Known for its performance, engineering, and widespread adoption among Bimmer enthusiasts, the N54 engine marked a significant milestone in BMW’s history. The N54 engine was introduced by BMW in 2006 and was produced until 2016 most notably in cars like the 135i Coupe and Convertible (E82/E88), 335i Coupe, Convertible, Sedan, and Wagon (E90/E91/E92/E93), 535i Sedan and Wagon (E60/E61), and the Z4 sDrive35i (E89). This engine really marked BMW’s return to turbocharging in a production inline-six engine. The N54 is a 3.0-liter inline-six engine featuring twin turbo’s. The use of twin turbos helps the engine deliver strong low-end torque and impressive horsepower output across the rpm range. The N54 was one of the first BMW engines to feature direct fuel injection. To support direct injection, the N54 engine features a high-pressure fuel system capable of delivering fuel at pressures of up to 2900 psi (200 bar for the non Americans). The N54 also incorporates BMW’s VANOS system for both the intake and exhaust camshafts. This variable valve timing technology allows for precise control over valve timing, optimizing engine performance, responsiveness, and fuel efficiency. Like a lot of current BMW engines, the N54 features an aluminum block and cylinder head, which helps reduce weight while maintaining structural integrity and heat dissipation properties, but be careful of overheating, because once that aluminum warps, there’s no going back.
From the factory, the N54 makes around 300 to 335 horsepower (depending on the application), and torque ranging from 300 to 370 lb-ft. These numbers make it a popular platform for BMW boys who want to build it to the moon. The N54 has gotten a significant following because of its potential for significant power gains with relatively simple bolt ons. So let’s talk about these bolt on’s and how to bring the N54 for 650 horsepower using parts sold on our website!
1.) Charge Pipe and Blow Off Valve
First is going to be an aluminum charge pipe with a blow off valve, from brands Active Autowerks, CTS turbo, and Vargas
An upgraded aluminum charge pipe has more durability than the stock plastic that comes in cars with N54’s. It also allows for improved airflow, and better heat dissipation, making them perfect for forced induction setups. Their ability to withstand higher boost pressures and reduce turbulence improves performance and reliability, while also looking so much better than plastic.
Installing a blow-off valve on an N54 can help maintain consistent boost pressure and protect the turbo’s from damage. When the throttle plate closes suddenly, such as during gear shifts or when lifting off the accelerator, the compressed air trapped in the charge pipes can create a pressure wave. A blow-off valve releases this excess pressure, preventing it from damaging the turbo’s and ensuring smoother performance and longevity of the turbocharged system.
Charge Pipe Links:
Active- https://www.vividracing.com/active-autowerke-aluminum-chargepipe-bov-bmw-e9x-n54-335-p-152651390.html
CTS Turbo- https://www.vividracing.com/cts-turbo-bov-pipe-with-tial-flange-bmw-e90-335i-sedan-n54-0710-p-151347356.html
VTT- https://www.vividracing.com/vtt-single-piece-silicone-cold-side-charge-pipe-hks-bmw-biturbo-20062018-p-155987926.html
BOV Links:
Turbo Smart- https://www.vividracing.com/turbosmart-turbosmart-bov-race-port-platinum-p-155955365.html
HKS- https://www.vividracing.com/hks-sqv4-universal-super-sequential-blow-off-valve-kit-p-152792157.html
2.) Cold Air Intake
Second is going to be a cold air intake from brands like Burger Motorsports, AFE, and GruppeM
Adding a cold air intake to the N54 engine will increase airflow, giving it improved performance and a way better sound. By reducing the temperature of the air going in to your engine, it enhances efficiency and potentially fuel economy. A cold air intake is a fairly easy upgrade to install, making it a great choice for people just wanting to get their feet wet, or have sick induction noises.
Cold Air Intake Links:
Injen- https://www.vividracing.com/injen-short-ram-air-intake-system-p-152403547.html
AFE- https://www.vividracing.com/afe-power-magnum-force-stage2-cold-air-intake-system-pro-dry-media-bmw-335i-e90e92e93-30l-0710-p-59521.html
GruppeM- https://www.vividracing.com/gruppem-carbon-fiber-ram-air-intake-system-bmw-335i-e90e91e92e93-0610-p-74298.html
3.) Fuel Pump
Next is an upgraded fuel pump, from brands like Vargas
Upgrading the fuel system in an N54 is crucial if you’re wanting to gain more horsepower and have a higher torque output, especially when running higher boost or using aftermarket turbos. A stronger fuel system ensures the right amount of fuel delivery to meet the engine’s increased demand, preventing it from fuel starvation and potential engine damage. Upgrading your fuel system can also allow for more precise tuning, maximizing the engine’s potential performance while maintaining reliability.
Fuel Pump Links:
Vargas- https://www.vividracing.com/vtt-pfs-bucketless-double-shot-fuel-pump-upgrade-p-155988100.html
4.) Front Mounted Intercooler
After that is a front mounted intercooler, from brands like Wagner, Forge motorsports, and Evolution racewerks
Upgrading the intercooler for an N54 gives you better cooling efficiency. It reduces intake air temperatures for increased power output and improved throttle response. It also helps prevent heat soak during hard driving, giving you consistent power. An upgraded intercooler also helps when you add other modifications to your engine.
Intercooler Links:
Wagner- https://www.vividracing.com/wagner-tuning-intercooler-kit-competition-bmw-e82-e90-evo3-20062013-p-155056621.html
Forge- https://www.vividracing.com/forge-motorsport-front-mount-intercooler-kit-bmw-335i-335ix-e9x-20072010-p-151839030.html
Evolution- https://www.vividracing.com/evolution-racewerks-competition-polished-finish-full-front-mount-intercooler-kit-bmw-335i-n54-0508-p-151452238.html
5.) Upgraded Turbo
Then a turbo upgrade from Brands like The Turbo Engineers, Vargas, and CTS Turbo
Upgrading to twin turbos on an N54 engine can significantly increase power potential. This is the key ingredient to getting up to 650 Horsepower. The stock turbo’s on an N54 can hold up to around 400 horsepower before blowing themselves up, so upgrading them will be a necessity to seeing higher horsepower gains. Upgrading your turbos also gives the engine better responsiveness and torque delivery throughout the RPM range, resulting in you having more fun.
Turbo Upgrade Links:
TTE- https://www.vividracing.com/tte-turbo-new-tte600-n54-upgrade-turbocharger-bmw-135i-lhd-20072011-p-153639504.html
Vargas- https://www.vividracing.com/vtt-n54-stage-rhd-titaniumfits-all-n54-models-lhdrhd-p-155987572.html
CTS- https://www.vividracing.com/cts-turbo-stage-turbo-upgrade-bmw-335i-20072011-p-155962671.html
And finally you’ll need a tune to wrap it all up and make sure everything works.
Tuning the N54 after installing upgraded turbos, a new fuel system, a cold air intake, an upgraded intercooler, and a charge pipe is crucial to optimizing performance and making engine operates safely. A custom tune allows for proper calibration of the engine’s air-fuel ratio, ignition timing, boost levels, and fuel delivery, allowing you to maximize power and drivability while making sure a piston doesn’t go flying out of your hood.
Overall, the N54 is an amazing engine, and it’s popular for a reason. Now, all of these parts are just suggestions. There are plenty of other ways to build an N54 and get upwards of 500 horsepower! If you have an N54 in your car and you’re looking for these parts or other parts, don’t hesitate to reach out! We would love to talk to you.
You can either email us at Sales@vividracing.com, or if you like human interaction, give us a call at +1 (480) 966-3040