Most people looking at a BMW N55 engine for sale are not shopping for fun. Something has gone wrong. Maybe a rod bearing let go on a 335i, maybe a 535i overheated after the water pump died on the motorway, or maybe an X5 came in with a cracked block nobody saw coming. Either way the car is parked and it is not going anywhere until it gets a new heart.
That is the job we do. We sell tested, fairly used N55 engines and ship them to owners, workshops and importers all over the world. You get real photos of the actual engine, a written quote and a warranty, and we confirm the engine code against your car before you pay a cent.
Want a price now? Send your VIN or the engine code through our contact page or call +1 (209) 733-0882. You can also look through our BMW engines in the shop, or go straight to the BMW N55 Engine for Sale product page to see the price.
Below you will find the specs, the cars that use it, the faults worth knowing about, how we test each BMW N55 engine for sale, and how ordering works.
What Is the BMW N55?
The BMW N55 is a 3.0 litre straight six petrol engine with one turbocharger. It came out in 2009 in the 5 Series Gran Turismo and took over from the twin turbo N54. In 2015 BMW started moving to the B58, but the N55 stayed in production for a few more years in some models, so there are a lot of them out there.
The big change from the N54 was the turbo setup. Instead of two small turbos, BMW used a single twin-scroll turbocharger. Three cylinders feed one scroll and three feed the other, so the exhaust pulses do not fight each other. The result is quick boost low down and a smooth pull to the redline. It was also the first BMW turbo engine to combine Valvetronic variable valve lift with double VANOS, which is why it drives a lot like a bigger naturally aspirated engine.
BMW also went back to solenoid fuel injectors on the N55 after a lot of trouble with the piezo injectors on the N54. Owners noticed. The N55 has a reputation as the more sensible of the two engines, and that is one reason a BMW N55 engine for sale stays in demand years after the last car left the factory.
BMW N55 Engine Specifications
The numbers below cover the standard N55B30. Ratings change with the model and the year, so we always check the full engine code before we quote any BMW N55 engine for sale.
| Engine code | N55B30 (M0, O0 and T0 versions) |
| Layout | Inline 6 cylinder, DOHC, 24 valves |
| Displacement | 2,979 cc (3.0 litres) |
| Bore x stroke | 84.0 mm x 89.6 mm |
| Compression ratio | 10.2:1 |
| Induction | Single twin-scroll turbocharger with intercooler |
| Fuel system | High pressure direct injection, solenoid injectors |
| Valve control | Valvetronic and double VANOS |
| Block and head | Aluminium |
| Engine management | Bosch MEVD17.2 family |
| Power | About 300 to 326 hp on most cars, up to 365 hp in the M2 |
| Torque | About 400 to 450 Nm (295 to 330 lb-ft), 465 Nm in the M2 |
| Redline | About 7,000 rpm |
| Oil capacity | About 6.5 litres with filter |
| Years built | 2009 to around 2018 |
If you are matching an engine, the code matters more than the badge on the boot. A late 335i and an early one do not always use the same version, and the M2 engine has its own parts. We look at the code stamped on the block and the DME, then match the BMW N55 engine for sale to your car.
N55 Versions: M0, O0 and T0
N55B30M0. The common one, and the BMW N55 engine for sale we ship most often. You find it in the E90 335i after 2010, the 535i, X5 35i, X6 35i and many others. Usually rated about 300 to 306 hp.
N55B30O0. The higher output version used in cars like the M135i, M235i, 640i and 740i. It makes about 320 to 326 hp and more torque.
N55B30T0. The top version in the original F87 M2. It borrows some parts from the S55 used in the M3 and M4 and makes about 365 hp.
The long blocks are close, but wiring, intake parts, oil sumps, turbos and software can differ. That is why we never send a BMW N55 engine for sale without checking which version you need first.
BMW Models That Use the N55
- 1 Series: E82 and E88 135i (2011 to 2013), F20 and F21 M135i
- 2 Series: F22 and F23 M235i, F87 M2 (2016 to 2018)
- 3 Series: E90, E91, E92 and E93 335i (2010 to 2013), F30, F31 335i, F34 335i GT
- 4 Series: F32, F33 and F36 435i
- 5 Series: F10 and F11 535i, F07 535i Gran Turismo
- 6 Series: F06, F12 and F13 640i
- 7 Series: F01 and F02 740i
- X1 E84 xDrive35i, X3 F25 xDrive35i, X4 F26 xDrive35i
- X5 E70 xDrive35i (2011 on) and F15 xDrive35i
- X6 E71 xDrive35i (2011 on) and F16 xDrive35i
All-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive cars can use different oil pans and front parts. Tell us the model and drive type, and we will pick the right BMW N55 engine for sale for your build.
7 Proven Checks Before You Buy a BMW N55 Engine for Sale
1. The engine code
Get a photo of the code on the block. N55B30M0, O0 and T0 are not identical. If a seller cannot show it, keep looking.
2. Mileage you can believe
Ask where the mileage came from. A donor car with a clear odometer reading is far better than a guess.
3. Compression or leak-down numbers
Even numbers across all six cylinders tell you the rings and valves are healthy. One low cylinder is a warning.
4. Oil condition
Milky oil means coolant got in. Metal flakes mean bearing wear. Neither belongs in a good used engine.
5. Turbo shaft play
A little side play is normal. In and out play, oil in the compressor housing or a rattling wastegate are not.
6. What is included
Turbo, injectors, high pressure pump, intake manifold, Valvetronic motor, water pump, harness? Get the list in writing so there are no surprises.
7. A written warranty
Read the terms before you pay. Our used engine warranty page explains exactly what we cover and for how long.
Common BMW N55 Problems
No engine is perfect, and it is better to know the weak spots before you buy. These are the things we look at on every BMW N55 engine for sale before it leaves us.
Oil filter housing gasket
This one is famous. The gasket hardens with heat and starts to leak oil down the side of the block. Left alone, the oil can soak the drive belt and the belt can get pulled into the front seal. It is a cheap gasket and a smart thing to replace during any engine swap.
Valve cover and oil pan gaskets
Plastic valve covers can crack and the gasket gets hard. Oil pan gaskets weep on high mileage cars. Both are normal wear items, not reasons to walk away.
Electric water pump and thermostat
The N55 uses an electric water pump. When it fails, it often fails with little warning, and an engine that keeps running hot can warp the head or crack the block. A lot of the engines people replace died this way. If your old one overheated, replace the pump and thermostat with the new engine.
Charge pipe
The factory plastic charge pipe can crack under boost, especially on tuned cars. You lose power and get a boost fault. An aluminium pipe is a simple upgrade.
Wastegate rattle
Some engines develop a rattle from the wastegate linkage on the turbo. It is more annoying than dangerous on most cars, but we check for it and tell you if we hear it.
Carbon build-up on the intake valves
Like most direct injection engines, fuel never washes the back of the intake valves. Carbon builds up over the years and can cause rough idle and misfires. Walnut blasting cleans it out, and we look for heavy carbon on every BMW N55 engine for sale where the ports can be seen.
Ignition coils and spark plugs
Misfires on a turbo engine are often just tired plugs or a bad coil. Cheap to fix, but worth doing when a new engine goes in.
VANOS solenoids
Dirty oil can make the VANOS solenoids stick and set timing faults. Clean oil and on-time oil changes go a long way here.
None of these faults make the N55 a bad engine. Most owners who look after them get very long lives out of them. It just shows why you want a seller who actually checks the engine instead of pulling it out and selling it blind.
How We Test Each BMW N55 Engine for Sale
- We record the engine code, the mileage and the donor car where we have it.
- We run a compression or leak-down test on all six cylinders.
- We drain and check the oil and look at the coolant for signs of mixing.
- We check the turbo for shaft play and the wastegate for rattle.
- We look over the block, head and timing cover for cracks, repairs and leaks.
- We check the VANOS and Valvetronic parts where we can reach them.
- We photograph the engine from every side and send you the photos.
- We cap every opening, drain fluids and pack the engine for transport.
You see the real engine before you pay. If you want a closer photo of something, ask. We would rather take one more picture than have you guessing about a BMW N55 engine for sale.
N55 vs N54 vs B58: Which One Fits Your Car?
These three engines are all 3.0 litre turbo sixes from BMW, and people mix them up all the time. They are not interchangeable without a lot of work.
The N54 came first with two turbos and piezo injectors. It is loved by tuners, but the high pressure fuel pump, wastegates and injectors gave owners trouble. If your car came with an N54, look at our BMW N54 engine for sale guide instead.
The N55 sits in the middle. One twin-scroll turbo, Valvetronic and solenoid injectors. Simpler and more reliable for most drivers.
The B58 replaced the N55 from 2015 on. It has a closed deck block, an integrated intake and a different cooling layout. It is a great engine, but it does not bolt into an N55 car. See our BMW B58 guide if your car is newer.
The simplest and cheapest fix is almost always like for like. If your car left the factory with one, a BMW N55 engine for sale is the right answer.
Signs Your N55 Needs Replacing
A lot of N55 problems are repairs, not reasons for a new engine. Leaking gaskets, a dead water pump or a bad coil can all be fixed. But some things mean a replacement makes more sense.
- A knock from the bottom end that gets louder with revs, which usually means a spun bearing.
- Coolant in the oil after an overheat, pointing to a head gasket, warped head or cracked block.
- Low compression on one or more cylinders that does not go away after carbon cleaning.
- Heavy oil use and blue smoke from worn rings.
- Damage after a turbo failure sent bits of the compressor wheel into the intake.
If you are not sure, send us the symptoms and any workshop report. We will tell you honestly whether a BMW N55 engine for sale makes sense or whether a repair is cheaper.
Used, Rebuilt or Remanufactured?
Fairly used engines come out of running cars. They are tested and sold in good condition. This is the cheapest and quickest way to get a car back on the road, and it is what most of our buyers choose.
Rebuilt engines are stripped and fitted with new bearings, rings, gaskets and other wear parts. They cost more but start fresh.
Remanufactured engines are built to a fixed standard with every wear part replaced. They cost the most. Our guide to remanufactured vs rebuilt engines goes through the choice in more detail.
For a car worth keeping but not worth a fortune, a clean used BMW N55 engine for sale with known mileage usually gives the best value.
Long Block or Complete Engine?
A long block is the block, crank, pistons, rods, head, camshafts and valve train. A long block BMW N55 engine for sale suits you if your turbo, injectors, intake and sensors are fine and you want to move them over.
A complete engine comes with the turbo, injectors, high pressure pump, intake manifold and most of the bolt-on parts. It is quicker to fit and it is what most workshops ask for.
Every quote for a BMW N55 engine for sale says clearly which one you are getting, so you can compare prices fairly.
What a BMW N55 Engine for Sale Costs
We price each engine on its own. These are the things that move the number up or down:
- Version (M0, O0 or T0)
- Mileage and condition
- Long block or complete engine
- Included parts such as the turbo and injectors
- Shipping method and where it is going
Send your engine code and we will price the matching BMW N55 engine for sale with shipping included. Our article on replacement engine cost explains what goes into the total, including labour.
Worldwide Shipping
We ship to buyers in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Australia and the Pacific, the Caribbean, and North, Central and South America. Sea freight is cheaper and suits most people ordering a BMW N55 engine for sale. Air freight is faster when a customer is waiting on the car.
Each BMW N55 engine for sale is drained, capped, strapped to a pallet or crated, and shipped with tracking and the export paperwork. Read our shipping policy for the details.
Installation Tips From Our Team
- Find out why the old engine failed and fix that first. If it overheated, replace the water pump, thermostat and radiator hoses.
- Fit a new oil filter housing gasket and valve cover gasket while everything is open.
- Flush or replace the intercooler if the old turbo failed. Bits of compressor wheel love to hide in there.
- Fit new spark plugs and check the coils.
- Use the oil grade BMW lists for your car and change it early on a fresh engine.
- Check that the DME and software match the engine version.
- Look at the charge pipe and replace it if it is the old plastic one.
Do these things and your BMW N55 engine for sale from us should give you many years of good service.
Keeping Your N55 Healthy
Change the oil more often than the long service interval in the car’s computer. Many specialists suggest about 8,000 to 10,000 km (5,000 to 7,000 miles), especially in hot countries or on tuned cars. Let the engine warm up before you use full boost, and let it idle for a short while after a hard run so the turbo can cool. Keep an eye on the coolant level, because the electric water pump gives little warning. These habits cost very little and they protect a BMW N55 engine for sale long after it is fitted.
When the Engine Arrives
- Photograph the crate or pallet before you open it.
- Match the engine number to your quote.
- Check that every listed part is there.
- Turn the crank by hand to make sure it moves freely.
- Contact us within the time stated on your quote if something is not right.
We photograph every BMW N55 engine for sale before it ships, so any question is easy to settle.
Who Buys N55 Engines From Us
Private owners who love their 335i or X5 and do not want to give it up. Independent BMW workshops that need a reliable supply. Tuners building a car on a budget. Importers who resell engines in their home markets. Insurance and repair shops fixing accident cars. Every one of them gets the same thing: the right engine for the code, honest notes, real photos and a fair price on each BMW N55 engine for sale.
If you also work on other European cars, we supply the BMW M57 diesel, the BMW N57 engine for sale, the BMW N63 V8, the BMW M62 and the Mercedes M113 V8. Browse all our used European car engines or go straight to the shop.
How to Order Your BMW N55 Engine for Sale
- Send your details. VIN, model, year and the engine code if you have it, through the contact page or by calling +1 (209) 733-0882.
- Get photos and a written quote that includes shipping to your door or port.
- Pay by bank transfer. It is the only payment method we accept. See our billing terms.
- We ship with tracking and send the paperwork.
- You fit the engine, and we stay available if you have questions.
New to buying engines online? Read how to buy a used engine online and our notes on low mileage used engines.
Why Buy From NJ Global Auto Parts
We confirm the fit before you pay. We send photos of the real engine, not a stock picture. We describe the condition honestly, including the small things. And every BMW N55 engine for sale ships with a written quote, tracking and a written warranty. Read our refund and returns policy and find out more about us.
Quick Summary
The N55 is a smooth, strong and mostly dependable 3.0 turbo six. Match the version to your car, fix the cooling system and the usual leaks during the swap, and keep the oil fresh. Do that with a tested BMW N55 engine for sale and your BMW should feel like itself again for a long time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find a BMW N55 engine for sale with a warranty?
Right here. Every BMW N55 engine for sale we ship comes with a written warranty, and the terms are on your quote before you pay.
How do I know which BMW N55 engine for sale fits my car?
Send us your VIN and engine code. We check them against the BMW N55 engine for sale we have in stock and confirm the match in writing before we quote. If no BMW N55 engine for sale in stock is a true match, we tell you and keep looking.
Is the N55 a reliable engine?
Yes, for the most part. It is generally seen as more reliable than the N54. Most problems are leaks and cooling parts, which are straightforward to fix.
How long does an N55 last?
With good oil changes and a healthy cooling system, many go well past 200,000 km. Neglect and overheating are what kill them. A tested BMW N55 engine for sale with known history gives you a good head start.
Will an N55 fit a car that came with an N54?
Not without major changes to wiring, software and mounting parts. Replace like with like.
Does your BMW N55 engine for sale come with the turbo?
Complete engines do. Long blocks do not. Your quote will say which one you are buying.
Can you ship to my country?
Yes. We ship worldwide by sea or air with tracking.
How do I pay?
Bank transfer only. The details come with your written quote.
Get Your BMW Back on the Road
A BMW that sits in a garage is losing money and doing nobody any good. If you need a tested BMW N55 engine for sale that matches your engine code, with real photos and straight answers, get in touch today. We will check the fit, send you pictures and give you a clear price, wherever in the world you are.