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Description
About the BMW N55 Engine
The BMW N55 engine, renowned for its performance and reliability, is a standout in the world of automotive engineering. This inline-six engine, featuring a single twin-scroll turbocharger, delivers impressive power and smooth performance, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts, tuners, and BMW owners looking for an N55 crate engine for their next project. Whether you’re seeking an N55 motor for sale to repower a 335i, 535i, X5 35i, or you’re sourcing the legendary 1 Series M Coupe (1M) variant, this engine offers exceptional versatility and durability.
With advanced technologies such as Valvetronic variable valve lift, Double-VANOS variable cam timing, and high-pressure direct injection, the N55 engine provides optimal efficiency and responsiveness. It produces robust 300 to 320 hp and 300 to 330 lb-ft of torque, with the lower-end torque coming on at just 1,300 RPM and holding steady through 5,000 RPM, ensuring a thrilling driving experience from launch through cruising. Perfect for performance builds or as a replacement for your existing BMW N55 engine, this powerplant promises reliability and longevity when properly maintained.
Key Features of the BMW N55 Engine
The BMW N55 engine is a pinnacle of modern engineering, known for its power, efficiency, and advanced technology. Key features include:
- Single Twin-Scroll Turbocharger: Enhances performance and reduces turbo lag, delivering smooth and immediate power. The single-turbo design replaces the more complex twin-turbo configuration of the predecessor N54.
- Valvetronic Technology: BMW’s continuously variable intake valve lift system optimizes efficiency and power output without a traditional throttle plate, providing a responsive driving experience and improved fuel economy.
- Double-VANOS: Variable camshaft timing on both intake and exhaust adjusts for improved torque, fuel efficiency, and emissions across the entire RPM range.
- Lightweight Aluminum Construction: Aluminum block and head reduces weight, enhancing vehicle performance, handling, and chassis weight balance.
- High-Pressure Direct Fuel Injection: Ensures precise fuel delivery at up to 200 bar of pressure for maximum power and efficiency.
- Closed-Deck Aluminum Block: Stronger than open-deck designs, supporting higher boost pressures in tuned applications.
Ideal for enthusiasts seeking an N55 crate engine for custom builds or as a reliable replacement, the BMW N55 engine for sale is perfect for elevating your driving experience. Its combination of innovative features and proven reliability makes it a top choice in the competitive BMW used engine market.
N55 Variants by Application
| Vehicle | Compatibility |
|---|---|
| N55B30 Standard | 300 hp at 5,800 rpm, 300 lb-ft at 1,200 to 5,000 rpm. Used in 335i, 435i, 535i, 640i, X3 35i, X4 35i, X5 35i, X6 35i. The most common variant. |
| N55B30 Sport (1M Coupe) | 335 hp at 5,900 rpm, 332 lb-ft at 1,500 rpm (with overboost to 369 lb-ft). The high-output N55 variant used exclusively in the 2011 BMW 1 Series M Coupe (1M). Limited production. |
| N55B30 Long-Stroke (M2 Original) | 365 hp variant used in the M2 (F87) before being replaced by the S55 in M2 Competition. |
| N55B30 Stroked (740i) | Lower-stress N55 tune for the F01/F02 740i. |
Signs You Need a Replacement N55
- Knock or rattle on cold start (rod or main bearing wear)
- Loss of compression on one or more cylinders
- HPFP (high-pressure fuel pump) failure causing hesitation or no-start condition
- Wastegate rattle (a known N55 weakness)
- Misfires under load (failed coil pack, injector, or HPFP)
- Excessive oil consumption
- Coolant in oil or oil in coolant (head gasket failure or charge pipe boost leak)
- Engine seized in donor vehicle
- Building a 335i / 535i / X3 35i swap or repower project
Known N55 Issues We Inspect Before Shipping
- HPFP (High Pressure Fuel Pump) wear: A known N55 weakness inherited from the N54 platform, though improved over time. We document HPFP function status.
- Wastegate rattle: A known issue on aged N55 turbos. We listen for wastegate rattle on cold start and document.
- Charge pipe (factory plastic) failure: The factory plastic charge pipe is known to crack under boost. We note this on shipped engines (the charge pipe is external and not part of the long block).
- Carbon buildup on intake valves: Direct injection engines like the N55 are prone to carbon buildup on intake valve backsides. We assess and recommend walnut blast service before installation in most cases.
- Valve cover gasket leaks: Common N55 oil leak source. We inspect and disclose.
- Oil filter housing gasket leaks: Another common N55 oil leak. Inspected before shipping.
What Is Included, What Is Not Included
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| INCLUDED | Long block: block, crankshaft, rods, pistons, both camshafts, valve train, aluminum cylinder head, oil pan, valve covers, harmonic balancer, intake manifold (typical). |
| NOT INCLUDED | Single twin-scroll turbocharger (sold separately when condition warrants, or kept with donor), HPFP (sold separately), DME ECU (sold separately), wiring harness, charge pipe, intercooler, exhaust manifold (often integrated with turbo manifold), starter, alternator, A/C compressor, water pump (typical, electric water pump on N55 is application-specific), accessory drive components. |
| Fluids | Drained before shipping. Refill with BMW LL-01 spec 5W-30 motor oil. |
| Core Note | No core charge. You are not required to return your old engine. |
Vehicle Compatibility
The BMW N55 was a direct fit in the following vehicles:
| Vehicle | Compatibility |
|---|---|
| BMW 1 Series M Coupe (1M) | 2011 (335 hp variant, very desirable) |
| BMW 135i (E82, E88) | 2011 to 2013 |
| BMW 335i (E90, E92, E93, F30, F31, F34) | 2011 to 2015 (E-chassis), 2012 to 2015 (F-chassis) |
| BMW 435i (F32, F33, F36) | 2014 to 2016 |
| BMW 535i (F10, F11, F07 GT) | 2011 to 2016 |
| BMW 640i (F06, F12, F13) | 2011 to 2018 |
| BMW 740i (F01, F02) | 2011 to 2015 |
| BMW X3 xDrive35i (F25) | 2011 to 2017 |
| BMW X4 xDrive35i (F26) | 2014 to 2018 |
| BMW X5 xDrive35i (F15) | 2014 to 2018 |
| BMW X6 xDrive35i (F16) | 2014 to 2019 |
| BMW M2 (F87, original variant) | 2016 to 2018 (365 hp tune) |
NOT compatible without significant work with: N54 twin-turbo applications (different turbo and harness), S55 twin-turbo applications (M3/M4 F80/F82), B58 single-turbo (the N55 successor introduced in 2015+, different architecture), M3/M4 with S55, and pre-2011 335i / 535i applications using the N54.
Common N55 swap applications: E36/E46 swap projects (high-end engine swap), 1 Series with N52 upgrade to N55, and tuning shop custom builds where the N55 is the foundation for 500+ hp builds.
Condition and Inspection
Every used BMW N55 we ship goes through this process:
- Compression test across all 6 cylinders, pressure per cylinder recorded
- HPFP (high-pressure fuel pump) function documented
- Wastegate rattle inspection on cold start
- Carbon buildup on intake valves visually assessed (walnut blast typically recommended)
- Valve cover and oil filter housing gasket leak inspection
- Variant confirmed (standard 300 hp vs 1M 335 hp vs M2 365 hp)
- Donor application photographed and documented
- Approximate mileage documented when verifiable
Where donor mileage is verified, it is shared. Where mileage cannot be confirmed, we disclose this openly before payment.
Why Buy From Vaz Auto Solutions
- All 6 cylinders compression tested, results before you pay
- Variant confirmed (standard 300 hp vs 1M 335 hp vs M2 365 hp)
- HPFP function documented (known N55 weak point)
- Wastegate rattle inspection on cold start
- Valve cover and oil filter housing gasket leaks disclosed
- Carbon buildup on intake valves assessed (walnut blast recommendation provided)
- Donor application documented
- Free freight pallet to all 50 states, no hidden fees
- No core charge, keep your old engine
- 15 day replacement warranty on internal defects
- BMW-experienced support team on the phone
Bishop johnson (verified owner) –
I was hesitant to purchase an engine online, but Vaz Auto Solutions made the process seamless. The BMW N55 engine I received was in excellent condition, and the customer service was outstanding.
Michael Smith (verified owner) –
Vaz Auto Solutions delivered exactly what they promised – a top-quality BMW N55 engine. Installation was a breeze, and my car feels like new again. Great service!
Cori Anderson (verified owner) –
After extensive research, I decided to buy my BMW N55 engine from Vaz Auto Solutions. The engine arrived promptly, and it’s been running flawlessly ever since. Very impressed!