[Ltrain925]

I’m getting back into a e9x for a daily. I had a 08 335i years ago and ran FBO+meth for a few years and loved it, i truly miss this platform. However I blew the stock turbos out within a few months of going FBO. Not a big deal warranty replaced at the time. This leads me to my question.

With the e9x n54 and n55 damn near being identical in price now, $9-11k I’m seeing many local n54/n55 under 100k miles. What is the best choice to go with if I’m looking to do FBO and PS2 upgrade? N54 or n55? Now I remember years ago the n54 was a solid go to because of the tuning and just R&D at the time was huge for the n54 and wasn’t anywhere near what it is now for the n55. I realize the n54 is stronger but I’m not shooting for anything over 500rwhp. I also know the big reliability issues for the n54 vs n55 is fuel pump, turbos, and injectors just about everything is is the same. If I’m ruling out the turbos being replaced then it becomes much more of a serious question. I know a fbo n55 won’t cut it, I’ll need a ps2. I figured since the r&d for these motors has come so far this question might have a different answer now then years ago. Thanks!

[Turbod]

Originally Posted by Ltrain925

I’m getting back into a e9x for a daily. I had a 08 335i years ago and ran FBO+meth for a few years and loved it, i truly miss this platform. However I blew the stock turbos out within a few months of going FBO. Not a big deal warranty replaced at the time. This leads me to my question.

With the e9x n54 and n55 damn near being identical in price now, $9-11k I’m seeing many local n54/n55 under 100k miles. What is the best choice to go with if I’m looking to do FBO and PS2 upgrade? N54 or n55? Now I remember years ago the n54 was a solid go to because of the tuning and just R&D at the time was huge for the n54 and wasn’t anywhere near what it is now for the n55. I realize the n54 is stronger but I’m not shooting for anything over 500rwhp. I also know the big reliability issues for the n54 vs n55 is fuel pump, turbos, and injectors just about everything is is the same. If I’m ruling out the turbos being replaced then it becomes much more of a serious question. I know a fbo n55 won’t cut it, I’ll need a ps2. I figured since the r&d for these motors has come so far this question might have a different answer now then years ago. Thanks!

If your goal on the N55 is 500whp you'll need to upgrade the fuel system and run ethanol to help get you there even if you plan to run methanol. I don't have any personal experience with the N54 but I would either get a 2010 335i or try to swing the 335is.

[mike@x-ph.com]

N55 for 500 whp

[whyzee125]

N54 will get you there easier but N55 sounds better. I'd find an N54 with bad turbos for cheap then you're way ahead when you get the pure's

[Ozzie335i]

The real question is: "What do you have in your wallet?"