N54 engine ownership guide

[scootr]

This is a good collection of information by FCP that every N54 owner should read.

https://blog.fcpeuro.com/the-definitive ... i=82049447

[Gazza51]

Good read.

I get codes for the HPFP and turbo actuator on the wifes 335i

Looks like an invoice coming.

[IRD]

Thanks. Helpful guidance on what to keep an eye on.

[Pbondar]

There are some common issues with the N20 versions too..

Cam box and gasket
Water pump
Oil changes
Oil Cooler and gasket

[Smartbear]

There are some common issues with the N20 versions too..

Cam box and gasket
Water pump
Oil changes
Oil Cooler and gasket

I’ve not read of anyone changing a water pump on an n20 yet, I’m presuming it’s equally as simple as the n52 is?
Rob

[Pbondar]

There are some common issues with the N20 versions too..

Cam box and gasket
Water pump
Oil changes
Oil Cooler and gasket

I’ve not read of anyone changing a water pump on an n20 yet, I’m presuming it’s equally as simple as the n52 is?
Rob

Same pump type so assume its a matter of time for us N20 owners, not that many high milers yet..

[Busterboo]

https://blog.fcpeuro.com/the-definitive ... i=82049447

"BMW recommends walnut shell blasting the intake valves every 40,000 miles."
No, they don't.

[Smartbear]

https://blog.fcpeuro.com/the-definitive ... i=82049447

"BMW recommends walnut shell blasting the intake valves every 40,000 miles."
No, they don't.

What do bmw recommend to combat the carbon build up Buster?
Rob

[Busterboo]

https://blog.fcpeuro.com/the-definitive ... i=82049447

"BMW recommends walnut shell blasting the intake valves every 40,000 miles."
No, they don't.

What do bmw recommend to combat the carbon build up Buster?
Rob

I don't know, Rob. I do know, though, that they don't recommend walnut shell blasting or snake oil massage.

[Busterboo]

In all seriousness, Rob, walnut blasting can cause significant damage if the debris left from the process is not completely removed.

Even a little walnut 'grit' left in the engine will do a damn sight more damage than any carbon it's used to remove.

[Smartbear]

In all seriousness, Rob, walnut blasting can cause significant damage if the debris left from the process is not completely removed.

Even a little walnut 'grit' left in the engine will do a damn sight more damage than any carbon it's used to remove.

That’s surprising, i would have thought the engine could ingest the walnut shell without harm?
Rob

[Busterboo]

In all seriousness, Rob, walnut blasting can cause significant damage if the debris left from the process is not completely removed.

Even a little walnut 'grit' left in the engine will do a damn sight more damage than any carbon it's used to remove.

That’s surprising, i would have thought the engine could ingest the walnut shell without harm?
Rob

Apparently not, which, considering its function as an abrasive, is perhaps not surprising.

Anyways, I ain't lettin' none o' those techie folks put any nutty bits in my car.

[enzed4]

https://blog.fcpeuro.com/the-definitive ... i=82049447

"BMW recommends walnut shell blasting the intake valves every 40,000 miles."
No, they don't.

What do bmw recommend to combat the carbon build up Buster?
Rob

Denial
Seriously, a quick search found many references to BMW dealers carrying out this service. I read that to mean it is BMW approved/recommended. So I'm not sure why Busterboo says it's not approved. Unless he just meant 40,000mi is not the BMW recommendation? Hard to tell. I found one reference that said BMW recommends 30,000mi but it wasn't on a BMW website so I wouldn't take it as gospel.

[Busterboo]

Seriously, a quick search found many references to BMW dealers carrying out this service. I read that to mean it is BMW approved/recommended.

By "dealers" do you mean dealers who sell used BMWs? Or ADs - dealers authorised by BMW to import & sell new cars?

[Smartbear]

In all seriousness, Rob, walnut blasting can cause significant damage if the debris left from the process is not completely removed.

Even a little walnut 'grit' left in the engine will do a damn sight more damage than any carbon it's used to remove.

That’s surprising, i would have thought the engine could ingest the walnut shell without harm?
Rob

Apparently not, which, considering its function as an abrasive, is perhaps not surprising.

Anyways, I ain't lettin' none o' those techie folks put any nutty bits in my car.

Walnut shell is only a harder medium than the carbon deposits though, it’s not as hard as the steel & alloy within the combustion chamber. After all when it’s blasted into the intake ports it doesn’t harm the valves or port in anyway does it?
Rob