Is the N54 that bad?

PatB · 08-05-2012, 02:33 PM

I have a 2011 328i Xrdive but it's SLOW....

I planning to switch it for a 2009 335i Xdrive fully load. But after reading all the complaint about this engine... I must say, i'm afraid to make the switch.

Maybe it will be better to wait and get a 335i with a N55 instead.

What do you think?

f82george · 08-05-2012, 02:35 PM

n54 FTW!!!!

luv135i · 08-05-2012, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PatB

I have a 2011 328i Xrdive but it's SLOW....

I planning to switch it for a 2009 335i Xdrive fully load. But after reading all the complaint about this engine... I must say, i'm afraid to make the switch.

Maybe it will be better to wait and get a 335i with a N55 instead.

What do you think?

dozer008 · 08-05-2012, 02:43 PM

first of all I would probably steer clear of the x-drive system. I havent heard great things about it and the parts are really expensive especially hunting for aftermarket mods such as exhaust and dp's. I would go n54 non x-drive unless you live in the mountains. Thats just me

TheBingoBalls · 08-05-2012, 02:45 PM

LOL.

BES335xi · 08-05-2012, 02:49 PM

No problems with the N54 Engine, HPFP & Injectors were problems on the early models but seems to be fixed now and much less problems nowadays so yeah no problems.
+1 on XI though, i'm xi FBO and feels slow compared to my friends I with the same mods. But if you're planning to go the meth route and upgraded turbos, sure get an XI and get an MT.

PatB · 08-05-2012, 02:58 PM

I live near Montreal and the winter are bad sometime so that's why i need an Xdrive. i had a 323i with no xdrive and it was awful in the snow.

Cromartie84 · 08-05-2012, 03:27 PM

Haven't had any problems..love the car.

cstavaru · 08-05-2012, 03:32 PM

The N54 just won the Engine of the Year prize again, for the 5th time since 2006...so yeah, the N54 is one of the baddest engines ever !

ihc95 · 08-05-2012, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cstavaru

The N54 just won the Engine of the Year prize again, for the 5th time since 2006...so yeah, the N54 is one of the baddest engines ever !

+1 LOL. N54 is one of the top 10 engines ever made IMO.

marcvtec · 08-05-2012, 03:36 PM

The n54 is like me
It farts, burps, and makes a hiccup once in a blue moon
The rest of the time just point and shoot

richpike · 08-05-2012, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BES335xi

No problems with the N54 Engine, HPFP & Injectors were problems on the early models but seems to be fixed now and much less problems nowadays so yeah no problems.
+1 on XI though, i'm xi FBO and feels slow compared to my friends I with the same mods. But if you're planning to go the meth route and upgraded turbos, sure get an XI and get an MT.

I just had a HPFP replaced on my 2010. But it is still totally worth it - when I was buying my 335i, I specifically searched out a 2010 vs a 2011.

And I have an i and live in the mountains, but when it snows a lot, I typically take my wife's car.

Buy one - you won't regret it (there's a reason they chose he N54 for he 1M and not the N55

).

-Rich

TotalBlackout · 08-05-2012, 04:20 PM

Never had a single problem out of my N54.

I love it. Im going to keep it and keep making it faster.

cn555ic · 08-05-2012, 04:20 PM

N54 will be an engine enthusiast will look for when they retire the motor for good.

type rrr · 08-05-2012, 05:22 PM

-cloud of smoke
-westgate rattle
-missfire...
- its not a car for everyone,but i still love it

cloud_connected · 08-05-2012, 05:35 PM

The problems associated with tuned/high powered n54s are nothing when compared similar cars making the same power.

You want 400whp out of Subaru sti? Might as well call up cosworth and order a short block and a big VF turbo

An evo drive train is on borrowed time at those power levels.

370Z? You gonna need 7K in just a Turbo kit to be guaranteed over 450whp.

The N54 is the next 2JZ or RB26.

Szemenyei · 08-05-2012, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dozer008

first of all I would probably steer clear of the x-drive system. I havent heard great things about it and the parts are really expensive especially hunting for aftermarket mods such as exhaust and dp's. I would go n54 non x-drive unless you live in the mountains. Thats just me

He lives in Montreal, their winters are a bit more harsh then Houston.. Also I have an XI and its great.. But i guess to everyone their own.

OP: Just go to a dealer up there and drive both, I am from Montreal originally and have driven my x drive 335 up there with no problems.

benzy89 · 08-05-2012, 06:00 PM

N54 is a PHENOMENAL ENGINE

We all just bitch A LOT when it's not working (misfires) because it's SO DAMN GOOD when everything runs smoothly. If you like performance cars, anything with an N54 is going to be a keeper since they won't be made for much longer (335is only car still in production that gets them).

cn555ic · 08-05-2012, 06:22 PM

So true. When it works the way it should, it's an awesome engine, but when there are problems it sucks. Then again all performance engines have their issues, except for my Mazda3. That four cylinder keeps rolling and rolling!

Hisam135i · 08-05-2012, 07:11 PM

... N54 is the best, I never have problems

PINeely · 08-05-2012, 07:17 PM

It's a horrible engine. That's why it powers the 335is and the 1M.

Slow_335i · 08-05-2012, 07:26 PM

OP to answer your question the N54 motor is a POS!!!!

Honda B16 motor all day.... lol

08-05-2012, 02:33 PM	#1
PatB Enlisted Member 8 Rep 40 Posts Drives: BMW 328i Xdrive 2011 Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Montreal, Qc iTrader: (1)	Is the N54 that bad? I have a 2011 328i Xrdive but it's SLOW.... I planning to switch it for a 2009 335i Xdrive fully load. But after reading all the complaint about this engine... I must say, i'm afraid to make the switch. Maybe it will be better to wait and get a 335i with a N55 instead. What do you think?
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08-05-2012, 02:35 PM	#2
f82george Private First Class 25 Rep 112 Posts Drives: 2016 BMW M4 Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: North hollywood ,CA iTrader: (1)	n54 FTW!!!!
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08-05-2012, 02:43 PM	#4
dozer008 First Lieutenant 26 Rep 298 Posts Drives: 09' BMW 335i Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Houston iTrader: (5)	first of all I would probably steer clear of the x-drive system. I havent heard great things about it and the parts are really expensive especially hunting for aftermarket mods such as exhaust and dp's. I would go n54 non x-drive unless you live in the mountains. Thats just me
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08-05-2012, 02:45 PM	#5
TheBingoBalls Brigadier General 3829 Rep 4,667 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Toronto, Ontario iTrader: (1) Garage List 2018 F36 BMW 440i x ... [0.00]	LOL.
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08-05-2012, 02:49 PM	#6
BES335xi Colonel 83 Rep 2,132 Posts Drives: FBO+ N54xi Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Queens, NYC iTrader: (4) Garage List 03/07 E90 335xi [1.00]	No problems with the N54 Engine, HPFP & Injectors were problems on the early models but seems to be fixed now and much less problems nowadays so yeah no problems. +1 on XI though, i'm xi FBO and feels slow compared to my friends I with the same mods. But if you're planning to go the meth route and upgraded turbos, sure get an XI and get an MT. __________________ JB4+usb \| P3 Vent Boost Gauge v2 \| BMS OCC \| BMS DCI \| AMS FMIC \| AR xi CL DP's \| BT Tool \| Edibias/NCSExpert/INPA BMW Coding \| Cyba Quad Exhaust tips \| M-Tech Rear & M3 Front Bumper \| Red Cyba Air Scoops \| Blacklines \| Vinyl Overlays \| ACS Roof Spoiler \| Matte Black Grilles \| LED Side Mirrors \| Rear Euro Fogs \| etc.. .
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08-05-2012, 02:58 PM	#7
PatB Enlisted Member 8 Rep 40 Posts Drives: BMW 328i Xdrive 2011 Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Montreal, Qc iTrader: (1)	I live near Montreal and the winter are bad sometime so that's why i need an Xdrive. i had a 323i with no xdrive and it was awful in the snow.
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08-05-2012, 03:27 PM	#8
Cromartie84 Private First Class 32 Rep 171 Posts Drives: 2007 e92 6mt 335 Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Asheville, nc iTrader: (1)	Haven't had any problems..love the car.
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08-05-2012, 03:32 PM	#9
cstavaru Brigadier General 314 Rep 3,262 Posts Drives: 2009 335i M Sport Sedan 6MT Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Bucharest, Romania iTrader: (0)	The N54 just won the Engine of the Year prize again, for the 5th time since 2006...so yeah, the N54 is one of the baddest engines ever ! __________________ Mods(click): Cobb + RB Turbos \| Aquamist HFS-4 Meth \| Drexler LSD \| Bilstein B12 Pro-Kit \| Custom K&N Apollo Intake \| Wagner Intercooler \| Macht Schnell Downpipes \| BMW Performance Power Kit \| BMW Performance Exhaust \| BMW Performance Short Shifter \| M3 Subframe Bushings \|
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08-05-2012, 03:36 PM	#11
marcvtec Banned 407 Rep 2,704 Posts Drives: M5 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: toronto iTrader: (0)	The n54 is like me It farts, burps, and makes a hiccup once in a blue moon The rest of the time just point and shoot
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08-05-2012, 04:20 PM	#13
TotalBlackout Private First Class 5 Rep 150 Posts Drives: 2008 TiAg 335i Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: KY iTrader: (1)	Never had a single problem out of my N54. I love it. Im going to keep it and keep making it faster. __________________ 2008 335i Coupe TiAg - Cold Weather - Premium - Sport - Style 230 19's - SatNav - Active Steering/Cruise - Comfort Access - PDC
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08-05-2012, 04:20 PM	#14
cn555ic 442 Rep 18,331 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: US iTrader: (6)	N54 will be an engine enthusiast will look for when they retire the motor for good.
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08-05-2012, 05:22 PM	#15
type rrr Second Lieutenant 12 Rep 232 Posts Drives: 335i coupe Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: montreal canada iTrader: (0)	-cloud of smoke -westgate rattle -missfire... - its not a car for everyone,but i still love it __________________ 2007 335i coupe AT-- I80AS--FBO -stock turbos--COBB v402 beta stage 2 + ATR-- NITTO'S 275-40-17 NT05R --- 12.025 @ 120 mph -- full weight
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08-05-2012, 05:35 PM	#16
cloud_connected Banned 1 Rep 121 Posts Drives: ATR tuned N54 Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: ... location... location iTrader: (0)	The problems associated with tuned/high powered n54s are nothing when compared similar cars making the same power. You want 400whp out of Subaru sti? Might as well call up cosworth and order a short block and a big VF turbo An evo drive train is on borrowed time at those power levels. 370Z? You gonna need 7K in just a Turbo kit to be guaranteed over 450whp. The N54 is the next 2JZ or RB26.
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08-05-2012, 06:00 PM	#18
benzy89 Banned 79 Rep 2,396 Posts Drives: '08 E90 335i Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Northern NJ iTrader: (3) Garage List 2008 BMW 335i [7.50]	N54 is a PHENOMENAL ENGINE We all just bitch A LOT when it's not working (misfires) because it's SO DAMN GOOD when everything runs smoothly. If you like performance cars, anything with an N54 is going to be a keeper since they won't be made for much longer (335is only car still in production that gets them).
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08-05-2012, 06:22 PM	#19
cn555ic 442 Rep 18,331 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: US iTrader: (6)	So true. When it works the way it should, it's an awesome engine, but when there are problems it sucks. Then again all performance engines have their issues, except for my Mazda3. That four cylinder keeps rolling and rolling!
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08-05-2012, 07:11 PM	#20
Hisam135i Major 54 Rep 1,166 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Irvine, CA iTrader: (0)	... N54 is the best, I never have problems __________________ 2008 Monaco Blue 335i \| Terracotta \| Premium \| Auto \| Comfort Access \| Matte-black Grills \| Carbon Fiber Splitters \| 20% Tint \| 1- point E9x Picture Game \| Staggered 19' VMR V701 \| Legal Disclaimer: My posts on this website cannot be held against me in any issues, such as warranty claims. \|
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08-05-2012, 07:17 PM	#21
PINeely Lieutenant Colonel 1086 Rep 1,912 Posts Drives: 2013 535i, 2015 Tundra 1794 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Jackson, MS iTrader: (2)	It's a horrible engine. That's why it powers the 335is and the 1M.
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08-05-2012, 07:26 PM	#22
Slow_335i Daily Driven! 188 Rep 2,516 Posts Drives: BMW 335i Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Central Illinois iTrader: (11) Garage List 2008 BMW 335I [7.02]	OP to answer your question the N54 motor is a POS!!!! Honda B16 motor all day.... lol __________________
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