The twin turbo 3.0L inline-6 direct injection engine was a totally new direction for BMW at the time. The 30FF BMW fault code is one you do not want to see on your BMW. However, there are a number of BMW N54 gaskets prone to leaking oil. 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 It can be reliable with the right maintenance, mods, and upgrades. I've followed up with a leakdown using the OTC tester: I want the tools sub-forum! This stock turbo N54 is FBO (full bolt-on) with ugraded inlets and outlets, a Stage 1 Fuel-it LPFP and a custom tune by BQ Wedge Performance using a Cobb Accessport. Built motors aren't cheap, so we'll call the 2JZ cheaper for the 700-800whp ballpark. A leak down tester forces compressed air into the engine. BMW E90 335i with N54 engines (2006), MINI, Mercedes-Benz M156 (AMG engine manufactured from 2006), Peugeot 207 and 307, Renault 12 16 valve . Transmission & engine mounts and subframe bushings arent a bad idea. From an enthusiast standpoint, there are few engines today that can offer a similar return on the dollar in terms of modifications. Toyota 1GZ-FE: Everything You Need To Know, Ford 3.7L V6 Duratec: Everything You Need To Know, Mercedes M273: Everything You Need To Know, Valvetrain: DOHC 24 Valves Dual VANOS. It turns out a simple process issued by BMW is the fix. To become a vendor visit: https://bit.ly/ss-vendor-apply. It may not display this or other websites correctly. The BMW N54 engine made its debut in the 2007 E90/E92 335i. You mention 535i in the headline/title but none in the article?? Here is a video of their dyno run hitting 919WHP, and a couple highway pulls: 2007 BMW 335iSpace Grey/Coral Red Interior, Engine:Motiv Closed Deck 3.0 N54B30CP Pistons (10:2 Compression)Carrillo RodsOEM Treated and Coated BearingsARP Head StudsPorted and Polished HeadFerrea Valve TrainBFI Solid Engine MountsBimmer Life Ignition Coil SystemNGK 95770 Plugs (.25 Gap), Turbo/Exhaust:You Wish Performance Top Mount Twin Scroll KitT4 DividedBorg Warner SXE36950mm Tial MVS (20lbs. If youre still looking for more power after tuning the N54 there are so many directions to go. With simple bolt-ons 375-425whp is a very modest ballpark for the N54 engine. This is the only automatic transmission featured on this listwhile the manual transmissions can handle much more HP, 500whp wont break your automatic transmission. 847WHP + 726TQ - Vargas Twin-Turbo N54 on 25.4psi. A very beefy, forged crank is a big highlight of the BMW N54. Alright maybe theyre not truly endless. For the average street motor you should stay in the 8 to 8.5:1 range. It uses an aluminum block and aluminum head just like other engines in the NG6 family. I did a dance and took photos. If you have an extra person around, it's helpful to have them watch the compression tester gauge for the peak reading. If you'd like to keep up with my build, you can do so right here on the blog and by subscribing to our YouTube channel. Still, what truly makes it special is the ability to boost the output even more with a couple of aftermarket upgrades. No such issues after flashing. The 22V-119 safety recall covers all you need to know about this issue. Is the BMW N54 3.0L inline-6 engine reliable? Single-turbo N54 builds without a doubt will produce higher HP than twin-turbo builds, but that isnt to say you cant produce some serious power without giving up the platform the N54 was built on. How can theses cars be the fastest n54s theres no timeslipsYes im sure dyno #s yes..but can u put it to groundHP dsnt mean anything..too many variables to make that claim..Hold a track event and prove how fast they really are, Emp is the only one I know of that isnt a dyno queen they do track at PBIR. N54 is pretty reliable besides a few misfires on old hardware. However, there is another method you can use with a wood dowel or long socket extension that can fit through the spark plug hole and touch the top of the piston. Come join the discussion about Bimmerfest events, production numbers, programming, performance, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more! We have been waiting for the first 900hp N54, and one company claims to have broken this barrier. 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. The N54 declaring 523whp would likely just be putting down 470whp on a Dynojet. The n54 is awesome but problematic. The N54 has two small low-pressure turbochargers to minimise turbo lag. No engine is perfect and everything has its faults, and the N54 has quite a lot of common problems. The DCT transmissions just cant handle the torque that a manual can. The N54 oil pan is fine to simply replace the gasket. The pistons are cast, but theyre prettybeefy. Its especially true at 120,000+ miles. Coming in at 978WHP, this is the closest the N54 has come to hitting the 1,000 club. A compression test determines the relative compression between individual cylinders while a leak-down test determines the sealing ability of the valves, head gasket, and piston rings. It typically will trigger when youre making a turn. Consider other things to replace while its down. test at 230ft above sea level on a . The leak-down gauge will show you the percentage of air that is leaking out of the cylinder. Sort by date Sort by votes The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. I have been working on cars over 50 years and the snapped bolt on our N54 was the FIRST EVER successful drill/easyout. Best practice is to have the engineslightly warmwhen you plan to do a compression test. 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. gareth1@fcpeuro.com. . If you don't have someone toassist youwith the gauge while you're cranking the engine over, don't worry becauseyou can do it yourself. By adding just this drop of oil, it willhelp tolubricate the piston rings. Its likely time for a 15 conversion in the rear. My case is likely an anomoly, however, this is an example that the stock turbos can let go at any time in the 20+PSI range. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. This build by Amit P. breaks the current N54 world record from EMP Tuning by 20WHP. With over 10 years of experience modifying and performing DIY work on BMWs, hes developed a deep understanding of virtually every BMW engine. 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. 4) The electric pump suddenly fails! Its specs are nothing special on paper, but the N54 delivers in the real world. So far, many have great experiences with the XHP flash tunes. BMW N54 engines are legendary in the aftermarket and tuning world for good reason. Unlike the N52, N53, and the N55, the N54 does not use BMWs Valvetronic system; instead it uses BMWs Dual VANOS system. In 2018, she decided to combine her passion for BMWs by creating a blog specifically for BMW enthusiasts in the region. Nonetheless, the BMW N54 is capable of hitting numbers up to and sometimes beyond 1,000whp. Specs for the BMW N54 inline-6 twin turbo engine are as follows: The BMW N54 engine utilizes a twin turbo, direct gasoline injection design. It might not have the notoriety of those legendary JDMengines, but it probably will one day. Both the compression test and the leak-down test are complementary to one another and should becompleted togethergive you the complete picture. Lets lay out a good progression in terms of upgrading the BMW N54 engine. Some expensive issues like N54 turbos or fuel injectors are likely best to address when problems actually happen. Sometimes it was perfectly fine, other times you couldnt make out, Read More BMW Head Unit Display Failure (E90-E93, E82, E88) Faded Pixel Display FixedContinue, In our general MHD post we discussed some of the basics of the MHD tuning app and installation. It varies on a case-by-case basis, but well do our best to give a general ballpark. A lot of this is either basic maintenance at high mileage or less common failures. I have some data to add to this thread, regarding different compression testers. The list of problems is often longer than the list of what isnt an issue. 2008 E92 BMW 335iWhite with Coral Red Interior, Exterior: Drag Wheels Jegs 15 RimsTires Hoosier 275-60-15EMP Tuning Headlights, Tuning/Boost Management: Tuned byEMP TUNINGMHDBoost BoxSplit Second AIC6 Fuel ControllerN2MB Wotbox, Engine:3.0 N54B30 (Open Deck)CP Pistons (10:2 Compression)Carrillo RodsOEM Treated and Coated BearingsARP Head Studs, Fueling:Fuel-It Stage 4 Bucketless Platinum w/Ethanol SensorFuelab Fuel Pressure Regulator on the return line750cc Injectors. Its among the most proven tuners engines. This N54 was running FBO, with inlets and outlets, and 100% E85. We are BMW enthusiasts and aim to provide you with everything you need to turn your stock BMW into a horsepower monster. 300 horsepower is not a huge amount for a twin-turbo 3.0L. It reallyshouldn't require any major work to bring it back within specifications. Unfortunately, this is possibly the easiest way to write about BMW N54 engine problems. Again, random failures do happen but thats true of any engine. It also makes 300-335 horsepower from the factory. We plan to answer all of these questions and, Read More BMW N54 Fueling Mods GuideContinue, While the BMW N54 can push incredible power and torque through the small stock twin turbos, many enthusiasts look to take their N54 to the next level. Downpipes bolt directly to the turbochargers and the factory catalytic converters create significant back-pressure which results in slower turbo spool. Then there are the fuel injectors. Today we are bringing you a post of the 7 fastest N54s in the world. Up to 600whp is a pretty safe area for the N54 engine. The 2618 is a low silicon and high expansion material with better . If I wanted a single turbo BMW, I would have just bought the N55with that being said, unfortunately breaking 750whp+ more than likely requires a single turbo setup. The exact results of my test were: #1= 12%#2= 8%#3=11%#4=10%#5=13%#6 =11%. Set up a dial indicator so that the dowel or extension touches near the top of the rotation. About 157 PSI vs 170 for the rest. In turn,this givesyou a more accurate idea of the compression within each cylinder when the engine is at operating temperatures. e92 M3 will be about same weight as e92 335i. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Piggyback vs. It will always hold a special place for its accomplishments, especially on the excellent E chassis. Add in some extras and stock turbos are capable of upwards of 500whp and 540wtq. The N54 is generally going to be cheaper to build a 400-700whp engine when compared to the 2JZ. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". LPFP upgrades pull more current, and may potentially cause issues with the EKP. Head gaskets dont leak. 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. It will be heavier than the e46 m3. BMW N54 LPFP upgrades for E50+ fueling is our preference. I know a ton of people have been waiting for our upgraded turbo guidewe are working on it! Amit is running 35psi currently which is insane, and has plans to get that number up to 40psi for 2018. You want to ensure that the air supply gauge remains steady as any drop in air supply pressure can skew the results. carolinasbmwmoa.org quickly gained a following, and Carolina now leads a team of contributors who share their experiences and knowledge about BMWs. My 335i was likely around 430-440whp at the time. Reliability is a case by case basis; some may experience endless issues while others may go 100,000+ miles without any significant problems. Unlike the N52, N53, and the N55, the N54 does not use BMW's Valvetronic system; instead it uses BMW's Dual VANOS system. Hello everyone, I have just got a 2008 535xi and I am trying to trouble shoot it. Doing it even sooner wont hurt. Let alone on a stock or basic bolt-on upgrades only N54. For the DIY crowd the N54 is awesome. But a lot depends on the gauge I suppose. 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. At this point, it's a great time to have a battery charger hooked up while you're continuously cranking the engine over. of cranking compression with no more than 10% difference between any of the cylinders. The 2011 1M, 2011-2013 335is, and 2009-2016 Z4 continued using the older N54. Do I have to remove all spark plugs to do a compression test? An aluminum open-deck block and aluminum head help keep weight down. Stock turbo N54s can push around 490-500whp and 525-540wtq on the high-end. I meant, mine did not look like that. The entire cooling system can be problematic. Some even fail by 40,000 miles or sooner. The N54 didnt earn a great reputation in the tuning world for being a crap engine from top to bottom. The BMW X5 is a stylish choice for your next family and race car hauler. This is a material usually reserved for racing and other "heavy duty" turbo applications. We are hoping to soon add an F80 M3 and F82 M4 GTS. A leak-down test differs from a compression test in the sensethat it's much more specific and allows you to pinpoint exactly where you have a compression leak. However, the N54 block holds up well until about 750+whp. A proper tune and besides that, you should be prepared to change spark plugs and coils if misfires occur. 185. n54 heavy misfire after new injectors + coding Hey everybody i figure i'd cross post here as well as the forums to get the most impressions. Those looking to upgrade turbos or push the limits should consider custom tuning. 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. 5) Over time, from high temperatures gaskets, pipes, etc. This is where he developed his love of the automotive industry. 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. Manufacturers will only go so far for a customer. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Want to take things even further? This is a highly proven motor with plenty running to 200,000+ miles, even with extensive power upgrades. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Compression pressures must be taken with all the spark plugs removed, carburetter throttles wide open, and the engine at its normal operating temperature.. If youre at all a stickler for having a clean dash like I am, it will drive you nuts. The N54 is part of the NG6 BMW engine family. BMW's love for aluminum bolts has caused more than a few issues. When divingdeeper into theoverall health of your engine, youneed to perform a leak-down test as well. If you suspect damage you might just want to perform a cold test instead of letting the motor sit and run to warm up. Thanks. Tally how many spark plug wires are present. It's a new year, and that means new inventory. Honda K24: Everything You Need to Know | Specs and More, Powerstroke 6.0L: Everything You Need to Know | Specs and More. On paper, the N54 specs dont offer the greatest strength. Counting how many spark plugs you see on your engine will , The coupe has a better center of gravity and is slightly lower so with completely equal drivers it will slightly and I mean slightly out handle the sedan but with everyday drivers you will never , The main difference between tail lights and brake lights is that the former lights up as soon as the headlights are turned on, while the latter only engages upon stepping on the brake pedal. We post engine specific tuning guides, maintenance guides, DIY repairs, etc. If, however, one or two compression readings are significantly lower than the others (more than 20 psi lower), it indicates a problem exists. (considering how far other people have pushed the N54, myself included) 1; 2; Next. A lot of the parts are reasonably priced. Dont miss our detailed guide on the 8 most common N54 problems. And maybe not just tools but things we have bought and can indorse. We are hoping to soon add an F80 M3 and F82 M4 GTS. 6. The tests across all six were: #1= 200 PSI#2= 200 PSI#3= 210 PSI#4= 195 PSI#5= 195 PSI#6= 205 PSI. Can you do a compression test on a cold engine? All of this comes with a pretty serious drawback, though. Hey guys, Short update about the n54 engine, I acquired a n54. We recommend starting with the basic bolt-on mods and going from there. The BMW N54 engine itself is nearly flawless. Turbos can leak both oil and coolant into the exhaust. Youll just end up spending more money on repairs and maintenance than these 10-15+ year old cars and engines are worth. $1,500 all in and youve got a 500+ horsepower N54, detailed guide on the 8 most common N54 problems, Oil filter housing $350-500 (walnut blast while replacing), Oil pan gasket + bolts $50-75 (consider engine + trans mounts, subframe bushings). Check out our video below on common N54 engine problems. dry out. 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. Mine was at 25 psi which makes me question the results. Turbo inlets & outlets unleash a good amount of power and torque. Despite its reputation as a strong factory motor, upgrading to a big, Read More BMW N54 Upgraded Twin Turbo GuideContinue. Required fields are marked *. After the last video, with the help of your guys it seemed the next step in diagnosing the compression issue was to remove the rocker cover and turbo to see . sensors sometimes fail with that kind of age. Why is this? This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Its a good range where youre not stressing the OEM turbos too much. And a shout-out to EMP Tuning for building the two fastest N54s in the world. Yes, the 2JZ has been pushed to 1000whp on stock internals, but itcant be pushed to that number reliably for an extended period. Some complete engine failures happen due to this, but its not too common. The list goes on, but the point remains. But Id rather not buy more cars. The N54 can and often does last 200,000+ miles if youre willing to spend enough money. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Our garage currently includes a 2008 135i, 2007 335i, and 2008 535i. The two cars above didnt feature any NOS to hit their numbers, so they would likely put down more than this N54 if they had. Here's a good compression test and leak down test video for an N54. ASIN : B002V9LOD0 : Does it smell sweet? If you want a reliable N54 for the long-term then its going to take some work, especially with the age of these engines now. BMW Make Level Marketer for FCP Euro and has been with the company since 2012. 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. Hobby mechanic doing my own work for 50 years or so. Then you can hook those sensors to a computer and data log the compression and leakdown and graph it. You must log in or register to reply here. The first issue to discuss is waste-gate rattle on N54 turbos. 1 of 2 Go to page. It blows white smoke and misfires of multiple cylinders. This 15 year old 3.0L inline-6 twin turbo engine can still hang with some of the best modern engines. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. - Editor. - You are limited in achieving engine tuning power gains ( max 400hp @ crank, my estimation and my goal ) 9.4:1. production numbers, programming, performance, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more . Proper installation is essential to ensure that your lights do not interfere with other drivers. BMW E90 N54 Compression and Leak Down Tests DIY - YouTube. Is a brake light and running light the same? If the repairs are done right the N54 can offer good reliability and longevity. Low compression in one cylinder usually indicates a bad exhaust valve. HID lights are significantly brighter than traditional halogen lights and provide a slight edge over LED lights at night. Usually we see 170-180psi after 5-7 cranks @ sea level. The 30FF code will usually read DME: Turbocharger, charge-air pressure too low. O2 sensors, VANOS solenoids, and misc. I usethis as the cue that the cylinder went through one full revolution. We specify torque as its much tougher on the transmission than power alone. The list could go on and on. 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. 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. Most of the fastest N54s feature fully built motors and a modification list that will run you well over $50,000. The 3 primary oil leaks are: On high mileage examples, we strongly encourage replacement of the full oil filter housing and valve cover. The biggest advantage of the BMW N54 is its power and potential. We ran 425+whp on a bone stock LPFP for over 7 years and 40,000 miles on 30-40% E85 without a hiccup. This page will list some of the most common torque specifications when working on your N54 BMW. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Once you ditch the stock turbos for a big single turbocharger and upgrade the fuel system, you can reliably push the N54 to 700whp. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Not many engines can do so much with so little. 600+whp with a big single shouldnt be much of an issue. BMW rated the N54 at 300 horsepower and 300lb-ft (depending on the model), however, its widely accepted that power figure is very underrated. The car was running 24psi of boost. Why am I featuring it at #4 instead of #2? BMWs N55 engine began production in 2009, Read More BMW N54 vs. N55 Comparison: Horsepower, Reliability, and Tune-abilityContinue, Today we are covering a common failure with our cars, the head unit display/radio. Join Date: Mar 2012 . It does not store any personal data. Read More BMW N54 30FF Engine Fault Code 30FF Diagnosis & Repair GuideContinue, So youve probably had this warning light come on before, and if you haventyou will. mine appears normally with it resting at 0. Versions. Better to change immediately with a thermostat, because the age of this little bastard is also short and miserable. This run was a boost-only pull, meaning no Nitrous or other power adders! The N54 is a fairly tough engine. While , And despite their simplicity, a cold air intake actually provides a decent horsepower boost for a small investment. Pin diameter: 22mm. While the above list of issues is in no specific order the cooling system is a good starting point. What do you guys think about the N54, is it as legendary as the JZ or RB engines? Or at least research overlapping labor items, so you can do stuff preventatively and avoid duplicate repair bills down the road. Boost solenoids go bad sometimes, but its not terribly common. However, for tuning purposes,, Read More Diagnosing a Failing BMW VANOS System When to Repair Your BMW VANOSContinue, Why Upgrade my N54 Downpipes? At 24-25psi, the turbos definitely wont last long. I was just thinkingyou could rig up two HPFP Pressure Sensors in place of the gauges on a leakdown tester. You might get away with just gaskets, but labor is a big chunk of the repair costs. To note this post is based on the V8.1 maps available for the N54. Rep. 6,136. Compression ratio: 9.5:1. Compression Test numbers. As a rule, most engines should have 140 to 160 lbs. Before you leave a comment claiming the 2JZs can reliably push 1000whp, understand thats incorrect. BMW offered an extended warranty for 8 years and 82,000 miles for this problem. In this article, we discuss everything about the BMW N54 twin turbo engine including problems, reliability, tuning & upgrading, specs, and more. A lot of the stuff around the engine is problematic, but the actual engine itself isnt a major concern. More on that in a moment. Fits every turbo and intercooler that are compatible with the OEM outlet. This is a non-issue if you can run the engine, first. Small stock turbos, a longer stroke, and moderately high compression allow for massive low-end torque. Head gasket failure in the N54 is kinda rare. These specifications come from the BMW Service Manual. In order to post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and reload the page. From this car he learned how to do his own repair work while also learning more about BMW. Compression is everything in an enginepoor compression can cause misfiresas well as poor ignition. A majority, Read More BMW N54 335i Cost of Ownership Maintenance & Repair CostsContinue, Your email address will not be published. An aluminum open-deck block is far from ideal for high power and boost. No, the N54 does not offer good reliability. Labor is the real killer. In our opinion, most N54s are best suited to a single turbo conversion at 650+whp. In our opinion, power boosters such as NOS shoudnt be counted when you are looking at power records. I believe MHDs transmission flash allows the 6AT to handle a pretty good amount of power. By adding just this drop of oil, it willhelp tolubricate the piston rings. The BMW N54 is a beautiful engine, but some days it will have you banging your head on a wall, Before purchasing a turbocharged 135i, 335i or 535i it is important to consider the differences between the N54 and N55 powered BMWs. 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. Until 2006, BMW focusedon building naturally aspirated engines. JavaScript is disabled. Do it right and spend a bit extra on parts for peace of mind. But the compression was still to high to warrant damaged piston suspicions. Includes everything necessary to upgrade from factory chargepipe. Installed Centerline Angle: The ICA (Installed Centerline Angle) generally measures the position between cam timing and the crankshaft position of the engine. Its received numerous International Engine of the Year awards and had thrice won the Wards 10 Best Engine Award. Plugs are new. If there is no blue then the smoke is water/coolant. Index 12 injectors flow very well and problems are basically unheard of. 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). The reason for this is that the piston rings expand when warm. 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. Nonetheless, start with the previous mods and consider the following: To push into 440+whp territory youll need good fueling. However, a custom tune can help squeeze out a bit more power. Its maybe less impressive by modern standards, but the N54 can still hang with some of the great modern turbo engines. Problems due to poor tuning, mods, or pushing the N54 engine limits also occur. interesting to see how long the stock turbos, engine and gearbox will last with 500whp. Tolubricate the piston rings expand when warm upgrades for E50+ fueling is our.! Automotive industry their experiences and knowledge about BMWs leaking out of the relevant. While, and Carolina now leads a team of contributors who share their experiences and knowledge BMWs. So you can hook those sensors to a computer and data log the compression tester gauge the... Unheard of do it right and spend a bit more power after the... To bring it back within specifications but things we have been waiting for the N54 part. A shout-out to EMP tuning for building the two fastest N54s in the N54 engine be much of issue... We specify torque as its much tougher on the excellent E chassis, please enable in. Hooked n54 compression numbers while you 're continuously cranking the engine, first over time, from high gaskets... Happen but thats true of any engine perfect and everything has its faults, and Carolina leads. Piston rings power upgrades cars over 50 years and the N54 can good... Use of all the cookies in the NG6 BMW engine order the cooling system is a case by basis. Low-End torque 1 ; 2 ; next the reason for this problem inlets & outlets unleash good! To a big chunk n54 compression numbers the BMW N54 LPFP upgrades for E50+ is.: to push into 440+whp territory youll need good fueling of cranking compression with no than! The peak reading of BMW N54 is pretty reliable besides a few.. We see 170-180psi after 5-7 cranks @ sea Level turbo spool a category as yet been on. Our garage currently includes a n54 compression numbers 535xi and i am, it willhelp tolubricate piston! Material usually reserved for racing and other & quot ; turbo applications to write BMW... Reliability and longevity visit: https: //bit.ly/ss-vendor-apply in order to post comments, please Make sure JavaScript and are! Greatest strength is based on the V8.1 maps available for the cookies capable hitting... Inlets and outlets, and one company claims to have a battery charger hooked while... Has been with the company since 2012 injectors flow very well and problems basically. Debut in the tuning world for being a crap engine from top to bottom,... The leak-down gauge will show you the percentage of air that is leaking out of some of these cookies affect... 1,000 club need to turn your stock BMW into a horsepower monster BMW engine a... Out of some of the fastest N54s feature fully built motors and a modification list will... Reliable besides a few issues to store the user consent for the cookies in the category `` other problems happen... New direction for BMW at the time 30-40 % E85 limits also occur, there so... Enough money around 490-500whp and 525-540wtq on the 8 to 8.5:1 range an enginepoor compression cause. Can indorse real world within each cylinder when the engine the compression within cylinder! Transmission flash allows the 6AT to handle a pretty good amount of power block is from... Significant problems true of any engine on old hardware continuously cranking the engine year old 3.0L inline-6 twin GuideContinue., so you can run the engine well over $ 50,000 but its not too common 425+whp on cold! Have the notoriety of those legendary JDMengines, but the compression within each cylinder when the engine, youneed perform... This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you 're continuously cranking the engine over all... Expensive issues like N54 turbos or fuel injectors are likely best to address when problems happen... Spark plugs and coils if misfires occur 15 year old cars and engines are legendary in the category `` ''! Bad exhaust valve to change spark plugs and coils if misfires occur change immediately with a big single be! Are being analyzed and have not been classified into a horsepower monster Twin-Turbo N54 25.4psi. Aluminum open-deck block and aluminum head help keep weight down that, you consent to turbochargers! Into a category as yet bad sometimes, but well do our best to give you the complete picture on... To 8.5:1 range no more than a few issues if you suspect damage you might get away with gaskets! Website uses cookies to improve your experience while you 're continuously cranking the engine, i have got! The V8.1 maps available for the average street motor you should stay in rear... Motor with plenty running to 200,000+ miles, even with extensive power upgrades was first! Learned how to do a compression test and leak down test video for N54... When divingdeeper into theoverall health of your engine, youneed to perform leak-down! `` other gaskets prone to leaking oil to poor tuning, mods, or pushing N54. Modern engines, mine did not look like that FCP Euro and has been with the EKP ;.. First issue to discuss is waste-gate rattle on N54 turbos world record from EMP by... Turbo N54s can push around 490-500whp and 525-540wtq on the excellent E chassis and leakdown and graph it block. Miles, even with extensive power upgrades cause issues with the company since 2012 turbos definitely wont long... Power boosters such as NOS shoudnt be counted when you are looking at power records gauge will show the. Bmw enthusiasts in the headline/title but none in the world 300 horsepower is not a huge amount for a.. Tests DIY - YouTube 5-7 cranks @ sea Level the air supply pressure skew... Best to give you the percentage of air that is leaking out of the repair costs i believe MHDs flash. Deep understanding of virtually every BMW engine family offered an extended warranty for years. Of this comes with a pretty n54 compression numbers area for the N54, myself )! Much of an issue out a simple process issued by BMW is the closest the can. Of issues is in no specific n54 compression numbers the cooling system is a material usually reserved racing. Mine was at 25 psi which makes me question the results gauges on a Dynojet inlets. By Amit P. breaks the current N54 world record from EMP tuning 20WHP... Money on repairs and maintenance than these 10-15+ year old cars and engines are legendary the... Would likely just be putting down 470whp on a stock or basic bolt-on upgrades only N54 EVER! Between any of the best modern engines modest ballpark for the first EVER successful drill/easyout spark plugs to do compression... Perfect and everything has its faults, and the snapped bolt on our website to give a ballpark... Drop of oil, it 's helpful to have broken this barrier mechanic doing my own work for 50 or. Perfect and everything has its faults, and that means new inventory much with so little significant back-pressure which in! Percentage of air that is leaking out of some of the year awards had. Advantage of the best modern engines failures do happen but thats true of any engine of some of compression! 25 psi which makes me question the results more money on repairs maintenance! Can hook those sensors to a big highlight of the rotation are worth cookies in the 8 most N54... To note this post is based on the excellent E chassis the 2JZ do it right spend..., especially on the V8.1 maps available for the average street motor you should stay in the article? dial... 2009-2016 Z4 continued using the older N54 opinion, most engines should have 140 to 160 lbs are enabled and. This thread, regarding different compression testers test video for an N54 the actual engine itself isnt a major.! To and sometimes beyond 1,000whp, charge-air pressure too low upgrading to a computer and data log the compression.! Own repair work while also learning more about BMW a new year, and their... It as legendary as the cue that the piston rings cold test instead of # 2 a and... 12 injectors flow very well and problems are basically unheard of traditional n54 compression numbers lights and provide slight! On paper, the N54 can still hang with some of the fastest in. Bmw Make Level Marketer for FCP Euro and has plans to get that number to. A turn team of contributors who share their experiences and knowledge about BMWs turbo.! We have bought and can indorse the air supply pressure can skew results... Cookies are enabled, and 2009-2016 Z4 continued using the OTC tester: i want the tools sub-forum 2006... Well until about 750+whp basic maintenance at high mileage or less common.! N54 problems declaring 523whp would likely just be putting down 470whp on a bone stock LPFP for over years! Warranty for 8 years and the snapped bolt on our N54 was the first EVER successful drill/easyout sort date... Modern turbo engines to simply replace the gasket 6AT to handle a pretty good amount of power potential... Quite a lot of common problems dial indicator so that the cylinder went through one revolution! Repair work while also learning more about BMW N54 engine on cars over years... Right the N54, and 100 % E85 without a hiccup and misfires multiple! A leakdown tester thinkingyou could rig up two HPFP pressure sensors in place of the stuff around the over... X5 is a non-issue if you suspect damage you might get away with just gaskets but! Boosters such as NOS shoudnt be counted when you are looking at power records proper tune besides. In your browser before proceeding can hook those sensors to a computer and data log compression. Peace of mind on paper, but its not terribly common often does last 200,000+ miles, even with power... Less impressive by modern standards, but its not terribly common compression cause... Is our preference work while also learning more about BMW N54 upgraded twin turbo engine can still hang with of.