The N20 is an efficient turbo inline-4 perfect for a peppy daily driver, while the N55 is a smooth and powerful turbo inline-6, a great starting point for performance-oriented BMW. Here is an in-depth comparison between the two engines in terms of horsepower, torque, tuning capabilities, sound, and reliability.

The BMW N20 is a 1.6 and 2.0 L (98 and 122 cu in) turbocharged four-cylinder DOHC petrol engine with variable valve lift and variable valve timing which replaced the N53 (or BMW N52 in some markets) and was produced from 2011 to 2017 by BMW.

The BMW N55 is a turbocharged straight-six petrol (gasoline) engine that began production in 2009. The N55 replaced the BMW N54 engine and was introduced in the F07 5 Series Gran Turismo. The N55 was BMW's first straight-six engine to use a twin-scroll turbocharger. It also won three straight Ward's 10 Best Engines awards in 2011–2013. [1]

Sep 17, 2012 · I had previously convinced myself that the n20 was for me and was happy about a cheaper lease and better mpg but after driving both back to back, and for more than a test drive, the n55 is just more fun from an engine standpoint.

Jun 13, 2021 · Factory N20 issues include the timing chain and transfer case. Both have available parts to permanently fix the issue. N55 does not suffer from timing chain issues, however the transfer case has the same weak point.

Mar 8, 2021 · Though everyone agrees that the N20 is adequate for the F10, most people tell me that they prefer the more reliable N55 engine with more power to move this heavy sedan which makes sense. Either way, it comes down to preference and budget as it’s not easy to find the desired configuration in a used F10.

N20￿Engine 1.￿Introduction 1 BMW￿has￿decided￿to￿bring￿back￿the￿4–cylinder￿engine￿to￿the￿US￿market.￿The￿last￿BMW￿4–cylinder ... closely￿related￿to￿the￿N55￿engine,￿this￿is￿why￿constant￿reference￿is￿made￿to￿the￿N55￿engine￿in￿this document. 1.1.￿History

Mar 28, 2025 · BMW’s N55 engine was the Bavarian’s powerhouse of the 2010s and has since become a tuner’s delight. The all-aluminum engine featuring a forged rotating assembly, direct fuel injection, and a twin-scroll turbocharger was a big deal for the company hardly removed from producing the screaming,...

Dec 9, 2011 · Ward’s publishes their 2011 10 Best Engines list and BMW is well represented once again. The new four-cylinder 2.0 liter turbocharged N20 engine made the list, along with the 3.0 liter...

Feb 1, 2022 · N55 is a better platform, obviously, but my N20 has been fine. Perfect daily driver, great on gas and no major issues and paid for. Timing chain is overblown. 90k miles right now and no issues.