N55 vs N54, Why I bought an N55

[@jacobhauenstein]

If you do not plan on modding the car past 400hp n55>n54. If you like making power, n54>>>n55. If it is your only car, n55. If you are buying as a weekend toy, n54.

[@davelong4131]

I think this is the best comment 👍🏼 I have an N55 and totally agree with you.

[@BumpTune8462]

I daily my N54 roughly 60 miles everyday and it’s got 139k miles. I’m the third owner and I assume the first owner took really good care of it since I haven’t had to do any crazy maintenance since I got it nearly a year ago. It’s incredibly up to chance, but if you find a 335i with no mods and it’s fully stock, you will probably enjoy the car a lot more.

[@Mysohvaperuna]

Intresting thank you.. 400 hp awd is pleanty

[@gilgonzalez5902]

This is a 100% accurate statement and an N55 with 400HP is plenty power specially if its in the smaller/lighter platforms like the 1 series or 3 series.

[@obese3779]

b58 gang

[@esteemedenergy]

2014 N55s have the S55 rod bearings and other improvements resulting in much improved engines. All 435s have this updated motor. They are far more reliable than any N54 and can be pushed to 420RWHP with Stage 2 and further with a Stage 1 turbo-reliably.

[@EBKFiXXY]

No bmw is reliable .

[@Femtosett]

@@EBKFiXXY youre insane

[@PrinceBallytv]

@@EBKFiXXY n52?

[@jexytd8204]

N55 EWG

[@peterjg001]

My old n54 e92 had aluminium trim inside, also I loved my flappy paddles, could single handed upshift or downshift :)

[@markskeem]

Nice. I am sure I could get use to the way the paddle shifts work. I am just use to everything else to left side is down and right side is up. More of a preference.

[@tomwolf7055]

Hey Mark - I picked an N55 too, but for different reasons. Mine is a 2011 335i E93. Don't know why potential buyers of E9X models shy away from the convertibles. I've had mine for a couple years, doing routine maintenance and several performance upgrades, have had nothing but fun owning this beauty. There's nothing like riding this thing around with the top down on a beautiful sunny day. The performance mods. I've done make it that much more fun. Most don't expect the performance level that can be achieved with the E9X models. That was my reason for buying. With simple, readily available components this straight 6 engine can be made to safely crank out double the stock HP & Torque. I believe that's the true source of the model's popularity.

[@markskeem]

Buying a convertible is more of a preference. Same reason people might prefer a sedan vs a coupe. I personally not a fan of the way any convertibles look. I do understand how nice it is to put the top down and drive around. That is very nice. I bought mine to do autocross and track days. If you have a convertible you would have to install a roll cage before you can go on track. So that is my reasoning for buying the coupe. The N55 is a good platform for making some good power for having some fun.

[@tomwolf7055]

@@markskeem Hey Mark - Thanks for the response. I'm a rag top man. Always prefer them to a hardtop. My E93 is the best of both worlds. It's a hardtop convertible so with the top up it looks like a sedan. The roll bar is still an issue. I'm going to bite the bullet and get one soon. Looks kinda cool with one with the top down, don't ya think?

[@markskeem]

@@tomwolf7055 I think a roll bar does look good with the top down. Plus it is a nice feeling of safety.

[@Shakshuka69]

2011 N55s also seem to have this issue with piston clearance if (i'm not mistaken) which lead to premature rod bearing failure but the 2012+ seem to have very few issues.

[@markskeem]

I have not hear about that in the N55. I will have to do some research on the piston clearance. I have heard of the rod bearing premature failure.

[@Shakshuka69]

@@markskeem it might have been something else but they had something machined or casted slightly wrong and that messed up the bearings

[@lsharpe1999]

@@markskeem the rods on the early n55 (2009 til 2012) had issues, the later n55 (2013 til end of production) uses the same rod bearings as the s55, so they were alot better

[@jdcustomz]

Much better explaining vs the other couple guys.. nice work!!

[@adriantomalik4556]

All i heard is, “im scared to do maintenance on my own car” N54 won multiple motor of the year awards for a reason. Keep it well maintained then it will be reliable.

[@markskeem]

I do lots of maintenance to my own cars, but an N55 is still more reliable. The N55 was created to fix the problems of the N54.

[@BumpTune8462]

Mark Skeem fixed a water pump within two weeks of owning an n55 with 48k miles. It’s just incredibly inconsistent. Both engines are great, N54 won motor of the year multiple times. N55 is the nerdier younger brother to the party-having chick-getting N54.

[@twinscoupe]

N55 won engine of the 2014 also

[@rayland9305]

Maintenance is going to keep your injectors from failing, and keep the wastegates from needing to be replaced? You guys repeat the same nonsense in every video.

[@brisso_cs]

N54 is literally only better for its stronger engine internals to make 700+ hp, which i know most people only end up getting 500hp out of them which a N55 can do

[@jameswhite1910]

Re: Wood Trim. My 2011 135i N55 has wood trim; it came with the M-Executive pack.

[@nodayzoff5902]

The B58 is actually the real successor to the N54, the 2010 n54 fixed a lot of those issues you talking about. the N55 is like the iPhone 13 very slightly difference from the iPhone 12 but it’s a business we gotta keep our customers happy so let’s just put this product out because it’s new let’s keep our customers happy who like new things, and always buy our new products, meanwhile they was cooking the b58 to perfection! The 2020 models just with a stage 1 upgrade you running 10seconds.

[@Anythingyoulike2013]

Nope, b58 is an experiement right now, time will tell if its really that great. N55 has been around for a while now, tried and tested. Proven to actually be reliable. B58 is too new for my liking.

[@Chattsteezy]

@@Anythingyoulike2013 B58's have been out for like 5 years now. They accept mods super well and have proven to be quite reliable.

[@Anythingyoulike2013]

@@Chattsteezy 5 years is not long enough... Give it another 5 and then we will really know...

[@moescolla]

@@Chattsteezy agree That motor has been put through the ringer and still thrives

[@N54.S6]

I just had a n55 blow after a minor tune and a pull on the highway at only 79k. 👎 My n54 equipped 07 335i has been running strong fully tuned "with upgraded duel vargas turbos" at 196k. I don't know, at this point. I'm just gonna end up getting a 240i for the B58 next year.

[@markskeem]

My N55 is broken as well

[@N54.S6]

@@markskeem Welcome to the club. I bought a n55 equipped BMW because I thought it would be more reliable. Sure, it is until it's not. My n54 has never blown. Leaks? Accessories dying? Sure. But never an engine problem that cost me the car. All this money down the drain. 79k. Depressing. My buddies picked up some beautiful 240is and I'm honestly leaning towards and will be picking one up in March. BMWs are a headache but, I love them. lol. How exactly did yours bite the dust anyhow?

[@markskeem]

@@N54.S6 I ended up getting a rod knock. Pulling the engine to see if I can save it or if I need a new engine. Bought a mustang to take it's place, so I haven't made a lot of progress on the bmw

[@I_Ali_I]

@@markskeem idk that much about n55s but I think if u got a 2010 n54 it would've lasted a long time. The only thing that's cool about a 2011 n55 is that its in a e90 instead of the gross looking f30s but the one thing I learned about bmw is never buy there first years of engines. Most of them are bound to be lemons since there newer cars made of mostly plastic and bmw was pushing them off the line left and right. I heard that on 2010 n54s they actually fixed a lot of the wastegate rattle issues and most of them already had fixed high pressure fuel pumps and upgraded injectors depending on who you'd buy it off of

[@markskeem]

@@I_Ali_I I generally live by those rules as well. Last ones made are probably the best and the first ones made are going to have problems. F30's still look better than the new ugly nose they are putting on their cars.

[@funfun5656]

for the paddles the reason they did it the old way was because sometimes you want to run in manual mode with a cigarette in one hand and the wheel in the other.

[@markskeem]

You mean a cigar

[@Str3tSpec]

N54 just cuz it takes to mods better and can handle more power with them internals just the reason that set me over the edge

[@markskeem]

I was considering getting an N54 for that reason

[@markburkey6371]

@@markskeem the N55 holds just as much power, just not with the stock turbo...the internals are fine for 600-700whp though

[@enochzheng8372]

I brought a 2016 M235i last year with 70k miles, and never gotten any issues with the n55 on it or at least yet

[@ForzaPulls]

Bro 70k miles lmaooo a Leased vehicle isn’t going to be beat on , we talking 150k +

[@thetoughcookie3665]

Wooden panels are something which is always lacking of my BMW's. Currently trying to find ones to X5. New ones are just soo expensive. Atleast these plastic ones would be cheap, but I have them already. On X5 those silver ones are the most cheapest option as new

[@BeanieNinjay0]

So much misinformation in the comments section it’s almost nauseating. It’s no surprise so many of these tuner cars end up with damaged or blown engines. Between the N54 and N55, the N55 is the more reliable engine. The biggest factor holding the N55 back for power is the switch to a twin-scroll single turbo. If you’re planning on changing the turbo then you might as well go with the N55. N54 is riddled with too many issues. I thought it was an exaggeration on how unreliable that engine is until several of my friends with N54 cars all had the same problems, multiple times over the course of ownership despite diligently keeping up with maintenance. Aftermarket support for the N54 is better, though.

[@gilgonzalez5902]

Im at 160k on my 2012 N55 and it doesn’t burn a drop of oil and is so quiet still feels and runs like new.

[@carcrazyguysa4059]

160 000 miles or km's?

[@gilgonzalez5902]

@@carcrazyguysa4059 miles, its all in the maintenance and oil changes. I change the oil myself and the oil change kit cost $70. The B58 which is the successor to the N55 is an even better engine but N55 cars are MUCH cheaper and more reliable than the predecessor which is the N54.

[@noranekonekomatagi3261]

Just when I started thinking "hey, this guy has doggo hair on his hoodies", the dog walked right by LOL

[@markskeem]

Yes, He has marked me as his own

[@defkon99]

Any updates on your 335i thinking about buying one after many years with my e36

[@markskeem]

It ended up spinning a rod bearing. Sold the car off and got a new car

[@defkon99]

@@markskeem woah! If you don't mind me asking. How many miles and would you do it again? Thank you for the reply

[@markskeem]

@@defkon99 I honestly loved the car. But I don't think I would buy one again. I would probably buy something newer. They have proven to be more reliable and able to make more power.

[@chideverett9580]

Because they were out of stock?

[@blrn54]

Both are good. Dct transmission is what you want. Whats in yours?

[@markskeem]

I think both are good. Just saying why I chose what I chose. Mine is just a 6 speed auto. I wanted a DCT but I didn't find one at the time I was shopping.

[@JMac80]

I have 2012 e92 msport 6AT... I'm sticking with mhd stg 2+ for now but I WILL go big turbo + fuel at some point!! Just waiting til I have a backup plan if it blows up haha 😂

[@jusshupbb]

Did the newer ones not have the option come Manual trans?

[@markskeem]

I have heard it is a rare option. I have not seen one

[@obisley]

I actually did like the paddle shifters in the n54 u could completely drive the car in manual with one hand

[@markskeem]

That one is more of a preference. I have just always gone with left down right up. I could get use to the way they operate, but I don't like the way they looked

[@blackmachismo08]

@@markskeem Would the 2011 335i have the paddle shifter issues you mentioned the n54 had or is that just an n54 issue only?

[@markskeem]

@@blackmachismo08 I believe 2011 is the year they changed it to the newer style but I'm not 100% sure.

[@Htownhitter]

I own a n55 I recommend it personally

[@alexandruturza7131]

The fuel economy is considerably better with N55 engine ?

[@markskeem]

I am not sure about the fuel economy of the N54 but I do get pretty good fuel economy with my N55. I usually average around 27 mpg.

[@markskeem]

@TruewoC Yeah. I usually get somewhere around 25-27 mpg. Unless it is a track day. Then it goes down considerably. The Mustang is far worse, I usually average around 16

[@nicfields6856]

N55 gang

[@itstim8690]

They both will need lots of maintenance. As both motors age seals and gaskets become brittle. As an owner of a healthy 2011 n55 I can say for me I should have gone with an n54! Sorry to my n55. 😥It came from the factory with improvements (But) I want power....

[@donaldbarron7916]

Great show 👏

[@markskeem]

Thank You

[@sourskittlzz9447]

What about making 500 hp in the 135i with the n55 and dct?What problems would I have?

[@markskeem]

Being the same engines they would have the same problems. I haven't heard anything bad about the DCT, but there is always limitations of every transmission to the amount of power they can hold. I have read a couple of people saying that once you go high than stock levels you will have to tune the transmission.

[@sourskittlzz9447]

@@markskeem ok I feel pretty confident in the dct so I’m feel that with fbo and a good tune and some sort of fueling it will get there!

[@n54mikey18]

500hp out of a n55? U might as well get a N54

[@AaronL11]

Honestly just lookin to make my n55 400 hp as a daily

[@luismarrufo1940]

Ayeeee I have the same car where did you get your intake I need one mines is just an m sport

[@markskeem]

Burger Motorsport intake. I believe I got it from ECS tuning

[@saleem83]

Biggest difference is the n55 makes less power/$ versus the n54. The n55 has a high quality cast crank versus the n54 forged crank. Those are the biggest differences

[@jacobhauenstein]

High quality cast crank? It’s still cast vs forged, n54 crank can genuinely take 1,000whp. The rods not so much.

[@bella_testastretta]

my n55 has forged crank

[@markburkey6371]

@@jacobhauenstein plenty of n55's have a forged crank as well.

[@jacobhauenstein]

@@markburkey6371 plenty of e9x n55’s? Not so sure about that, as that’s what this video is referring to by comparing n54 to n55

[@markburkey6371]

@@jacobhauenstein I got what your saying, but the comparison was for the engine and not the car. But the cast crank was never known to be an issue for power either, people just change them because they don't want to find out.

[@ForzaPulls]

“N54 is unreliable” Why do these KZbinrs keep repeating this TIRED , point. They already corrected the plastic coolant flange, plastic coolant tank, plastic pvc , plastic Intake manifold. Everything your crying about in this video can be correct with aftermarket parts for for cheap . On top of that , you have options of after market or OEM. The aftermarket for bmw 3 series in general is as big as mustangs. Every car blows spark plugs and coil packs . Beyond those things, you guys can really never make a valid point as to what’s so much better with the n54 / n55. Oooo sound, ok? A single turbo n54 has a similar note. Next! (My n54 e90 has 157k original miles , original drivetrain)

[@calculusentropy]

So much more reliable.

[@anthonyjordan7847]

N54 gang gang!

[@angelhernandez5552]

I thought bmw owners hated every other car brands but the hate is even within bmw itself lmao

[@markskeem]

No matter what it is, someone will hate it

[@shanerusbatch9197]

n54 has forged internals... n55 does not

[@Areku06]

False, ewg n55 does share s55 forged internals.

[@bella_testastretta]

lol too many salty n54 kids that can't afford a newer car

[@Doctor_Martain]

The N55 Sounds better :) I've had mine for 5 months and it rides.

[@bella_testastretta]

@@Doctor_Martain nice man congrats! I've had my 2016 m235i stage 2'd at around 18k miles when I first bought it. It's currently at 55k miles with no issues other than the stock charge pipe blowing up lol

[@Doctor_Martain]

@@bella_testastretta Just exploded the original charge pipe about a month ago doing some highway pulls. 67k on the motor w a vehicle warranty 😎 a few mods and BMW uped the speed limiter. The car came that way when I picked it up it had sat at the dealership for a long time because of the Covid situation. Couldn't ask for anything more , the ZF8 in Sport + is so much fun. Pulls from 80 to 150+ mph are insanely quick.

[@n54mikey18]

N54 is better tho not everything is about money I have a n55 as. Well N54 is better

[@thisguyshorty3554]

LOL N55

[@jds344]

Really? Cause this is my dream car, if you love n54 this is your taste and keep it to you :)

[@Shakshuka69]

N55 is a better engine. N54 sounds like ass and runs like ass and needs a single turbo conversion to make use of the stronger internals otherwise it overheats.

[@BumpTune8462]

AD1 N54 is better for power unfortunately, eat shit.

[@Shakshuka69]

@@BumpTune8462 lol they both can make around 600hp stock before they start having different problems and needing equal amount of mods to keep going except the N55 will be far more reliable throughout. I love how offended broke ass 335i owners get over this 😂

[@rayland9305]

I can hear your injectors leaking from here buddy 😂😂😂