N55 vs M54

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
M54 BEST 93/100
+17 points over N55
0 / 100
ACCEPTABLE N55 BMW
0 / 100
BEST M54 BMW

Specifications

N55
M54
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
ACCEPTABLE
BEST
Reliability
76
93
Years
2009--2016
2000--2006
Displacement
2979 cc
2979 cc
Layout
I6
I6
Type
Petrol Turbo
Petrol Na
Power
306--326 hp
170--231 hp
Known Issues
5
4
Total Risk Cost
€1,050--€2,300
€530--€1,250

Character

N55

"Fixed N54. Known issues cheap + documented. 200k+ km proven. Good tuning base."

M54

"Peak old-school BMW. Raspy, high-revving, raw. The benchmark. 300k+ km routine."

Issues Comparison

N55 5

▲ HIGH
Electric water pump failure €400--€800 60,000 km--120,000 km
● MODERATE
Valve cover gasket oil leak €200--€450 60,000 km--130,000 km
● MODERATE
Oil filter housing gasket (OFHG) leak €250--€500 60,000 km--130,000 km
● MODERATE
Plastic charge pipe crack €100--€300 60,000 km--150,000 km
○ MINOR
Coolant pipe / banjo bolt seals €100--€250 80,000 km--150,000 km

M54 4

● MODERATE
Cooling plastics — water pump impeller critical €200--€450 80,000 km--150,000 km
● MODERATE
DISA valve failure (intake manifold flap) €80--€200 80,000 km--160,000 km
● MODERATE
Double VANOS oil seal wear €150--€350 100,000 km--180,000 km
○ MINOR
Valve cover gasket oil leak €100--€250 100,000 km--200,000 km

Models

N55 14

6 Series F13 2011--2015 3 Series E90 2010--2013 5 Series F10 2010--2017 1 Series E82 2010--2013 X5 F15 2013--2018 X3 F25 2011--2017 2 Series F22 2014--2016 1 Series F20 2012--2015 7 Series F01 2009--2015 X5 E70 2010--2013 3 Series F30 2012--2015 M2 F87 2016--2018 335i GT F34 2013--2016 Gran Tourer 435i F32 2013--2016 Coupe

M54 13

5 Series E39 2000--2003 3 Series E46 2001--2005 5 Series E60 2003--2007 5 Series E60 2003--2005 5 Series E39 2000--2003 Z4 E85 2003--2005 3 Series E46 2001--2005 5 Series E60 2003--2005 X5 E53 2000--2006 5 Series E39 2000--2003 Z4 E85 2003--2005 3 Series E46 2001--2005 Z3 E36/7 2000--2002
Full N55 Report Full M54 Report