S55 vs N55 Engine

Chako · 12-15-2017, 04:06 AM

Hello all,

With the S55 engine all but confirmed for an upcoming M2 variant (many VINs with ‘M2 Competition’ designation equipped with S55 engine being found), as current owners of S55 powered vehicles, do you think the N55 or S55 engine is better?

The prevailing opinion from the M2 section seems to be that the N55 is better, especially relating to the M2. Common arguments over there are:
-The N55 sounds better than the S55
-The N55 spools faster and is therefore better for street use

I may be biased, but I believe that the S55 (sound aside) would be a great addition for the M2, and is a major component that could help turn the M2 from a good car into a modern classic. I believe that the classic M car ‘feeling’ pulls hard all the way to redline, making you want to hold onto every gear. This would be great for an M2 sized car imo.

Would love to hear your thoughts over on the thread I mentioned: http://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...1447312&page=3

No Boost · 12-15-2017, 06:58 AM

The superiority of the N55 is sporadic, not prevailing over on the M2 boards. The majority of people speaking 'objectively', suggest the S55 is the better overall engine, myself included. Yes, the N55 produces better engine and exhaust sounds, but that's it. The S55 probably spools faster given its twin turbo setup, one turbo for lower rpm, one for higher and/or combination of both. I upgraded my turbo (bigger compressor) for redline fun, all the while keeping lag at a minimum. For street use and moderate HP/TQ gains, the M2 specific N55 is just fine. That said, I can't wait for folks to start upgrading their S55 M2 to 500+ WHP levels and taking down 4-ringed hairdresser coupes at the strip.

12-15-2017, 04:06 AM	#1
Chako Banned 105 Rep 280 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Canada iTrader: (1)	S55 vs N55 Engine Hello all, With the S55 engine all but confirmed for an upcoming M2 variant (many VINs with ‘M2 Competition’ designation equipped with S55 engine being found), as current owners of S55 powered vehicles, do you think the N55 or S55 engine is better? The prevailing opinion from the M2 section seems to be that the N55 is better, especially relating to the M2. Common arguments over there are: -The N55 sounds better than the S55 -The N55 spools faster and is therefore better for street use I may be biased, but I believe that the S55 (sound aside) would be a great addition for the M2, and is a major component that could help turn the M2 from a good car into a modern classic. I believe that the classic M car ‘feeling’ pulls hard all the way to redline, making you want to hold onto every gear. This would be great for an M2 sized car imo. Would love to hear your thoughts over on the thread I mentioned: http://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...1447312&page=3
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12-15-2017, 06:58 AM	#2
No Boost enthusiasm > practicality 4021 Rep 2,247 Posts Drives: 987 CS \| G35x Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Chester County, PA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 987.1 Cayman S [10.00] 2008 Infiniti G35x ... [0.00]	The superiority of the N55 is sporadic, not prevailing over on the M2 boards. The majority of people speaking 'objectively', suggest the S55 is the better overall engine, myself included. Yes, the N55 produces better engine and exhaust sounds, but that's it. The S55 probably spools faster given its twin turbo setup, one turbo for lower rpm, one for higher and/or combination of both. I upgraded my turbo (bigger compressor) for redline fun, all the while keeping lag at a minimum. For street use and moderate HP/TQ gains, the M2 specific N55 is just fine. That said, I can't wait for folks to start upgrading their S55 M2 to 500+ WHP levels and taking down 4-ringed hairdresser coupes at the strip.
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