[BayMoWe335]

From what I've read, the N55 will only possess modest power gains over then N54 (306hp?) and perhaps a wider power band.

What gives?

These minor changes from BMW seem to be hyped and marketed as a big deal, but let's get real....

Is this because the 2011 3-series will get the N55 and then a brand new series is around the corner? Is that when we'll see a real change and reason to buy new?

[noro]

Same output with less moving parts = better reliability = good.

[5soko]

Where are you getting your source that the N55 will come out in the 2011 E9X?

[bsamoul]

Maybe the N55 is BMW's response to the N54 fuel pump fiasco and have fixed it?

[roadkillrob]

The current engine is rated at 306 using european HP measurements, no difference in output, just cheaper to produce and simpler to maintain!

[DrGP]

Originally Posted by roadkillrob

The current engine is rated at 306 using european HP measurements, no difference in output, just cheaper to produce and simpler to maintain!

Better fuel economy and developes the same HP and torque as the N54 BUT at 1000 rpms less. So given the same RPMs, the N55 will have mere power. But with valvetronik, it is much more difficult to mod and sattelite chips might not work. ECU reflashes will though.

[John 070]

Originally Posted by DrGP

Better fuel economy and developes the same HP and torque as the N54 BUT at 1000 rpms less. So given the same RPMs, the N55 will have mere power. But with valvetronik, it is much more difficult to mod and sattelite chips might not work. ECU reflashes will though.

Who can argue with better fuel economy? I've always gotten excited about 31 on the 335, yet I rented a car this weekend a it banged out 37 mpg with 5 passengers on board. Sometimes I wonder what's so bad about a 4 cyl that has nearly 170 ft. lbs., gets the job done!

[jopa489]

Originally Posted by BayMoWe335

From what I've read, the N55 will only possess modest power gains over then N54 (306hp?) and perhaps a wider power band.

What gives?

These minor changes from BMW seem to be hyped and marketed as a big deal, but let's get real....

Is this because the 2011 3-series will get the N55 and then a brand new series is around the corner? Is that when we'll see a real change and reason to buy new?

What are you expecting here? BMW doesn't change engines a bunch of times - usually just once, one year after the start of a new model (06 325 to 07+ 328, 06 330 to 07+ 335). They're not hyped at all, where do you see BMW advertising power gains? As of now, there's zero factual information that states the N55 will even make it into E9x cars.

[cotmfk]

N55 still have turbo?

[ucla1995]

Originally Posted by 5soko335i

Where are you getting your source that the N55 will come out in the 2011 E9X?

Dealers know this already.

[ucla1995]

Originally Posted by cotmfk

N55 still have turbo?

[cotmfk]

Originally Posted by ucla1995

This is a thread about N54 vs. N55 anyways.

[GnokGnik]

Some one please fill me in...what will the N55 go into and what are its specs?

[kgb1637]

Originally Posted by ucla1995

Dealers know this already.

Any evidence of this?

[jayely1]

504 whp 510 torque..goes in the 1-series and 335i.

[jopa489]

Originally Posted by 5soko335i

Where are you getting your source that the N55 will come out in the 2011 E9X?

Originally Posted by ucla1995

Dealers know this already.

BMW isn't going to put the N55 in the 2011 E9x (a 6 year old platform) when F30 is due out in 2012.

[5soko]

Originally Posted by jopa489

BMW isn't going to put the N55 in the 2011 E9x (a 6 year old platform) when F30 is due out in 2012.

Yea that is basically what i was thinking. Until i see further proof >

The E9x has seen its second engine change, i cant see it going to a 3rd, doesnt make any sense at all.

Also was talking to close source to bmw today, he said the F30 is going to come out as a MY2013 in mid 2012, what bmw is aiming for.

[kgb1637]

Originally Posted by 5soko335i

Yea that is basically what i was thinking. Until i see further proof >

The E9x has seen its second engine change, i cant see it going to a 3rd, doesnt make any sense at all.

+1

[gqmd]

Very unlikely to see an engine change in the e9x...i guess this time they might do an engine change at the start of the next 3 series model change...

[HJV]

Originally Posted by jopa489

BMW isn't going to put the N55 in the 2011 E9x (a 6 year old platform) when F30 is due out in 2012.

Well there's still 3.5 years until the new coupe (F32?) comes out...

[cn555ic]

Yeah better performance with the N55, yeah right, why would the M3 get the N54 engine then???

[RPM90]

The N55 is in the new 535i GT, the beastly looking Suvagensedan. It's a cross of SUV, wagon, and sedan, and pretty FUGLY, to me anyway.

The bright spot is the new N55 engine.
3.0 inline 6 with valvetronic and a twin scroll turbo, one of them.
Improved power band, better MPG.
Cheaper to make?
I doubt it. Valvetronic is ultra high tech, and a twin scroll is an advanced turbo design that uses a more sophisticated manifold design.

RUMOR has it that this design, if not the whole engine, will make it's way into the next 1 and 3 and 5. It meets new tightened emissions standards.
More RUMOR has it that the 1 and possibly 3 will see weight reductions as well to help meet EPA standards as well.
Can't be too bad when you get better power to weight, lighter weight for better handling, and a broader/high rpm power band.
Sounds quite positive.
But, like all things rumor, there may be some truth, but where, is the question.