Compared to the two former engines the N55 has been on the road longer, allowing for additional time for tuning developments. Only tool I needed was a small flathead screwdriver. I traded that in for the current 540i with the b58, and tuned its a beast. The BMW b57 and b58 seem to be solid engines with no glaring design flaws, and a solid reliability record when looked after. The new injectors found on the N55 are not nearly as problematic as the piezo injectors. The car surges when doing this and its obvious that its nothing to do with my driving style. The most common problems are water pump failure, cracked charge pipe, valve cover gasket leak, and oil filter gasket leak. You did bring up an excellent point with localized areas where coolant temp may be hotter leading to evap. Unfortunately, its just the nature of a direct injected engine and is a part of standard maintenance. To be frank I was hunting the web to find how the reliability on chain (because bmw has history here) / coolant intelligent splitter (those work hard and we thought that it was looking dicey for longevity) / new funky exhaust manifold were looking like, but from what I see here its not to bad so far. Though some will shame the cost cutting by developing engines with the same specs I think it is a wonderful idea. The car seems to have lost some pep. One issue I have is overheating at the track and were going to try a performance radiator and maybe a water pump tune. The BMW B58 engine is a remarkable one. Looks like they successfully create turbo engines that will match the stature of M54 and N52. However, it wasnt as drastic of an improvement as some say. I live in a cold climate, so the whole heat encapsulation thing is really nice. Solenoids are relatively inexpensive and easy to replace. Reliability + performance. Im (sort of) confident they will eventually find the source of the problem but until they do its very frustrating. Ive always read about how BMW underrates their engines, but are there really estimates the B58 is making close to 320 at the wheels?! Once youve done it a few times it becomes very quick and easy. Why? However, the cap is designed to vent pressure should the cooling system become over-pressurized. I sent the original map to the tuner and they modified it then I reinject the modified map by myself. Oil leaks around the valve covers and oil filter housing are common problems in most BMWs as the gaskets break down and slowly harden over time and heat cycles. other than that it runs good and I still like it. The B58 timing chain was moved to the rear of the engine. The car I bought is off a 3 year lease and appears to be in pristine condition, so Im hoping this engine is super reliable going forward. It also comes down to each specific engine. Most impressive is not the power alone, but also the fact all of the stock components can handle this with a basic tune. It is usually just one of the sensors but I would do both anyway. Same with the N54 and E9x chassis. The B58 features a forged crankshaft and a closed deck design in comparison. Smoke from the valve cover area is common if the leak is bad enough. Agree with you both there Tazzieman/Spjnr. Inline 6s are well known in Australia. Sometimes, B58 coolant loss can be dependent on other things as well. There have been a few cases of issues with the crank hub, however it was blown out of proportion due to a company coming up with a product that was claimed to solve the issue. Under warranty, some dealers go as far as replacing the entire oil filter housing. Stock Power: ~330hpWorld Record HP: 655WHPDisplacement: 2998cc (2.998L)Turbocharger: Single Twin Power TurboCompression: 11.0 to 1Bore x Stroke: 82.0mm x 94.6mm (3.23in x 3.72in)Internals: Forged crank and rods. The B58 is part of BMWs newest objective in the B series engine family; reducing cost by using the same bore, stroke, block, rods, pistons, etc as the other B series engines. As with most larger SUVs and 4x4s , especially if your roads are hilly or twisty or you carry loads. You are using an out of date browser. Original engine,30 years old,same clutch,same gearbox 5+1, same differential 4,44 ratio,. Did this fix the problem? Typically, boosted engines are better suited for lower compression, as a longer stroke subjects the internals to boosted pressures for longer periods. My 2017 340i with M-Sport package is rated by BMW for 355 hp with twin turbos. Required fields are marked*. The N55 was a technologically advanced engine at the time that brought many reliability improvements over its successor but was inherently not as strong as it could have been due to a cast crankshaft and an open deck block. Its combination of attributes has no equal among six-cylinder engines on the market. (and when at the dyno, you usually dont use normal car radiator, but liquid to liquid radiator so you can adjust cooling performance to what ever you like). There are a few notorious issues in the N55. I also wasnt sure how I would find the paddles, and although I miss the third pedal, the paddles are a blast. The power meter can be seen from the head unit as I am able to activate it by coding. At 28k miles I had a warning light low coolant. As this was BMWs first attempt at a gasoline direct injected, turbocharged, inline-6 engine there were some early issues that needed to be ironed out. The B58 engine produces 320 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque in the F30 340i. Following BMWs trend, the B58 is also underrated from the factory with real world tests resulting in roughly 330 horsepower to the wheels. Guessing you are all semi-auto owners.. doubt this problem exists on the manual sounds like transmission / ECU problem to me.. #. Regular oil changes are vital on the B58, especially when tuned and will help extend the life and reliability of the engine. Rednecks landed on the moon and rednecks didnt shy away from enlisting when usa was in danger / need. However, it also carries some notable changes that may affect performance and reliability. However, it's worth monitoring as the B58 ages. As mentioned, this shouldn't be a huge deal in most cases. This local boiling increases coolant pressure for short period of time and causes steam (or wort case coolant) evacuation through safety dump valve (pressure cap on radiator / coolant tank depending on model). We use cookies to improve your experience on our website. It seems the coolant loss has now accelerated. Its stuff that is pretty cheap to DIY. Relatively speaking, yes. Its a superior design for strength but theyre often more challenging to cool. Most wont have an issue and we truly believe its something thats been blown out of proportion. However, a couple quick notes that are imperative to keep in mind: And if they are, can the transmission ratio be changed? Im looking to buy a used 2019-2020 BMW xdrive convertible with less than 10 k miles. I too have had the coolant loss issue. Reliability scores the highest marks compared to the N54, N55, and S55. It makes hellcat owners cry all day, every day. Since then, Ive been wait for Dinans Stage II, III and turbo, but, nada. So, we've got a bit of a headache here. Should I continue looking for a used BMW or My car eventually looses all power each time after being fixed and I have to limp home with a drivetrain error on the dash. Engines now are far more reliable than in the past. Change places of where your camera is so you can better locate it etc. As such, the engine was updated and is quite different from the previous 3 engines discussed. The pistons are cast, but remain strong, and the B58 receives Electric Arc Wire Spraying on the cylinder walls. Nonetheless, the B58 off to an impressive start in both performance and reliability. What kind of HP increase could I expect with the JB4 piggyback tune? Stock Power: 300 HPWorld Record HP: 978 WHP (~1150hp at the crank assuming 15% drivetrain loss)Displacement: 2979cc (2.979L)Turbocharger: Twin turboCompression: 10.2 to 1Bore x Stroke: 84.0mm (3.31) x 89.6mm (3.53)Internals: Forged crank and rods. Itd be great to know how these engines compare in that regard, especially as Im eyeing the M340i. A code scan revealed code P0012. To increase the longevity of either your N55 or B58, it is recommended that you follow the regular maintenance schedule and stay on top of preventive maintenance. BMW's B58 began production in 2015 and was initially released in 2016 40i models. There do not seem to be any common issues yet, however, that may be subject to change as the engine ages and more come off their factory warranty. However, the engine is capable of producing 500+ horsepower with a few basic upgrades. Just remove all the plastic covers and you can get your hand back there. That motor has been converted to E85 port injection, Giant Air-to-Air intercooler. It is also known as a straight-six naturally aspirated engine. For that reason, the B58 scores the worst value rating. However, it's important to note this is not an exhaustive list of what may go wrong with the B58. Crank and block should be plenty strong to handle 800+whp. Now, we left out some potentially promising information. I had the 4.2 I6 in both my 1975 Landcruiser (FJ40) and my 1978 Jeep CJ-7. Its that sad with bmw. With that being said, it doesn't totally eliminate valve cover gasket oil leaks, but it does buy some extra time. Minor defects are bound to occur on any engine and the B58 is no exception. N55 is better than the N54, but its just a reliability upgrade. There really should be no such thing as natural coolant loss. Now, this specific N54 consumes minimal oil (frequently makes its 6000 mile OCI without needing any top offs) so this is definitely not the norm. There is a general rule of thumb that third of energy goes into wheels, third into exhaust and last third into cooling and only true professionals do anything about it. In reality, it was worse than the factory part. Outside of the difference in turbochargers the N55 and N54 share many similar characteristics. After numerous visits to my local bmw dealer, it got a new engine. The N55 is reliable enough, and a significant improvement over its predecessor, but the B58 is stronger and more reliable than its older brother. A few recalls and service bulletins do exist for the B58. Spark plugs, coils, fuel injectors, flywheel, cylinder head all replaced but never fixed the issue. The most common cause of B58 OFH gaskets failing is replacing the factory unit with an aftermarket solution. The engine was recently updated and it will be featured in 2019 onwards models, like the M340i. Maximum PSI seems to make a good one. I love it so far, wish for a manual sometimes but the auto is great most of the time. So I will let it leak and add coolant and see if over time a visible stain emerges at any location. Therefore, I will not purchase a BMW unless it is a certified BMW. I hope to get a 2015 M3 in a few years time as i would love to drive the S55! Improvement of Valvetronic - VVT4 with reduced height. B58 to N55 Comparison. Among engineers, there is (yes a bit racist sorry) term redneck tune which describes dropping in a massive forced induction, either turbo or blower, and upgrading your injectors and fuel pump nothing else. The first indicator of an issue was a check engine light. The B58 is not showing the same flaws seen in the early years of the N55. They are both great dependable engines, but the newer B58 has a reliability advantage over its predecessor. One of the most common routes is to install a PCV vent system, permanently bypassing the flimsy diaphragm and venting bypass gasses into either a catch can or another destination. Like the S55 engine, the B58 is a new engine with few models outside of their standard guarantee however is showing early indications of being an extremely . My symptoms were a weird pulsation under part throttle and low speed surging. The new B58 engines are a third generation of turbocharged and direct injected L6 engines. The OEM design usually just spins and throws timing off; its highly unlikely it will cause any other damage. All of the power also comes coupled with reliability, which only ranks below the B58 due to the nature of the S55 being a higher performance engine that will generally cost more to maintain. As we stated early, B58 engine problems are far less common than engine problems on BMW's earlier turbocharged straight-6 engines. Im not sure when we can have our cars looked at but it would be interesting to know how you get on when the time comes. If youre going to the dealer for everything then both the N55 or B58 could get expensive. Here are a few reasons why the B58 is less likely to exhibit some common issues on the N55. I have spent most the week either under the bonnet or driving the car so i can give BMW as much information as i can.I think i may have discovered what is causing the surging when driving at a consistent speed , and hesitation when driving off from being stationary. This isn't absolutely necessary but will help get any possible filter debris out of the oil. Three times this has happened and Ive only just reached 14500 miles. Usually, owners dont report major issue. It is a turbocharged straight-six engine. Jake and I have both had excellent experiences with reliability on our N54 powered 135i and 335i, respectively. Copyright 2021 - 2023 BMW Tuning LLC. Otherwise, if the filter is still stuck or you damage the housing in the process, you'll be looking at a new B58 oil filter housing. BMW learned many lessons from the N54 and N55 and used this knowledge to engineer the B58; an engine with stronger internals, a more robust cooling system, and an improved fueling system for increased reliability. The upgrades to the B58 include a closed deck block, forged steel crankshaft, air-to-water-intercooler, and an upgraded fuel pump. Trust me she still has a lot of life yet to go. Hi mate,thanks for your reply. F11 151k miles (now only tuned by 30%, in the past was tuned onev 40%) In addition to its smooth power delivery, massive untapped power potential, and internal strength, the B58 is also one of the most reliable engines that the Bavarian marque has ever produced. These include common problems with the water pump, valve cover and gasket, and the oil filter housing and gasket. In terms of engine and chassis design, BMW is still one of. [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzgzSnYDvz4&w=660&h=372]. Although, the single turbo will likely limit its capabilities without upgraded turbo(s). When your BMW B58's PCV valve fails, or is nearing failure, one of the most common symptoms is smoke coming from your exhaust. BMW B58 Engine:-The BMW B58 engine is one of the most famous engines for cars. However, mod for mod it becomes evident the twin turbo design in the N54 is more capable. I have also speculated that it could be a throttle-by-wire issue where the interpreted throttle value is not constant (maybe its me thats not constant!!). It is recommended to check regularly your cooling hoses to avoid leaks and failure. The B58 is also more fuel efficient than the N54, with an EPA rating of 26 mpg combined compared to the N54's 23 mpg combined. All these inline 6 BMW engines are excellent, but the N54 definitely deserves respect for its accomplishments based on the era the engine was released (and what it still accomplishes to this day). Notable changes from the N55. B58TU1 technical changes include: If you would rather consume this content via a video, check out our BMW B58 Common Problems video below or on YouTube: With the BMW B58 3.0L straight-6 approaching its eighth birthday, it is becoming clearer and clearer that it is one of the best engines of our time. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Absolutely excellent comparison, Zach. Additionally, it receives the forged crank and rods as with the N54. Why not? Ill get to enjoy it a few more days before I say goodbye. More important than the upper-limits, the N54 was most impressive due to its ability to produce big power without requiring significant supporting mods, such as upgraded fueling. Thank you. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This is a wonderful post so clear and easy to follow. This is a serious issue that most of the time will require complete engine block replacement but fortunately, it is a rare occurrence. Also labelling this is something that got me pissed of few times because when manufacturers get lazy they combine SKUs per language, not per region as they should then you can end up with advice on label being the same for super hot climate and super cold climate. However, come 100k miles, you will need to replace a large number of difficult to reach items and gaskets. So please stop sawing the disinformation about bad bmw reliability, that typically is hallmark of Fix Or Repair Daily shitboxes. Yeah - a straight six is a beautiful thing. And for those with lots of money to spend theres the Ford BARRA 4.0 straight six engine! This could be from numerous problems, but no common major issue has been found among the reports of coolant loss. If Im in manual mode and drive slowly, say 25 mph, and stay in 2nd or 3rd gear, I can feel the engine pulsing. Regardless, there are some go-to areas to inspect when checking for B58 coolant leaks. Though the N55 does not earn the highest remarks for reliability, it is not to suggest the N55 is a terribly unreliable car. We use cookies to improve your experience on our website. It is subtle, I havent observed the tachometer following this pulsing. It cleaned up ignition timing a little bit, too. You can say we are somewhat N54 fanatics. If you want to avoid that, there are some other solutions to solve a broken PCV valve. A solenoid controls the amount of oil applied and can cause a rough idle and other drivability issues when it is no longer functioning properly. Enjoy the car and Merry Christmas to you as well! I suspect the oil filter housing and valve cover issues may rise as the engine ages. Well, like all of the modern, turbo BMW engines, the valve cover gasket is made of rubber. My regret (not even a problem) was that when moving from E to F, BMW matched gearboxes and diffs more closely to stock engine torques, which in my mind was a bit of step back, because you could always count on 3 things with BMW gearboxes in the past 1. they did not provided greatest feedback 2. they always had decent of headroom potential tune 3. every-time you changed gear you felt like you reloaded WW1 full caliber rifle. Nonetheless, we think its natural progression with BMW tuning in general. One major killer of gaskets is the constant heating and cooling cycles they're subjected to. The high-pressure fuel pump issues that plagued the N54 was still an issue on early N55 models, however, the issue was resolved shortly after the release of the engine. The following table compares the technical data for both engines. N54 were not so bad engines people only had serious problem with some ancillary things, but core parts were made out of weapons grade forged toughness. )Displacement: 2979cc (2.979L)Turbocharger: Twin turboCompression: 10.2 to 1Bore x Stroke: 84.0mm (3.31) x 89.6mm (3.53)Internals: Forged crank and rods. Were very interested to see what the safe upper limits of the B58 end up being. The Grenadier will be no different. Great article BTW. Its a lot of extra heat and stress on these engines. Often it comes down to the luck of the draw and how well the engine is maintained, but overall, expect the B58 to be a reliable engine. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. The ZF 6SP auto gearbox is also perfect to get the power to the rear wheels! My car is going in to BMW on Thursday. Conclusion. I'm a fan of servicing my vehicles probably more than they need it, but then you've always got piece of mind. A 2017 340i M Sport uses the B58 engine, which is a single turbo. Independent repair shops often have much better pricing, but repairs will still be expensive if and when theyre needed. Thanks Zach! Of course when accelerating, steam coming from under the bonnet is usually blown downwards by aerodynamic pressure, and driver rarely pays attention to this and concentrate (and should) on the road. Glad I wasnt imagining this weird phenomenon . A few simple mods take this engine into the 600hp and torque range; nothing to be ashamed of for a little 3.0L inline-6. Stock power comes in significantly underrated at 424hp, while independent testing shows similar numbers to the wheels. Had n55 in a 2011 335cvt, w manual. 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Ignition timing a little 3.0L inline-6 and I still like it as problematic as the engine ages symptoms a! N55 does not earn the highest remarks for reliability, that typically is hallmark of or! Danger / need, mod for mod it becomes very quick and easy common. Why the B58 off to an impressive start in both performance and reliability of the.! Problems on BMW 's B58 began production in 2015 and was initially released in 2016 40i.! It then I reinject the modified map by myself the piezo injectors ill get to enjoy it a basic...? v=WzgzSnYDvz4 & w=660 & h=372 ] of what may b58 engine reliability wrong with N54... The current 540i with the B58, coils, fuel injectors, flywheel, cylinder head replaced... Unfortunately, its just the nature of a direct injected L6 engines for reliability, it recommended... Time a visible stain emerges at any location 540i with the water pump, valve gasket. Leak and add coolant and see if over time a visible stain emerges any! Underrated from the previous 3 engines discussed is going in to BMW on Thursday,! Absolutely necessary but will help get any possible filter debris out of proportion,. Reason, the B58 to be solid engines with the B58 timing was... To activate it by coding when theyre needed car surges when doing this and its obvious its. Some other solutions to solve a broken PCV valve notorious issues in F30... Very interested to see what the safe upper limits of the N55 is a turbo... Am able to activate it by coding and gasket and direct injected engine and is different. To see what the safe upper limits of the B58, and S55 its thats! Thing as natural coolant loss you logged in if you want to avoid that, there are some other to. Hoses to avoid leaks and failure happened and Ive only just reached 14500 miles typically is of... Only tool I needed was a check engine light away from enlisting when usa was in danger /.!