BMW sDrive35i
Single twin-scroll turbo instead of the N54's twin-turbo — torque comes in evenly from 1,200 rpm and doesn't let up to 5,500. At idle a deep, barely audible hum; under load a rich rumble that surpasses the N54 in refinement but lacks its rawness. Above 5,000 rpm the turbo drowns out the engine — those seeking naturally-aspirated emotion will be disappointed. Valvetronic almost completely eliminates the throttle butterfly; throttle response is therefore more direct than on most turbo engines. The electric water pump is the Achilles heel: fails between 80,000 and 120,000 km without warning. Valve cover gasket starts leaking from 100,000 km — replace the entire cover, not just the gasket. Oil changes every 10,000 km instead of BMW Longlife, 5W-30 LL-04. Tuning: Stage 1 brings 350+ hp; from Stage 2 the HPFP becomes the bottleneck — fit the B58 pump. Considered one of the most reliable M-engines of the last 20 years when maintained properly.
Single-Turbo Six: The Civilised One
306 hp N55 — more linear than the N54, fewer ancillary headaches, same driving thrill. Metal roof stowed in 20 seconds — then the straight-six howls without restraint.
Engine Weaknesses 10
Connecting rod bearings wear with extended oil change intervals or oil starvation. Particularly affects vehicles on Longlife intervals driven hard.
Symptoms: Knocking from the engine block, oil pressure warning, metallic particles in the oil
The N55 electric water pump typically fails between 100,000 and 150,000 km. A sudden failure while driving can cause overheating damage to the cylinder head or gasket within minutes.
Symptoms: Overheating warning; cooling fan runs continuously or intermittently; slow warm-up; coolant loss at idle
Wide production variance in oil consumption. Some engines consume almost no oil; others up to 3 L/10,000 km. Piston rings and valve stem seals are the cause.
Symptoms: Frequent top-ups needed, blue exhaust plume when accelerating, oil level warning
The N55 VANOS solenoid valves block with oil sludge or become electrically sluggish. Metal wear particles from the engine settle on the magnets. Symptoms appear particularly in the lower rev range.
Symptoms: Rough idle after cold start; power loss below 2,000 rpm; engine warning light with camshaft control fault code; rpm fluctuations when pulling away
The CCV on the N55 is integrated into the cam cover. When it fails oil enters the intake tract. BMW only supplies the complete cam cover as a replacement part (~€400), making repair expensive.
Symptoms: Increased oil consumption; blue smoke after cold start; oil in the air filter box; rough idle; burning oil smell from the ventilation vents
The N55 is a direct injection engine without intake valve flushing. Carbon deposits form on the back of the intake valves over time. Less common than on the predecessor N54, but present from around 150,000 km.
Symptoms: Hesitation and misfires at certain rpm; power loss when cold; light smoke after extended standstill; increased fuel consumption
The N55 twin-scroll wastegate develops metallic rattling on cold start from bearing play in the exhaust housing. The noise disappears with throttle input — the turbo is functionally intact but the bearing housing is worn.
Symptoms: Metallic rattling or clattering after cold start that disappears immediately with light throttle; louder in winter; no power loss
The cam cover rubber gasket hardens and tears from around 100,000 km. Since the crankcase ventilation is integrated, experienced mechanics recommend replacing the complete cover rather than just the gasket.
Symptoms: Oil smell inside the cabin; oil seeping at the cylinder head edge; oil on the ignition coils; blue smoke at operating temperature; slight burning smell after driving
The N55 sump gasket becomes porous through thermal ageing after 5–7 years. The aluminium sump bolts add to the problem. Oil collects on the underbody and can smell strongly during throttle changes.
Symptoms: Oil drops under the vehicle; oil smell after spirited driving; oil film on the underside from front to back; oil level drops slowly
The N55 drive belt and tensioner pulley typically wear from 120,000–220,000 km. The tensioner is always replaced together with the belt. A snapped belt disables all ancillaries.
Symptoms: Squealing or whistling from the engine bay especially in the cold; noise when switching on the air conditioning; in severe cases loss of alternator and power steering
Vehicle Weaknesses 7
The E89 folding hardtop can block after 8–13 years due to faulty micro-switches, broken wiring harnesses or leaking hydraulic lines. Hydraulic pump replacement up to €4,000.
The electromechanical power steering (EPS) on 2009–2012 model years can fail sporadically or permanently due to steering electronics faults. BMW carried out a goodwill action.
Porous door seals, blocked roof drains and leaking rear screen frames allow water into the footwell and boot. Early models are particularly susceptible.
Electronically controlled dampers (EDC) start leaking oil from around 120,000 km. OEM replacement up to €1,800 per unit. Bilstein B8/B12 are considered a recommended aftermarket alternative.
Older E89s show rust forming on engine longitudinal members and sills that works from the inside out. Road salt accelerates the process.
Leaking housing seals allow moisture into the tail lights. BMW replaced tail lights with a revised version in 2012. Facelift models are less affected.
The standard factory leather is comparatively thin and only surface-dyed. Seat cushions show significant wear from 80,000–100,000 km; backrests can develop abrasion.