[AlpineOnCoral]

I'm a new BMW owner and new to the tuning scene as well. I'm trying to educate myself and appreciate all the info on this forum (among others).

Question about these two versions of the N55. One has higher manufacturer rated output than the other. (302/295 vs 315/332).

Are there material mechanical differences between the two engines? Or is it basically the tune?

Appreciate any information you're able to share!


N55B30M0 (225 kW)
Applications:

2009–2017 F10/F11/F07 535i
2010-2013 E90/E91/E92/E93 335i
2010-2013 E82/E88 135i
2010–2017 F25 X3 xDrive35i
2011-2013 E70 X5 xDrive 35i
2011–2015 F30/F31 335i
2011–2014 E71 X6 xDrive 35i
2012–2015 E84 X1 xDrive35i
2013–2016 F32/F33/F36 435i
2014–present F15 X5 xdrive 35i
2014–present F16 X6 xDrive35i
2014–present F26 X4 xDrive 35i

N55B30 (235 kW)
Applications:

2011–present F06/F12/F13 640i[18]
2012–2013 E82/E88 135is[19]
2012–2015 F20/F21 M135i[20][21]
2012–2015 F01 740i/Li

[Lancelot]

N55B30 is the general name of the series of engines; N55 is the engine code, B30 denotes the volume (30 = 3L), then it's followed by a variant name;

The n55b30m0 means mid range, n55b30o0 is the enhanced (m135i/235i) and the n55b30t0 is the top of the line used in m2 and x4 m40i (at least), there's a number of variation between them, e.g b30t0 is a semi-closed deck design while o0 and below are open deck design but there are many more differences.

Iirc m0 vs o0 : o0 has a forged crankshaft (lighter/stronger) while m0 has a cast crankshaft. That doesn't prevent bmw from selling the MPPK which brings the m0 to o0 power level

Not sure why there would be a n55b30 without a variant name, that doesn't sound like bmw?

[AlpineOnCoral]

That's very helpful and informative--thank you Lancelot! ANything else mechanically significant between the two motors besides the tune and the crankshaft?

Is the MPPK available for the o0, putting that engine back on top? Or does MPPK essentially give m0 a similar tune as the o0 from the factory?

Does MPPK increase the peak boost on the engine or does it not affect boost?

I appreciate your time and expertise!

[ZeroEmissionZ]

would one be able to replace the M2 motor with a m135i engine or even 2012 BMW 535i, my understanding is they all are n55b30 motors? reason I ask is I have a M2 and the engine is blown and it will cost way too much to replace the motor or rebuild , and I have found a motor of a 2012 535i which my i hope can get my car back on the road at least

[harkes]

Originally Posted by ZeroEmissionZ

would one be able to replace the M2 motor with a m135i engine or even 2012 BMW 535i, my understanding is they all are n55b30 motors? reason I ask is I have a M2 and the engine is blown and it will cost way too much to replace the motor or rebuild , and I have found a motor of a 2012 535i which my i hope can get my car back on the road at least

If I were you I'd buy a normal N55 long block and move everything over. The m0 N55 has not shown to be weaker than the higher versions.

[ZeroEmissionZ]

Originally Posted by harkes

If I were you I'd buy a normal N55 long block and move everything over. The m0 N55 has not shown to be weaker than the higher versions.

really? I hope so I won't be putting tunes and bigger power onto the engine anyway, so I hope you really are right thanks

[sea_m2c]

Originally Posted by ZeroEmissionZ

really? I hope so I won't be putting tunes and bigger power onto the engine anyway, so I hope you really are right thanks

There is a lot of miss information here, albeit the original post is old.

The N55B30 is just the general name of the series. Wikipedia is incorrect about the application. the 0M0, 0O0 and 0T0 all fall under this. The N55B30M0 was used in both PWG (old) and EWG (newer) applications and are not interchangeable.

The M2 N55B30T0 is not a semi closed deck. Its an open deck design.

The N55B30M0 is absolutely weaker than the N55B30T0. The N55B30T0 has forged crank, dual oil sumps to prevent oil starvation during hard cornering, bigger oil pan, S55 piston heads. You can get the same power with a tune out of all the EWG engines but the 0M0 is weaker and more prone to failures like snapped crankshafts when pushed (seen it multiple times), and the possibility of oil starvation when tracking.

The N55B30O0 in the M235/M135 has all the forged bits of the M2 engine, without the S55 piston heads, larger oil pan, or dual oil sumps.

My suggestion if you're trying to save some money would be to get an N55B30O0 from an M235i. You can retrofit the oil pan and dual oil sump later if you're inclined to do so as they exist on the M235i Racing version. You would not easily be able to put in the S55 heads and piston rings. I would not put a cast N55B30M0 in your car.

[johnung]

Originally Posted by sea_m235i

There is a lot of miss information here, albeit the original post is old.

The N55B30 is just the general name of the series. Wikipedia is incorrect about the application. the 0M0, 0O0 and 0T0 all fall under this. The N55B30M0 was used in both PWG (old) and EWG (newer) applications and are not interchangeable.

The M2 N55B30T0 is not a semi closed deck. Its an open deck design.

The N55B30M0 is absolutely weaker than the N55B30T0. The N55B30T0 has forged crank, dual oil sumps to prevent oil starvation during hard cornering, bigger oil pan, S55 piston heads. You can get the same power with a tune out of all the EWG engines but the 0M0 is weaker and more prone to failures like snapped crankshafts when pushed (seen it multiple times), and the possibility of oil starvation when tracking.

The N55B30O0 in the M235/M135 has all the forged bits of the M2 engine, without the S55 piston heads, larger oil pan, or dual oil sumps.

My suggestion if you're trying to save some money would be to get an N55B30O0 from an M235i. You can retrofit the oil pan and dual oil sump later if you're inclined to do so as they exist on the M235i Racing version. You would not easily be able to put in the S55 heads and piston rings. I would not put a cast N55B30M0 in your car.

I'm curious. Where does the switch in 7/13 from the 3.5" downpipe opening to the 4.0" downpipe opening fit in your discussion? Is that a major mechanical change in N55 development, or not so much? Same question with the change from pneumatic to electronic wastegate?

[sea_m2c]

Originally Posted by johnung

I'm curious. Where does the switch in 7/13 from the 3.5" downpipe opening to the 4.0" downpipe opening fit in your discussion? Is that a major mechanical change in N55 development, or not so much? Same question with the change from pneumatic to electronic wastegate?

7/13 is the switch to the 2014 model year. This is when the N55s went from Pneumatic to Electronic wastegate turbo, with the bigger 4" outlet.

[ChristosD]

Originally Posted by sea_m235i

There is a lot of miss information here, albeit the original post is old.

The N55B30 is just the general name of the series. Wikipedia is incorrect about the application. the 0M0, 0O0 and 0T0 all fall under this. The N55B30M0 was used in both PWG (old) and EWG (newer) applications and are not interchangeable.

The M2 N55B30T0 is not a semi closed deck. Its an open deck design.

The N55B30M0 is absolutely weaker than the N55B30T0. The N55B30T0 has forged crank, dual oil sumps to prevent oil starvation during hard cornering, bigger oil pan, S55 piston heads. You can get the same power with a tune out of all the EWG engines but the 0M0 is weaker and more prone to failures like snapped crankshafts when pushed (seen it multiple times), and the possibility of oil starvation when tracking.

The N55B30O0 in the M235/M135 has all the forged bits of the M2 engine, without the S55 piston heads, larger oil pan, or dual oil sumps.

My suggestion if you're trying to save some money would be to get an N55B30O0 from an M235i. You can retrofit the oil pan and dual oil sump later if you're inclined to do so as they exist on the M235i Racing version. You would not easily be able to put in the S55 heads and piston rings. I would not put a cast N55B30M0 in your car.

which version of n55 does the e82 and e90 have? my m135i has forged rods and crank?

[harkes]

Originally Posted by ChristosD

which version of n55 does the e82 and e90 have? my m135i has forged rods and crank?

Yes your engine is a 0O0. Pretty cool BMW decided on those goodies for just a ~20hp power bump albeit the M-sport is more likely to se spirited and track driving

[bqik]

Originally Posted by ZeroEmissionZ

would one be able to replace the M2 motor with a m135i engine or even 2012 BMW 535i, my understanding is they all are n55b30 motors? reason I ask is I have a M2 and the engine is blown and it will cost way too much to replace the motor or rebuild , and I have found a motor of a 2012 535i which my i hope can get my car back on the road at least

how did it happen?

[sea_m2c]

Originally Posted by harkes

Yes your engine is a 0O0. Pretty cool BMW decided on those goodies for just a ~20hp power bump albeit the M-sport is more likely to se spirited and track driving

In the M135i it could also be a N55B30M0 older Pneumatic Wastegate if it's a very early model. The M135i launched in MY2013 before the EWG engine and the N55B30O0 went live. Anything MY2014 or newer will have the forged N55B30O0.

The E82, E90 and all E Series N55s will have the N55 PWG 0M0.

[XutvJet]

Based on my research of the parts numbers on REALOEM, all 2014+ EWG N55s have the same forged rods and rod bearings that are used in the S55. And yes, the N55B30O0 has the same forged crank that is used in the M2's N55B30T0.

[kringlefant]

An interesting topic. The N55 engine is awesome.

It appears that engines built until 2012 has a lower tuning potential.

ESS Tuning calls this the N55 "E" engine. Used in 135i N55, 335i N55 from 2010 2011 2012.

Stock power is 306 hp / 400 nm.
Tuned: 360 hp 490 nm.


But the N55 "F" engine used in 135i,M135i,M235i,335i,435i,535i,640i,X3 3.5i, X5 3.5i N55 from 2013 and up deliver these numbers:

Stock 306/320 hp / 400 nm
Tuned: 400 hp / 500 nm.


And the N55 "M2" engine has these numbers:

Stock 370 hp / 465 nm
Tuned 435 hp / 600 nm

What's the difference between before and after 2013? When exactly did the change happen?

Are the 306 and 320 hp engines identical except the tune, or are there other differences?

You've already explained the difference between the M135i/M235i and the M2 engines, thanks for that.

[thejeremyman9]

Are you talking about the EWG to PWG changeover? There are also more subtle differences between N55 variants. I believe the M2 has a different turbo manifold than other EWG as well (in addition to tune).

This video has a decent explanation and table.

[ceedawg]

Originally Posted by thejeremyman9

Are you talking about the EWG to PWG changeover? There are also more subtle differences between N55 variants. I believe the M2 has a different turbo manifold than other EWG as well (in addition to tune).

This video has a decent explanation and table.

Ehhh saw this video long ago. Stuff he's saying needs to be updated!

[ChristosD]

m2 turbofold and turbo are identical to the m135i/235i turbos both being borgwarner B03 turbos with the same manifold

[AmuroRay]

Originally Posted by ChristosD

m2 turbofold and turbo are identical to the m135i/235i turbos both being borgwarner B03 turbos with the same manifold

Are you sure? I though the M2 has a better exhaust manifold and a N20 (stronger) Wastegate and Diverter valve.

I’ve also seen M2s gold boost better than Non Ms.

[XutvJet]

The M2 N55 does have different parts numbers for the turbofold/turbo assembly. The M2 N55 also has the much better S55 oil pan, suction pump, and oil pump. Short block wise, the same as the other EWG N55s minus running the forged crank (also used in the M235 N55).

[4corsa]

Thanks to all above for the excellent information. Going back to one of the original big concerns in this and other threads (spun bearings due to oil starvation), it's surprising to me that BMW didn't include the upgraded oil sumps and larger oil pan of the N55B30T0 on the N55B30o0. The forged bits are nice, but don't help prevent spun bearings on my 2014 435xi, with or without performance upgrades.

[XutvJet]

Originally Posted by 4corsa

Thanks to all above for the excellent information. Going back to one of the original big concerns in this and other threads (spun bearings due to oil starvation), it's surprising to me that BMW didn't include the upgraded oil sumps and larger oil pan of the N55B30T0 on the N55B30o0. The forged bits are nice, but don't help prevent spun bearings on my 2014 435xi, with or without performance upgrades.

Spun rod bearings on EWG, non-M N55 cars, is rare unless you're driving on a road course with high sustained Gs or doing donuts for an extended time. The EWG cars like yours come with the better and more robust S55 rod bearings.