N54

BMW N54 – The legendary twin-turbo inline six

The BMW N54 is a 3.0 L twin-turbocharged inline six-cylinder petrol engine that was produced from 2006 to 2016. It was the first turbocharged petrol engine in a BMW production car since the 1980s – and is now considered one of the brand's most iconic tuning engines .

🧪 Technical specifications

• Displacement : 2,979 cm³

• Cylinders : 6, in-line

• Charging : 2 small turbochargers (parallel)

• Power : factory 306 hp (335i), up to 340 hp (1 Series M Coupé, Z4 35is)

• Torque : 400–450 Nm

• Direct injection , aluminum block , DOHC with Vanos

• Internal code : N54B30

🚗 Installed models (among others)

• BMW E90 / E92 / E93 335i

• BMW E60 / E61 535i

• BMW E82 / E88 135i

• BMW E89 Z4 35i / 35is

• BMW 1 Series M Coupe (E82)

• Some Alpina models (e.g. B3 Biturbo)

🛠️ Tuning & Scene

The N54 is famous for its huge tuning potential :

• With simple mods like downpipes, intercoolers and ECU tuning, 400-500 hp are possible

• With upgrades such as hybrid turbos or single-turbo conversions : 600–800+ hp realistic

• Platforms such as MHD, JB4, Bootmod3 enable fine engine management

But: The engine is also known for typical weak points , including:

• High pressure pump (HPFP)

• Injectors

• Ignition coils & spark plugs

• Charge air system leaks

✅ Conclusion

For many enthusiasts, the BMW N54 is the “ 2JZ of Europe ”:

• Robust block

• Huge aftermarket offering

• Easy to tune

• Impressive power reserves

If you're willing to take care of the maintenance, the N54 offers an engine with cult status and brutal performance - whether on the street or in the quarter mile.