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      01-15-2020, 03:48 PM   #1
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If you could swap your N/S55 with any OEM BMW engine...

If you could swap your N/S55 with any OEM BMW engine...

Which would it be, and why?

In other words, what's the most beloved BMW engine, and why?
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      01-15-2020, 04:15 PM   #2
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I think the obvious answers are S85, S62 and S65 because NA V8/V10 and all that jazz, but if we're being realistic I'd have been happy with a tuned version of the B58. The N55 is reliable and sounds good but it's pretty much at its limit when it comes to tuning. I'd love to be able to have something similar to what the S55 guys get where you can throw a few bolt-ons on and get 100 horsepower. My old n54 335i had a jb4, downpipes and intercooler and that was enough to make it an absolute rocketship. Wish it were that easy/budget friendly for the N55.
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      01-15-2020, 04:17 PM   #3
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S85 or the new S58.
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      01-15-2020, 05:13 PM   #4
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S55 to S58 i guess.

I dunno man, the S55 is already pretty awesome. Turbo torque + revs + relative reliability is kinda the dream (for me) so really S58 is the only other one that offers that and it's pretty much more of the same, but better.

Last edited by Moflow; 01-15-2020 at 06:40 PM..
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      01-15-2020, 06:18 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Moflow View Post
S55 > S58

I dunno man, the S55 is already pretty awesome. Turbo torque + revs + relative reliability is kinda the dream (for me) so really S58 is the only other one that offers that and it's pretty much more of the same, but better.
I'm not so sure I'd be happy with an S55 which is why I will probably hang on to my N55 M2 until the next-generation instead of upgrading to an M2C now. The poor sound, the prone to leak air to water intercooler and the looming possibility of a crank hub issue would keep me from fully enjoying the car.
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      01-15-2020, 06:43 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bmwm2nyc View Post
I'm not so sure I'd be happy with an S55 which is why I will probably hang on to my N55 M2 until the next-generation instead of upgrading to an M2C now. The poor sound, the prone to leak air to water intercooler and the looming possibility of a crank hub issue would keep me from fully enjoying the car.
Oh you'd be happy with it, you'd just cringe every time you heard it. I think the reliability stuff is overblown, especially if you're keeping it stock. It genuinely does sound bad though.
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      01-15-2020, 07:16 PM   #7
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The N55 in my M2 is the best engine I have had in any BMW I have owned. And my first BMW was a 1972 2002. And my current M2 is not my first M car.
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      01-15-2020, 08:49 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DanG View Post
The N55 in my M2 is the best engine I have had in any BMW I have owned. And my first BMW was a 1972 2002. And my current M2 is not my first M car.
Ditto. The N55 is treating me well.

Just hope it lasts as long as my S50 in my M3. Over 300k kms and still pulling hard.
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      01-15-2020, 08:56 PM   #9
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Great responses guys, thanks. I figured it'd be the old M3 V8 (though I'm not good with the BMW engine codes yet).
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      01-15-2020, 09:01 PM   #10
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So I want to say the V10 because of the sound, but realistically i wouldn’t want the maintenance that it comes with. With that said, I’m pretty damn happy with the S55. Maybe the S58 but don’t have any personal experience with that one. You can say I’m content
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      01-15-2020, 09:05 PM   #11
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I'd just install a larger turbo set up on the N55.
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      01-15-2020, 09:09 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by VisualEcho View Post
Great responses guys, thanks. I figured it'd be the old M3 V8 (though I'm not good with the BMW engine codes yet).
..... Tight rod bearings, 60W engine oil....

Actually why I got an M2 instead of e92 M3
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      01-15-2020, 11:00 PM   #13
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Originally Posted by andrewc89 View Post
I'd have been happy with a tuned version of the B58

I agree with you wholeheartedly and I'm getting one, regardless of the motor...

I will be 100% contented if the next generation M2 (G) comes with a B58TU. As long as they give me a third pedal with it, I'm good

I assure you guys that motor is up there with BMW greats.. It really is a diamond in the rough and sounds great, if heavy burbles is your thing.

Don't get carried away with whole the "S" designation, that was a thing of the past. All BMW motors are now built modular, meaning from W to S cars, the hardware doesn't deviate as much as they used to, as it's overall potential is bridled by software, to adapt to each iteration and model hierarchy.

Anyone that has doubts about the potential of the B58, try to coax your dealer into lending you a fully-covered M340i for the weekend..

The last time I drove a BMW 6 cylinder motor with this much low-down pep was the a fully built N54 335is. B58 offers all that and more, in its stock form.

The B58 is a winner, I promise you'll have absolutely no regrets with it.


Edit: Anyone who believes the B58 is not an official M motor; think again.
The M variation is becoming so diluted, that point is moot, as indicted below.. :

No more "M Performance" models. https://g20.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1686369


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      01-15-2020, 11:28 PM   #14
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BMW should've put a B58tu (380p version) into the OG M2 in the first place. So that it doesn't need to be phased out for emission in 2018.

And the M2 CS with the 450p S55 would be justified at 85k, and become a strong contender of the all time greatest M.
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      01-16-2020, 12:10 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Poochie View Post

Don't get carried away with whole the "S" designation, that was a thing of the past. All BMW motors are now built modular, meaning from W to S, the hardware don't deviate as much as they used to, as it's overall potential is bridled by software, to adapt to each iteration and model hierarchy.
There is a significant difference driving my N55 M2 back to back with my S55 M2C, you can tell which one is the true M engine quite easily. Reminds me of going back between a S52 and S54, both fine engines but the S54 was obviously a Motorsport built engine.

Yes there are no longer ITB's and solid lifters but its responsiveness and rev happiness along with its more mechanical sound makes for a far more lively experience, I find myself keeping the S55 revved up more while the N55 can be short shifted quite easily and feels far more laggy from the right foot.

Quite a few hardware differences: http://s3.bimmerfile.com.s3.amazonaw...S55-Engine.pdf
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      01-16-2020, 12:21 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by windnsea00 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Poochie View Post
There is a significant difference driving my N55 M2 back to back with my S55 M2C, you can tell which one is the true M engine quite easily. Reminds me of going back between a S52 and S54, both fine engines but the S54 was obviously a Motorsport built engine.

Yes there are no longer ITB's and solid lifters but its responsiveness and rev happiness along with its more mechanical sound makes for a far more lively experience, I find myself keeping the S55 revved up more while the N55 can be short shifted quite easily and feels far more laggy from the right foot.

Quite a few hardware differences: http://s3.bimmerfile.com.s3.amazonaw...S55-Engine.pdf
The S55 definitely has more headroom up top and the N55 certainly falters around 5,500RPM but the B58 holds strong, right through the power-band, without any hiccups.

It's basically the best of both motors, S55 and N55, all in one.. The only flaw I found with the B58 is it burns an excessive amount of oil but as with any heavily-taxed BMW motor, it's par for the course.

I'm not biased towards the B58 or S55, as I have a N55 but real recognize real and the B58 is S-motor worthy, which is ready for prime time in any true M car, despite the B designation, IMHO.


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      01-16-2020, 12:27 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Poochie View Post
The S55 definitely has more headroom up top and the N55 certainly falters around 5,500RPM but the B58 holds strong, right through the power-band, without any hiccups.

It's basically the best of both motors, S55 and N55, all in one.. The only flaw I found with the B58 is it burns an excessive amount of oil but as with any heavy-taxed BMW motor, it's par for the course.

I'm not biased towards the B58 or S55, as I have a N55 but real recognize real and the B58 is S-motor worthy and is ready for prime time in any true M car, despite the B designation, IMHO.
It will be interesting to see how the S58 differentiates from the B58. To me it's not so much about outright power but the hardware differences that allow for a much more "racey" feel and experience when it comes to the Motorsport engines.
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      01-16-2020, 12:48 AM   #18
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The most beloved BMW engine and arguably the best sounding engine of all time ever in any car is the S70/2 in the McLaren F1.

Having said that I love the S55. It's sensational.
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      01-16-2020, 01:15 AM   #19
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S55 is more than enough street driving engine for me but I wouldn't kick the S58 out of bed...X3M pulling hard!!
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      01-16-2020, 01:41 AM   #20
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I like the N55 no real gripes and since I am more of a track focused guys power doesn't concern me in the slightest since I only want around 450 whp. But if I had to switch I'd get the S58, the only thing with that motor that scares me is the timing chain assembly is in the rear, so any repairs done to that will be quite intrusive.
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      01-16-2020, 02:25 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by VisualEcho View Post
If you could swap your N/S55 with any OEM BMW engine...

Which would it be, and why?

In other words, what's the most beloved BMW engine, and why?
S54 with CSL Airbox and Cams

V8 or above is way too much for the chassis
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      01-16-2020, 02:43 AM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ///M TOWN View Post
I'd just install a larger turbo set up on the N55.
+1, this guy gets it.
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