Were most N54 problems fixed in later model n54’s (2011-2013)?

sandrobird · 02-11-2019, 10:04 PM

Hi there, new to the forum, just did a few searches but cannot really find a clear answer.

Was considering purchasing a 2013 335is with around 40k miles. I know about all of the problems the N54 has had, but from what I understand it mostly took place in 2010 and older.

My question is do the 2011-2013 N54 cars suffer from all of the same common problems or did they improve things in the later years.

Like I said, I did search around but have found some conflicting information!

Please let me know your thoughts
Thanks

Antetokounmpo · 02-11-2019, 10:42 PM

not really, all are pretty much the same. slight improvements were made but if you want a little more reliable get an n55.

hellokitty · 02-11-2019, 10:50 PM

Not really. As with any BMW engine, it’s built pretty solid but everything around it is plastic/rubber and will fail eventually. I have about 40k miles on my IS and the only major repair I had to make was to replace the HPFP and DCT pan gasket. Keep in mind my HPFP was stressed due to running E85. Otherwise it still ran fine on pump gas haha

Boland01 · 02-12-2019, 07:44 AM

In 2008 BMW upgraded the DME from the MDS80 to the MDS81. That seems to have handled the failing mosfet issues for the most part. Other than that, injectors, water pumps, oil pan, valve covers oil leaks and HPFP are about the same.

mxchris727 · 02-12-2019, 09:34 AM

In mid-09 the turbos were undated with thicker wastegate actuators. That plus the DME and early recall make the LCIs generally more reliable. Besides the external accessories, the engine block has always been bulletproof.

TemjinX2 · 02-12-2019, 10:22 AM

i would just say make sure the HPFP has the newest part number. In general i havent see many late model n54s with injector and turbo issues. The gaskets and water pump is a general e90/e92 issue.

nissubaru · 02-12-2019, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mxchris727

In mid-09 the turbos were undated with thicker wastegate actuators. That plus the DME and early recall make the LCIs generally more reliable. Besides the external accessories, the engine block has always been bulletproof.

Except for the bearings. The bearings on these cars are shit.

TheMidnightNarwhal · 02-12-2019, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nissubaru

Except for the bearings. The bearings on these cars are shit.

Turbo bearings or wheel bearings?

Antetokounmpo · 02-12-2019, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheMidnightNarwhal

Turbo bearings or wheel bearings?

rod bearings he's referring to.. i would disagree however.

TheMidnightNarwhal · 02-12-2019, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Antetokounmpo

rod bearings he's referring to.. i would disagree however.

Ohhh yeah.

Yeah I am neutral on the subject. You do see these threads but at the same time seems like it's now owners from 0 KM and long OCIs but there is really no way to know.

And there is probably a lot cars that run ok compared to threads.

02-12-2019, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Antetokounmpo

slight improvements were made but if you want a little more reliable get an n55.

Have you been in the N55 subforum lately? Every other thread is about bearing failure.

Antetokounmpo · 02-12-2019, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FCobra94

Have you been in the N55 subforum lately? Every other thread is about bearing failure.

no i haven't, i'm talking n54

TheMidnightNarwhal · 02-12-2019, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Antetokounmpo

no i haven't, i'm talking n54

Yeah but IMO if the N54 of the IS are made same year as the N55 they must be using the same rod bearings as they is no different part numbers between both engines for them.

But still, it's not one every day..

Antetokounmpo · 02-12-2019, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheMidnightNarwhal

Quote:

Originally Posted by Antetokounmpo

no i haven't, i'm talking n54

Yeah but IMO if the N54 of the IS are made same year as the N55 they must be using the same rod bearings as they is no different part numbers between both engines for them.

But still, it's not one every day..

Wow... just checked the p/n and TIL.

I still think overall the N55 is slightly more reliable.

feuer · 02-12-2019, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Antetokounmpo

Wow... just checked the p/n and TIL.

I still think overall the N55 is slightly more reliable.

I agree.

Jklad · 02-13-2019, 10:38 AM

Yes, most of the n54 specific things were fixed- failing engine mount resulting in ps pulley hitting subframe, msd80 dme short circuiting, hpfp and high pressure rail/sensor redesigned, injectors revised at least 5 times, etc. unfortunately you will still experience the bmw specific problems that have not been fixed. That last year is the best one to buy as long as you like the limited color and interior options.

02-11-2019, 10:04 PM	#1
sandrobird Registered 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: 335is Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: florida iTrader: (0)	Were most N54 problems fixed in later model n54’s (2011-2013)? Hi there, new to the forum, just did a few searches but cannot really find a clear answer. Was considering purchasing a 2013 335is with around 40k miles. I know about all of the problems the N54 has had, but from what I understand it mostly took place in 2010 and older. My question is do the 2011-2013 N54 cars suffer from all of the same common problems or did they improve things in the later years. Like I said, I did search around but have found some conflicting information! Please let me know your thoughts Thanks
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02-11-2019, 10:42 PM	#2
Antetokounmpo Brigadier General 1550 Rep 3,475 Posts Drives: E90 6MT FBO; '18 F150 Platinum Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: WI iTrader: (3) Garage List 2018 Ford F-150 Pla ... [0.00] 2008 BMW 335xi [0.00]	not really, all are pretty much the same. slight improvements were made but if you want a little more reliable get an n55. __________________ 2008 335xi 6MT \| VRSF Catless DP \| VRSF 7" FMIC \| VRSF CP \| TIAL BOV \| DCI \| MHD 2+ BC Racing BR \| Stoptech 600 \| Firehawk Indy 500 255 Square \| Atric Altimax 225 Sq. 2018 F-150 Platinum 701A \| FX4 \| 3.5 EcoBeast
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02-11-2019, 10:50 PM	#3
hellokitty Brigadier General 2896 Rep 3,726 Posts Drives: '17 M3 ZCP DCT Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Southern California iTrader: (2)	Not really. As with any BMW engine, it’s built pretty solid but everything around it is plastic/rubber and will fail eventually. I have about 40k miles on my IS and the only major repair I had to make was to replace the HPFP and DCT pan gasket. Keep in mind my HPFP was stressed due to running E85. Otherwise it still ran fine on pump gas haha __________________ 2017 F80 M3 ZCP / AA GESI DPs / Akrapovic Evo / BBS FI-R 19" / Bend Calibration ECUTEK Flex Fuel \| Bilstein B16 DDC + CS EDC / BMC Filters / BMS OCC / CSF HE / ESS CP / Nitto NT555R2 / PD Crank Hub / SPL Suspension / Uniden R7 / Wagner Top Mount IC 2021 Mini GP3 / BMC Filters / BM3 / Cary Jordan E30 / Wagner IC / Remus Race
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02-12-2019, 07:44 AM	#4
Boland01 Lieutenant 149 Rep 460 Posts Drives: 2010 535ix, 2008, 2007 335i Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Magnolia, TX iTrader: (0)	In 2008 BMW upgraded the DME from the MDS80 to the MDS81. That seems to have handled the failing mosfet issues for the most part. Other than that, injectors, water pumps, oil pan, valve covers oil leaks and HPFP are about the same.
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02-12-2019, 09:34 AM	#5
mxchris727 Captain 193 Rep 666 Posts Drives: '03 M5, '06 325i, '12 M3 Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Westport, CT iTrader: (0)	In mid-09 the turbos were undated with thicker wastegate actuators. That plus the DME and early recall make the LCIs generally more reliable. Besides the external accessories, the engine block has always been bulletproof. __________________ BMW GT1 (INPA, DIS, WinKFP, ect..), ISTA/P & /D is up and running! PM me if you want to stop by and code your car.
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02-12-2019, 10:22 AM	#6
TemjinX2 Major 521 Rep 1,485 Posts Drives: 2008 335xi e92 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Socal OC iTrader: (0)	i would just say make sure the HPFP has the newest part number. In general i havent see many late model n54s with injector and turbo issues. The gaskets and water pump is a general e90/e92 issue.
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02-13-2019, 10:38 AM	#16
Jklad Lieutenant Colonel 421 Rep 1,643 Posts Drives: 2007 335i Coupe Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Palatine, IL iTrader: (0)	Yes, most of the n54 specific things were fixed- failing engine mount resulting in ps pulley hitting subframe, msd80 dme short circuiting, hpfp and high pressure rail/sensor redesigned, injectors revised at least 5 times, etc. unfortunately you will still experience the bmw specific problems that have not been fixed. That last year is the best one to buy as long as you like the limited color and interior options. __________________ 2007 E92 335i MT
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