Compare

Engine comparison

BMW N55
+ Add engine
+ Add engine
BMW N55
Verdict
SOLID · 66/100
Est. cost /3yr
€4,000-7,500 over 3 years for routine maintenance and fluids, plus a likely additional €1,500-3,500 for a timing chain guide service if not already carried out within the 80,000-130,000 km window
Oil interval
10,000 km
Recalls
1
Worst issue
Timing Chain Guide Wear & Failure
HIGH
BMW N55
F20 · LCI
Timing Chain Guide Wear & Failure
€1,500-3,500
HIGH
Rod Bearing Failure (Spun Bearing)
€3,000-8,000
HIGH
EGR Cooler Leak
€400-1,200
MODERATE
High Operating Temperature Sensitivity
€0-500
MODERATE
BMW N55
F20 · LCI
•Pull full service history, confirm oil changes every 10,000 km or less with correct BMW LL spec oil
•Perform cold-start test and listen carefully for timing chain rattle from the front of the engine
•Request an oil sump inspection or recent oil sample analysis to check for plastic timing guide debris or metal particles
•Verify EGR cooler recall completion by running the VIN through the DVSA or BMW recall checker before purchase
•Check coolant level, colour, and condition, inspect for any signs of leaks around the EGR cooler and water pump area
•Scan all ECU modules for fault codes, particularly any timing chain correlation errors, oil pressure faults, or boost-related codes
•If considering an M2, confirm the specific N55B30M0 code and ask for evidence of the factory forged rod upgrade rather than assuming parity with the standard N55
BMW N55
F20 · LCI
Timing Chain & Guides
Inspect oil sump for plastic debris at every oil change, replace chain and guides proactively if any debris found or rattle present on cold start
80,000-120,000 km
Rod Bearings
Run oil analysis annually to detect early metal contamination, ensure strict oil change intervals are never exceeded
100,000-150,000 km
EGR Cooler
Verify recall completion by VIN, inspect for coolant seepage at each service
80,000-130,000 km
BMW N55
F20 · LCI
EGR Cooler
Potential EGR cooler leak affecting approximately 35,000 BMW and MINI vehicles, coolant loss risk with potential for overheating
BMW N55
F20 · LCI
✓Smooth and refined inline-six character with strong power delivery
✓Replaced the more problematic twin-turbo N54 with a simpler, more serviceable single-turbo setup
✓Valvetronic variable valve lift improves efficiency and throttle response
✓Community short-term reliability regarded positively with few complaints at lower mileages
✓Wide availability of parts and experienced independent specialists
✓Strong aftermarket support for maintenance and performance parts
BMW N55
F20 · LCI
Real consumption
8.6 L/100km
Official consumption
Not available
Oil interval
10,000 km
Oil spec
BMW Longlife-01 or LL-04 compliant 5W-30 fully synthetic
Est. cost /3yr
€4,000-7,500 over 3 years for routine maintenance and fluids, plus a likely additional €1,500-3,500 for a timing chain guide service if not already carried out within the 80,000-130,000 km window
BMW N55
F20 · LCI
306 hp · 400 Nm
2009-2013
320 hp · 450 Nm
2013-2019
365 hp · 500 Nm
2016-2018
Do not choose between N55 variants based on the hp figure alone. The 306 and 320 hp versions share identical bottom-end hardware, so buying decisions should be driven by service history and cold-start chain noise, not output. The 365 hp M2 version (N55B30M0) is the exception, it has genuinely different internals (forged rods, uprated oiling) and should be treated as a distinct engine for risk assessment, not just a hotter tune of the same block.