BMWN54/N55Petrol3.0L I6 Turbo2006–present

BMW N54/N55 Engine -Specs, Reliability & Replacement Cost

The BMW N54/N55 is a legendary 3.0-litre turbo six – brilliant when sorted, but high-pressure fuel pumps and injectors are well-known weak points. Backed by real UK enquiry data [ESTIMATED].

BMW N54/N55 Engine -Specs, Reliability & Replacement Cost
Compare N54/N55 Engine Prices
  • 100+

    Enquiries

    [ESTIMATED]

  • 12+

    Models (BMW)

    Fitted

  • [Score]/100 Engine Score

  • Part of Engine Finders

BMW N54 / N55 Engine Overview

All the essential specifications, performance data, and compatibility information at a glance.

Engine Family

BMW N54 / N55

Fuel

Petrol

Configuration /
Displacement

3.0L I6 Turbo (twin-scroll on N55)

Power Range

306–340 hp (standard)

BMW-VERIFIED

Years Produced

2006–present (N54: 2006–2013, N55: 2009–present)

Models Fitted (BMW only)

Cross-Brand Fitment

Exclusive to BMW

Overall Engine Score

[Score]/100/

Verdict & Rating

Rating:

3.5

out of 5

88% – based on cross-referenced specialist reports and UK owner surveys.

The N54/N55 is a tuner’s dream with huge potential -but HPFP, injector and wastegate issues are common -buy only with full service history and recent injector codes.

Engine Score breakdown:

DimensionScore (of 20)

Reliability

Star rating (3.5★) × 4 = 14

14 /20

Repair Cost

Reconditioned supply midpoint ~£3,500–£5,500 → 16

16 /20

Repairability

Many common failures (HPFP, injectors, coils) are replaceable, but wastegate rattle often requires turbo overhaul or replacement – labour-intensive

12 /20

Parts Supply

Excellent OEM and aftermarket support; HPFP and injectors are widely available, though index-12 injectors are pricey

16 /20

Replacement Economics

Recon cost ~45–60% of lowest vehicle value (e.g. older E90 335i) → 12

12 /20

Total Engine Score

70 / 100

Best for:

Enthusiasts who appreciate effortless power and are comfortable with proactive maintenance.

Avoid if:

You can’t afford the running costs of a high-performance turbo six, or you expect Toyota-like reliability without attention.

Compatible BMW Models

BMW N54 / N55 engines are fitted across 0+ models from 2006–2013.

BMW Exclusive Engine

This is an exclusive BMW engine. No cross-platform sharing.

2006
7 Years of Production
2013
+

Other BMW Models

N54 / N55 also appears in limited variants and markets.

View full details ›

Compatibility Verified

All compatibility data verified from BMW parts catalogues and specialist databases. [BMW-VERIFIED]

Exclusive to BMW – no cross-brand fitment.

BMW N54 / N55 Engine Price Guide

All prices are estimates from UK specialists

[BMW-QUOTE]

i

Fitting an N54/N55 typically takes 10–14 hours at £65–£95/hr (independent) or £110–£160/hr (London/SE dealer) [ESTIMATED].

(Exclusive mode – no cross-link)

Frequently Asked Questions

Expert answers to the most common BMW N54 / N55 engine questions.

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