{"id":83917,"date":"2025-10-05T15:00:13","date_gmt":"2025-10-05T19:00:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/autosector.com\/?p=83917"},"modified":"2025-10-05T15:00:13","modified_gmt":"2025-10-05T19:00:13","slug":"best-n55-powered-bmw-models","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/autosector.com\/?p=83917","title":{"rendered":"5 Best BMWs with the Legendary N55 Engine"},"content":{"rendered":"

The N55 engine debuted in the late 2000s. It was an evolution of the N54 twin-turbo inline-six, which would largely be replaced over the span of the 2010s. During that time period, it found its way under the hood of almost every BMW model in the lineup, from the little 1 Series to the 7 Series and even the X5 and X6. Of course, it would later itself be phased out in favor of the B58 engine. The N55 benefitted from generally enhanced reliability compared to its predecessor. Today, however, both engines find themselves chasing the B58 in terms of power and durability. But that\u2019s not to say there weren\u2019t plenty of awesome N55-powered cars. Here\u2019s five of our favorites.<\/p>\n

ALPINA B3<\/h3>\n

While we never saw the ALPINA B3 in the U.S. \u2014 and therefore, I\u2019ve never gotten to drive one \u2014 it definitely deserves a mention when discussing the top N55-powered BMWs. Perhaps if for no other reason than it\u2019s the sole Touring model on the list. Of course, ALPINA also offered a sedan, and both models were essentially churched up versions of BMW\u2019s F30 3 Series with even more power. The B3 also touts something no other car on this list does: true twin turbo power. That\u2019s right; ALPINA fitted two smaller turbos in lieu of BMW\u2019s single turbo setup. Bigger and badder fueling and cooling hardware accompanied the new turbo setup. As a result, this is actually the highest-performing car on the list; zero to 60 mph occurs in as little as 4.2 seconds and top speed is 190 mph (307 km\/h). The car\u2019s re-tooled N55 makes a whopping 404 horsepower (302 kW); later B3 S models made even more, rated for 435 horsepower (324 kW). Those figures are for the sedan model, but the Touring loses only fractions in both arenas \u2014 and gains unique sheet metal and some practicality.<\/p>\n

X1 xDrive35i<\/h3>\n

The closest the United States ever got to an N55-powered wagon is the intriguing X1 xDrive35i. While obviously not a wagon, our introduction to BMW\u2019s smallest SUV with the E84 chassis included the N55-powered X1 xDrive35i. Only available for three models years and exclusively offered with an automatic transmission, the hottest X1 ripped off 5.6-second zero-to-60 times, nearly a full second quicker than any other X1 model. With 300 horses and 300 pound-feet of torque, the X1 xDrive35 was nearly peerless in its segment. The car holds up well even a decade later; the old-school hydraulic steering makes it engaging in the twisties, too. Even better: after a decade, you might spend less than $12,000 finding a decent X1 xDrive35i<\/a>. But dead set on the best N55-powered SUV? There may be one better option.<\/p>\n

X4 M40i<\/h3>\n

The F26 generation X4 M40i is a bit underappreciated these days. Which is sad: it was the first of the M40i-badged SUVs. A quick look at the specs reveal 355 horsepower and 343 pound-feet of torque, as well as an N55 power plant shared with the BMW M2. xDrive all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic (a ZF! BMW\u2019s been using this thing forever\u2026) mean instant and uninterrupted power delivery. Zero to 60 mph occurs in 4.4 seconds and Car and Driver<\/em> coaxed a 13.1-second quarter mile time with the car achieving 105 mph. At the time, that was about on par with Porsche\u2019s Macan GTS.<\/p>\n

So, while we think the F26 X4 M40i is good enough to make the top three, why does it go so often overlooked? The answer, at least partially, comes down to the act that followed the N55: the B58 engine. The G02 X4 M40i added power, a more cohesive design, and arguably a better interior and technology. Then there\u2019s the S58-powered X4 M, which cranked power up to 503 horsepower and got all the \u201ccredibility\u201d that comes with a factory-installed \u201cX4 M\u201d badge \u2014 sans 40i<\/em> modifier. Despite it all, the most powerful X4 M only shaved around half a second off the original N55-powered car\u2019s zero to 60 mph time. Proof as much as anything that the F26 X4 M40i remains underrated to this day.<\/p>\n

135is<\/h3>\n