N54 or N55 engine

mokoensn

New member
Hi guys i am new here, i currently own a 320i e46 (WITH 320000KM STILL GOING STRONG). I am planning to buy a 335i e90 but i am really horrified:cry: by all the horrow stories i hear about the n54's reliabilty issues, will opting for a newer 2011 model n55 be a better option. How expensive will it be compared to my 320i for daily running and for the insurance.
 

Twinz

Forum - Support
Staff member
You want to upgrade to an x35?

There are some great alternatives that do not carry historic "horrifying" baggage.

The F series 320d and 328 are brilliant motors.

If you are looking at the more performance oriented x35 models...then yes...it comes with their issues but also their joys.
:blowheart:
 

mokoensn

New member
Thanx , i can consider the 328i F30 im in love with the 6cyl engines, i dont know if it will give me the same satisfaction since its a four cylinder. As for the 320d though its a good car, it doesnt rev like a petrol and it sound like tractor
 

Woodies

Well-known member
mokoensn said:
Hi guys i am new here, i currently own a 320i e46 (WITH 320000KM STILL GOING STRONG). I am planning to buy a 335i e90 but i am really horrified:cry: by all the horrow stories i hear about the n54's reliabilty issues, will opting for a newer 2011 model n55 be a better option. How expensive will it be compared to my 320i for daily running and for the insurance.

Yip there are some problems with the N54, but I wouldn't change my car for anything, including the n55. :tiptoe:
You gotta pay to play and if you get a n54 still under motorplan you can really limit the hassles and potential costs. The F30 328 is a good car and will be cheaper in the long run, its probably the "sensible" choice, but its all up to choose with your head or heart.
I still get a huge smile on my face everytime I start my car, specially cold starts!
 

Ratslaaf

///Member
The F30 328 is a 4 potter, not 6. That motor was pretty strong on my 5'er so should be great in a 3'er. And it's economical too, better than your current 320 I'd imagine
 

hoosain

New member
Woodies said:
mokoensn said:
Hi guys i am new here, i currently own a 320i e46 (WITH 320000KM STILL GOING STRONG). I am planning to buy a 335i e90 but i am really horrified:cry: by all the horrow stories i hear about the n54's reliabilty issues, will opting for a newer 2011 model n55 be a better option. How expensive will it be compared to my 320i for daily running and for the insurance.

Yip there are some problems with the N54, but I wouldn't change my car for anything, including the n55. :tiptoe:
You gotta pay to play and if you get a n54 still under motorplan you can really limit the hassles and potential costs. The F30 328 is a good car and will be cheaper in the long run, its probably the "sensible" choice, but its all up to choose with your head or heart.
I still get a huge smile on my face everytime I start my car, specially cold starts!

:withStu:
 

AndreasSA

New member
I Would take the N54 and not the N55...First one is much more reactibg like an aspirated car and not like a Single turbo Charged one...
 

cOlDFuSiOn

New member
Not a day's problems in my F30 N55.. Yes there are annoyances but those are small because o my.. Those crackles on the downshifts and burbles at around 5k rpm.. Makes me smile every single time I drive it..

For a reference I traded my F30 320d for my 335i and the only thing I regret is not doing it sooner.. I love driving again, BMW got something right with the x35s :clapper:

Fuel wise.. You will soon forget about fuel each time you hear that sweet sound... :praise:
 

Magneto

New member
Had both. I found the N55 with DCT more responsive and faster than the N54. We not talking mods here as I haven't modded any of my cars yet so I can't comment. The sound of the N55 is better too. Louder and gurgles more on shifting and freewheeling in-gear. Fuel consumption similar. You more likely to find an N55 under motorplan than an N54.

If you just want a good fast reliable car go F30 328i
 

Acheron

Honorary ///Member
Planning on modding the car for more power? If so to what degree?

If you're keeping it stock or stockish then the N55 is the wiser choice. If you're planning on going balls out the N54 still has the edge in terms of tune-ability.
 

Woodies

Well-known member
Well what a forum! I agree with every post. All on the button!
I've gone 318is, 325ci and now the 335i. Never did any mods on the 1st 2 cars, but I'm now hooked on mods, big time! Both N54 and N55 gain massively from software mods. I looked for ages trying to choose between n54 and n55 and for me the n54 ticked more boxes.
Both are great and I don't think you will be upset with either. Finding a DCT n54 is tough. N55 DCT will be easier to find.
Good luck and hope to welcome you to the x35 club soon.
 

mokoensn

New member
:ty: You guys are amaizing thanx a lot for the replies, i think ill choose between the 328i f30 or the 335i n55, 335i what i really want the 328i will be the sensible choice considering the fuel economy and the fact that its a newer model. If the power diffecerence is really that much then the 335i it will be.
 
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