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BMW releases ‘Performance Power Kit’ for N54 straight-six engine

 
5 8,497 views Feb 16, 2009

The new Performance Power Kit increases output of the N54 engine by 20hp (15kW) and 37lb-ft (50Nm) of torque

The new Performance Power Kit increases output of the N54 engine by 20hp (15kW) and 37lb-ft (50Nm) of torque

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BMW’s N54 series straight-six engine is one of the most coveted powerplants currently in production, picking up prestigious awards like the International Engine of the Year title and appearing in some of our favorite cars like the 335i Coupe and Sedan. In its standard form, the twin-turbocharged mill already delivers a generous 306hp (225kW) and 295lb-ft (400Nm) of torque but for those individuals unsatisfied by this output BMW is now offering a new power upgrade.

Falling under the guise of a new ‘Performance Power Kit’ range, the upgrade for the 3.0L N54 adds an additional 20hp (15kW) and 37lb-ft (50Nm) of torque. This results in faster acceleration and increased flexibility for drivers of the 135i Coupe and Convertible, and 335i Sedan, Coupe, and Convertible (including models with the seven-speed dual clutch transmission).

The standard N54 engine generates 306hp (225kW)

The standard N54 engine generates 306hp (225kW)

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Just how much faster do the modified cars go? The 335i Sedan, for example, will accelerate from a standstill to 100km/h in 5.4 seconds with the kit installed – 0.2 seconds faster than the standard model. Keep going, and acceleration from 80–120km/h improves by 0.5 seconds.

The kit is made up of software and hardware components designed specifically for these models but the range will soon be expanded for other BMW vehicles that also use the N54 engine. Other modifications include a second radiator, a new intake, and an uprated cooling fan.

Expect pricing and availability details to be revealed closer to the kit’s launch scheduled for the third quarter of the year. To see what other upgrades are available for the 1 and 3-series check out our previous story for details on the full range of BMW Performance Parts.



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Comments (5)

  1. ma_danDAN avatar danDAN Posted: 2/16/2009 5:48am PST

    if anyone has any doubts the 135i is faster than the new M3 this pack should make the doubters take notice that the 135i is a very good car
     
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  2. ma_Mike avatar Mike Posted: 2/16/2009 6:18am PST

    A 135i coupe weighs 330lbs less than an M3 coupe and does 0-60 in 4.8sec(according to Road&Track) stock. Considering the 1 is also 230lbs lighter than a 335i coupe, this upgrade should knock more than two tenths off on the 1. Let's say it knocks .3 off its 0-60, that means it'll do it in 4.5sec. That's .1sec quicker than an M3 sedan, and only .2 off an M3 coupe(4.3sec, R&T)! And it's cheaper by more than 20 grand! Does this spell the end for the M3?? For me it does, I'll take a one series.
     
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  3. ma_Ivan avatar Ivan Posted: 2/16/2009 10:05am PST

    How can you compare M3 with 135? M3 has much more advanced components (shocks, brakes, engine . etc.) Take M3 and 135 on track and see how long 135 would last.
    I am not saying 135 is a bad car, but it's def not in M3 category. WRX STI is faster than 135 and another 15G cheaper . . .
     
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  4. ma_Mike avatar Mike Posted: 2/16/2009 4:04pm PST

    True, but with this upgrade and only minor additional tuning (intake, exhaust, ecu, and suspension), the 1 should comprehensively beat the M3 on track while still having spent less money. Yes, I know the M3 will always have more exclusivity and street cred since it is marketed as a premium, high performance vehicle from the beginning and the "M" badge has many years of racing prowess to add to its credibility. I'm simply stating that if you want a performance car from BMW, the 135i is a relative bargain (not everybody can or wants to afford the $60K plus for an M3, and the "adjusted market value" dealer bs they add on top of that). The WRX/135 comparison just doesn't make sense though. Of course the STI is going to be cheaper, it's a Subaru, not a BMW. People expect BMWs to be expensive and I'm not saying the 135 is the best overall value for a performance car. But comparing a turbocharged Japanese, rally-bred, 4wd car to what is, in essence a compact, RWD luxury car(based on a mundane hatchback), isn't a fair comparison. Apples and oranges my friend.
     
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  5. ma_NoNameDenton avatar NoNameDenton Posted: 2/16/2009 5:36pm PST

    These engines will probably be the basis for future BMW M models
     
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