Engine Benefit(BMW)

BENEFIT

•     N55 slightly better fuel economy. ( 1-2% but technically there is upto 5% due to twinscroll turbo)

        slightly better efficiency (5-7% according to the modified.com article)

        Combination of direct injection, turbo and valvetronic (actual benefit i am           unsure.

         However this is  the first time these have been used together so I am                   assuming there is some sort of synergistic affect)      

        Peak torque comes on 200rpm earlier at 1200.

         Engine is 9pounds lighter.

•     Peak torque doesnt really come on early as claimed, there are dynos to prove this. I dont know why BMW does this, but they are completely bullshitting us when they say the N54 makes maximum torque at 1500, more like 2200 and the N55 is about the same.

•     There isnt much difference stock for stock powerwise between the two engines. After tuning though, it 'seems' as though the N54 will just be the better platform. Dont forget that valvetronic is yet another variable thrown in the equation for tuners to try and play with. And believe  me, they will probably leave it locked out for simplicity and for maximum power if all else.

•     Twin scrolls are nice, but id rather have the 9 lbs heavier engine with the extra turbo.