Lifespan of the N54 Internals

Aceway · 12-14-2019, 11:06 AM

I'd say 200-250k is a realistic number for most people. I've seen a couple 200k+ mile N54's, all of them stock with no mods. Don't expect to see many heavily modified n54 going past 200k. They are not reliable at all once you start running more than double the original hp. These engines are not worth rebuilding since you can find low mile motors for 1500-2000.

Obviously if you're shooting for 700+ hp, rebuilding would be a good idea.

Vulcan50 · 01-18-2020, 11:18 PM

In all fairness very few bone stock engines will do 2x the stock power. With that said the n54 will do tons of power 2x+ stock when you upgrade peripherals

antonmn · 01-20-2020, 08:12 PM

215k on my 2007. Stock, no mods. Once I changed all the oil seals, including the rear main, it's been nearly flawless. Honestly, it's quite a good motor!

Just did an oil analysis on a 7500 mile run of T6 with 95% city driving at less than 25 mph and sub-zero starts. It had 2% fuel dilution but otherwise looked pretty good. Iron was 29 ppm. Not quite Toyota levels of wear, but still really strong.

Aside from the things we know about these motors - injectors, water pumps, coils - they're pretty stout.

12-14-2019, 11:06 AM	#23
Aceway Captain 455 Rep 875 Posts Drives: E82 135i / F25 28i Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: SoCal iTrader: (2)	I'd say 200-250k is a realistic number for most people. I've seen a couple 200k+ mile N54's, all of them stock with no mods. Don't expect to see many heavily modified n54 going past 200k. They are not reliable at all once you start running more than double the original hp. These engines are not worth rebuilding since you can find low mile motors for 1500-2000. Obviously if you're shooting for 700+ hp, rebuilding would be a good idea.
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01-18-2020, 11:18 PM	#24
Vulcan50 Captain 433 Rep 780 Posts Drives: e92 335i Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Peoria, IL iTrader: (0)	In all fairness very few bone stock engines will do 2x the stock power. With that said the n54 will do tons of power 2x+ stock when you upgrade peripherals
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01-20-2020, 08:12 PM	#25
antonmn Private 28 Rep 78 Posts Drives: 2007 335i Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Minneapolis iTrader: (0)	215k on my 2007. Stock, no mods. Once I changed all the oil seals, including the rear main, it's been nearly flawless. Honestly, it's quite a good motor! Just did an oil analysis on a 7500 mile run of T6 with 95% city driving at less than 25 mph and sub-zero starts. It had 2% fuel dilution but otherwise looked pretty good. Iron was 29 ppm. Not quite Toyota levels of wear, but still really strong. Aside from the things we know about these motors - injectors, water pumps, coils - they're pretty stout.
	Appreciate 0 Quote