5 Best BMWs with the Legendary N55 Engine

The N55 engine debuted within the late 2000s. It was an evolution of the N54 twin-turbo inline-six, which might largely get replaced over the span of the 2010s. Throughout that point interval, it discovered its approach below the hood of virtually each BMW mannequin within the lineup, from the little 1 Collection to the 7 Collection and even the X5 and X6. After all, it could later itself be phased out in favor of the B58 engine. The N55 benefitted from typically enhanced reliability in comparison with its predecessor. At this time, nevertheless, each engines discover themselves chasing the B58 when it comes to energy and sturdiness. However that’s to not say there weren’t loads of superior N55-powered vehicles. Right here’s 5 of our favorites.

ALPINA B3

Whereas we by no means noticed the ALPINA B3 within the U.S. — and due to this fact, I’ve by no means gotten to drive one — it positively deserves a point out when discussing the highest N55-powered BMWs. Maybe if for no different motive than it’s the only Touring mannequin on the record. After all, ALPINA additionally provided a sedan, and each fashions had been primarily churched up variations of BMW’s F30 3 Collection with much more energy. The B3 additionally touts one thing no different automobile on this record does: true twin turbo energy. That’s proper; ALPINA fitted two smaller turbos in lieu of BMW’s single turbo setup. Greater and badder fueling and cooling {hardware} accompanied the brand new turbo setup. In consequence, that is really the highest-performing automobile on the record; zero to 60 mph happens in as little as 4.2 seconds and high pace is 190 mph (307 km/h). The automobile’s re-tooled N55 makes a whopping 404 horsepower (302 kW); later B3 S fashions made much more, rated for 435 horsepower (324 kW). These figures are for the sedan mannequin, however the Touring loses solely fractions in each arenas — and good points distinctive sheet metallic and a few practicality.

X1 xDrive35i

The closest america ever obtained to an N55-powered wagon is the intriguing X1 xDrive35i. Whereas clearly not a wagon, our introduction to BMW’s smallest SUV with the E84 chassis included the N55-powered X1 xDrive35i. Solely obtainable for 3 fashions years and solely provided with an computerized transmission, the most well liked X1 ripped off 5.6-second zero-to-60 instances, almost a full second faster than every other X1 mannequin. With 300 horses and 300 pound-feet of torque, the X1 xDrive35 was almost peerless in its section. The automobile holds up effectively even a decade later; the old-school hydraulic steering makes it participating within the twisties, too. Even higher: after a decade, you may spend lower than $12,000 discovering a good X1 xDrive35i. However useless set on the perfect N55-powered SUV? There could also be one higher choice.

X4 M40i

The F26 technology X4 M40i is a bit underappreciated as of late. Which is unhappy: it was the primary of the M40i-badged SUVs. A fast have a look at the specs reveal 355 horsepower and 343 pound-feet of torque, in addition to an N55 energy plant shared with the BMW M2. xDrive all-wheel drive and an eight-speed computerized (a ZF! BMW’s been utilizing this factor ceaselessly…) imply immediate and uninterrupted energy supply. Zero to 60 mph happens in 4.4 seconds and Automobile and Driver coaxed a 13.1-second quarter mile time with the automobile attaining 105 mph. On the time, that was about on par with Porsche’s Macan GTS.

So, whereas we expect the F26 X4 M40i is nice sufficient to make the highest three, why does it go so typically neglected? The reply, at the very least partially, comes all the way down to the act that adopted the N55: the B58 engine. The G02 X4 M40i added energy, a extra cohesive design, and arguably a greater inside and know-how. Then there’s the S58-powered X4 M, which cranked energy as much as 503 horsepower and obtained all of the “credibility” that comes with a factory-installed “X4 M” badge — sans 40i modifier. Regardless of all of it, essentially the most highly effective X4 M solely shaved round half a second off the unique N55-powered automobile’s zero to 60 mph time. Proof as a lot as something that the F26 X4 M40i stays underrated to at the present time.

135is

I’ve already droned on at size about how a lot I like the “is” fashions, notably in terms of the rambunctious, N54-powered E92 BMW 335is. Whereas the 135is sadly didn’t share the automobile’s engine, that’s no trigger for alarm. The 135is continues to be a beautiful automobile. Decrease manufacturing numbers than even the vaunted 1M, an obtainable stick-shit, and elevated output relative to the traditional 135i make it so very particular in its personal approach. Which is, total, extraordinarily acceptable for the automobile’s polarizing (in-period, anyway) design and total packaging.

In all actuality, efficiency variations between a 135is and N54-powered 135i are slim, solely hedging on noticeable when actually pushing the automobile. After all, the obtainable DCT computerized positively modifications the character of the automobile in case you examine auto-to-auto. However for greatest outcomes, we’ll at all times suggest the six-speed handbook. The 135is obtained loads of particular touches that put it aside from different 1ers. However actually, the 135is makes this largely primarily based on the advantage of simply how good the usual 135i is. Heavy hydraulic steering, a sufficiently small footprint, and light-weight sufficient curb weight make it among the best BMWs of all time.

BMW M2

Having spent tons of time behind the wheel of the F87 M2, it was extraordinarily powerful to find out whether or not or not the N55-powered M2 was, the truth is, a “higher” primary decide than the 135is. The M2 advantages from extra energy (365 horsepower) and a limited-slip differential. In the meantime, the 135is makes a case for itself by being ever barely lighter and, extra importantly, touting hydraulic steering. Whereas the 135is does boast superior steering, I feel the M2 is in all different areas the higher automobile. Subsequently, I really feel comfy placing it on the primary spot.

Just like the X4 M40i, the unique N55-powered M2 suffers from arguably higher variations of itself current. The F87 later switched to the S55 engine for the M2 Competitors mannequin, and the most recent M2 will get the ostensibly higher and clearly extra highly effective S58 engine. The unique M2, nevertheless, stays a favourite amongst those that both don’t wish to spend the additional cash on these vehicles or choose the N55-powered automobile’s barely decrease curb weight. Regardless, the N55 M2 was so good when it got here out, becoming like a glove relative to the M4 and M3, which had steadily elevated in measurement. The automobile stays nice right now, too. Even in 2025, the unique M2 provides stuff you merely can’t discover elsewhere. Good aesthetics, all of the know-how you’d actually ever want, and a price ticket that’s shrunk by tens of hundreds due to depreciation.

Oh, and like all the vehicles we listed right here, a pleasant N55 engine below the hood.