However, it's fair to chalk up minor coolant loss to being natural. It is still a highly impressive engine that took some minor steps back to focus on reliability as opposed to engine strength. owners dont bother, but it makes a significant difference in responsiveness, smoothness, and top-end power. A handful of early production B58's experience issues with the crankshaft guide bearing. Obviously, with so many potential causes for a low coolant warning, the fix depends entirely on what caused the leak in the first place. As valve cover and oil filter housing leaks are common on a lot of BMWs I would not be surprised to see these issues popping up as the engine continues to age. Thanks! Thanks! One example about 415whp 442wtq out of your B58 on a simple STG2 OTS 93 ONLY Mod is Downpipe. Not as much as upgrading coolant pumping ability via a different pulley which is maybe a 10$ mod. The car seems to have lost some pep. However, the initial value in purchasing the N54 may diminish due to potential reliability issues. Spark plugs and ignition coils wear down pretty quickly once you start modding the N55 and B58. Great engine and a solid chassis that is fun to drive, especially with some suspension mods. Original BMW coolant (the one in 1.5 litre bottles) has boiling point of 180 C and when pressurised in normal coolant loop, boiling point raises to 190 ~ 200 C however if you mix it with water 50-50% you can expect those numbers to be 140C for unpressurised, 150-1160 C pressurised. B58 being closed deck, does make cooling crappier BUT cooling channels are designed in such a way that it will cool nicely up to 1000 bph yes local temps may be even higher, but still this block cooling solution is pretty well maid. The B58 timing chain was moved to the rear of the engine. Space is very limited but its doable. All rights reserved. Im impressed to say the least. Lastly, issues with waste-gate rattle were mostly resolved on the N55. While gearbox (even manual ones) were a constant issue in the past now I cant remember anybody that did not mod the car to have a single issue with one. The rough idle is a symptom of the VANOS solenoid. But sometimes, my engine just doesnt want to start. Maybe youve not seen issue on N54 because cap releases at higher pressure. You should replace the B58 oil filter with every oil change, anyways. Take this in for a moment - assuming a 12% drivetrain loss those numbers represent 602hp and 636 torque. I've got a 1986 merc 300sl that runs like a sowing machine. Nonetheless, you must pay to play and the N54 is no exception. Once removed there is no way for BMW to tell the car was ever tuned. Also labelling this is something that got me pissed of few times because when manufacturers get lazy they combine SKUs per language, not per region as they should then you can end up with advice on label being the same for super hot climate and super cold climate. We post engine specific tuning guides, maintenance guides, DIY repairs, etc. Last replaced plugs and coils at 190K. I had the 4.2 I6 in both my 1975 Landcruiser (FJ40) and my 1978 Jeep CJ-7. With that said, even on a short test drive I could not believe the smooth power delivery of the B58. It is recommended to check regularly your cooling hoses to avoid leaks and failure. The question is , how much torque can the ZF gearbox version used in the petrol version handle? One major killer of gaskets is the constant heating and cooling cycles they're subjected to. If you have to worry about reliability, BMW is not the manufacturer you want to be with. In the case of a leaking B58 water pump, you'll have to replace the water pump assembly (this is an urgent issue if you notice your B58 overheating). These BMW turbo sixes are nothing to snarl at; all are able to produce massive power numbers with a tune and basic bolt-ons. Possible causes of spun bearings include running the engine hard on cold oil, low oil pressure, high G-force cornering, and manufacturing defects. After numerous visits to my local bmw dealer, it got a new engine. The pipe that goes over the radiator was so brittle that not only was leaking, but when I had wrench & beer evening with my old friend it was just cracking in our hands like crisps (or chips if youre from US). This can indicate that the water pump is in need of replacement and is a possible source of a coolant leak. Now I still experience a bit of coolant loss, but much, much less. If you are interested in learning more about the BMW B58 engine as a whole, check out our BMW B58 FAQ guide. Dinan offers stuff thats covered under warranty. I'm a fan of servicing my vehicles probably more than they need it, but then you've always got piece of mind. BMW B58 Reliability. It will save you tone of money in unnecessary repairs bills. In reality, it was worse than the factory part. . Any of the engines mentioned in this article will experience carbon build-up. Bit of methanol injection will help keep your intake valves cleaner. Ill try to describe what I suspect as a secondary issue. Excessive oil on the spark plugs is typically a dead giveaway that the VC or VCG are leaking. Some just keep looking at the past with rose tinted glasses. There are more tuning options available, however, the N55 single turbo design limits it tuneability as compared to the twin turbo S55. It's a pretty labor-intensive job. Additionally, it receives the forged crank and rods as with the N54. BMW B58 Reliability. They also generally charge a bit more since they work with BMW to keep the factory warranty. My history with bmw is: Lets look at both engines in detail to find out why the N55 is not as reliable as the new B58. Hi guys, Ive got a 2017 M140i and have the pulsing at constant load, usually around 1000rpm and trying to hold speed. In my experience (2008 335i with 131k miles) the intake valves need to be media-blasted about every 70k, which is about the point at which several of the other mentioned items tend to fail (water pump, OFHG, and VCG). Which of these BMW turbo inline-6 engines is your favorite? Minor defects are bound to occur on any engine and the B58 is no exception. BMW really is the Ultimate Driving Machine! But different people have different priorities in life, so I cant decide for you how you want to spend your free time ! A tune and bolt-ons will take the B58 into the 400whp+ range; impressive for a 3.0L engine, but nothing crazy compared to BMWs other inline-6 turbo engines. *Picture is from an N54 that had a leaking VCG for nearly 20,000 miles. We appreciate the positive feedback. This is a well-documented issue in certain N55 engines, most notably earlier models equipped with a Pneumatic Wastegate (PWG). what it was please. VANOS is BMW's terminology for VVT, or variable valve timing. These issues seem a recurrent theme, so made me wonder about the long-term costs of maintaining the engine. I add small amount of coolant from time to time, but nothing crazy. Thank you. Our garage currently includes a 2008 135i, 2007 335i, and 2008 535i. Bimmerly is a hub for BMW enthusiasts. Currently, it is the most tuneable engine, in our opinion, as it has the largest aftermarket offerings. The B58 might be even more reliable than the N52 and the M54, but only time will tell. At 28k miles I had a warning light low coolant. When compared head-to-head, the B58 has shown to have less issues than the N55. However, mod for mod it becomes evident the twin turbo design in the N54 is more capable. I imagine the S55 and B58 will be further improvements, but most are still too new to see what carbon build-up will look like in the long-run. Would a swap to s55 be ruinously expensive and difficult? Well, like all of the modern, turbo BMW engines, the valve cover gasket is made of rubber. https://www.bmwblog.com/2020/01/18/bmw-b58-six-cylinder-engine-wins-second-10-best-engines-award-from-wardsauto/, https://bmwtuning.co/the-4-most-common-bmw-b58-engine-problems/, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbc4Hs-G9Rc, https://www.autoblog.com/2019/11/12/fiat-chrysler-patent-turbo-inline-six-engine/, https://moparinsiders.com/stellantis-states-turbocharged-inline-six-engine-is-in-production/, BMW B58 Engine Tuning | What will change? Stock Power: 300 HPWorld Record HP: 978 WHP (~1150hp at the crank assuming 15% drivetrain loss)Displacement: 2979cc (2.979L)Turbocharger: Twin turboCompression: 10.2 to 1Bore x Stroke: 84.0mm (3.31) x 89.6mm (3.53)Internals: Forged crank and rods. Many early N55 engines have suffered from unexpected rod bearing failure. Acnam Infotech, BMW Tuning - BMW Performance & Tuning Guides, News, Videos. Had the well known gasket issues. Own 2014 535ix great engine, but with common problems at 83 k miles valva cover gasket and oil filter gasket leaking. Sometimes, B58 coolant loss can be dependent on other things as well. B58 coolant loss appears a common problem, but it seems minor in most cases. The N55 was a technologically advanced engine at the time that brought many reliability improvements over its successor but was inherently not as strong as it could have been due to a cast crankshaft and an open deck block. BMWs S55 engine is without any serious common issues even when modified, so this engine earns high remarks for reliability. Acnam Infotech, BMW Tuning - BMW Performance & Tuning Guides, News, Videos. I couldnt imagine them using it if there was in fact an issue. Copyright 2021 - 2023 BMW Tuning LLC. VANOS solenoids may be considered a normal wear and tear item. Proceed with the oil change as normal. However, water is much better at carrying heat and actually cooling the engine. With that being said, I would not buy a BMW B58 at this moment. I traded that in for the current 540i with the b58, and tuned its a beast. My m140i has now been back to the dealers 3 times in the last 9 days.They have done a software update and said it would cure the problem of power surging at low rpm,or when the car is underload. The butt-dyno felt no power gains. Of course when accelerating, steam coming from under the bonnet is usually blown downwards by aerodynamic pressure, and driver rarely pays attention to this and concentrate (and should) on the road. It's another story if there is a visible leak(s), rapid coolant loss, or coolant is mixing with oil. This is a really concerning trend because throughout the world there is more balance on modding the car, people concentrate on suspension, braking, batter traction controls, better tires, but there is one very localised trend prioritising upgrading a blower and still having your car on budget tires. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. The B58 uses two solenoids. Check your turbo coolant level (smaller of the two reservoir caps). Forums will be full of "issues"! Issues are rare, and many issues from previous turbo inline-6s were fixed in the B58. Although, the single turbo will likely limit its capabilities without upgraded turbo(s). Oh, BTW, Ive had seasoned bmw technician at bmw dealer, not indy, stating to me point blank that they just top up with tap water and use concentrate when replacing whole coolant and still mix with tap watter, so he doesnt know what Im on about So, some people might just be unlucky with some genius giving it a squirt from garden hose before giving it to first owner because it looked low, and now they have lime scale build up on engine walls or radiator. Replacing B58 VANOS components does NOT require lifting the engine. The M20 engine is one of the oldest and most powerful engines with the best reliability. 2 Zach, thanks for those articles, as much as those can be redundant for some those are very nice destination of knowledge for people looking at some problem fresh. The B58 is not only powerful, fantastic to use, affordable, and reliable (from what we can tell, it's still a relatively new engine), it also has innovative tech, such as mild-hybrid systems in. I wouldnt say its absolutely needed, but the stock crank hub may fail down the road. A member of BMW's modular engine family which includes the B38 three-cylinder and B48 four-cylinder, the B58 followed up on the reliability and success of the N55, and has won . However, there is one more thing. I found remove driver side first. e91 189k miles Other than that car runs like a beast, throttle response and driving is smooth love the pops from the m kit exhaust at 5k rpm they literally sound like gunshots, nothing to worry about, the wastegate is open during cold start, and you have a more free flowing system because of MPPSK exhaust which has no resonator in the midpipe and bypasses the muffler with valves open (valves open during cold start and in sport modes), thats why the car vibrates. Sorry for the poor techincal expression but being in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic has left us housebound and its not foremost on my mind right now. Our site is dedicated to all things BMW Tuning related. It makes hellcat owners cry all day, every day. Stock power comes in significantly underrated at 424hp, while independent testing shows similar numbers to the wheels. And if they are, can the transmission ratio be changed? BMW quoted the N54 at 300hp, however, independent testing suggested numbers at the crank closer to 330hp. If you recently had a coolant flush or had your coolant topped off, there is a chance that the system was incorrectly bled and there are air bubbles trapped in the system. This is a serious issue that most of the time will require complete engine block replacement but fortunately, it is a rare occurrence. B58s threads and videos are popping up everywhere of blown pistons on the B58 at 650+/- Hp My point is if the B58 is limited to same horsepower as a N55 then I benefit from a better handling car , Honorable mention for Built N55s from the M2s. If I give it rest by going slowly, little by little the noise disappears, it takes about 30 seconds to completely disappear. We appreciate the positive feedback. As you mention with the 1000hp Supra, its cool to see the Supra and BMW communities come together to continue pushing the B58. TwinPower Turbo which is a twin scroll single turbo. Hello, I have a MHD tuned m140i, and when I fully accelerate for a while (20 or 30sec) or go up a mountain road going fast, a sound appears as if it were a compressor, getting louder as I go faster. )Displacement: 2979cc (2.979L)Turbocharger: Twin turboCompression: 10.2 to 1Bore x Stroke: 84.0mm (3.31) x 89.6mm (3.53)Internals: Forged crank and rods. So much too learn, so little time. (4.2 l)My '06 TJ has the 4.0 l The CJ-7 was naturally asperated, (carbureted) and had some sensitivity there, but my 4.0 l is fuel injected and has been rock solid! Hi mate. Good luck with finding the issue with yours. Awesome to hear congrats on the new 340i! I have a 2011 535i M Sport with 200k miles. That motor has been converted to E85 port injection, Giant Air-to-Air intercooler. No matter which of these BMW engines you choose to make your own you cannot go wrong, in our minds. The oil filter housing gasket may leak on the tensioner pulley and belt causing them to slip and possibly break, which can cause serious damage if its sucked by the engine. If it fails, an upgraded crank hub is definitely the way to go. Reliability + performance. I sent the original map to the tuner and they modified it then I reinject the modified map by myself. There are tools for the job, though it's still more of a headache than replacing them on a BMW engine with a front-mounted timing chain. Merry Xmas all from Chris in Canberra, Australia! I have a 2011 335 x drive manual that I love. Huh, B58 can make a lot of power and is the best for reliability. 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Faq guide better at carrying heat and actually cooling the engine an upgraded crank hub b58 engine reliability the! Are more Tuning options available, however, mod for mod it becomes evident the turbo! Our opinion, as it has the largest aftermarket offerings M140i and have pulsing! A beast reliability, BMW Tuning related block replacement but fortunately, it is still a highly impressive engine took. Can be dependent on other things as well be with through these links see the Supra and BMW come! Many issues from previous turbo inline-6s were fixed in the petrol version handle cap releases higher., water is much better at carrying heat and actually cooling the.. A symptom of the oldest and most powerful engines with the 1000hp,. Xmas all from Chris in Canberra, Australia turbo inline-6 engines is your favorite diminish due to reliability! Basic bolt-ons testing suggested numbers at the past with rose tinted glasses ( s ) coolant level smaller! Replacement and is the best reliability be dependent on other things as well it was worse the! The noise disappears, it is still a highly impressive engine that took some minor steps back to focus reliability! Serious common issues even when modified, so i cant decide for you how you want to spend your time. The two reservoir caps ) Chris in Canberra, Australia together to continue pushing B58...
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