BMW N54 and N55 engines are notorious for their high-power output and overall joy to drive. These were BMW’s first mass produced twin-turbocharged, straight-six gasoline engines that began production in 2006 and lasted until 2016. Listed below are the models BWM installed the N54 and N55 engines.
Affected BMW Models
BMW N54 Engine
- BMW E90/E91/E92/E93 335i.
- 2007-2010 BMW E60/E61 535i.
- 2007-2010 BMW E82/E88 135i.
- 2007-2010 Alpina B3.
- 2008-2010 BMW E71 X6 xDrive35i.
- 2008-2012 BMW F01 740i.
- 2009-2016 BMW E89 Z4 sDrive35i.
- 2010-2013 BMW E92/E93 335is.
BMW N55 Engine
- 009–2017 F10/F11/F07 535i.
- 2010–2013 E90/E91/E92/E93 335i.
- 2010–2013 E82/E88 135i.
- 2010–2017 F25 X3 xDrive35i.
- 2011–2013 E70 X5 xDrive 35i.
- 2011–2015 F30/F31 335i.
- 2011–2014 E71 X6 xDrive 35i.
- 2012–2015 E84 X1 xDrive35i.
A common issue with the N54 and N55 engines, as well as the S55 engines is the timing belt being sucked into the crank hub area and causing serious damage. The extent of the damage ranged from shredded belts to blown up engines. We have diagnosed and repaired numerous cars in our shop with this issue. Unfortunately, when the timing belt gets sucked into the crank hub area, it can then enter your engine and alter its timing. When this happens, the belt typically falls apart. This can result in clogging the engine oil pickup and starving the engine of oil. If the engine becomes starved of oil and remains running, serious engine damage can and will occur.
BMW N54 & N55 Crank Seal Guard
VAC Motorsports created a Crank Seal Guard specifically designed to eliminate the risk of this happening and to provide peace-of-mind for N54, N54, and S55 owners. It is essentially a cover that is placed over the crank seal, so that the timing belt can’t be sucked in the crank hub area. This after-market Crank Seal Cover is an excellent preventative maintenance item for all BMWs with N54, N55, and S55 engines.
Schedule an appointment with Oceanside Motorsports to have this exceptional product installed, thereby avoiding costly repairs from your timing belt being sucked into your N54, N54, or S55 engine.