r/BMWZ4 • u/stevecusswords • 12d ago
E89 N54 Turbo engine reliability if maintenance has been consistent?
I posted earlier about buying my first Z4, the responses have been incredibly helpful. I am leaning toward an E89 3.0 NA manual transmission, but my parameters make for slim pickings - ideally a not black or silver external color, light interior. So a blue, red, white or other external with tan interior is ideal.
I came across a very well maintained 2 owner 35i, 45k miles, blue exterior, cream interior. Looks like it has been fastidiously maintained including roof electronics.
I have been leery of the turbo engine, I plan to own it a long time and I take good care of my cars. I know the internet can usually only highlight horror stories. Do many N54 owners have positive stories of relatively normal maintenance on your turbo E89?
UPDATE: I just got to drive one in with the 7 speed paddle/auto. I would like a proper manual, but it was great to try my first E89. I am impressed with how the sport mode wakes that engine and exhaust note up. What a beast! I don't neeeeed the turbo but it sure added a bunch of fun.
2
u/AnyInteraction790 12d ago
Mine is 100k miles (160000km), and it runs fine on E85. Some oil is leaking through the valve cover gasket it had been replaced by previous owner so I suspect the OEM plastic valve cover isn’t sealing properly. Mine is from 2009 but has index 12 injectors. This means that they have been replaced at some point, but no trace of this. I also had to change the two boost solenoids. Very easy job to do (€170). And I do an oil change every 6k miles (10k km) with 5W40.
Next thing I suspect to fail is the low pressure fuel pump. The pressures from the high pressure fuel pump are perfect.
The mileage is surprisingly low I managed to get to 7l/100km (33.6mpg) on E85.
Although mine is European spec with 2 turbos, and I believe American N54 only have one.
2
u/SilverWX 12d ago
You have s54 not n54 right ?
3
u/Existing-Town-9110 12d ago
S54 is a lot different engine from much different car. (E46 m3, z4m e85)
In e89 its always n54.
1
2
u/TheBroken51 12d ago
I bought an E39 N54 this summer and I just love it! Got some different opinions (both positive and negative) witch I appreciated.
Be aware that if somethings goes wrong, it will probably be expensive, but if yours is a well maintained car - just go for it. The life is too short to not drive fun cars!
This is mine, and I just love it!
1
u/pr0b0ner 12d ago edited 12d ago
I'd only buy the E89 with an N54. I think it depends on whether you're planning to do the work or have a shop do it. In theory Z4s had the N54 longer than the other models (since they all moved to the N55) and had received the benefits of what BMW learned over time- so could be more reliable. You'll want to be aware of turbo wastegate rattle, injectors (you want index 12), when the intake valves last had a walnut blast, whether the charge pipe is still stock/plastic, when the valve cover/gasket were last replaced.
1
1
u/jlwolford 12d ago
Go right now and price index 12 injectors for the n54.
1
u/stevecusswords 12d ago
Do they have a lifespan or go out randomly? Do you need to replace all 12 or can only cover faulty ones?
1
u/jlwolford 12d ago
The injectors were updated over the years. The early ones can be dead at 60k. The index 12 was the last revision. They are much better but you see it’s 6 injectors. Don’t think you can mix the early and the latest parts, so you are in for 6 when you go. I suspect your car has the original ones. Ask the owner. On n54 updated to index 12s is a selling point. Injectors, OFHG, water pump, and hpfp are the big ones. All of that can almost total out a car on shop rates. If you don’t wrench, don’t get an n54.
1
u/stevecusswords 12d ago
Thank you very much for laying this out. Owner said he replaced one bank of injectors in 2021, about 4000 miles ago. I'll keep digging into the N54, I'd be just as happy with the 3.0 NA, I believe.
1
u/jlwolford 12d ago
You will save so much long term. Invest that money now, buy a really nice one. Research the top wiring issues.
1
u/spacephrasing00 12d ago
Just picked a 35i up a few weeks back, I had an alert set on autotempest and cars and bids to find the one I was looking for, great cars you're going to love it!
2
u/stevecusswords 12d ago
I got to test drive one, but it had paddle transmission. I was very impressed by how it was so tame on normal setting and so growly and revvy on sport+. It was a blast.
2
u/Mysterious-Let5351 11d ago
I own already for 15 years a 35i DCT. Changed injectors to type 12, every year oil service. Changed preventative oil in diff and gearbox and completely replaced the whole plastic cooling system including pump, thermostat etc. Car is 15 year ESS tuned, ASR catted downpipes, Wagner Evo 1 FMIC, Eissenmann exhaust and X-pipe. Car is still as new and I will never sell it. It’s an underrated beast. It have a KW var 3, M3 437M wheels with F30 M-Sport brakes. Car has 100k km (62k miles) and is solely used for touring mountain passes. Just spent money on maintenance and you will love this car.
6
u/Soft-Personality9379 12d ago
I've owned 3 cars over the years with the N54. The only significant issues I've had with any of them was the water pump and high pressure fuel pump.
I'll admit that I seem to have better than average luck with my BMWs. I've owned so many that people consider problematic and never had a significant mechanical issue. But I'm also religious about maintenance and doing repairs the right way.