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      08-02-2013, 04:22 PM   #23
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Quote:
Originally Posted by drob23 View Post
It is pretty strange that they are using the N54 instead of N55, maybe they don't want to invest the R&D into properly tuning it (reliably) or making the bolt on hardware.
not at all.. Which motor did BMW use for the 1M?

BMW M engineers and Alpina enginners both preferred the twin turbo N54 over the N55 as a platform for tuning for more power.
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      08-02-2013, 04:25 PM   #24
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Quote:
Originally Posted by FogCityM3 View Post
Further admission that the N55, while a very good engine, probably isn't as good many purport it to be. The N54 was a real gem, and probably explains why older tests of 335is/335s had similar time to distance and better track times vs the N55 e9x and F30 variants. Hopefully not the continuation of the troubling trend of BMW's best engines' being behind it
N55 adds variable valve lift and gets away from the HPFP issues. It also has incredible fuel efficiency numbers and turbo lag seems to be largely eliminated compared to the N54. I think the N54 was probably before it's time, but not sure you can use Alpina's decision as evidence that N54 > N55.
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      08-02-2013, 04:26 PM   #25
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Quote:
Originally Posted by FogCityM3 View Post
Further admission that the N55, while a very good engine, probably isn't as good many purport it to be. The N54 was a real gem, and probably explains why older tests of 335is/335s had similar time to distance and better track times vs the N55 e9x and F30 variants. Hopefully not the continuation of the troubling trend of BMW's best engines' being behind it
Troubling trend? ... . Tell us more Chicken little! but don't jump off a ledge first!
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      08-02-2013, 04:28 PM   #26
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Quote:
Originally Posted by drob23 View Post
It is pretty strange that they are using the N54 instead of N55, maybe they don't want to invest the R&D into properly tuning it (reliably) or making the bolt on hardware.

The new M3/M4 better have a higher revving version of the N55. I'd guess they will have little in common other than similar blocks. There's no way you can go from the 8.5k red-lining S65 down to 7K.
It's an N55 motor with custom twin turbo manifolds. Here's the official word:

"The design and construction of the excellent BMW 3.0 litre straight-six cylinder (N55) engine serves as a starting-point for a specially cast aluminium crankcase with Bi-Turbo capable flanges. These enable the mounting of two turbochargers along with required oil and water connections and a close-coupled catalytic converter arrangement. ALPINA specific NGK spark plugs and a forged steel high-strength crankshaft guarantee long-lasting stability."

Last edited by AlterZgo; 08-02-2013 at 04:34 PM..
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      08-02-2013, 04:29 PM   #27
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Quote:
Originally Posted by drob23 View Post
N55 adds variable valve lift and gets away from the HPFP issues. It also has incredible fuel efficiency numbers and turbo lag seems to be largely eliminated compared to the N54. I think the N54 was probably before it's time, but not sure you can use Alpina's decision as evidence that N54 > N55.

Sure you can..... (see my post above)

I was lucky enough to be able to ASK a BMW engineer... the N54 single turbo is absolutely the choice of BMW M. The BMW enginners could have used the N54 or the N55 when they made the 1M. The choice was the N54 as the twin turbo motor led to better gains with more reliability. They uprated the piston rings and made it the N54T for the 1M.
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      08-02-2013, 04:32 PM   #28
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Quote:
Originally Posted by drob23 View Post
N55 adds variable valve lift and gets away from the HPFP issues. It also has incredible fuel efficiency numbers and turbo lag seems to be largely eliminated compared to the N54. I think the N54 was probably before it's time, but not sure you can use Alpina's decision as evidence that N54 > N55.
As an owner of an N54 335is and N54 535i, I have to agree that the N54's fuel economy is apalling compared to an N55.

Looks like Alpina wisely stuck w/ the more modern N55 and added twin turbos... best of both worlds!
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      08-02-2013, 04:33 PM   #29
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Quote:
Originally Posted by FogCityM3
Further admission that the N55, while a very good engine, probably isn't as good many purport it to be. The N54 was a real gem, and probably explains why older tests of 335is/335s had similar time to distance and better track times vs the N55 e9x and F30 variants. Hopefully not the continuation of the troubling trend of BMW's best engines' being behind it
Spot on analysis. I'll never own an n55
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      08-02-2013, 04:34 PM   #30
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Originally Posted by M3 Adjuster View Post
not at all.. Which motor did BMW use for the 1M?

BMW M engineers and Alpina enginners both preferred the twin turbo N54 over the N55 as a platform for tuning for more power.
The M1 was around pretty much exactly when the N55 was just entering production. Makes sense that they didn't want to introduce such an important engine (in its infancy) - company wide - into a halo platform destined for limited production.
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      08-02-2013, 04:35 PM   #31
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Quote:
Originally Posted by drob23
Quote:
Originally Posted by FogCityM3 View Post
Further admission that the N55, while a very good engine, probably isn't as good many purport it to be. The N54 was a real gem, and probably explains why older tests of 335is/335s had similar time to distance and better track times vs the N55 e9x and F30 variants. Hopefully not the continuation of the troubling trend of BMW's best engines' being behind it
N55 adds variable valve lift and gets away from the HPFP issues. It also has incredible fuel efficiency numbers and turbo lag seems to be largely eliminated compared to the N54. I think the N54 was probably before it's time, but not sure you can use Alpina's decision as evidence that N54 > N55.
I've experienced more lag while test driving n55's than I've ever gotten on my n54. That says a lot because my car runs serious amounts of boost and still exhibits very minimal lag
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      08-02-2013, 04:37 PM   #32
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Well, Alpina Classic wheels look good on most BMW's but I love it on the F30. Those wheels look absolutely phenomenal on the F30. I honestly dislike the way the F30 looks but this is just beautiful. The review is right, the upcoming M3 has pretty big shoes to fill given that this looks very nice and has comparable power (if the speculated ~415hp is true).

I can't wait for Alpina's aesthetic take on the F32. I hope they do something big to help differentiate the F32 from the F30.
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      08-02-2013, 04:48 PM   #33
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Quote:
Originally Posted by FogCityM3 View Post
Further admission that the N55, while a very good engine, probably isn't as good many purport it to be. The N54 was a real gem, and probably explains why older tests of 335is/335s had similar time to distance and better track times vs the N55 e9x and F30 variants. Hopefully not the continuation of the troubling trend of BMW's best engines' being behind it
...or maybe not. They used the N55, not the N54. The "troubling trend." lol
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      08-02-2013, 05:02 PM   #34
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only thing FAIL was my post...
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      08-02-2013, 05:30 PM   #35
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Funny how this quickly became a N54 v N55 thread ...
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      08-02-2013, 05:37 PM   #36
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Skhmund View Post
Funny how this quickly became a N54 v N55 thread ...
Hehe...
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      08-02-2013, 06:32 PM   #37
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Never Convicted
Quote:
Originally Posted by FogCityM3 View Post
Further admission that the N55, while a very good engine, probably isn't as good many purport it to be. The N54 was a real gem, and probably explains why older tests of 335is/335s had similar time to distance and better track times vs the N55 e9x and F30 variants. Hopefully not the continuation of the troubling trend of BMW's best engines' being behind it
...or maybe not. They used the N55, not the N54. The "troubling trend." lol
The article specifically said that alpina bought the rights to mfg the n54. It's running an n54 produced by alpina, which I think is pretty badass. Hopefully they bring it stateside.
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      08-02-2013, 06:42 PM   #38
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Why is it that Alpina can make 20" wheels look good on an F30, but no one else (including the two 20" Performance wheel options from BMW) can?
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      08-02-2013, 07:25 PM   #39
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 300hp
Quote:
Originally Posted by Stillhart View Post
Not sure how they are for cars, but they're pretty high-end and well-regarded for motorcycles. I would have no hesitation considering one for a car. In fact, I'm going to have to look into this for my 335...
There is a video of them out there already, its pretty cool stuff



If only someone can do a comparison of:

MPE 1k
GT Haus 2k
Akrapovic 3k
Are those the prices for the exhausts? If so, I don't think Akra was more expensive than the Meisterschaft?

I'm not sure on this so plz correct me if wrong but the Meisterachaft cost me way more than $2K...
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      08-02-2013, 07:52 PM   #40
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Maz335i
Quote:
Originally Posted by 300hp
Quote:
Originally Posted by Stillhart View Post
Not sure how they are for cars, but they're pretty high-end and well-regarded for motorcycles. I would have no hesitation considering one for a car. In fact, I'm going to have to look into this for my 335...
There is a video of them out there already, its pretty cool stuff



If only someone can do a comparison of:

MPE 1k
GT Haus 2k
Akrapovic 3k
Are those the prices for the exhausts? If so, I don't think Akra was more expensive than the Meisterschaft?

I'm not sure on this so plz correct me if wrong but the Meisterachaft cost me way more than $2K...
It's the prices and i thought its 3k for the Akropavic but i am not certain either. I would be doing myself a huge disservice if I flamed you

Please tell us more about your exhaust. After watching the video of the GT Haus and the Akropavic our stock exhaust seems pathetic.

I watched the videos with my 3 year old son, even he agreed that those exhausts were mean.
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      08-02-2013, 07:54 PM   #41
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I'd still keep my S65 over a N55, but I would take a N54T next. Curious as to how the S55 will turn out. I like hat alpine green color.
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      08-02-2013, 08:46 PM   #42
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That's a lot of work from Alpina. I guess that's how they justify the price tag.
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      08-02-2013, 09:52 PM   #43
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 300hp
Quote:
Originally Posted by Maz335i
Quote:
Originally Posted by 300hp
Quote:
Originally Posted by Stillhart View Post
Not sure how they are for cars, but they're pretty high-end and well-regarded for motorcycles. I would have no hesitation considering one for a car. In fact, I'm going to have to look into this for my 335...
There is a video of them out there already, its pretty cool stuff



If only someone can do a comparison of:

MPE 1k
GT Haus 2k
Akrapovic 3k
Are those the prices for the exhausts? If so, I don't think Akra was more expensive than the Meisterschaft?

I'm not sure on this so plz correct me if wrong but the Meisterachaft cost me way more than $2K...
It's the prices and i thought its 3k for the Akropavic but i am not certain either. I would be doing myself a huge disservice if I flamed you

Please tell us more about your exhaust. After watching the video of the GT Haus and the Akropavic our stock exhaust seems pathetic.

I watched the videos with my 3 year old son, even he agreed that those exhausts were mean.
Hahaha

I did upload pics of my exhaust in another thread, not sure if you viewed them?

I really like the Akra but it all depends on what you're looking for. If u need something that sounds really loud and mean, go for the meisterschaft....something that is not as loud but still sound sporty, you should go for the Akra. The m perf is not really loud and honestly I'm not even sure why BMW has it for sale? They really need to work on that exhaust a little more.

My first choice had always been the Akra/Eisenmann but after hearing the meisterschaft and talking to m3_guy, I decided to go this route. I've been very happy so far.

Good luck with your shopping!
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      08-02-2013, 10:34 PM   #44
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The problem is that this engine has not evolved a whole lot and now the f30 b3 has really no more output than the e90 b3. Power is up a bit but the fact is the m3 still beats this out and the m3 is a hugely dated model by now and on its way out or is actually out now.
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