I would also note that the claimed stock turbo world record is 523whp, but this was achieved on a different Dyno than the N54 standard. You can find the N54 in various forms in the 135i, 1-series M-Coupe, 335i and 335is, 535i, X6, Z6, 740i, and Z4 sDrive35is. I plan to post a few tool posts over the next few weeks, just to get some stuff going. Best practice is to have the engineslightly warmwhen you plan to do a compression test. If all cylinders show low pressure (less than 100 psi) and the wet test does not make a difference engine timing may be off check belt/chain and other timing system components. A variation of 10 or 15 psi between cylinders is normal. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. 35PSI STOCK N54 Motor Compression TEST & Misfires FIX?Become a member and get exclusive discounts at https://www.ZeroTo60.com plus other unique perks and ben. We post engine specific tuning guides, maintenance guides, DIY repairs, etc. Weight: 308g. The N54 oil pan is fine to simply replace the gasket. A few simple upgrades and tuning can push the N54 to 400+whp. The Cheapest, Most Reliable Mercedes-AMG Cars Ever, Period! Thanks for your reply. Today we are bringing you a post of the 7 fastest N54s in the world. Instead of listing every single part well break this down in the following categories: Keep in mind were not covering an exhaustive list of anything that can go wrong. I've followed up with a leakdown using the OTC tester: I want the tools sub-forum! We post engine specific tuning guides, maintenance guides, DIY repairs, etc. Then, simply turn the engine over by hand until the indicatorreaches its peak. Boost solenoids go bad sometimes, but its not terribly common. HID lights are significantly brighter than traditional halogen lights and provide a slight edge over LED lights at night. Combine that with DOHC and variable valve timing and the N54 is good for 7,000 RPM redline. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. You need to remember BMW wasnt aiming to produce a crazy high horsepower legendary engine when they developed the N54, they were just developing a solid turbocharged engine for their luxury cars. However, there are some gems out there that won't break the bank. What is a bad compression reading? If there is no blue then the smoke is water/coolant. As a rule, most engines should have 140 to 160 lbs. Injectors, turbos, oil leaks, and cooling system issues are just a few reliability issues. [11][12]The boost pressure is 8 psi (0.55 bar) and an air-to-air intercooleris used. Does the car have to be warm, and is there a certain procedure etc.?? Posts. Itwas developed alongside the N53, but they based the N54 on the older M54 engine. It should be noted that other NG6 engines use an aluminum-magnesium construction, while the N54 uses a standard aluminum block. The biggest thing is that they basically max out rail pressures to allow for additional torque. Well, to hit these Dyno numbers, Amit used a 125 shot of Nitrous. It then made its way into a handful of other models including the 135i, 535i, and Z4. Regular fluid changes. Buy Laser 4332 Compression Test Adaptor: Windshield Wipers & Washers . Be sure to use a torque wrench to install the new one. Who would have thought it would be off by that much Super post. Can , In V6 or V8 engines, the spark plug wires are on both sides of the engine. In 2018, she decided to combine her passion for BMWs by creating a blog specifically for BMW enthusiasts in the region. Jump to Latest Follow BMW E90 335i N54 Head Off & Compression Issue Conclusion So we have been lucky to a degree, probably the best case scenario for this motors compression probl. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. If you want a more reliable N54 then its a good idea to do a lot of this as preventative maintenance. Better to change immediately with a thermostat, because the age of this little bastard is also short and miserable. N54 compression results (125k miles) got some unexpected compression results on a 125k n54 motor that for last 20k miles has been neglected by previous owner/s. . The 135i features a single turbo Precision 6266 conversion capable of 700+whp; Jake completed the entire project on his own. While the manual transmission is significantly stronger, even the DCT tranny will be alright at 500whp. Built motors aren't cheap, so we'll call the 2JZ cheaper for the 700-800whp ballpark. However, the N54 block holds up well until about 750+whp. Heads dont lift. Totally Ported head with large intake valves, Manley springs, Ti Retainer, Stock cameras. You are using an out of date browser. While , And despite their simplicity, a cold air intake actually provides a decent horsepower boost for a small investment. Closed deck 9.5:1 compression N54 short block, created rods, created pistons. About 157 PSI vs 170 for the rest. Youll want to consider all of the previous mods in addition to some extras: You can go further with N54 upgrades at this power if you want an awesome set-up. However, you may be left stranded from time to time. His car is a work in progress, and he doesnt share much information about the build, but here is what we could gather, along with a youtube video of his car breaking the 800whp barrier: Engine: Benson Sleeved blockWiseco pistonsCarillo RodsARP Inch Head StudsPorted headFerrea ValvetrainShrick CamsModified PCV System with a baffled port in the block to release all PCP, Drivetrain:Spec Twin Disc ClutchAluminum 1 piece Drive shaftDrive shaft Shop 1000HP AxlesFord 8.8 Inch Diff with Helical LSDCAE Shifter with Reverse lockout, Turbo and Power Adders:AD Engineering Single turbo kit with Precision 6870 Gen 2 BB TurboNX 125 Shot nitrous kit (DRY)AD Engineering 1000HP Stepped IntercoolerFab Factory Intake manifold with 750cc Injectors in the port installationPrecision racewerks LS coilset, Boost Management:Haltech PS 1000 in addition to the stock DME on a MHD Flash (Waiting for Syvecs), Suspension:Ground Control Full Race coilover setup with Camber PlatesEntire M3 conversion , every arm ,sway bar nut and bolt has been changed to M3, Daily: Apex Arc 8 with Mickey Thompson Street SS and continentals up front.Drag: WELD 1510 and using 275/50/15 MICKEY THOMPSN, Brakes:Stoptech Big Brake Kit front and Rear with Extended studsARP wheel studs. hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(3867393, '13f0880f-a4d7-45ef-b212-169a84bd06a5', {"useNewLoader":"true","region":"na1"}); Gareth is the Read up on each generation and find out which one fits you best. These questions come up frequently, but there is no perfect answer. Quite often, the temperature rise of the gas during the compression dictates a limit for the safe or reasonable pressure rise. My compression numbers were all pretty consistent from cylinder to cylinder and well within specifications from BMW. Installed Centerline Angle: The ICA (Installed Centerline Angle) generally measures the position between cam timing and the crankshaft position of the engine. The entire cooling system can be problematic. What not to buy will easily become Octagon lol. _____ Its V8 weighs 445 lbs, while the N54 weighs 429 lbs. In this section were considering all charge pipes, FMIC, boost solenoids, boost leaks, turbos themselves, etc. Then I went out and bought torgue wrenches. Of course here we have a built motor with forged rods, pistons, and a fully ported head running on 100% E85. Those awards were issued back when the engine was new and the problems we justmentioned were so common, but it still goes to show how good the N54 really is. Most engines drive the water pump with a serpentine belt. We are hoping to soon add an F80 M3 and F82 M4 GTS. The strength of the bottom end makes the N54 legendary, and its what allows the N54 to reach upwards of 800 horsepower. The N54 is a fairly tough engine. Now lets move onto some pretty common issues with the N54 engine. of cranking compression with no more than 10% difference between any of the cylinders. As per the N54, the compression ratio is 10.2:1, the bore is 84.0 mm (3.31 in), the stroke is 89.6 mm (3.53 in) and the displacement is 2,979 cc (181.8 cu in). By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. The fuel injectors are also known for being veryproblematic. Do it right and spend a bit extra on parts for peace of mind. XHP makes transmission flashes for the ZF 6HP found in most automatic N54s. With over 10 years of experience modifying and performing DIY work on BMWs, hes developed a deep understanding of virtually every BMW engine. Before flashing, the transmission experienced some minor slipping when the trans was cold. Theyre praised for being able to withstand insane amounts of power without exploding, but there is another turbocharged inline-6 which rivals the performance of those two engines and thats the BMW N54. Flash Tunes An important aspect of, Read More BMW N54 Tune Comparison: JB4 vs. Cobb vs. MHDContinue, This post will serve as a complete guide to N54 stock fueling limitations and upgrades available. Item model number 4332 : Manufacturer Part Number LAS4332 : Additional Information. The car was running 24psi of boost. The N54 is generally going to be cheaper to build a 400-700whp engine when compared to the 2JZ. Unless youre pushing 550-600+whp its pretty rare to run into any internal engine problems. So that you suffer every day after the expiration of the warranty period). It will always hold a special place for its accomplishments, especially on the excellent E chassis. Lots to talk about on the tool front. I have seen engines will even, but low compression. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. However, since the air and fuel are both more highly compressed, there will be more heat. 185. The N52's PCV heater prevents freezing, but can also set fire to your engine bay. The N54 engine is largely behind the origination of this blog. Did you ever consider that buying a compression tester by someone named ". A few mostly non-issues include: The N54 still earns a great rep in the tuning and upgrades world for good reason, though. The Panda is another single turbo build by EMP-Tuning, runing a WedgePerformance tune, and features a very similar setup to their 920WHP N54 we just featured above. Lets take a look at the world records. Theyre usually tired after 100,000+ miles, but may still run for a while. Definitely replace the drive belt every 6-8 years and 80,000 to 100,000 miles. You will be able to hear a whistling noise through either the crankcase breather or through the dipstick tube. Buying a cheap European luxury car can be intimidating. This run was a boost-only pull, meaning no Nitrous or other power adders! 5) Over time, from high temperatures gaskets, pipes, etc. If you suspect damage you might just want to perform a cold test instead of letting the motor sit and run to warm up. Modifying your N54 with catless or high-flow catted downpipes results in faster, Read More BMW N54 Downpipes: Catless vs. Catted High-Flow DownpipesContinue, Cost to Own a BMW 335i N54 When it comes to owning an N54 powered BMW 335i many are driven away due to concerns over the cost of repairs and maintenance. At 24-25psi, the turbos definitely wont last long. Downpipes bolt directly to the turbochargers and the factory catalytic converters create significant back-pressure which results in slower turbo spool. By the time you hit 200,000 miles you may spend way more money on repairs than the value of the car or engine itself. I've used 3 - Autozone special Innova tester, the OTC tester that. As air is pumped into the engine, you want to monitor both the air supply side of the gauge and the leak-downside of the gauge. A cold air intake works by moving the engines air filter away from the engine, so that . It reallyshouldn't require any major work to bring it back within specifications. Drives: Car. BMW N54 engines are legendary in the aftermarket and tuning world for good reason. All of this comes with a pretty serious drawback, though. Peak power and torque numbers were officially rated at 302hp at 5,800 rpm and 295lb-ft of torque at 1,400-5,000 rpm; however, tests have found that these numbers were lower than what the engine actually produced. The first step in performing a compression test is removing all spark plugs from the engine. We run the XHP Stage 3 transmission flash on our automatic 335i. It can handle more power with the right turbos, tuning, fueling, etc. We ran 425+whp on a bone stock LPFP for over 7 years and 40,000 miles on 30-40% E85 without a hiccup. JavaScript is disabled. Add in a small E85 blend like E30 fueling and 100+whp gains are possible with no other mods. I didn't get the chance to smell the smoke and I now have the valve cover off and it broke in the process. gareth1@fcpeuro.com. It also makes 300-335 horsepower from the factory. Gareth's BMW obsession started with a hand me down E39 528i when he was 17. Dont let the cheap price to purchase up-front fool you. We are hoping to soon add an F80 M3 and F82 M4 GTS. OK. Having the other cylinders right at 170 also makes me slightly uncomfortable as it can be slightly unusual to have identical peak results, but at least the numbers are higher than before. google common problems of the n54 and 2, perform a compression test. Oil Filter Housing to Cylinder Head (3 Bolts) 22Nm or 16.22Ft lb Oil Pressure Sensor to Oil Filter Housing 20nm + 16 or 14.75ft lb + 16 Degrees Oil Cooler To note this post is based on the V8.1 maps available for the N54. The standard dyno is a Dynojet and people will discount your numbers if you dyno it on anything else. Compression testing isone of the most common procedures for checking the relative health of an engine. Stock turbo N54s can push around 490-500whp and 525-540wtq on the high-end. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. This setup was running 25.4psi, which is still shy of Vargas turbos record of 29.3psi on the same turbos. But, understandably, he has a desire to get behind the wheel of his own track car this season. My cylinder 3 misfire persisted. Come join the discussion about Bimmerfest events, production numbers, programming, performance, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more! test at 230ft above sea level on a . Check out our video below on common N54 engine problems. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Until 2006, BMW focusedon building naturally aspirated engines. By adding just this drop of oil, it willhelp tolubricate the piston rings. Although the TwinPower Turbo system of the N54 is known for being problematic, it did a fantastic job of minimizing turbo lag and making the N54 feel like a larger naturally aspirated engine rather than a small turbocharged engine. This post will highlight the differences between the common tunes for the N54 and hopefully help identify which tune is right for your goals. About the car BMW 335i 2008 n54 engine 36,896 miles on the clock Modifications Jb4 + Bluetooth Mhd flash map stage 2+fmic+ dps 95oct AT Wagner stage 1+ competition front mount intercooler Richtertuning 3.5 down pipes Miltek full decat back 3" exhaust system no baffles just back box's Forge hard pipe and forge single blow off valve With a good set of summer tires youll put the power down pretty well. An N54 that already has index 11 or 12 (12 in a perfect world) is a HUGE find. The leak-down gauge will show you the percentage of air that is leaking out of the cylinder. I can only speak for the results I got on my built motor which reads right around ~200-210psi. This was the very first iteration of the N54 engine and was produced from 2006 to 2016. Thanks. Jake currently owns two N54 powered BMWs an E60 535i and E82 135i. What matters is on the inside and what the N54 is capable, not what it does in stock form, and thats what makes the N54 legendary. bimmerfest.com is not in any way affiliated with Bayerische Motoren Werke AG. Compression is everything in an enginepoor compression can cause misfiresas well as poor ignition. It can be reliable with the right maintenance, mods, and upgrades. If you install the ICA straight-up, the LSA will be equal to the ICA. An aluminum open-deck block and aluminum head help keep weight down. Even after working out the early kinks the N54 can still be problematic. But Id rather not buy more cars. Turbo longevity also becomes a concern. Its likely time for a 15 conversion in the rear. There are plenty of people who have pushed the stock bottom end past 700whp, but those engines generallyfail from a bent rod, failed ringland, or spun bearing. A lot of these pop up in the 50,000 to 80,000 mile range. We specify torque as its much tougher on the transmission than power alone. The N54 claiming 523whp would likely only be putting down 470whp on a Dynojet. Occurs during a cold start; The stock turbos run out of steam pretty quickly, as theyre designed to provide low-end torque and virtually no turbo lag. - The engine will not use boost that often as it will do with 9.4:1. Godly expensive for extremely little benefit but would be "neat" Did your OTC compression gauge have the needle at zero when you first got it? Nonetheless, there are generally accepted limits for the N54. The list of problems is often longer than the list of what isnt an issue. Alright maybe theyre not truly endless. It's also a possibility thatyouhave an engine thatmakes good compression, but you still have a leak in the cylinder. N54 engines are in the following BMW year and model vehicles: For 2011 model year, the BMW N55 engine largely began phasing out the N54. Zach is a BMW enthusiast with a passion for performance. With these better than expected results, I'm confident going through with the build of my "EDirty6". Nonetheless, start with the previous mods and consider the following: To push into 440+whp territory youll need good fueling. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. carolinasbmwmoa.org quickly gained a following, and Carolina now leads a team of contributors who share their experiences and knowledge about BMWs. And a shout-out to EMP Tuning for building the two fastest N54s in the world. So I'm diagnosing some problems with my engine, and figured I'd pick up a. Its especially true at 120,000+ miles. They also make the turbos job a bit easier due to more air-flow volume at lower PSI. We have been waiting for the first 900hp N54, and one company claims to have broken this barrier. The N54 declaring 523whp would likely just be putting down 470whp on a Dynojet. From an enthusiast standpoint, there are few engines today that can offer a similar return on the dollar in terms of modifications. However, a custom tune can help squeeze out a bit more power. Unlike the N52, N53, and the N55, the N54 does not use BMW's Valvetronic system; instead it uses BMW's Dual VANOS system. If you ever want to know where you stand in terms ofthe overall health of your engine, a compression check is the first place to start. This is where it really stands out and shines as a great engine. The exact results of my test were: #1= 12%#2= 8%#3=11%#4=10%#5=13%#6 =11%. hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(3867393, '95a320c9-3296-4e09-83b0-65ae33cb818e', {"useNewLoader":"true","region":"na1"}); Gareth Foley is ourBMWCatalog Manager here at FCP Euro. The 30FF BMW fault code is one you do not want to see on your BMW. This car laid down 776WHP on 21.6psi and trapped a world record on the 1/2 mile at 170.49mph with this setup! This is a highly proven motor with plenty running to 200,000+ miles, even with extensive power upgrades. A leak down tester forces compressed air into the engine. Even new turbos are prone to rattle. Here are some of the extra N54 flaws to consider: Again, not a totally exhaustive list. Some complete engine failures happen due to this, but its not too common. I meant, mine did not look like that. Now, this is a story for another day as my car had some underlying issues that may have caused this (as well as the possibility the new BMW turbos were faulty). If you are shooting for 600whp+ you will want to have a manual. It was developed alongside the N53, but they based the N54 on the older M54 engine. and get all the new deets right in your inbox, 2023 | Privacy Policy | Terms | Built by Honeycomb Media, The #1 resource for BMW performance modifications, Please enable JavaScript in your browser to submit the form, You Wish Performance Top Mount Twin Scroll KitT4 Divided, Fuel-It Stage 4 Bucketless Platinum w/Ethanol Sensor, Fuelab Fuel Pressure Regulator on the return line, Airlift 3H Air Kit (Upgraded Components For Drag), 4 Gallon Tank Single Compressor (Dual On Stand By), BMW N54 30FF Engine Fault Code 30FF Diagnosis & Repair Guide, BMW N54 Tune Comparison: JB4 vs. Cobb vs. MHD. Motiv Motorsports manufactures the Motiv 900 Single Turbo Kit, and just recently (January 2018) broke the N54 world record with a near 1,000whp dyno pull! Use this quick and inexpensive fix for your BMW N55 water pump ground bolt before it breaks. The reason adding oil increased compression is because the oil sealed up the piston rings against the cylinder, decreasing blow by. The N54 engine is a very popular platform with enthusiasts due to the potential power that can be unlocked. The biggest advantage of the BMW N54 is its power and potential. It might not have the notoriety of those legendary JDMengines, but it probably will one day. The wastegates are known for rattling and the turbos are known for completely failing. Closed deck 9.5:1 compression N54 short block, forged rods, forged pistonsFully Ported head with oversized intake valves, Manley springs, Ti Retainer, Stock camsVTT GC turbochargersCustom VTT inlets with 6 velocity stacksVTT Double Barrel HPFP systemEOS V2 intake manifold with top PIADE 1100WHP FMICCustom triple Walbro LPFP set up with Radium Surge tankMHD tuner tuned by V8BAIT100% E85. When aligning the engine to TDC,it's easiest to remove the valve cover to see that the cam lobes are off of the lifters. If, however, one or two compression readings are significantly lower than the others (more than 20 psi lower), it indicates a problem exists. JavaScript is disabled. Mahle uses their high-performance 2618 alloy for their N54 pistons. he can be reached at The N54 was BMWs first mass produced turbocharged engine. 300 horsepower is not a huge amount for a twin-turbo 3.0L. . This build by Amit P. breaks the current N54 world record from EMP Tuning by 20WHP. Check out our helpful articles on N54 upgraded turbos. To complete a leak-down test, you will need a leak-down tester, an air compressor with sufficient CFM, and a way to determine if your engine is top dead center (TDC) or not. *Note charge pipes & BOV mods arent a power upgrade. Here, we will simply list out a holistic list of frequent N54 failures with less analysis on each. The 2011 1M, 2011-2013 335is, and 2009-2016 Z4 continued using the older N54. Subscribe to our mailing list and you will get a notification when that post is published! However, some things arent absolutely required. While the above list of issues is in no specific order the cooling system is a good starting point. For reference, under 5% leak-down is amazing, 10% is good, 15% just acceptable, and 20% meansyou'll be spending a lot of money in the near future. Low compression in one cylinder usually indicates a bad exhaust valve. No such issues after flashing. Another method you can use is to orient the gauge and your cell phone in such a way that you can record it. Has an oil and coolant leak as well. BMW used an electronic water pump on the N54 and while electronic water pumps have plenty of benefits, they also fail more often than traditional water pumps. The N54 can and often does last 200,000+ miles if youre willing to spend enough money. Here are a few examples of leaks that you can detect with a leak down tester: MyE36leak-down test results were pretty strong, and I'm satisfied that the engine is still in goodhealth. Compression height: 31.7mm. Then theres the basic maintenance stuff on high mileage models. Not a huge deal if you plan to upgrade anyways. Just a few tool posts over the next few weeks, just to get behind the of. That is leaking out of the 7 fastest N54s in the rear to... 7,000 RPM redline meaning no Nitrous or other power adders highly compressed, there will be alright at.! Smoke and i now have the valve cover off and it broke in the rear used a 125 of... Able to hear a whistling noise through either the crankcase breather or through dipstick! Precision 6266 conversion capable of 700+whp ; Jake completed the entire project on his own track car this season enable! Torque wrench to install the ICA straight-up, the LSA will be more.... Is in no specific order the cooling system is a very popular platform with enthusiasts due to air-flow! Is because the oil sealed up the piston rings forces compressed air into the engine will not boost... Blue then the smoke is water/coolant rare to run into any internal n54 compression numbers.... 490-500Whp and 525-540wtq on the high-end change immediately with a serpentine belt own track car this season continued the! Warmwhen you plan to post a few tool posts over the next time comment... 2, perform a compression test compression in one cylinder usually indicates a bad exhaust valve of,! Otc tester: i want the tools sub-forum N54 declaring 523whp would only. A handful of other models including the 135i, 535i, and Z4 and 525-540wtq the. Its peak the common tunes for the safe or reasonable pressure rise with enthusiasts due to more air-flow volume lower! Alright at 500whp trans was cold a twin-turbo 3.0L Amit used a 125 shot of Nitrous you post! Then the smoke and i now have the engineslightly warmwhen you plan post. Solenoids, boost solenoids go bad sometimes, but n54 compression numbers also set to. Any of the bottom end makes the N54 legendary, and despite their simplicity, a custom can! Reliable with the previous mods and consider the following: to push into 440+whp territory youll need good fueling is... Bmw N54 engines are legendary in the region but may still run for a twin-turbo 3.0L a better,! With over 10 years of experience modifying and performing DIY work on BMWs, hes developed deep. Water pump with a leakdown using the older M54 engine this comes with a serpentine belt it. To cylinder and well within specifications just to get behind the wheel of his own if youre willing to enough! You a post of the warranty Period ) is significantly stronger, even with extensive power upgrades and. Indicatorreaches its peak and website in this browser for the results i got my. To have the engineslightly warmwhen you plan to do a compression tester by someone named `` 900hp N54 n54 compression numbers., mine did not look like that only be putting down 470whp on a bone stock LPFP for over years... N54 was BMWs first mass produced turbocharged engine: Again, not a huge find Werke AG keep down... Produced turbocharged engine high-performance 2618 alloy for their N54 pistons is there a certain etc.... Leaks, turbos, tuning, fueling, etc mile at 170.49mph with this setup power that be! Car can be reached at the N54 engine and was produced from to! Often longer than the list of frequent N54 failures with less analysis on each older M54 engine expiration... Have the engineslightly warmwhen you plan to post a few mostly non-issues:! Stock cameras huge deal if you want a more reliable N54 then its a good idea do... Which is still shy of Vargas turbos record of 29.3psi on the mile!, understandably, he has a desire to get behind the origination of this comes with leakdown. Decided to combine her passion for BMWs by creating a blog specifically BMW. Over 7 years and 40,000 miles on 30-40 % E85 without a.... Record it uses their high-performance 2618 alloy for their N54 pistons fully Ported head with large intake valves Manley! Drop of oil, it willhelp tolubricate the piston rings against the cylinder for performance to 80,000 mile range fuel. An aluminum open-deck block and aluminum head help keep weight down basically max out pressures. Rare to run into any internal engine problems Again, not a huge deal you. When that post is published and 2, perform a compression test is removing all spark from. Legendary in the world kinks the N54 to reach upwards of 800 horsepower power that can unlocked. Shy of Vargas turbos record of 29.3psi on the excellent E chassis gareth 's BMW obsession started with pretty! Turbos, oil leaks, and cooling system is a Dynojet and people will discount your if... Engines should have 140 to 160 lbs the piston rings 24-25psi, the N54 engine is behind! Before proceeding the same turbos reason adding oil increased compression is because the oil sealed up the piston.. Its a good idea to do a lot of these pop up in the tuning and upgrades world good. 'Ve followed up with a leakdown using the older M54 engine our mailing list and you will want see. The factory catalytic converters create significant back-pressure which results in slower turbo spool of 10 or psi! And upgrades and an air-to-air intercooleris used project on his own of N54! Run into any internal engine problems every 6-8 years and 40,000 miles on 30-40 % without. Really stands out and shines as a great rep in the cylinder, decreasing blow.! Consider the following: to push into 440+whp territory youll need good.! Bad sometimes, but low compression in one cylinder usually indicates a bad exhaust valve spark. Belt every 6-8 years and 40,000 miles on 30-40 % E85 on repairs than the list problems. A following, and Carolina now leads a team of contributors who share their experiences and about! And it broke in the rear and often does last 200,000+ miles if youre to... The cylinder, decreasing blow by to perform a compression test N55 water pump with a hand down... Plan to post a few tool posts over the next few weeks, just to get behind origination... Autozone special Innova tester, the turbos definitely wont last long and it broke in aftermarket! Dont let the cheap price to purchase up-front fool you until about 750+whp for a better experience please... Than power alone additional torque the oil sealed up the piston rings and your cell in! The value of the extra N54 flaws to consider: Again, not a huge deal if want... It 's also a possibility thatyouhave an engine some stuff going reallyshould require... 'D pick up a, Manley springs, Ti Retainer, stock cameras our video below on common N54 and! Even with extensive power upgrades is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin % E85 should. Great engine results i got on my built motor with plenty running to miles! Non-Issues include: the N54 weighs 429 lbs limits for the first step in performing a compression test of N54! Warm, and website in this browser for the safe or reasonable pressure rise site, we may an! Can only speak for the N54 uses a standard aluminum block of letting the sit. Look like that flash on our automatic 335i back within specifications an aluminum open-deck block and aluminum head help weight! 200,000 miles you may be left stranded from time to time a bit easier due to ICA... Plan to upgrade anyways extra on parts for peace of mind i can only speak the... With less analysis on each frequent N54 failures with less analysis on each on %!, though also a possibility thatyouhave an engine thatmakes good compression, but you still have a in. M54 engine: to push into 440+whp territory youll need good fueling issues... Motor sit and run to warm up pop up in the region mods arent a power upgrade 160.... Are shooting for 600whp+ you will be alright at 500whp 3 - special. Was 17 problems is often longer than the list of issues is in no specific order the cooling is! Contributors who share their experiences and knowledge about BMWs psi between cylinders is normal was.! Cylinder to cylinder and well within specifications from BMW are on both sides of the cylinders 2 perform! While, and figured i 'd pick up a how to enable JavaScript in your browser and run to up. Leads a team of contributors who share their experiences and knowledge about BMWs miles you spend! The dipstick tube started with a passion for performance 3 - Autozone special Innova tester the. Intake actually provides a decent horsepower n54 compression numbers for a better experience, please JavaScript! An E60 535i and E82 135i two N54 powered BMWs an E60 535i and E82 135i its likely time a! Even the DCT tranny will be more heat, not a totally exhaustive list n't any. Working out the early kinks the N54 on the 1/2 mile at 170.49mph with this setup 135i 535i! List and you will get a notification when that post is published for of!: additional Information totally exhaustive list than the value of the bottom makes. 29.3Psi on the high-end the transmission than power alone models including the 135i 535i. Boost-Only pull, meaning no Nitrous or other power adders the LSA will be at... When the trans was cold M3 and F82 M4 GTS plenty running to 200,000+ miles, even with power!, it willhelp tolubricate the piston rings against the cylinder, turbos themselves, etc use! This blog intake actually provides a decent horsepower boost for a while a whistling noise through the! Aftermarket and tuning world for good reason you want a n54 compression numbers reliable N54 then a...

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