The BMW N55B30A is a 2,979 cc, turbocharged inline-six petrol engine produced between 2010 and 2015. It features DOHC, 24-valve architecture, BMW's Valvetronic III variable valve lift system, and a twin-scroll turbocharger, delivering 225 kW (306 PS) at 5,800–7,000 rpm and 400 Nm of torque between 1,200–5,000 rpm. The single twin-scroll turbo provides strong low-end response and linear power delivery.
Fitted to models such as the F30 335i, F10 535i, and F13 640i, the N55B30A was engineered for high-performance driving with improved efficiency over the twin-turbo N54. Emissions compliance was achieved through direct fuel injection, precise air management, and a close-coupled three-way catalytic converter, allowing the engine to meet Euro 5 standards across its production run.
One documented concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure, which can lead to misfires, reduced power, or no-start conditions. This issue, highlighted in BMW Service Information Bulletin 13 01 09, is typically caused by mechanical wear or fuel contamination. Later production revisions included updated pump materials and filtration requirements to improve longevity.
Production years 2010–2015 meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5684).
The BMW N55B30A is a 2,979 cc inline-six turbocharged petrol engine engineered for performance applications (2010–2015). It combines Valvetronic III variable valve lift with a single twin-scroll turbocharger to deliver strong low-end torque and high-revving power. Designed to meet Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances driver engagement with improved efficiency over its predecessor.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,979 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-6, DOHC, 24-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.0 mm × 94.6 mm | |
| Power output | 225 kW (306 PS) @ 5,800–7,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 400 Nm @ 1,200–5,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | High Precision Injection (direct injection), ME 17.2 ECU | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.2:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single twin-scroll turbo (BorgWarner) | |
| Timing system | Double-row roller chain (non-interference) | |
| Oil type | BMW Longlife-04 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 182 kg |
The twin-scroll turbo provides strong low-end response ideal for daily driving but requires strict adherence to 24-month or 24,000 km oil change intervals to prevent high-pressure fuel pump and turbo degradation. BMW Longlife-04 (5W-30) oil is essential to maintain hydraulic actuator integrity within the Valvetronic and turbo systems. Extended idling and short trips can accelerate HPFP wear due to thermal cycling. Fuel system cleanliness is critical—low-quality petrol can lead to injector coking and reduced valve lift precision. The ME 17.2 ECU is sensitive to battery voltage; always use a stable power supply during diagnostics. Pre-2012 models should verify HPFP calibration per BMW SIB 13 01 09.
Oil Specs: Requires BMW Longlife-04 (5W-30) specification (BMW SIB 11 04 03). Supersedes ACEA A3/B4 requirements.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all 2010–2015 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5684).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output assumes premium unleaded (RON 98) fuel quality (BMW TIS Doc. A27030).
BMW Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A27030, A27550, SIB 13 01 09
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5684)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The BMW N55B30A was used across BMW's F3x, F1x, and F0x platforms with longitudinal mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised intake manifolds in the F06 and updated cooling routing in the F30—and from 2015 was succeeded by the B58B30 in facelifted models, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the front-facing side of the cylinder block, near the intake manifold (BMW TIS A27030). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('N' for N55 series). Pre-2012 models have silver valve covers with black plastic cam covers; post-2012 units use black valve covers. Critical differentiation from N54: N55B30A uses a single twin-scroll turbocharger and lacks the N54's high-pressure fuel pump actuator. Service parts require production date verification—HPFPs for engines before 09/2011 are incompatible with later units due to internal redesign (BMW SIB 13 01 09).
The N55B30A's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure, with elevated incidence in vehicles used for short-trip urban driving. Internal BMW quality reports from 2011 indicated a significant share of pre-2012 units required HPFP replacement before 100,000 km, while UK VCA field data links misfire complaints in F30 335i models to pump degradation. Frequent thermal cycling and voltage fluctuations increase wear on early-design pumps, making adherence to service intervals and use of stable electrical systems critical.
Analysis derived from BMW technical bulletins (2010-2016) and UK VCA field reliability reports (2013-2018). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about BMW N55B30A.
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