Why the BMW N54 Engine Was a Failure
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 Published On Nov 13, 2023

Here's a look inside the BMW N54 engine and how it works!

The N54 engine was BMW's first foray back into modern turbocharging for the 2000's era. It's an inline 6, 3.0L twin turbocharged engine with dual variable valve timing. It did not have the variable valve lift system that the N52 has.

The engine in this video was from an E90 with 160,000km on it. It suffered from ringland failure, likely do to an overboost situation. This caused no compression in cylinder 6, and coolant to enter the combustion chamber, effectively steam cleaning it.

Other common issues with these engines are oil leaks from the valve cover, oil pan, amongst others. The direct injection system was known to leak, so much so that BMW issued a TSB to repair it. The lack of port injection meant carbon buildup was severe and periodically needed walnut blasting by removing the intake. The turbochargers were equally unreliable, with leaks, wastegate issues and seals blowing out. While expensive, turbochargers were in a tight spot in the engine bay, meaning the labor costs in replacement was also very high.

Overall the general engine layout is quite simple, with the exception of the timing cover, or lack there of. The timing guides with the chain has to be slid out the top and bottom of the block and head, which makes timing work tricky.

For more information on the BMW N52 engine, which was the last naturally aspirated 6 cylinder engine from BMW, check out this teardown video:
   • The Last Inline 6 Engine: BMW N52  

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