N54 335i

[ettas13]

Good day to all fanatics. I’m looking to buy a next car, Ive had a list by now from 30ds to big turbo 1.9s to manual 330i’s and now I’m struck between lci e90 330d auto or pre lci 335i auto. Ive had 20ds and 30ds and I know they are proven, quick when tuned and really a jack of all trade cars especially in 330d form. Now wanting to go back im very sceptical with the current diesel prices and thus leaning more towards a 335i as the fuel is cheaper yes I know it’s heavier on fuel so it’s more or less same cost running but I haven’t had a n54 yet and kinda want a reason to buy one. Ive been shopping around look at st225s, auto s3s and still im always drawn back to BMWs.
Ideally I’d like to know if it’s worth to consider getting a n54 one im looking at is completely stock with 141k on, Ive just heard and read so many terrible stuff on reliability regarding them and first gen n55s.

Have a great day!

 

[TurboLlew]

If you're coming from Diesels and NA cars to an N54 you're in for a wild ride. IMHO, the fact that you're considering an N54 or N55 and worrying about costs of any kind should be enough to just stop this line of thought and move to something else. These were problematic even when almost new. They are now objectively "old" cars and have all the other old car things that will happen to them (plastic, rubber, suspension etc) on top of the rest.

Even if one is completely stock, it is also not really an indication that it was not abused and it was not only very recently re-virginised. Just scrutinise it very closely when you take a look.

Is there are reason you don't want an M140i or M240i instead? If you want to do this, whatever the delta is, you are likely to be better off (IMHO) spending the money on the better platform upfront.

 

[Mitchenator]

I have the N54 in my 2009 Z4 and love this engine. Mine has 125000kms now and so far reliable. The only issue I have is when I thrash it on track, (Zwartkops track days) the oil temps rise and it goes into a type of limp mode. If I switch off and on again it is fine. I am considering a larger oil cooler but not sure if it worth it. Other than that, mine does not use a drop of oil and has been super reliable in the year I have owned it. And it has zero performance mods. I am pedantic about maintenance though and keep an eye on things. Down the line though if I upgrade it will be a B58 car. Good luck!

 

[NAS325ci]

N54 lol how deep your pockets?? Now also extremely hard to find any clean n54.. rather look into f series n55. I had n54 for about 6 or 7 years. Daily drove spent like 3 years only catching up on maintenance and comman n54 issues
Injectors
Oil leaks
Coolant leaks
Waterpump
etc etc

After most the common issues were done it was pretty much trouble free for about 3 years till I sold it.. but it cost alot of time and money


My 435 ownership was complete opposite owned it 4 years replaced 1 water pipe and tyres only And usual services etc

The n54 left me stranded twice
Once waterpump
2nd time was alternator

N55 i never had any issues but they also have there problems.

Best to check everything as much as u can before purchasing and research common issues on those specific cars and make your decision.

 

[Pisancho]

I would go with the diesel or N55/B58. N54 i just hear too many horror stories. N55s are proven with many examples over 300k and a few over 550k km. B58 is also very good but I do see issues with the oil pumps packing up on certain years where they used a plastic housing for it, the cylinder 6 issue seems to be a thing also with lean running conditions caused by injector issues.

N55 and B58 have their issues but not as notorious as the N54.

 

[ajm]

I have an n54 335i making around 350wkw and 650nm. When I bought it, I did all the necessary maintenance and preventative maintenance – valve stem seals, rings, injectors, water pump and the like. Car runs like a dream and has not missed a beat since – approximately 40,000 km ago. One needs to spend the money to get the car into good shape if this hasn't already been done. Once done, it's a fantastic car to own, especially if you plan to add go-fast mods. You do, however, need the appetite for this and there are no doubt more sensible options out there

 

[Pisancho]

I have an n54 335i making around 350wkw and 650nm. When I bought it, I did all the necessary maintenance and preventative maintenance – valve stem seals, rings, injectors, water pump and the like. Car runs like a dream and has not missed a beat since – approximately 40,000 km ago. One needs to spend the money to get the car into good shape if this hasn't already been done. Once done, it's a fantastic car to own, especially if you plan to add go-fast mods. You do, however, need the appetite for this and there are no doubt more sensible options out there

To be fair, when I made my post i never factored in what items are preventative items vs poor design. Like the N63s that are mostly down to poor design and preventative maintenance wont help much.

I also did a lot of work in replacing stuff on my N55 before it even broke which were common failure items. Its been great so far. And I would do the same thing again. Aftermarket warranty paid for half the stuff anyway.