BMW N54 explained

BMW N54 engine
Production:2006 - 2016
Configuration:Straight-6
Block:Aluminium
Head:Aluminium
Turbocharger:Twin-turbo
Valvetrain:DOHC, with VVT
Timing:Chain
Fueltype:Petrol
Displacement:2979cc
Bore:841NaN1
Stroke:89.61NaN1
Predecessor:BMW M54
Successor:BMW N55

The BMW N54 is a twin-turbocharged straight-six petrol engine that was produced from 2006 to 2016.[1] It is BMW's first mass-produced turbocharged petrol engine and BMW's first turbocharged petrol engine since the limited-production BMW M106 was discontinued in 1986. The N54 debuted at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show and was launched in the 335i model of the E90/E91/E92/E93 3 Series range.

Following the introduction of its BMW N55 successor in 2009, the N54 began to be phased out. The final model powered by the N54 is the E89 Z4 roadster, which was produced until 2016.

The N54 has won six straight International Engine of the Year awards[2] and three straight Ward's 10 Best Engines awards.[3]

There is no BMW M version of the N54, however a high-output version of the N54 is used in the 1 Series M Coupe, Z4 35iS and 335iS models.

Design

The N54 was produced alongside the naturally aspirated BMW N53 engine; both engines have direct injection, double-VANOS (variable valve timing), an open-deck engine block[4] [5] and an electric water pump.[6] [7] [8] Since the N54 is based on the older BMW M54 engine, it has an aluminium engine block (instead of the magnesium alloy used by the N53), a displacement of 29791NaN1 and does not have valvetronic (variable valve lift).[9]

Turbocharging is a key difference between the N54 and BMW's previous straight-six engines. The N54 has two small low-pressure turbochargers to minimise turbo lag. BMW's marketed the twin-turbo as "TwinPower Turbo",[10] although the term has since been used for engines which have a single twin-scroll turbocharger.[11] [12] The boost pressure is 8psi and an air-to-air intercooler is used. Compared with the naturally aspirated BMW N52 that it replaced as BMW's highest performance six-cylinder engine, the N54 produces an additional 45bhp and 80lbft.[13]

The N54's direct injection system (called "High Precision Injection" by BMW[14]) uses piezo injectors. Its N55 successor uses solenoid-type injectors, because the piezo injectors are more expensive and not reaching their full potential to obtain the "lean burn" benefit.[15]

Versions

Version Displacement PowerTorqueYear
N54B3029791NaN1 2250NaN0
at 5,800 rpm		4000NaN0
at 1,400-5,000 rpm		2006-2010
2400NaN0
at 5,800 rpm		4500NaN0
at 1,500-4,500 rpm		2008-2013
2500NaN0
at 5,900 rpm		2011-2016
Alpina 2650NaN0
at 5,500-6,000 rpm 		5000NaN0
at 3,800-5,000 rpm 		2007-2010
2940NaN0
at 6,000 rpm 		5400NaN0
at 4,500 rpm 		2010-2013
3000NaN0
at 6,000 rpm 		2012-2013

All versions have a bore of 842NaN2, a stroke of 89.62NaN2, a compression ratio of 10.2:1 and the redline is 7000 rpm.

225 kW version

The initial version of the N54 is officially rated at 2250NaN0 and 400 N·m.[16] However, these figures are considered to be under-rated,[17] and independent testing has resulted in estimates of 311bhp and 4220NaN0.[18]

Applications:[19] [20]

240 kW version

A variant of the N54B30 with higher peak power and torque is used in the 2008-2012 740i[21] and E92 335is.

Applications:[22] [23] [24]

250 kW version

The most powerful version of the N54 is found in the E82 1 Series M Coupe and the E89 Z4 sDrive 35is.

Applications:[25] [26]

Alpina

Biturbo engine by Alpina based on the N54B30, with upgrades including the engine control unit, oil cooler and pistons.

265 kW version

This is Alpina's initial version of the N54, producing 2650NaN0.[27]

Applications:

294 kW version

Applications:

300 kW version

Applications:

Critical reception

Car & Driver noted the N54 had minimal turbo lag and "in feel and sound the twin-turbo could pass for naturally aspirated".[28] The N54-engined F01 740i was also praised for its linear power delivery.[29]

Comparing the N54-engined E60 535i with the 550i (using a 4.8 - litre naturally aspirated V8), one reviewer noted that the V8 model had more torque but was "only marginally quicker than the 535i" and that the additional weight of the V8 engine was noticeable on twisty mountain roads.[30]

High-Pressure Fuel Pump failures

In the United States, some N54 engines experienced failures of the High Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP), resulting a class action lawsuit, a voluntary recall and an extended warranty for the HPFP.

Failure of the HPFP can cause the engine to suddenly stop functioning, which has caused several near-misses on highways.[31] BMW was aware of HPFP problems, describing them in internal Technical Service Bulletins as "driveability problems".

In April 2009, a class action suit was filed against BMW in connection with HPFP failures.[32] [33] BMW settled the suit in June 2010. On 26 October 2010, following an ABC News story about HPFP failures,[34] BMW announced a recall of vehicles with the pump in question from manufacturing years 2007–2010.[35] [36] The recall was applied to 130,000 cars, resulting in the replacement of the HPFP in approximately 40,000 of these cars.[37]

In the United States, the warranty period for the HPFP was increased to 10 years and 120000miles.[38]

On some cars, the HPFP was replaced multiple times without resolving the issue, potentially leading to the car being refunded under the Lemon Laws in some states.[39]

Extended warranty in the United States

The High Pressure Fuel Pump issue caused BMW North America to extend the warranty for this pump to 10 years or 120000miles.

The warranty period for the fuel injectors was also increased, to 10 years or 120000miles.[40] [41] An updated design for the fuel injectors was also introduced.[42] [43]

Due to problems with rattling wastegates caused by premature bushing wear,[44] [45] BMW extended the warranty period for wastegate-related issues to 8 years or 82000miles.[46]

These warranty extensions only apply to the United States.

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Direct Injection, Turbo Pay Off For BMW . www.wardsautoworld.com . 2010-11-20 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110728081933/http://wardsautoworld.com/ar/auto_direct_injection_turbo/ . 2011-07-28 . dead .
  2. Web site: BMW takes home 4 awards from International Engine of the Year competition - N54 and S65 continue dominance. bimmerboost.com. 2012-10-01. 2013-05-18. https://web.archive.org/web/20130518054341/http://www.bimmerboost.com/content.php?1213-BMW-takes-home-4-awards-from-International-Engine-of-the-Year-competition-N54-and-S65-continue-dominance. live.
  3. Web site: BMW's Newest I-6 Better, Not Bigger. wardsauto.com. 2012-08-31. 2014-11-21. https://web.archive.org/web/20141121073622/http://wardsauto.com/news-amp-analysis/bmws-newest-i-6-better-not-bigger. live.
  4. Web site: Part cross-reference - 13537537319 Sensor, high-pressure . www.realoem.com . 17 August 2019.
  5. Web site: BMW N54 engine. www.australiancar.reviews. 8 December 2017. 10 December 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171210231824/http://australiancar.reviews/bmw_N54.php. live.
  6. Web site: Motor Engine: BMW N54 inline 6 twin turbo . motorengine.blogspot.com.au . 2012-05-26 . 2013-03-25 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130325083958/http://motorengine.blogspot.com.au/2008/11/bmw-n54-inline-6-twin-turbo.html . live .
  7. Web site: Engine Guide BMW N54/N55. drive.com. 4 May 2015 . en-gb. 2015-12-24. 2019-10-14. https://web.archive.org/web/20191014092423/https://drive-my.com/en/tech/item/2193-engine-guide-bmw-n54-n55.html. live.
  8. Web site: 5' F10 530i Waterpump - Thermostat. www.realoem.com. 8 December 2017. 10 December 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171210180443/http://www.realoem.com/bmw/en/showparts?id=XH71-EUR-03-2012-F10-BMW-530i&diagId=11_4522. live.
  9. Web site: BMW N54 and N55 Six Cylinder Turbocharged Engines. www.unixnerd.demon.co.uk. 2015-11-06. 2020-02-20. https://web.archive.org/web/20200220005506/http://www.unixnerd.demon.co.uk/n54.html. dead.
  10. Web site: BMW EfficientDynamics: Petrol engines with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology. www.bmw.com. 2012-08-31. 2012-09-15. https://web.archive.org/web/20120915041808/http://www.bmw.com/com/en/insights/technology/efficientdynamics/phase_1/measures_petrol_engines.html. live.
  11. Web site: 2017 BMW X4 M40i Instrumented Test. www.caranddriver.com. 16 November 2016 . 10 December 2017. 10 December 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171210232011/https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2017-bmw-x4-m40i-test-review. live.
  12. Web site: 2011 BMW 335i Sedan. www.caranddriver.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20160310030615/http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2011-bmw-335i-sedan-first-drive-review. 10 March 2016. dead.
  13. Web site: 2008 BMW 5-series - First Drive Review. May 2007 . 5 January 2017. 10 March 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170310212717/http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2008-bmw-5-series-first-drive-review. live.
  14. Web site: BMW Technology Guide: High Precision Injection. www.bmw.com. 2012-08-31. 2012-10-13. https://web.archive.org/web/20121013193437/http://www.bmw.com/com/en/insights/technology/technology_guide/articles/mm_high_precision_injection.html. live.
  15. Web site: BMW's Newest I-6 Better, Not Bigger. wardsauto.com. 2012-08-31. 2014-11-21. https://web.archive.org/web/20141121073622/http://wardsauto.com/news-amp-analysis/bmws-newest-i-6-better-not-bigger. live.
  16. Web site: The latest BMW engine: N55 - found in the BMW 5 Series GT . www.bmwblog.com. 26 May 2009 .
  17. Web site: First Drive Review - 2011 BMW 335i Sedan. www.caranddriver.com. 14 May 2010 . 16 December 2017. 11 December 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171211053523/https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2011-bmw-335i-sedan-first-drive-review. live.
  18. Web site: Press release- Performance Engine Software for BMW 335 Models . dinancars.com . https://web.archive.org/web/20100920155345/http://dinancars.com/assets/File/Press%20Release%20335i%20software%20REV%20A%20EDITED.pdf. 20 September 2010.
  19. Web site: BMW 335i Coupe (2006) review. www.carmagazine.co.uk. 16 December 2017. 16 December 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171216201309/http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-reviews/bmw/bmw-335i-coupe-2006-review/. live.
  20. Web site: 2009 BMW 5-series E61 phase-II (Touring) Wagon X (4WD) full range specs. www.automobile-catalog.com. 16 December 2017.
  21. Web site: 2011 BMW 740i / 740Li - First Drive Review. www.caranddriver.com. 14 May 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20100916010948/http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/10q2/2011_bmw_740i_740li-first_drive_review. 16 September 2010 . live.
  22. Web site: 2011 BMW 335is First Drive . Insideline.com . https://web.archive.org/web/20100921045125/http://www.insideline.com/bmw/3-series/2011/2011-bmw-335is-first-drive.html . 21 September 2010 . live .
  23. Web site: 2010 BMW 335is Coupé. carfolio.com. 2016-03-07. 2016-03-10. https://web.archive.org/web/20160310231911/http://www.carfolio.com/specifications/models/car/?car=209495. live.
  24. Web site: New BMW 7-Series F01 Specifications and Photos . www.paultan.org . 2008-07-07 . 2012-07-17 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120717103130/http://paultan.org/2008/07/05/new-bmw-7-series-f01-specifications-and-photos/ . live .
  25. Web site: BMW 1-Series M Coupe Review . www.caradvice.com.au . 2012-05-26 . 2012-05-14 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120514181248/http://www.caradvice.com.au/158068/bmw-1-series-m-coupe-review-road-test/ . live .
  26. Web site: Dyno-Tested: 2011 BMW 1 Series M Coupe . www.insideline.com . 2012-05-26 . 2012-11-24 . https://web.archive.org/web/20121124045005/http://blogs.insideline.com/straightline/2011/05/dyno-tested-2011-bmw-1-series-m-coupe.html . live .
  27. Web site: BMW 3 Series E90/91/92/93: ALPINA Automobiles . www.alpina-automobiles.com . 18 November 2018 . 18 November 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181118205608/https://www.alpina-automobiles.com/en/product-world/model-history/bmw-3-series/bmw-3-series-e90919293/ . live .
  28. Web site: 2007 BMW 335i Coupe - Road Test . www.caranddriver.com . 2012-07-26 . 2012-10-02 . https://web.archive.org/web/20121002134225/http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2007-bmw-335i-coupe-road-test . live .
  29. Web site: 2012 BMW 740i Sedan - Editors' Notebook. www.automobilemag.com. 5 January 2017. 14 June 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20130614224116/http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews/editors_notebook/1112_2012_bmw_740i_sedan/viewall.html. live.
  30. Web site: V-8 with Extra Weight- 2008 BMW 5-series. www.caranddriver.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20160114220029/http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2008-bmw-5-series-first-drive-review-v-8-with-extra-weight-page-1. 14 January 2016. dead.
  31. Web site: Cohan . Peter . BMW's Engine Problems: A Safety Risk to Drivers – and the Company? . www.aol.com . 16 December 2017 . 22 December 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20171222050753/https://www.aol.com/2010/07/23/bmws-engine-problems-a-safety-risk-to-drivers-and-the-compa/ . live .
  32. Web site: Kershaw, Cutter & Ratinoff takes on BMW in class action suit regarding defective HPFP . www.bimmerfest.com . 16 December 2017 . 13 September 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170913044119/http://www.bimmerfest.com/news/489840/kershaw%2C-cutter-%26-ratinoff-takes-on-bmw-in-class-action-suit-regarding-defective-fuel . live .
  33. Web site: Jay Alan Morane vs BMW North America- April 10 2009 . www.scribd.com . 2017-09-08 . 2016-03-06 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160306085426/https://www.scribd.com/doc/17233560/Bmw-Law-Suit-Hpfp . live .
  34. Web site: ABC News airs big expose on BMW N54 engine problems, lawsuits. www.autoblog.com. 2010-12-24. 2010-12-29. https://web.archive.org/web/20101229065944/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/26/abc-news-airs-big-expose-on-bmw-n54-engine-problems-lawsuits-w/. live.
  35. Web site: BMW Recalls 150,000 Cars Over Fuel Pump Failures. Morran. Chris. 2010-10-26. Consumerist. 2011-06-22. 2011-09-21. https://web.archive.org/web/20110921034211/http://consumerist.com/2010/10/bmw-recalls-150000-cars-over-fuel-pump-failures.html. live.
  36. Web site: Consumerist: BMW Recalls 150,000 Cars Over Fuel Pump Failures . 26 October 2010 . 2010-10-26 . 2011-09-21 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110921034211/http://consumerist.com/2010/10/bmw-recalls-150000-cars-over-fuel-pump-failures.html . live .
  37. Web site: BMW Recalls Some Turbo-Charged Cars Following ABC News Investigation. www.abcnews.go.com. 16 December 2017. 22 December 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171222050714/http://abcnews.go.com/TheLaw/bmw-admits-fuel-pump-flaw-turbo-cars/story?id=11968495. live.
  38. Web site: High Pressure Fuel Pump for Turbo vehicles - BMW 335i, 335xi. www.bentleypublishers.com. 16 December 2017. 22 December 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171222050837/https://wiki.bentleypublishers.com/display/tech/High+Pressure+Fuel+Pump+for+Turbo+vehicles+-+BMW+335i%2C+335xi;jsessionid=DDB9D9531E55585798E62F0151E24444. live.
  39. Web site: What's the deal with all these Lemon/Buyback 335i's? . www.bimmerfest.com . 16 December 2017 . 22 December 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20171222050704/http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3673861#post3673861 . live .
  40. Web site: N54: The best Plugs, Injectors and Coils Thread. www.spoolstreet.com. 16 December 2017. 31 August 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170831083949/https://bmw.spoolstreet.com/threads/n54-the-best-plugs-injectors-and-coils-thread.1094/. live.
  41. Web site: BMW Fuel Injector – Ext'd Warranty, Reimbursement. www.brrperformance.com. 16 December 2017. 22 December 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171222052400/http://www.brrperformance.com/blog/?p=3589. live.
  42. Web site: N63, N74, N54 Injector Update. www.ultimatebimmerservice.com. 16 December 2017. 22 December 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171222052754/https://www.ultimatebimmerservice.com/n63-n74-n54-injector-update/. live.
  43. Web site: N53 330i Powweerrr loss. www.e90post.com. 16 December 2017. 31 August 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170831084551/http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1238464. live.
  44. Web site: BMW Turbo Upgrades For The Infamous N54. www.foreignaffairsmotorsports.com. 16 December 2017. 22 December 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171222053052/https://foreignaffairsmotorsports.com/bmw-turbo-upgrades-infamous-n54/. live.
  45. Web site: BMW 135i 335i 535i N54 Wastegate Rattle Fix. www.turbolabofamerica.com. 16 December 2017. 22 December 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171222051337/http://turbolabofamerica.com/category/bmw-135i-335i-535i-wastegate-rattle-repair-fix-diy/. live.
  46. Web site: N54 Engine warranty extended to 8 Years/82,000 Miles (Wastegates Only). 2012-08-16. www.bmwblog.com . 4 October 2016.

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