Overview
The story
BMW built the N54 from 2006 to 2016, with two small turbochargers and piezo direct injection. The N55 began replacing it from 2009. A published reference
Its high-pressure fuel pump led to a class action, a 2010 recall of 2007 to 2010 cars, and in the US a warranty extended to 10 years or 120,000 miles. The injectors got the same extension, and wastegate rattle eight years or 82,000 miles. A published reference
Specs
Versions
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Twin turbo N54 A published reference
302 hp and 295 lb-ft at first; 322 hp and 332 lb-ft in the 335is
In E90 BMW 3 Series, 2006–2013; E90 BMW 3 Series, 2011–2013; E60 BMW 5 Series, 2008–2010; E89 BMW Z4, 2009–2016; E89 BMW Z4, 2011–2016
Figures
- Displacement: 3.0L (2,979 cc) A published reference
- Bore × stroke: 84 × 89.6 mm A published reference
- Block: Aluminum, open deck A published reference
Watch out
Faults owners and the press report, and how to spot each one.
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Failing high-pressure fuel pump Every version
One source so far
Check: Ask whether the pump was replaced under the recall or the extended warranty. Feel for long cranking and stumbling.
The pump could fail and stop the engine suddenly. BMW recalled 2007 to 2010 cars in 2010 and extended the US warranty to 10 years or 120,000 miles. A published reference
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Leaking injectors Every version
One source so far
Check: Ask whether the injectors were updated.
BMW extended the US warranty on the injectors to 10 years or 120,000 miles and introduced an updated design. A published reference
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Wastegate rattle Every version
One source so far
Check: Listen for a rattle from the turbos when lifting off the throttle.
The wastegate bushings wore early and rattled, and BMW extended the US warranty for it to eight years or 82,000 miles. A published reference
Owning
Maintenance
No service schedule is added yet.
What owners and buyers say
No source singles out a version yet, for good or bad.