[cstavaru]

Should we cry ? Or should you grab your N54-powered car while you can ?

http://www.bimmerfile.com/2010/01/10...35i-to-follow/

The problem is that BMW's engine lineup is so confusing it hurts...

So the z4 sDrive 35is has a 335hp/340hp N54 engine and was just launched, and a 335is in on the way. Will the 335is have a further tuned N55 engine (to exceed the regular 300hp), or the already tuned N54 from the z4 35is ? God knows...I bet on the N54 to remain the more performance-oriented and to power the upcoming 335is/135is because otherwise they would have launched the Z4 sDrive 35is with the N55.

[e.n335]

The N55 will be a valvetronic, single-turbo engine, the N54 is more a "classic" bi-turbo engine. My guess is that the N54 is quite overbuilt, it has been the first petrol BMW turbo engine since more than 2 decades. It's said that this engine has been developed and tested as an alternative for the current M3 ( ~380 - 400 bhp ). We all know that the N54 works well at 400-450 whp. As of today nobody knows whether the N55 will be downsized related to engine block / internals.

My 2 cents.

[Former_Boosted_IS]

One sad fact is it takes a long time for parts to become available to mod cars. If you jump ship then be prepared for years before you get to where the N54 is right now.

[NRG]

May keep my coupe after all, till next Ms are released.

[NiVeDh]

Keeping my N54 until the TT V8s come out.

[5soko]

The N54 is the more performance oriented engine, that is why they are keeping it for the iS model only.

[whn]

Originally Posted by NiVeDh

Keeping my N54 until the TT V8s come out.

Its TT V6.

[E92Fan]

The E9x models will continue to use the N54 engine, in a higher state of tune taken from the Z4 sDrive35i.

The N55 engine will be used in new platforms only as it requires a considerable change to the ancillary hardware and mounting components, which would be too costly to implement in a car that is in reality coming towards the end of its life cycle.

Furthermore, the N55 engine will prove more difficult to modify, given the implementation of Valvetronic, the fact the turbo is now a dual-scroll single-unit as opposed to a true twin-turbo setup, and also the fact that the ECU is half moulded into the intake housing, thereby making modifications to the intake system exceptionally difficult.

[luca335i]

The 3 series will also receive this same engine switch with a 8 speed transmission later this spring. The recently revealed high performance “iS” version of the 3er will feature a tuned version of the current twin turbo motor (N54) and a 7 speed DCT.

Were saved!!!!!!!

[TwinTurboXI]

One of the most interesting things Ive read (from auto week) is that the new 7 series will be coming out with an n54...

[cstavaru]

Originally Posted by E92Fan

the ECU is half moulded into the intake housing, thereby making modifications to the intake system exceptionally difficult.

Wow...they really take tuning threats seriously. Can you explain more ? By intake housing you mean airbox ?

[cstavaru]

Originally Posted by TwinTurboXI

One of the most interesting things Ive read (from auto week) is that the new 7 series will be coming out with an n54...

The new 7-series came out 6 months ago and indeed, with the N54...

[marconi118]

one of the most difficult is that N55 has an air mass flow meter and valvetronik so nearly impossible to tune with piggy only flash will do it

The DME is bolted to the intake manifold and uses a special sealed connector... difficult for a JB3 pinout to survive directly in the engine bay

[NiVeDh]

Originally Posted by whn

Its TT V6.

I was talking about the M3/M5 which are going to have TT V8s if I'm not mistaken.

[eric@helix]

Where there's a will, there's a way. Time and money solve many puzzles.

[marcel b]

Originally Posted by NiVeDh

I was talking about the M3/M5 which are going to have TT V8s if I'm not mistaken.

M5 yes, M3 will get a IL6 TT

[Curt2000]

When will the N54 w/DCT 335is be available? will it be e92 only? Im getting so confused with all these different versions coming out!

[blisstik]

Truth! Also, the M5 could possibly get the KERS like on the F1. OMG this car will probably be in the 100K.

Originally Posted by marcel b

M5 yes, M3 will get a IL6 TT

[Bluechipper]

Originally Posted by NiVeDh

Keeping my N54 until the TT V8s come out.

Bingo

[GreenPlease]

As of today nobody knows whether the N55 will be downsized related to engine block / internals.

I'd speculate the engine is a bit smaller (and probably less robust) as it dropped 40lbs compared to the N54

The E9x models will continue to use the N54 engine, in a higher state of tune taken from the Z4 sDrive35i.

The N55 engine will be used in new platforms only as it requires a considerable change to the ancillary hardware and mounting components, which would be too costly to implement in a car that is in reality coming towards the end of its life cycle.

Sounds very plausible. I hope you are correct.

[cstavaru]

Originally Posted by GreenPlease

I'd speculate the engine is a bit smaller (and probably less robust) as it dropped 40lbs compared to the N54

I read the engine is actually a tiny bit heavier, and the 40lbs reduction applies to the engine-automatic transmission combo.

Imagine paddle-shifting an 8-speed auto

[Zeph]

I am holding out for the 2012 M3 which I was under the impression was coming with a V6 TT (I6 would be better IMO but either way). It will either be that or converting my 335i into a lighter and more powerful ST car. I am kinda in limbo atm waiting for one or the other (or both) so I can decide. That is why I don't want to waste time/money upgrading any TT components on this 335i (like DP's, exhaust, turbos, etc.). SSTT + AMS FMIC is all I have and it gets me by.