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N55 Engine Specifications

Complete technical specifications for the BMW N55 turbocharged inline-6 engine.

N55 Variants: PWG vs EWG

  • PWG (Pneumatic Wastegate): E-Series & early F-Series (pre-07/2013) - Cast iron crankshaft
  • EWG (Electronic Wastegate): F-Series (post-07/2013) - Forged steel crankshaft, slightly larger turbo

Production date (not model year) determines wastegate type for 2013 F-Series models.

Core Specifications

Engine Block MaterialDiecast Aluminium with Cast Iron Sleeves
Block Deck DesignOpen Deck
Cylinder Head MaterialDiecast Aluminium
Cylinder SleevesCast Iron (1mm thick)
Crankshaft Material (PWG)Cast Iron (GGG70)
Crankshaft Weight (PWG)~20.1 kg (44.3 lbs)
Crankshaft Material (EWG)Forged Steel (C38modBY)
Crankshaft Weight (EWG)~22.9 kg (50.5 lbs)
Crankshaft CounterweightsAsymmetrical arrangement
Connecting Rod MaterialPowdered Metal Drop Forged
Piston MaterialCast Aluminium
Bore Spacing91 mm
Bore Size84 mm
Displacement2,979cc (2.979 L)
Stroke89.6 mm
Compression Ratio10.2:1
Connecting Rod Centre to Centre144.35 mm
Crankshaft Offset0 mm (No Offset)

Note: N55 uses cast iron cylinder sleeves (1mm thick) rather than plasma arc coating like some other BMW engines.

Turbocharger Specifications

TurbochargerSingle Twin-Scroll (Borg Warner B03)
Wastegate Type (E-Series PWG)Pneumatic Wastegate
Wastegate Type (F-Series EWG)Electronic Wastegate
Peak Boost (Stock)Approximately 8-9 PSI / 0.55-0.62 bar

Valve & Timing Specifications

Intake Valve Diameter / Stem Diameter31.3 mm / 6 mm
Exhaust Valve Diameter / Stem Diameter28 mm / 6 mm
Maximum Valve Lift (Intake)9.9 mm
Maximum Valve Lift (Exhaust)9.7 mm
VANOS Adjustment Range (Intake)70 CA
VANOS Adjustment Range (Exhaust)50 CA
ValvetronicYes (Variable Valve Lift)

DME (Engine Control Unit)

E-Series PWGMEVD17.2
E-Series PWG AlternativeMEVD17.2.6
F-Series EWGMEVD17.2.G
Common ModificationsServicing & Maintenance