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-guide-to-the-bmw-n54-engine?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=82049447&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-83zBB3pzAj08GaXaNm0DY7CeK0b3j3PXjiTX2FBzO01BZiAPOfu9qnmINM94f2TuYFBGPAgWnrA7DeLEBSNU36QCk3MQ&_hsmi=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.

 

[Anonymous]

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

 

[Anonymous]

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-guide-to-the-bmw-n54-engine?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=82049447&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-83zBB3pzAj08GaXaNm0DY7CeK0b3j3PXjiTX2FBzO01BZiAPOfu9qnmINM94f2TuYFBGPAgWnrA7DeLEBSNU36QCk3MQ&_hsmi=82049447

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

 

[Smartbear]

https://blog.fcpeuro.com/the-definitive-guide-to-the-bmw-n54-engine?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=82049447&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-83zBB3pzAj08GaXaNm0DY7CeK0b3j3PXjiTX2FBzO01BZiAPOfu9qnmINM94f2TuYFBGPAgWnrA7DeLEBSNU36QCk3MQ&_hsmi=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-guide-to-the-bmw-n54-engine?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=82049447&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-83zBB3pzAj08GaXaNm0DY7CeK0b3j3PXjiTX2FBzO01BZiAPOfu9qnmINM94f2TuYFBGPAgWnrA7DeLEBSNU36QCk3MQ&_hsmi=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-guide-to-the-bmw-n54-engine?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=82049447&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-83zBB3pzAj08GaXaNm0DY7CeK0b3j3PXjiTX2FBzO01BZiAPOfu9qnmINM94f2TuYFBGPAgWnrA7DeLEBSNU36QCk3MQ&_hsmi=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 :lol:
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

 

[Busterboo]

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

The danger lies in the failure to remove any remaining abrasive medium and the combined residue of medium & 'dirt' after cleaning. This applies to all abrasives, of course, and not only walnut shell. However, if a car owner's happy the techie's doing this, fine.

That said, the use of walnut shell was discontinued by the aviation industry a long time ago (or so my cousin, who works for R-R, has told me).

 

[enzed4]

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?

I'm not familiar with the difference. Here a 'BMW dealer' is a BMW approved sales (and usually maintenance) facility. Anything else is just a car dealer regardless of the brands they sell. I wasn't aware there's a difference so when I read BMW dealer I took it to mean BMW approved.

 

[MrPT]

How about a softer nut, e.g. cashew?

 

[Busterboo]

How about a softer nut, e.g. cashew?

Now you're taking the pith.