Long story short do not rebuild a turbo (especially for the N54) like this as this is how it was done in the stone age. At minimum have it flatlined VSR dynamically balanced thereafter, but "first hand" component balancing is also important to ensure the best VSR results. Rob
Full Answer
Are upgraded inlets and outlets worth it on a stock N54?
Some argue upgraded inlets and outlets are not worth it on stock turbo N54's. However, they do assist with longevity when pushing stock turbos towards the limit. Generally, turbos must work harder at higher elevation as they are tasked with compressing thinner air. Standard atmospheric pressure at sea level is 14.7psi.
How many PSI should my N54 turbos be?
However, if you are concerned about N54 turbo longevity, somewhere in the ballpark of 17-18psi on stock inlets/outlets and 19-20psi on upgraded should be safe for most. For those with plans to upgrade in the near future, feel free to have some fun and max out the N54's stock turbos.
How long do stock N54 turbos last?
N54 Stock Turbos Max Boost Summary There is no definitive answer to exactly how long stock turbos will last at any given boost. Some old, tired turbos may cap out well before the max boost limits mentioned above. Other old turbos may gladly hold up for years at 20psi.
What is the difference between single turbo and twin turbo N54?
The single turbo N54 also makes less torque but manages 125 horsepower more than the twin turbo setup. On the contrary, the twin turbo setup rolls in a whopping 636 wheel-torque below 4500rpms while peak power occurs prior to 5000rpms. Good or Bad for Twin Turbos?
How much power can stock N54 turbos handle?
The N54 can handle around 600-650whp and 550-600wtq on the stock block and internals.
How long do turbos last on N54?
around 100,000 milesTurbochargers on the BMW N54, for the most part, last around 100,000 miles before they have to be rebuilt or replaced. It isn't uncommon to hear of cars that have the original turbos still functioning as designed upward of 200,000 miles.
Will the N54 turbo fail?
The N54 Wastegates fail from simple wear and tear of the engine. Over time the actuator and rods of the turbocharger wear down, resulting in rattle and boost control issues. In this case, running higher levels of boost (psi) on your turbochargers will likely increase your chances of Wastegate failure.
How much does it cost to rebuild a turbo?
Turbo rebuild costs can vary drastically if you have damaged major components. Rebuilds start at $450 for standard journal bearing turbos, and $550 for ball bearing turbos, but remember the price will go up from there if you have damaged major components.
How many miles will N54 last?
The N54 can and often does last 200,000+ miles if you're willing to spend enough money. If the repairs are done right the N54 can offer good reliability and longevity. You'll just end up spending more money on repairs and maintenance than these 10-15+ year old cars and engines are worth.
How long do stock turbos last?
60-80k is how long stock turbos usually last. 60-80k is how long stock turbos usually last.
Are N54 internals forged?
No N54 or N55 has forged internals, lul. The only thing forged on the N54 is the crank, period.
Why is the N54 so good?
The N54 also uses direct injection, where highly pressurized fuel is sent directly to the cylinder's combustion chamber. The N54's cooling capabilities are also a big part of the engine's power, as its intercooler is designed to cool the turbocharged air by up to 80 degrees Celsius.
Is BMW N54 engine reliable?
Putting aside the early issues the N54 and N55 are both relatively reliable engines. Some of the supporting hardware such as valve cover gaskets and water pumps are common issues on each, and will likely be for the distant future. After all, BMW isn't targeting customers looking for the most reliable cars on the road.
Is it cheaper to rebuild or replace a turbo?
Current new replacements are ~$1950.00, and the average ticket cost for a rebuild has been $1368, so this vehicle is a prime candidate for rebuilding. The availability of quality parts also plays a key role in our decision to rebuild or replace a turbocharger.
Do I need to balance turbo after rebuild?
The answer is a definite “YES,” all turbochargers need to be balanced during and after assembly. If you do not properly balance your turbocharger, you can burn out the bearings, seals and thrust collar with off-balance, non-parallel rotation.
How often do Turbos need to be rebuilt?
Turbos are designed to last the lifetime of the vehicle (or around 150,000 miles); however, it's possible for them to wear out over time depending on how hard you drive the car and the original build quality of the turbo.
How much horsepower does a N54 have?
The single turbo N54 also makes less torque but manages 125 horsepower more than the twin turbo setup. On the contrary, the twin turbo setup rolls in a whopping 636 wheel-torque below 4500rpms while peak power occurs prior to 5000rpms.
Why are turbos better?
Flow more air at lower PSI. Turbo longevity. Less heat. In general, larger or more efficient turbos will produce better power on the top-end; even if your goal is to keep peak power the same as your maxed stock turbos, upgraded turbos will produce more power at 6000+rpms.
Does a twin turbo N54 have more torque?
Additionally, torque is tougher on engines as compared to power; upgraded twin turbos typically make more torque than single turbos as evidenced above. This can all be adjusted with proper tuning but cutting boost and torque on the lower-end may also defeat the purpose of a twin turbo N54.
Is a N54 turbo a good car?
Well, that depends on your goals and budget. The single turbo N54 above is going to be a faster car , however, the twin turbo setup will provide (in our opinion) a more fun daily driver. You’re not going to really need to string out the motor to redline to have a blast. However, low-end torque is extremely tough on engines. At lower engine speeds, the pistons are travelling slower which exposes the engine to high cylinder pressures for longer periods of time. Additionally, torque is tougher on engines as compared to power; upgraded twin turbos typically make more torque than single turbos as evidenced above.
How many blades are in a 9B turbine?
This simply refers to the number of blades on the turbine wheel. As you likely guessed by now, 9b refers to 9 blades while 12b is 12 blades. All else constant, a 9 blade wheel will flow more air at lower PSI, but the 12 blade wheel will flow more at higher PSI.
Does the N54 have a twin turbo?
BMW N54 Upgraded Twin Turbo Guide. While the BMW N54 can push incredible power and torque through the small stock twin turbos, many enthusiasts look to take their N54 to the next level. Upgraded turbos are the forefront of discussion when it comes to unleashing the N54’s full potential. Despite its reputation as a strong factory motor, ...
Is the N54 a high compression engine?
It’s a relatively high compression engine featuring an open-deck block; on paper, neither of these facts lead one to believe the N54 can handle big boost. Though, in the real world, the N54 has shattered expectations and proven its ability as an outstanding high-performance motor.
