future of n55?

ATX78703 · 10-11-2011, 10:15 AM

any thoughts on the future plans for the n55, given that the new n20 "base engine" is approaching the n55 on performance and that the new development engine for the f80 m3 is going to be a V6?

As it stands now, the n55 can't really match what audi's 3.0sc is doing and it does not outdo their own n20, which is $7K less.

do you think it will be retuned or scrapped completely for a more reliable, single turbo V6 (based off the f80) to stay competitive in the market?

Red Bread · 10-11-2011, 03:06 PM

Yikes, I'm cool with I4's, but the V6 thing just isn't something I'd be interested in. I think that's all rumor at the moment for the M3 and will likely not spread to the non-M line in any manner. At least I hope not.

I'm not so sure I'd say that the N20 is the equal of the N55 as it gives up 25% in hp and about 20% in torque. I'd imagine the N55 will stick around as is for the first two years of F30 production and then will be upgraded/replaced. The N20 is impressive, but not something that's likely to replace the N55 directly.

mkoesel · 10-17-2011, 07:56 AM

The N55 will be retired in favor of the upcoming "modular" six cylinder. Presumably the six will be an I6, although the possibility for a V6 does exist:

http://www.carenthusiast.co.uk/news/...nder+BMWs.html

In the interrim, I would expect the N55 to keep pace with the competition. It already makes 320hp in the 740i/iL. I would expect it to hit 350hp in the next few years, before it is finally replaced mid-decade.

Envyscorpio · 10-22-2011, 07:28 AM

Lets just hope someone in BMW remembers what makes BMW special and won many engine of the year award!

I'm okay with BMW going the force induction route with turbo for efficiencies. But a turbo V6? C'mon... That's just like a GTR less 4wd and GTR's crazy performance. Better be a very special V6, or why would you buy a F80 M? I can't think of any now other than I prefer BMW. But I like BMW because they never really follow the trend.

10-11-2011, 10:15 AM	#1
ATX78703 Captain Drives: 2011 328i Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 763 iTrader: (0)	future of n55? any thoughts on the future plans for the n55, given that the new n20 "base engine" is approaching the n55 on performance and that the new development engine for the f80 m3 is going to be a V6? As it stands now, the n55 can't really match what audi's 3.0sc is doing and it does not outdo their own n20, which is $7K less. do you think it will be retuned or scrapped completely for a more reliable, single turbo V6 (based off the f80) to stay competitive in the market? __________________ 2011 X5 xDrive 35i Premium - 8AT, Cnv, Tch, 3rd Row, Cmfrt 2011 328i 4dr, 6MT - Sprt, Prm, Cmfrt
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10-17-2011, 07:56 AM	#3
mkoesel Moderator Drives: IB/PS M-DCT E93 M3 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Canton, MI Posts: 11,782 iTrader: (1)	The N55 will be retired in favor of the upcoming "modular" six cylinder. Presumably the six will be an I6, although the possibility for a V6 does exist: http://www.carenthusiast.co.uk/news/...nder+BMWs.html In the interrim, I would expect the N55 to keep pace with the competition. It already makes 320hp in the 740i/iL. I would expect it to hit 350hp in the next few years, before it is finally replaced mid-decade. __________________ 2008 Interlagos Blue E93 M3 - M-DCT 2011 Salsa Red Jetta TDI Sportwagen - DSG

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10-11-2011, 03:06 PM	#2
Red Bread Brigadier General Drives: My wife's car Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 3,060 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 BMW X1 35i [0.00] 2009 Schwinn Madison [0.00]	Yikes, I'm cool with I4's, but the V6 thing just isn't something I'd be interested in. I think that's all rumor at the moment for the M3 and will likely not spread to the non-M line in any manner. At least I hope not. I'm not so sure I'd say that the N20 is the equal of the N55 as it gives up 25% in hp and about 20% in torque. I'd imagine the N55 will stick around as is for the first two years of F30 production and then will be upgraded/replaced. The N20 is impressive, but not something that's likely to replace the N55 directly.

10-22-2011, 07:28 AM	#4
Envyscorpio Private First Class Drives: BMW Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: LA Posts: 123 iTrader: (0)	Lets just hope someone in BMW remembers what makes BMW special and won many engine of the year award! I'm okay with BMW going the force induction route with turbo for efficiencies. But a turbo V6? C'mon... That's just like a GTR less 4wd and GTR's crazy performance. Better be a very special V6, or why would you buy a F80 M? I can't think of any now other than I prefer BMW. But I like BMW because they never really follow the trend.