The N55 engine made his debut at the end of the 2000s. It was a development of the N54 twin turbo inline-Six, which was largely replaced during the span of the 2010s. During this time it found its way under the bonnet almost every BMW model in the line -up, from the Little 1 series to the 7 Series and even the X5 and X6. Of course, it would later expire in favor of the B58 engine. The N55 benefited from the generally improved reliability compared to its predecessor. Nowadays, however, both engines pursue the B58 in terms of power and durability. But that doesn’t mean that there were not many great cars from N55. Here are five of our favorites.
Alpina B3
While we have never seen the Alpina B3 in the USA-and that’s why I never have one-it definitely deserves a mention when I have discussed the top BMWs of N55. Perhaps if it is not the only touring model on the list for any other reason. Of course, Alpina also offered a sedan, and both models were essentially versions of BMWS F30 3 series with even more power. The B3 also advertises for something that no other car does on this list: True Twin Turbo Power. That’s correct; Alpina made two smaller turbos instead of BMW’s single turbo setup. Larger and bad guys who accompanied the hardware with the bumps and cooling operation accompanied the new Turbo setup. As a result, this is actually the car with the highest performance on the list. Zero to 60 miles per hour occurs in just 4.2 seconds and the top speed is 307 km/h. The new toiled N55 of the car is a whopping 404 hp (302 kW); Later B3 S models did even more and rated 435 hp (324 kW). These numbers are for the limousine model, but the tour only loses breaks in both arenas – and wins unique sheets and a certain practicality.
X1 XDrive35i
The closest car in the United States is the fascinating X1 XDrive35i. Although it is obviously not a car, our introduction to BMW’s smallest SUV with the E84 chassis included the N55 provider X1 XDRIVE35I. Only offered for three models for years and exclusively with an automatic transmission. The hottest X1 tore down the 5.6-second-zero-to-60 times, almost a full second faster than any other X1 model. With 300 horses and £ 300 torque, the X1 XDRIVE35 in its segment was almost without control. The car also stops well a decade later; The hydraulic steering of the old school also makes it in the Twisties. Even better: after a decade, you could spend less than $ 12,000 to find a decent X1 XDrive35i. But dead on the best N55 SUV? There can be a better option.
X4 M40i
The F26 generation X4 M40i is somewhat underestimated these days. Which is sad: it was the first of the M40i-Baded SUVs. A quick look at the specifications shows 355 hp and £ 343 and an N55 power plant divided with the BMW M2. XDrive all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic (a ZF! BMW used this thing forever …) mean immediately and continuously. Zero to 60 miles per hour occurs in 4.4 seconds and occurs Car and driver Still a 13.1-second mile time by car, which reached 105 miles per hour. At that time it was at level with Porsches Macan GTS.
While we believe that the F26 X4 M40i is good enough to make the top three, why is it overlooked so often? The answer at least partially comes to the act that followed the N55: the B58 engine. The G02 X4 M40i added electricity, a more coherent design and probably better interior and technology. Then there is the S58 provider X4 M, which controls a power supply of up to 503 hp and received the entire “credibility”, which is connected to a “X4 M” badge installed with factory 40i Modifier. Despite everything, the most powerful X4 M only shaved half a second after the zero to 60 miles per hour trendy N55 vehicle period. The proof of what the F26 X4 M40i underestimates to this day.
135is
I have already led to how much I love the “IS” models, especially when it comes to the shaky, N54 -operated E92 BMW 335is. While the 135is unfortunately did not shared the engine of the car, this is not a reason for alarm. The 135is is still a wonderful car. Lower production figures than even the Vaunted 1M, an available stick hit and an increased edition compared to the normal 135i make it so special in its own way. Overall, this is very suitable for the polarizing (in periods) design and the overall packaging of the car.
In all the topicality, the differences in performance between a 135is and N54-operated 135i are slim, which is only striking when pushing the car. Of course, the available DCT automatic definitely changes the character of the car if you compare auto-to-car. For the best results, however, we will always recommend the six-speed manual. The 135is received many special details that have subjected it from other 1 Servaice. But really, the 135is are largely based on virtue of how good the standard 135i is. Strong hydraulic steering, low footprint and the light curb makes it one of the best BMWs ever.
BMW M2
After spending tons of time behind the wheel of the F87 m2, it was extremely difficult to determine whether the N55-M2 was actually a “better” selection number one than the 135is. The M2 benefits from more electricity (365 hp) and a limit slip differential. In the meantime, the 135is is a case in itself by always lighter and, above all, appeals to hydraulic steering. While the 135is have superior steering, I think the M2 is the better car in all other areas. So I feel good when I place it number one.
Like the X4 M40i, the original M2 of N55 is suffering from probably better versions of themselves. The F87 later switched to the S55 engine for the M2 competition model, and the latest M2 receives the supposedly better and obviously more powerful S58 engine. However, the original M2 remains a favorite among those who do not spend the additional money for these cars or prefer the somewhat lower curb weight of the N55 vehicle. Regardless of this, the N55 m2 was So Well, when it came out, it fit like a glove relative to the M4 and M3, which had increased steadily. The car remains great today. Even in 2025, the original M2 offers things that you simply cannot find elsewhere. Good aesthetics, the technology that you would really ever need, and a price that is shrunk by tens of thousands thanks to the depreciation.
Oh, and like all the cars that we have listed here, a delightful N55 engine under the bonnet.
