Joining the Community

MSully96 · 07-30-2017, 05:39 PM

Hello everyone,

Just joined the forum as I am in the process of trading in my 2010 Camaro SS for either a 2010 or 2011 335i Manual Coupe! I'd definitely prefer an n54 but as long as I can find either car with M-sport and nav I'm snagging it. I've noticed they are few and far between... Let me know if you know of anyone selling!

With that being said, I do have some background knowledge as my roommate has a 2011 135i and would just like some insight as far as modding goes.

I plan on doing JB4, DCIs or Inlets, downpipe, charge pipe with HKS BOV and intercooler. Id also like to run e85 and seen that its possible with JB4 but seeing as its just a tune, the fuel doesnt mess with any of the fuel system components? I was thinking I just do 30% max. My end goal is 400whp.

Recommendations? Opinions? Certain order I should do things? Main goal is to keep the car safe and reliable and last me for years to come.

Thanks!

MSully96 · 07-31-2017, 10:39 AM

bump

CTinline-six · 07-31-2017, 11:15 AM

As with any used BMW purchase, make sure the maintenance is 100% up to date before doing any mods.

How many miles on the car will dictate what service it may need.

max_330i · 07-31-2017, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSully96

Hello everyone,

Just joined the forum as I am in the process of trading in my 2010 Camaro SS for either a 2010 or 2011 335i Manual Coupe! I'd definitely prefer an n54 but as long as I can find either car with M-sport and nav I'm snagging it. I've noticed they are few and far between... Let me know if you know of anyone selling!

With that being said, I do have some background knowledge as my roommate has a 2011 135i and would just like some insight as far as modding goes.

I plan on doing JB4, DCIs or Inlets, downpipe, chargepipes with HKS BOV and intercooler. Id also like to run e85 and seen that its possible with JB4 but seeing as its just a tune, the fuel doesnt mess with any of the fuel system components? I was thinking I just do 30% max. My end goal is 400whp.

Recommendations? Opinions? Certain order I should do things? Main goal is to keep the car safe and reliable and last me for years to come.

Thanks!

If the bolded text above is truly, legitimately, 100% your main goal, rethink your preference for an N54. There have been countless threads dedicated to this discussion (

), but the general consensus is that the N55 is less mod-friendly than the N54, but with the added benefit of being significantly more reliable, even when modded.

For what it's worth, the motor in your roommate's 2011 135i is an N55. Perhaps it will be smart for you to build on an engine platform that he already has experience with, you know?

YasF80_SLO · 07-31-2017, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by max_330i

If the bolded text above is truly, legitimately, 100% your main goal, rethink your preference for an N54. There have been countless threads dedicated to this discussion (

), but the general consensus is that the N55 is less mod-friendly than the N54, but with the added benefit of being significantly more reliable, even when modded.

For what it's worth, the motor in your roommate's 2011 135i is an N55. Perhaps it will be smart for you to build on an engine platform that he already has experience with, you know?

Everything here is true. You can still pull alot of power out of the N55 when modded. But will take more work to get to each stage then on an n54, but the reliability of the N55, when lightly modded is worth noting. IE Tune, exhaust, and some nicer tires.

Indyeah · 07-31-2017, 06:40 PM

400hp n54 and "safe and reliable for years to come" dont really belong in the same post.

mike@x-ph.com · 08-01-2017, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Indyeah

400hp n54 and "safe and reliable for years to come" dont really belong in the same post.

My 335 had 130k miles when i sold it, it was making 500 HP without any issues (related to tuning)

mike@x-ph.com · 08-01-2017, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSully96

Hello everyone,

Just joined the forum as I am in the process of trading in my 2010 Camaro SS for either a 2010 or 2011 335i Manual Coupe! I'd definitely prefer an n54 but as long as I can find either car with M-sport and nav I'm snagging it. I've noticed they are few and far between... Let me know if you know of anyone selling!

With that being said, I do have some background knowledge as my roommate has a 2011 135i and would just like some insight as far as modding goes.

I plan on doing JB4, DCIs or Inlets, downpipe, chargepipes with HKS BOV and intercooler. Id also like to run e85 and seen that its possible with JB4 but seeing as its just a tune, the fuel doesnt mess with any of the fuel system components? I was thinking I just do 30% max. My end goal is 400whp.

Recommendations? Opinions? Certain order I should do things? Main goal is to keep the car safe and reliable and last me for years to come.

Thanks!

Welcome!

Jb4
Charge Pipe
Downpipe (if legal)
Intercooler
Fuel it stage 2 kit (for E85)

Check out the vendor section for combo deals

max_330i · 08-01-2017, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

My 335 had 130k miles when i sold it, it was making 500 HP without any issues (related to tuning)

I don't doubt this, but come on. Anecdotal evidence is not really what the OP needs here. He's prioritizing reliability, and the score is settled in terms of N54 vs N55 reliability, wouldn't you say?

mike@x-ph.com · 08-01-2017, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by max_330i

I don't doubt this, but come on. Anecdotal evidence is not really what the OP needs here. He's prioritizing reliability, and the score is settled in terms of N54 vs N55 reliability, wouldn't you say?

N54 is not reliable, no disagreement there.
It has nothing to do with tuning.
Its as unreliable at 300 HP as it is with 400 HP

max_330i · 08-01-2017, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

N54 is not reliable, no disagreement there.
It has nothing to do with tuning.
Its as unreliable at 300 HP as it is with 400 HP

I see-- that is a fair point indeed. I appreciate your clarification!

Indyeah · 08-01-2017, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

N54 is not reliable, no disagreement there.
It has nothing to do with tuning.
Its as unreliable at 300 HP as it is with 400 HP

LOL well played

MSully96 · 08-02-2017, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by max_330i

If the bolded text above is truly, legitimately, 100% your main goal, rethink your preference for an N54. There have been countless threads dedicated to this discussion (

), but the general consensus is that the N55 is less mod-friendly than the N54, but with the added benefit of being significantly more reliable, even when modded.

For what it's worth, the motor in your roommate's 2011 135i is an N55. Perhaps it will be smart for you to build on an engine platform that he already has experience with, you know?

I completely agree, Im leaning more towards an n55 from the research I've done as well. and yes, he would really be a big help with the mods. Im not trying to go crazy with the mods....well I wouldnt call them crazy. less restriction out of the motor (DP), less restriction into the motor (Intake/FMIC), adding boost with JB4 and "protecting" that boost with a charge pipe plus fuel kit for e85.

HawkeyeGeoff · 08-02-2017, 09:55 PM

N54 or bust, do not fool yourself....N55 was a cost reduction motor.

07-30-2017, 05:39 PM	#1
MSully96 Private First Class 25 Rep 119 Posts Drives: 2013 335is M6 Coupe Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: MD iTrader: (0)	Joining the Community Hello everyone, Just joined the forum as I am in the process of trading in my 2010 Camaro SS for either a 2010 or 2011 335i Manual Coupe! I'd definitely prefer an n54 but as long as I can find either car with M-sport and nav I'm snagging it. I've noticed they are few and far between... Let me know if you know of anyone selling! With that being said, I do have some background knowledge as my roommate has a 2011 135i and would just like some insight as far as modding goes. I plan on doing JB4, DCIs or Inlets, downpipe, charge pipe with HKS BOV and intercooler. Id also like to run e85 and seen that its possible with JB4 but seeing as its just a tune, the fuel doesnt mess with any of the fuel system components? I was thinking I just do 30% max. My end goal is 400whp. Recommendations? Opinions? Certain order I should do things? Main goal is to keep the car safe and reliable and last me for years to come. Thanks! Last edited by MSully96; 08-02-2017 at 09:51 PM..
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07-31-2017, 10:39 AM	#2
MSully96 Private First Class 25 Rep 119 Posts Drives: 2013 335is M6 Coupe Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: MD iTrader: (0)	bump
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07-31-2017, 11:15 AM	#3
CTinline-six Hoonigan 6818 Rep 3,000 Posts Drives: '09 328i, '98 Wrangler Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Connecticut iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 BMW 328i N51 [0.00]	As with any used BMW purchase, make sure the maintenance is 100% up to date before doing any mods. How many miles on the car will dictate what service it may need. __________________ "Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should." -Dr. Ian Malcolm, Jurassic Park
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07-31-2017, 06:40 PM	#6
Indyeah First Lieutenant 141 Rep 374 Posts Drives: E92 328i 6MT SGM Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Phoenix AZ iTrader: (0)	400hp n54 and "safe and reliable for years to come" dont really belong in the same post.
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08-02-2017, 09:55 PM	#14
HawkeyeGeoff Captain 263 Rep 620 Posts Drives: E90 335XI MSport, S2000 Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Waterford, MI iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 BMW 335i XDrive [0.00] 2001 Honda S2000 [0.00]	N54 or bust, do not fool yourself....N55 was a cost reduction motor.
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