BMW N55 Engine for Sale | N55B30 3.0L Single Twin-Scroll Turbo Inline-6

$3,800.00

Product Overview & Specifications

In Stock, Multiple Year Ranges Available 2009 to 2017
Free Shipping to All 50 States via Freight Pallet, 5 to 10 Business Days
All 6 Cylinders Compression Tested, Results Available Before You Pay
N55B30 Variant Confirmed (Standard 300 hp vs 1M 335 hp Spec)
Donor Application Documented (335i, 535i, X3 35i, X5 35i, 640i, 1M, etc.)
Valve Cover Gasket Condition Inspected (Common N55 Oil Leak Point)
HPFP (High Pressure Fuel Pump) Status Documented
Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves Assessed (Walnut Blast Recommended on Most N55s)
100% Fitment Verified Before Every Order Ships
No Core Charge, Keep Your Old Engine
15 Day Replacement Warranty on Internal Defects

100% Fitment Assistance

15 Days Replacement Warranty

Free & Fast Shipping

Category: Engine

Description
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About the Used BMW N55 Engine

The BMW N55 engine, renowned for its performance and reliability, is a standout in the world of automotive engineering. This inline-six engine, featuring a single twin-scroll turbocharger, delivers impressive power and smooth performance, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts, tuners, and BMW owners looking for an N55 crate engine for their next project. Whether you’re seeking an N55 motor for sale to repower a 335i, 535i, X5 35i, or you’re sourcing the legendary 1 Series M Coupe (1M) variant, this engine offers exceptional versatility and durability.

With advanced technologies such as Valvetronic variable valve lift, Double-VANOS variable cam timing, and high-pressure direct injection, the N55 engine provides optimal efficiency and responsiveness. It produces robust 300 to 320 hp and 300 to 330 lb-ft of torque, with the lower-end torque coming on at just 1,300 RPM and holding steady through 5,000 RPM, ensuring a thrilling driving experience from launch through cruising. Perfect for performance builds or as a replacement for your existing BMW N55 engine, this powerplant promises reliability and longevity when properly maintained.

Key Features of the BMW N55 Engine

The BMW N55 engine is a pinnacle of modern engineering, known for its power, efficiency, and advanced technology. Key features include:

Single Twin-Scroll Turbocharger: Enhances performance and reduces turbo lag, delivering smooth and immediate power. The single-turbo design replaces the more complex twin-turbo configuration of the predecessor N54.

Valvetronic Technology: BMW’s continuously variable intake valve lift system optimizes efficiency and power output without a traditional throttle plate, providing a responsive driving experience and improved fuel economy.

Double-VANOS: Variable camshaft timing on both intake and exhaust adjusts for improved torque, fuel efficiency, and emissions across the entire RPM range.

Lightweight Aluminum Construction: Aluminum block and head reduces weight, enhancing vehicle performance, handling, and chassis weight balance.

High-Pressure Direct Fuel Injection: Ensures precise fuel delivery at up to 200 bar of pressure for maximum power and efficiency.

Closed-Deck Aluminum Block: Stronger than open-deck designs, supporting higher boost pressures in tuned applications.

Ideal for enthusiasts seeking an N55 crate engine for custom builds or as a reliable replacement, the BMW N55 engine for sale is perfect for elevating your driving experience. Its combination of innovative features and proven reliability makes it a top choice in the competitive BMW used engine market.

N55 Variants by Application

Signs You Need a Replacement N55

Knock or rattle on cold start (rod or main bearing wear)

Loss of compression on one or more cylinders

HPFP (high-pressure fuel pump) failure causing hesitation or no-start condition

Wastegate rattle (a known N55 weakness)

Misfires under load (failed coil pack, injector, or HPFP)

Excessive oil consumption

Coolant in oil or oil in coolant (head gasket failure or charge pipe boost leak)

Engine seized in donor vehicle

Building a 335i / 535i / X3 35i swap or repower project

Known N55 Issues We Inspect Before Shipping

HPFP (High Pressure Fuel Pump) wear: A known N55 weakness inherited from the N54 platform, though improved over time. We document HPFP function status.

Wastegate rattle: A known issue on aged N55 turbos. We listen for wastegate rattle on cold start and document.

Charge pipe (factory plastic) failure: The factory plastic charge pipe is known to crack under boost. We note this on shipped engines (the charge pipe is external and not part of the long block).

Carbon buildup on intake valves: Direct injection engines like the N55 are prone to carbon buildup on intake valve backsides. We assess and recommend walnut blast service before installation in most cases.

Valve cover gasket leaks: Common N55 oil leak source. We inspect and disclose.

Oil filter housing gasket leaks: Another common N55 oil leak. Inspected before shipping.

engine-code	N55B30
type	Inline-six engine
turbocharger	Single twin-scroll turbocharger
displacement	3.0 liters (2, 979 cc)
fuel-injection	Direct fuel injection
valve-train	DOHC with Valvetronic and Double-VANOS
compression-ratio	10.2:1
block-material	Aluminum (closed-deck)
head-material	Aluminum
horsepower	000 rpm, 300 to 320 hp at 5, 800 to 6
torque	000 rpm, 300 to 330 lb-ft at 1, 300 to 5
cooling-system	Water-cooled with electric water pump
manufacturer	BMW AG
production-years	2009 to 2017 (in BMW production)
common-applications	135i, 1M Coupe, 335i, 435i, 535i, 640i, 740i, M2 (original), X3 35i, X4 35i, X5 35i, X6 35i
compatibility	2009 BMW N55 Engine and cross-fit N55 applications
price	$3, 800.00

FAQs

What makes the N55 engine different from its predecessor, the N54?

While both engines are turbocharged inline-six engines with 3.0 liters of displacement, the N55 uses a single twin-scroll turbocharger compared to the N54’s twin-turbo configuration. The N55 also features Valvetronic technology (continuously variable intake valve lift) which the N54 lacks. The single-turbo design improves throttle response, simplifies plumbing, and improves long-term reliability. The N55 produces roughly the same power as the N54 (300 hp standard) but with better drivability and lower thermal stress on the turbo

What makes the N55 engine different from its predecessor, the N54?

How reliable is the N55 engine?

The N55 engine is generally considered reliable, especially when properly maintained with consistent oil changes (BMW LL-01 5W-30 every 7,500 miles instead of the longer factory interval), regular HPFP monitoring, and walnut blast service for carbon every 60,000 to 80,000 miles. Its design improvements over the N54 have addressed many earlier issues, making it a robust and durable engine.

What vehicles come with the N55 engine?

The N55 engine has been used in a wide variety of BMW models, including the 1 Series M Coupe (1M), 135i, 335i, 435i, 535i, 640i, 740i, X3 xDrive35i, X4 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive35i, and the original M2 (F87). The standard variant produces 300 hp; the 1M and M2 variants produce 335 hp and 365 hp respectively.

Is the N55 engine good for tuning?

Yes, the N55 engine is popular for tuning due to its strong performance capabilities and robust closed-deck block construction. Many enthusiasts upgrade the turbo, charge pipe (to prevent the known plastic failure), exhaust, intake, and ECU tune to achieve 400 to 550+ hp on stock internals. With supporting mods (intercooler, fuel system, methanol injection), 600+ hp builds are achievable. The 1M variant is particularly popular as a tuning starting point.

What’s the difference between the standard N55 and the 1M / M2 N55?

The 1M N55 (335 hp) and original M2 N55 (365 hp) share the same fundamental block, head, and rotating assembly as the standard 300 hp variant. The differences are: a more aggressive ECU tune, slightly larger turbo wheel in some applications, and revised intake/exhaust calibration. They are largely cross-compatible from a hardware perspective, though ECU calibration must match the variant.