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 manner underneath the hood of just about each BMW mannequin within the lineup, from the little 1 Sequence to the 7 Sequence and even the X5 and X6. In fact, it will later itself be phased out in favor of the B58 engine. The N55 benefitted from usually enhanced reliability in comparison with its predecessor. In the present day, nevertheless, each engines discover themselves chasing the B58 by way of energy and sturdiness. However that’s to not say there weren’t loads of superior N55-powered automobiles. Right here’s 5 of our favorites.
ALPINA B3
Whereas we by no means noticed the ALPINA B3 within the U.S. — and subsequently, 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 listing. In fact, ALPINA additionally supplied a sedan, and each fashions have been primarily churched up variations of BMW’s F30 3 Sequence with much more energy. The B3 additionally touts one thing no different automotive on this listing does: true twin turbo energy. That’s proper; ALPINA fitted two smaller turbos in lieu of BMW’s single turbo setup. Larger and badder fueling and cooling {hardware} accompanied the brand new turbo setup. Because of this, that is truly the highest-performing automotive on the listing; zero to 60 mph happens in as little as 4.2 seconds and high velocity is 190 mph (307 km/h). The automotive’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 positive factors distinctive sheet steel and a few practicality.
X1 xDrive35i
The closest the USA 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 completely supplied with an computerized transmission, the most popular X1 ripped off 5.6-second zero-to-60 occasions, almost a full second faster than some other X1 mannequin. With 300 horses and 300 pound-feet of torque, the X1 xDrive35 was almost peerless in its phase. The automotive holds up effectively even a decade later; the old-school hydraulic steering makes it partaking within the twisties, too. Even higher: after a decade, you would possibly spend lower than $12,000 discovering an honest X1 xDrive35i. However useless set on the very best N55-powered SUV? There could also be one higher possibility.
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 take 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 instantaneous and uninterrupted energy supply. Zero to 60 mph happens in 4.4 seconds and Automotive and Driver coaxed a 13.1-second quarter mile time with the automotive reaching 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 usually missed? 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 expertise. 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, probably the most highly effective X4 M solely shaved round half a second off the unique N55-powered automotive’s zero to 60 mph time. Proof as a lot as something that the F26 X4 M40i stays underrated to today.
135is
I’ve already droned on at size about how a lot I like the “is” fashions, significantly relating to the rambunctious, N54-powered E92 BMW 335is. Whereas the 135is sadly didn’t share the automotive’s engine, that’s no trigger for alarm. The 135is remains to be an exquisite automotive. 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 manner. Which is, total, extraordinarily applicable for the automotive’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 automotive. In fact, the obtainable DCT computerized positively modifications the character of the automotive should you examine auto-to-auto. However for finest outcomes, we’ll all the time advocate 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 based mostly on the advantage of simply how good the usual 135i is. Heavy hydraulic steering, a sufficiently small footprint, and lightweight sufficient curb weight make it the most effective 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, in truth, 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 automotive. Due to this fact, I really feel snug 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 latest 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 automobiles or choose the N55-powered automotive’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 dimension. The automotive stays nice at present, too. Even in 2025, the unique M2 provides stuff you merely can’t discover elsewhere. Good aesthetics, all of the expertise you’d actually ever want, and a price ticket that’s shrunk by tens of hundreds because of depreciation.
Oh, and like the entire automobiles we listed right here, a pleasant N55 engine underneath the hood.
