Which BMW Models Have the N55 Engine? Years and Chassis Codes

BMW used the N55 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six in many U.S.-market cars and SUVs from 2010 through the late 2010s. Common N55 models include the 135i, 335i, 435i, 535i, 640i, 740i, M235i, original M2, and several X models.

The N55 has one twin-scroll turbocharger. However, the BMW badge and model year alone do not always confirm the engine. Some 35i models use the older N54, while many later 40i models use the B58. Use this guide to narrow down your vehicle, then confirm the VIN, production date, and product fitment before buying parts. BMW’s 2011 N55 overview confirms its single twin-scroll turbo design.

The model years below refer to U.S. vehicles. Imported vehicles and non-U.S. models may have different engine applications.

BMW N55 Model List by Series

1 Series, 2 Series, and Original M2

The M235i uses the N55, while the later M240i uses the B58. The original M2 is an important exception because it uses the N55B30T0, an M-tuned N55 variant. The 2019-and-later M2 Competition uses the S55 instead. BMW’s original M2 technical data lists the N55B30T0 engine code.

3 Series and 4 Series

The 335is is an N54 model, not an N55 model. The later 340i and 440i use the B58. This difference matters when comparing downpipes, intake parts, tuning hardware, and cooling components.

5 Series, 6 Series, and 7 Series

The 535i Gran Turismo was one of the first BMW models to receive the N55. The 2011–2012 740i and 740Li use the N54, while the 2013–2015 versions use the N55.

The F06 Gran Coupe, F12 Convertible, and F13 Coupe may share an engine family, but their exhaust layouts and mounting points can differ. Do not assume that an N55 exhaust part fits every 5 Series, 6 Series, or 7 Series application.

X1, X3, X4, X5, and X6

BMW used the N55 in a wide range of SUVs. The X4 M40i uses an N55-based M Performance engine, but it should not be treated as the same fitment as the regular X4 xDrive35i. BMW’s X4 M40i launch information explains that its engine was developed from the X4 xDrive35i’s 3.0-liter inline-six.

ActiveHybrid Models

BMW also paired the N55 with hybrid systems in several U.S. models:

• ActiveHybrid 3, 2013–2015, F30

• ActiveHybrid 5, 2012–2016, F10

• ActiveHybrid 7, 2013–2015, F04

These vehicles use N55-based powertrains, but hybrid-specific cooling hardware, electronics, and exhaust routing can affect parts fitment. BMW confirmed the N55 application across these ActiveHybrid models in its 2013 engine overview.

When Did BMW Use the N55 Engine?

BMW did not change every model from N54 to N55 at the same time. The N55 began appearing in U.S. vehicles for the 2010 model year and became much more common in 2011. BMW later replaced it with the B58 at different times across different model lines.

N54 to N55 Changeover

The 535i Gran Turismo introduced the N55 before the larger 2011 rollout. The 2011 135i, 335i, 535i, X3 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive35i, and X6 xDrive35i were among the key U.S. N55 applications.

There were important exceptions. The 335is, Z4 sDrive35i, Z4 sDrive35is, and early 740i and 740Li models used the N54. That is why “2011 BMW 35i” is not enough information to identify the engine.

N55 to B58 Changeover

BMW began the move from N55 to B58 with the 2016 340i, which replaced the N55-powered 335i. The M240i and 440i followed for the 2017 model year.

The change from 35i to 40i is often a useful clue, but it is not final proof. BMW’s 340i launch material confirms that the B58-powered 340i replaced the N55-powered 335i.

How to Tell if Your BMW Has an N55

Check the VIN and Build Date

Start with the vehicle’s VIN and the production month on the driver-side door-jamb label. A BMW dealer, qualified BMW shop, or OEM parts catalog can use the VIN to identify the original engine code.

Do not rely on the registration date. A car registered in 2012 may still be a 2011 model-year vehicle or an earlier production vehicle.

Check the Model and Chassis Code

The chassis code identifies the vehicle platform and body style. For example, E90 refers to a 3 Series sedan, E92 refers to a 3 Series coupe, F30 refers to a later 3 Series sedan, and F32 refers to a 4 Series coupe.

The chassis code narrows down the vehicle, but it does not confirm the engine by itself. An E92 335i may use an N54 or N55 depending on its model year and production date.

Look for N55 Engine Bay Features

The N55 uses one twin-scroll turbocharger, while the N54 uses two turbochargers. Still, the turbo system is not always easy to see from the top of the engine bay.

Do not identify an engine by the engine cover, intake kit, or a used-car listing photo. Modified cars can hide the original layout. A VIN lookup or a BMW-specific diagnostic scan is more reliable.

N54 vs. N55 vs. S55 vs. B58

The original M2 is the model most likely to confuse buyers. It uses an N55-based engine, while the M2 Competition uses the S55.

Why N55 Parts Fitment Varies by Model

Having an N55 does not mean every N55 part fits your BMW. Downpipes, charge pipes, turbo hardware, intercoolers, exhaust connections, and oxygen-sensor locations can vary by chassis and configuration.

E Series vs. F Series

An E90 335i and an F30 335i can both use the N55, but they are different vehicle generations. Their engine bays, exhaust paths, mounting points, and electronics may not match.

Use the chassis code as part of every parts search. “N55 335i” is too broad to confirm fitment.

PWG vs. EWG

PWG means pneumatic wastegate. EWG means electronic wastegate.

A pneumatic wastegate uses boost pressure to control the actuator. An electronic wastegate uses an electronically controlled actuator. Both can appear in N55 applications, and there is no single production-year cutoff that works for every model or market.

Confirm the wastegate type for your exact vehicle instead of relying on a general online year range.

Rear-Wheel Drive vs. xDrive

An xDrive BMW has front drivetrain hardware that can change available clearance and exhaust routing. A rear-wheel-drive downpipe or exhaust part may not fit the xDrive version, even when the engine and model year appear similar.

Before ordering an N55 part, confirm:

• Model, model year, and body style

• Chassis code

• VIN and production date

• Exact engine code

• Rear-wheel drive or xDrive

• PWG or EWG configuration

• Full fitment details on the product page

XKV Racing’s BMW downpipe collection covers selected N55 applications. Use it as a starting point, then verify the individual product’s complete fitment information before ordering.

Some performance downpipes may alter factory emissions equipment. The EPA states that tampering with emissions-control devices can violate the Clean Air Act, and state inspection rules may add further restrictions. Check the product’s certification and intended use before purchase. If a part is labeled for off-road or closed-course use only, do not use it on public roads. EPA guidance on aftermarket tampering provides additional information.

Final Thoughts

The N55 appeared in a wide range of BMW cars and SUVs, but the model badge does not tell the full story. Use the model list to narrow down the vehicle, then confirm the VIN, production date, chassis code, drivetrain, and wastegate type.

That short verification process can prevent ordering the wrong part for your BMW.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Every BMW 35i Have an N55 Engine?

No. Some 35i models use the N54, while many later 35i models use the N55. Confirm the VIN and production date before ordering engine or exhaust parts.

What Was the First BMW With the N55?

BMW introduced the N55 in the 535i Gran Turismo for the 2010 model year before expanding it across more U.S. models for 2011.

What Was the Last BMW to Use the N55?

There is no single worldwide answer because markets and production dates differ. In the U.S., the F16 X6 35i remained a late N55 application through the 2019 model year.

Did BMW Use the N55 in Any SUVs?

Yes. U.S. N55 SUVs include the X1 xDrive35i, X3 xDrive35i, X4 xDrive35i, X4 M40i, X5 35i, and X6 35i. Check the specific chassis and year because the same model name can use different engines across generations.

Is the N55 in the Original M2 Different?

Yes. The original M2 uses the N55B30T0, a higher-output N55 with M-specific tuning and supporting hardware. Treat it as an M2 application when checking fitment. The M2 Competition uses the S55 instead.

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