[imd3nse]

More I research about the n55 on my new f30 335 the more I regret trading in my e90 n54

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

335is still has the n54...

[imd3nse]

Yah but I don't have an IS.... Cry :*(

[cupertinosteve]

I'm pretty sure a single turbo upgrade for the N55 is in the works.

[benzy89]

You traded in your N54?!

[rader1]

Things are going to be getting very interesting for the n54 in the near future

[imd3nse]

Turbo upgrade? That's gonna be a pretty penny...lol

Gone are the days of 400whp with less than 2k in mods n54

[skim7x]

I don't see why the n55 is so far behind the n54... is it that different to tune? If anything, you already have the single-turbo manifold... one less step to upgrading to a larger single turbo, no?

[plague]

Originally Posted by skim7x

I don't see why the n55 is so far behind the n54... is it that different to tune? If anything, you already have the single-turbo manifold... one less step to upgrading to a larger single turbo, no?

a new manifold still has to be fabricated to fit the larger turbo

[skim7x]

Originally Posted by plague

a new manifold still has to be fabricated to fit the larger turbo

OK... so then even with that, I'd imagine the tuning would be similar between n54 and n55... I wonder why n55 is lagging behind in tuning?

[imd3nse]

Originally Posted by skim7x

OK... so then even with that, I'd imagine the tuning would be similar between n54 and n55... I wonder why n55 is lagging behind in tuning?

Well especially with the entry of the f30 the DME has been redesigned so tuners have to start from scratch

[benzy89]

Originally Posted by imd3nse

Turbo upgrade? That's gonna be a pretty penny...lol

Gone are the days of 400whp with less than 2k in mods n54

Just the opposite. Now with all the major tunes releasing E85 maps, I wouldn't be suprised if people with FBO N54s (no meth) start seeing 400 whp

Originally Posted by skim7x

I don't see why the n55 is so far behind the n54... is it that different to tune? If anything, you already have the single-turbo manifold... one less step to upgrading to a larger single turbo, no?

It's not anything mechanical, it's the N55 software that's getting in the way of producing high HP numbers. Shiv mentioned it in one of the threads, it's something to do with the valvetronic settings. Once that's solved, I'm sure well start seeing low 400 whp N55 w/ the stock twin-scoll turbo.

[///Mandy]

Originally Posted by imd3nse

400whp with less than 2k in mods n54

I like seeing this!

[imd3nse]

Originally Posted by benzy89

Just the opposite. Now with all the major tunes releasing E85 maps, I wouldn't be suprised if people with FBO N54s (no meth) start seeing 400 whp

It's not anything mechanical, it's the N55 software that's getting in the way of producing high HP numbers. Shiv mentioned it in one of the threads, it's something to do with the valvetronic settings. Once that's solved, I'm sure well start seeing low 400 whp N55 w/ the stock twin-scoll turbo.

I ment gone for those who don't have an N54 and are forced into an n55 if they need or want a newer car missing my e90 every second!!

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

The N55 and N54 both have their stock turbo's welded to the manifold IIRC, making any turbo upgrades impossible (bolt on).

So a new manifold needs to be designed.

The N55 also has some other short comings in the tuning aspect, I dont know specifics, it's also not as popular and not as many cars as the N54 so the market is likely smaller until the N55 gets a little more years under the belt.

Be that as it may, in due time I'm sure there will be options once the same hurdles are over-come. It took the N54 about 6 years to get where it is today, a lot has been learned but not all of it can be passed to the N55.

As you know the N54 is still used today on the 1M and the 335is, and probably for good reason, it appears to be a little easier to work with, and that says a lot on platforms that are traditionally not easy to work with, atleast compared to your typical Honda or mitsubishi.

If I was in the market for a new BMW, I would definitely choose an N54 at this juncture.

[benzy89]

Be VERY interesting when the new M3/M4 hits the market & how it responds to tuning. Hopefully it'll be more receptive to modifying than the N55 has been.

[cstavaru]

Small turbo is one bottleneck, Valvetronic is the other one, and also the engine internals have not been evaluated yet (crankshaft is lighter and not forged - for one thing. Pistons are different). Neither of these have an elegant and cheap fix.

[imd3nse]

Originally Posted by cstavaru

Small turbo is one bottleneck, Valvetronic is the other one, and also the engine internals have not been evaluated yet (crankshaft is lighter and not forged - for one thing. Pistons are different). Neither of these have an elegant and cheap fix.

Great! And here I am thinking the differences where only in valve tropic and turbo now I find out its got weaker internals too?! Fml should have gotten a used m3 lol

[benzy89]

Originally Posted by imd3nse

Great! And here I am thinking the differences where only in valve tropic and turbo now I find out its got weaker internals too?! Fml should have gotten a used m3 lol

Who knows, at this rate you might as well start shopping for a used E9x M3

[eyim1988]

People are making "decent" power on the n55's. I am very close to 400 whp right now.

[imd3nse]

Originally Posted by eyim1988

People are making "decent" power on the n55's. I am very close to 400 whp right now.

Good to hear, I'll be happy with 400whp

[eyim1988]

Originally Posted by imd3nse

Good to hear, I'll be happy with 400whp

i dynoed that 360whp @ ~14.5 psi of boost now i am close to 17 psi.. Should be interesting to see how much power i am making.. Next is meth or fmic!