BMW N54 vs BMW N55: reliability, problems & repair costs

On our scores the BMW N55 is the safer buy: 70/100 against 48/100 for the BMW N54.

Same car, either engine

The E90/E92 was sold with both.

BMW N54 in the 335i E90 LCI2009–2010
48/100Risky
14 confirmed issues
Best-known problemHigh-pressure fuel pump failure · from 129k km · €800–2,000
BMW N55 in the 335i E90 LCI2010–2012
70/100Good
16 confirmed issues
Best-known problemRod bearing failure · from 97k km · €2,500–8,000

Version by version

BMW N54

BMW N54 in the 335i E90 LCI2009–2010
48/100Risky
14 confirmed issues
Best-known problemHigh-pressure fuel pump failure · from 129k km · €800–2,000

BMW N55

BMW N55 in the 335i E90 LCI2010–2012
70/100Good
16 confirmed issues
Best-known problemRod bearing failure · from 97k km · €2,500–8,000
BMW N55 in the 335i F302012–2016
70/100Good
17 confirmed issues
Best-known problemRod bearing failure · from 84k km · €2,500–8,000
BMW N55 in the M135i F20 LCI2015–2016
70/100Good
19 confirmed issues
Best-known problemRod bearing failure · from 84k km · €2,500–8,000

The problems they share

Reported on both

High-pressure fuel pump failure
Oil pump wear / sludge buildup
Rod bearing failure
Water pump failure
Head gasket failure
Oil leak from seals or gaskets
Fuel injector failure
Wastegate / boost actuator failure
Turbocharger failure
Thermostat / temperature sensor failure
Variable valve timing solenoid/actuator failure
Dual-mass flywheel / clutch wear
Intake valve carbon buildup

Only on the BMW N54

ECU fault or wiring issue

Only on the BMW N55

Piston ringland failure
Timing chain stretch / guide wear
Excessive oil consumption
Engine sensor failure
Intercooler failure or leak
Oil filter housing gasket leak
Cracked charge pipe

A problem missing from a version may be rarer there, or have fewer owner reports behind it so far.

Head to head