E85 E86 3l performance
- Thread starter lavy1966
- Start date
Liverpool
There are 3 different power levels from the 3.0 engines (215bhp, 228bhp and 261bhp).
The e86 coupe was only available with the 261bhp N52B30 in the 3.0si cars (this was also available in the 3.0si roadsters).
The e85 roadster had the early 3.0 M54B30 with 228bhp from 2002-2005, then the 3.0 N52B30 with 218bhp from 2006-2008, but also had the option of the 3.0si version with 261bhp from 2006-2008.
The e86 coupe was only available with the 261bhp N52B30 in the 3.0si cars (this was also available in the 3.0si roadsters).
The e85 roadster had the early 3.0 M54B30 with 228bhp from 2002-2005, then the 3.0 N52B30 with 218bhp from 2006-2008, but also had the option of the 3.0si version with 261bhp from 2006-2008.
agrimes1989
Member
Chris_D said:
Who buys a 3l 6 cylinder convertible roadster and doesn’t rag it ?
North West Surrey
I don't think there is that much difference in performance between the 3 litre M54 and the N52, although the N52 is a bit more powerful.
As I wanted a Coupe I didn't get a choice - it had to be the N52, which I think is a great engine. My 330i daily has the same one and it's performing just fine at 112K miles.
Yes at some point an N52 is going to need a new electric water pump costing £250+ - my 1st Coupe needed one at 9 years and 60K miles. But if they last that long most people aren't going to need another one!
Lack of a dip-stick isn't a problem once you get used to checking it using the button on the dash.
Purely personal preference, but I just think the N52 with its 7,000 rpm red-line suits a 2 seater better than the M54.
But there isn't a wrong answer, so long as it is a 3 litre!
As I wanted a Coupe I didn't get a choice - it had to be the N52, which I think is a great engine. My 330i daily has the same one and it's performing just fine at 112K miles.
Yes at some point an N52 is going to need a new electric water pump costing £250+ - my 1st Coupe needed one at 9 years and 60K miles. But if they last that long most people aren't going to need another one!
Lack of a dip-stick isn't a problem once you get used to checking it using the button on the dash.
Purely personal preference, but I just think the N52 with its 7,000 rpm red-line suits a 2 seater better than the M54.
But there isn't a wrong answer, so long as it is a 3 litre!
eddiemunster
Member
Chris_D said:Me!
Me too.
bearded_ed
Member
eddiemunster said:Chris_D said:Me!
Me too.
Not me!
Isn't the N52 way more efficient than the M54, performance as well as economy? I have the N52 in my E89 and not only has it got good performance but the fuel economy is equally good, I am getting around 24MPG in town and on a long run over 40MPG, never achieved anything close to that from my E46 6 cylinder.
The N52 is definitely more powerful than the M54 bit I haven't noticed much difference in economy.
I've only had one M54 engined car, an E46 325ti and over 23,000 miles it averaged just over 32 mpg.
My 1st E86 averaged more or less the same over the 8,000 miles I did in it and my current one is about the same over 13,000 miles.
Those are overall averages, but are probably higher than most will get as I've stopped working so no commute or rush hour traffic - bliss! :lol:
I've only had one M54 engined car, an E46 325ti and over 23,000 miles it averaged just over 32 mpg.
My 1st E86 averaged more or less the same over the 8,000 miles I did in it and my current one is about the same over 13,000 miles.
Those are overall averages, but are probably higher than most will get as I've stopped working so no commute or rush hour traffic - bliss! :lol:
I believe the N52 is livlier and you can feel it coming on cam while the front end feels lighter and helps handling. I have the M54 which delivers power fairly evenly. When I bought there were only two 3.0 manuals for sale, both m54 so no choice. Still, a great engine and car to drive.
agrimes1989
Member
Mine (m54) 3.0i manual averages 27 and can get 44mpg on a motorway run . N52 is the more refined engine , from what I’ve heard the m54 sounds raspier with an exhaust .
