Need help for deciding M54,N52 or N53 model for bmw e60 530i purchase.

[ravin86]

Hi Sifu's,
Can anyone guide me what are the difference's of these engines besides the hp and torque output. Which of the 3 is the least problematic and is the M54 and N53 performance difference really noticeable? Thanks for your help.

 

[moots]

M54 engines has been in production since 1998-2004...tried and tested engine.less complicated generally.....but the N engine are generally more powerful....just by a bit only larr.....

 

[thule]

N52 engine also famous for its makan minyak hitam.
Being owned one from 2008-2013... It wasn't much of a problem at its initial stage but shortly before I sold to my friend in Feb 2013... I had to keep few bottles of 1litre engine oil (as spares) in my car when the warning light "top up 1 liter" appeared in the iDrive.

 

[ravin86]

N52 engine also famous for its makan minyak hitam.
Being owned one from 2008-2013... It wasn't much of a problem at its initial stage but shortly before I sold to my friend in Feb 2013... I had to keep few bottles of 1litre engine oil (as spares) in my car when the warning light "top up 1 liter" appeared in the iDrive.

Besides d oil top up in terms of overall reliability how would you say it is? Sorry for the inconvenience just curious.

 

[Duke1316]

Bro, I would say M54 is the most robust follow by N52

 

[Alphaville]

N53 cannot take our dirty fuel, too high sulphur content.

 

[thule]

As much as I hate to say this... I have to agree on what bro Duke1316 said. M54 engine has less problem compared to N52... Frankly I just hate when warning light popped up and asked me to top up.
If you think that M54 has less omphh compared to N52 in terms of power and torque, there are ways to increase your hp via light weight pulley; power box; cold air intake, quad exhaust; and remap engine... But of course all E60 with M54 engines are not LCI model but this can also be fixed too.

 

[Jerman]

ravin86,
The E60 with M54 engine is also cheaper in the used car market now either 525i or 530i. Cheaper than a brand new Vios or City. M54 spare parts & maintenance are relatively cheaper too.

 

[ALIAS]

As much as I hate to say this... I have to agree on what bro Duke1316 said. M54 engine has less problem compared to N52... Frankly I just hate when warning light popped up and asked me to top up.
If you think that M54 has less omphh compared to N52 in terms of power and torque, there are ways to increase your hp via light weight pulley; power box; cold air intake, quad exhaust; and remap engine... But of course all E60 with M54 engines are not LCI model but this can also be fixed too.

Would be interesting to explore the option of modifying M54 to raise hp/torque.

 

[bimmerdude]

Interested too. Where would u guys buy parts from ?

 

[Herbert]

For M54, don't bother with light weight pulley, KNN filter and the whatnots and even remapping. I have done all that and hp & torque gain are minimal. If you are serious about getting real extra hp & torque, go for ESS Supercharger stage 2.

Would be interesting to explore the option of modifying M54 to raise hp/torque.

 

[thule]

Bro Herbert.. It all boils down to the final cost

 

[Herbert]

Yes, very true.

Bro Herbert.. It all boils down to the final cost

 

[bimmerdude]

Yes, very true.

Herbert, whats the damage for the ESS option?

 

[Herbert]

For Twin Screw Stage 2, you are looking at RM 27k. Check out the details from ESS Tuning here...http://www.esstuning.com/products/M54B30-Twin-Screw-Stage-2-%28TS2%29.html

Herbert, whats the damage for the ESS option?

 

[alantiong]

i totally agree with herbert.... boys.. listen to uncle ok... he has been there done that.. and likewise this uncle here..

Stick to M54 if u are here asking about budget drive.. trust me, your udm are not the fastess, most powerful and most torquey car.. stick to what the German built and you will be fine.. it is a refine drive.

And about .. high sulphur content... please read and learn more before this uncle flame you...!

 

[bimmerdude]

For Twin Screw Stage 2, you are looking at RM 27k. Check out the details from ESS Tuning here...http://www.esstuning.com/products/M54B30-Twin-Screw-Stage-2-%28TS2%29.html

Oh man....
I have a M54 530i... standard. Just want to upgrade the suspension to M-sports. What would u advise bro? I dont need super power car, just a refined firm but comfy ride

 

[Herbert]

Mine is also m54 530i standard. If you want to upgrade your suspension to M-sports, ensure it is original. Coil springs for standard and M-sports are the same. Beside the suspension, a good set of tires such as Michelin PSS and H & R anti-roll bar would be superb for your ride.

Oh man....
I have a M54 530i... standard. Just want to upgrade the suspension to M-sports. What would u advise bro? I dont need super power car, just a refined firm but comfy ride

 

[bimmerdude]

Mine is also m54 530i standard. If you want to upgrade your suspension to M-sports, ensure it is original. Coil springs for standard and M-sports are the same. Beside the suspension, a good set of tires such as Michelin PSS and H & R anti-roll bar would be superb for your ride.

Thanks for the tips bro. So all i need to do is upgrade to Msports shocks and leave original springs? I was just asking the guy at Motorsports div about the H&R bars Later on I will change to better tires if i decide to change my rims.