch. 😎
@@RandyRich01 hell yeah! German cars are pretty great imo
RandyLawrence01 I miss the classic VQ trumpet sound lol still miss my 350z but they’re completely different cars
RandyLawrence01 how has the ownership been so far. What mileage? Stock?
Excellent job describing various important aspects of the n54. This presenter is very knowledgeable. I use your parts on my 335i e93 and really appreciate the great service.
We really appreciate the support, David! Really happy you like the video, Gareth is like a walking encyclopedia on BMW's 😂
Great information. I was told to NEVER buy a car with an N54 engine. After watching this video it doesn't sound so bad. Thanks
Great video! Well done. Thanks.
Glad you enjoyed it Frederick H!
FCP...Very informative information for potential N54 owners who may be in the process of purchasing...Shall share this around save me explaining! 👌
Thanks, Rick! Glad you like the video!
Very very useful thanks!!!!
Glad you found it useful Gavin!
Great video! please consider doing one for the n55. Would love to know what's FCP take on reliability
Love this!
Great video!
Thanks, Trent!
Awesome video. Very informative and straight to it. Thanks!
Glad you like the video, Jimmy! Do you have an N54 car currently? Or are you looking at getting one?
Thanks Jimmy, glad you enjoyed the video! We have a bunch more just like it we recently posted on some of BMW's other popular engines.
@@fcpeuro I'm looking to pickup a 135i, not picky as to whether it's an n55 or n54. Just hard to find a clean manual coupe.
@@DictatorDonuts Good luck on your search!
I still have my 2008 535i with 120K miles / 200K Km. I am on my 5th water pump, second set of injectors, high pressure fuel pump replaced under warranty / recall, driver rear tail light replaced under recall, 3rd idler pulley, 2nd alternator, 3rd oil pan gasket, 2nd active steering rack and module. Just got the car back after 4 months and it is still great!
😆
i’m picking up 6.0 vibes needs to be bulletproofed but wonderful engine i’m excited to learn all this on my car
Fcp euro git some very informative videos very well done also thank you and keep up the great work
Thank you, Joe! Anytime!
thanks so much for the detailed and thorough explanation., but you got me at community.
Thanks for a very informative video. All clearly explained. I’ve recently bought a 2009 135 cabriolet in great condition and loving it. I’m wondering if there is a brushless water pump available?
So helpful
Mhd + xhp + xdelete + protoolz make this plateform so epic , i can do everything myself with cellphone , i just love my 135i !!
think we’d all love an n54 build/swap, ik I would lol, e30 e36 e46 etc swapped or cheap lil e82 w instructional fbo installs... chargepipe, bov vs dv, dci vs airbox, single vs twins, intercooler, aluminum vs silicone inlets outlets, downpipes, exhaust, wheels, tires, suspension, bushings, lsd diff, basically everything lol & some more diy maintenance like transmission service, & rest of fluids like brake & coolant lines... thanks professor!
My 35 had every one of these issues.. love/hate relationship. Appreciate the video!
Glad you liked the video Bryan! It can definitely be a love/hate relationship with these cars, but so worth it when you get one sorted out.
Love the video, i think you stressed the turbo change factor, its not as hard as you sort of passed that info. But uh yea good info.
Cool Video...😎 But I was surprised that you did not promote that you sell the parts and you have the GREATEST Return Policy on the market...🤓 Keep up the great work...👍
Thanks, John ❤
I don't just like this video, I Love it!
We don't just like that you loved this video, we love that you loved this video.
Have 1M thank you great info.🙏
Enjoy the M!
Type of content: everything :)
next video could include lpfp (and tool), ekp3 (I changed the vin on mine and default coded using Protool), charge pipe, oil filter housing gasket, v/c gasket (and any specialty tools to complete). Hpfp wasn't too bad for me to tackle, it was the second thing I tackled diy on my car (after having replaced the lpfp) I tackled it in my driveway in about two and a half hours.
These are so valuable! Thank you! I’d love to know your opinion on n54 vs n55?
You're welcome! We have a video on the N55 here: ua-cam.com/video/rPUUNhjJjHU/v-deo.html
Great info. You guys have a video or info on valve cover job x6. Or how to remove the air induction hose that extends over the valve cover. Appreciate it
@7:16 ring around the rosie???? LOLLL
if you are going to get a 3 series, go with the 335 with the N54 twin turbo. You are going to have the same high maintenance but it's more fun with the 335. Get all your parts from FCP Euro! And I hope you can do the work yourself. Shop labor is expensive and many things break, mulitple times during your ownership. I love my e90 335i.
Ive owned an 07 n54 for about 2 years now, I love the car..... Now it does need much more care than most cars but when its running well its fantastic. Not to mention most of the stuff that plagues this platform is easily DIY
Aside from the Turbo job a lot of the smaller jobs really are pretty straightforward. Its just a part of the life you commit to when you want a capable turbo BMW :-)
I have already resigned myself to removing the front clip if the turbos go bad. Beyond that BMW’s are not that hard to work on contrary to a lot of conversations out there. I’m a Master Plumber that does my own mechanic work. I have an N54. This is my second BMW. To be honest it’s the easiest car I have ever worked on. UA-cam is a huge help of course.
That forklift in the back doing donuts for a minute had me laughing my ass off 🤣
😂
Thanks for good info. I wonder how much reliable are Alpina b3s using those engines. Did they improve something to make it more reliable? I know they have better cooling and mahle pistons...
First bmw was an n54 535xi 2008. Ive used fcp since day one. Now i feel like a pro at it. A detailed video on the windshield seals would be nice
There are videos on youtube about the windshield seal but they could be a lot more detailed on the installation, most just focus on the removal which is easy. The hard part is getting it lined up properly. I actually just had to do this on my e92 335xi 6mt like not even a week ago too.
you still got the 08 535xi? i got one too got some questions if thats cool
@@GOLF_GUNS_GIRLS sold it, looking for another lol, but what questions you got?
@@omarmujahed9580 I am going full bolt ons parts and jb4 tune with 140k miles but ive had fuel pump wastegate and sparks ,injectors replaced . I was debating if its j worth it to sell and get a newer one to build but i got lucky with mine bc the last owner was the first owner and he was a lawyer who only got it serviced at bmw so it was well taken care of and not ran hard.. Im just not really sure what to do i was going to completely rebuild this
@@GOLF_GUNS_GIRLS if it was a lawyer who only had it serviced at mr. bring my wallet then it’s a keeper don’t let it go
a very informative video! what advice would you give for future N52 owners, in terms of servicing the car after purchase? With all these problems, wouldn't labor cost add up continuously with each potential issue? wouldn't it be more reasonable to proactive change a bunch of these weak points? for example proactively replacing the fuel pump and old injectors, selling them, and then replacing them with new ones? in Europe most cars of this age would be at about 100-180K miles. What advice would you give as proactive maintenance to avoid or mitigate all these issues?
Proactive maintenance can certainty help but, at the same time, you don't want to be replacing perfectly good components if you don't have to. These are the reasons its always best to buy a car with a good service history so you can see what has and hasn't been replacement, that way you can take care of any issues that may come up with proactive maintenance like you mentioned.
I always wanted to see Software tuning videos. Especially with mhd
I bought my N54 in 2016, where have you been all this time guys? :) Anyway, the internet has tons of info about N54, and after some research, I also ended up buying all parts from FCP. Transmission kit, driveshaft repair parts, filters, spark plugs and coils, steering fluid, control arms and Bilsteins B6. So far so good.
what were the driveshaft repair parts for?
@@swiftripper7557 the most common issue with a driveshaft for all BMWs is flex joint. It cracks and tears over time. Also, driveshaft end bushings and center support bearings. If you tune your N54 and push it hard - those parts become expendables
Great job on the info. I used fro euro for my bmw parts. The return program is amazing. How do you do it.
Ooh just user items, thank you
Replaced all of that except for the turbos. I don't push her hard so they should be good for a while. Best damn AWD in the snow... even a foot of snow, she's a beast!
sounds like youve properly learned to love and hate your N54 all that same time! When the time comes to replace the turbos we've got your back ;)
@@fcpeuro Most def.! I just got my Bilstein B8 package from you last week along with the boost solenoids. Those were a pain in the as* to change but easier than the injectors.... which I also purchased from FCP. The CO N5X group pretty much only shops FCP. :)
@@jhernandez335xi We greatly appreciate the support! Maybe you guys can squad up and come visit us at Gridlife Alpine Festival in CO later this summer!
Great Video man. Im currebtly in the market for one. But i'm buying mine to tune doing a 17t dual Hybrid turbo build. Pre maintenance is key. I made a list here is there anything ive missed out.
Full engine out service:
• All the Gaskets
-Oil Pan Gasket
-Valve Cover Gasket
-Oil fiter housing Gasket
•Lines
•Seals
• Ignition Coils Delphi or Bosch
• Walnut blast to reduce carbon depsosits on Intake Valve
•Spark Plug
•New Belt + pully
• Electric Oil Pump (Very weak point of N54)
• Water Coolant pump
•Injectors Index 12 (need to be coded)
•Alternator if not been changed
•Vanos
•Upgraded fuel pump
•Updated low pressure fuel sensor
Looks like a great way to start!
I've had-
Coilpacks spark plugs x 2
Water pump replaced preventively
Turbos swapped RB turbos w/inlets/outlets
FBO
7 inch ARM intercooler
Going to get an exhaust done next. Stage 2 pump for E50 and I think she's perfect
Sweet! It must really move!
would the later N54 engines, say a 2010 335, still have similar issues or would they have been addressed? Addressed by BMW that is...
My Z4 35i has been reliable. 134,000 miles or so and only real failure was the plastic valve cover. Since then I have replaced the fuel injectors from index 5 to index 12, precision racing coils and NGK spark plugs one step colder. I have other upgrades in the works just to increase reliability.
looking at one now, is there alot of mods available for suspension? Would you stick with a z4 over a 135i?
@@jacobl1657 I bought Bilstein B4 struts and shocks but haven’t installed them yet. I plan on using the stock springs. There are coilover kits for the Z4 but for me those would be overkill. I have installed new wheels and the front brakes need to be replaced soon. I really like my Z4 Roadster!
@@z4dude131 Thanks for the response. I guess my only worry is weight over a first gen z4 or something else. I probably just need to go drive one and see how it is
Hello sir, i have a 2016 e89 BMW Z4 sdrive35iS. 10k miles on it. I wanted a better mpg on it. Around 40. What can I do? Can I remove turbos to get more mileage instead of hp? I apologize in advance if this is a dumb question. I dont know anything about how an engine works. I just love Z4 thats why i bought it. Thank you.
would love to see how to bypass LPFP with something better and how to install aftermarket fuel cell, maybe replacing instrument panel , vanos ugh
I love the N54 engine 🥰
The OEM water pump on N54 has a plastic impeller, I believe. Does FCP carry a replacement w/ aluminum impeller? Thx
Im not a mechanic, Ive ordered a N55 xdrive water pump from fcp, and took me 4,5h including the bleeding procedure. Not difficult at all, just very time consuming to get the bolts. done the job by the top and not bottom. By the bottom it takes more time.
Nice going, Joe! You must have saved a ton of money doing it yourself!
First you guys make high quality content. Second, if possible I would like to see the complete engine your discussing with the part on an engine. Before explaining each part. Or, give a 3d Cad view of the complete engine. This would give the most novice mechanic an idea where the part is located.
We completely agree Acinc8020 our plan moving forward has been to source an engine or use a car with one in these types of videos. We may go back and remake some of the earlier versions so we can do just that. Appreciate the insight!
do you guys have a video on the e90 with the n55?
Are you guys ever going to do an engine diagnostics/problems video for the N54 platform
Already done! ua-cam.com/video/evDm93RCcXo/v-deo.html
My R33 GTR didn't have a single issue absolutely zero.Mods were full turbo back exhaust Dyno tune.BMW couldn't come close to that reliability,love the 1 series with the n54 however to constantly be paranoid about components failing no thanks.I will stick with my ej20x twinscroll with 200 kilometers on it still runs like a Swiss watch no oil leaks no weird rattle's just a solid unit.No it's never had a head gasket failure.
As long if the big end doesn’t fail, I am happy with it.
I just got a 2009 335i with 220kms for 5k you got a new customer
Awesome! Let us know how we can help in any way!
My High preassure Pump failed the 3rd time at 110k km, and BMW replaced it on their own cost since then iam clean and now at 181k km. The Waterpump failed at arround 100k km and the coil on cylinder 6 failed at arround 130k km. Turbos dont rattle or have any problem at the moment. The car is driven with MHD stage 1 and has nothing modded Enginewise beside a K&N airfilter. I regularly chance my oil every 10k km, which seems to really profit my engine. I still enjoy the car every day. Mine is production year 2008.
Consistent oil changes go a long way!
Do the n55 next!
We'll add that to the list, Mr. Read!
I have a 2013 335is that’s been FBO inlets running some e85 from 30k miles and now at 60k that’s given me zero problems. I do agree with the video that the updated part have provided some relief. Old engine that’s still killing it today
Coolstory bro ;-) How much power are you making!? Glad to hear you're not having any issues, sounds like you are taking care of it at the same time as modifying it, which is always advised! The N54 can certainly be a love hate relationship.
Shout out to the pallet wrapping robot in the background
can I just open the high pressure pump and replace the O-right with some RTV gasket sealant? Instead buying a new pump at close to $1000?
Aimless Drifter how u do this ?!
Hello FCP, i recently bought 07 e92 335i N54 engine with only 21k miles. What should i aware or parts need to be changed? Thanks
about the fuel system: i want to buy a stage 1 335i. do the tuners commonly change the fuel timing thing to prevent damage?
Hey everyone, how can I check if my fuel injectors are updated. I recently bought a 2007 335i with 65k miles. Just wondering, as everyone’s saying replace those asap. Thanks
N54 sixspeedo cuz!!