BMWNA acknowledges N54 engine turbo lag issue

BMWNA has just issued a statement regarding the turbo lag issue that some of you might have noticed with your 3.0 twin-turbo engine(N54). I am one of those people that noticed an issue with the engine, but when I took my car to the dealership, they couldn’t find anything wrong with it.

I’m glad they finally acknowledged the potential issue and that measurements are being taken.

Release

“In an effort to address specific noise concerns, BMW updated the turbocharged engine software on 335i/xi and 535i/xi models built from June 2006 through March 2008. The updated software causes a small amount of increased “turbocharger lag” under certain circumstances and, while not substantial, the lag may be perceptible to the most sensitive BMW drivers. X6, 135i, and 3 Series/5 Series vehicles from March 2008 production onward are not affected.

Release of the new software to restore the original turbocharger response is planned for January 2009, and it will be available for vehicles produced from September 2007 through March 2008 when they are brought to an authorized BMW center for a repair which requires a programming update. Clients with vehicles produced from June 2006 through September 2007 may request installation of the January 2009 software update.

Clients who get this update should understand that there is a possibility of slightly increased engine noise levels under certain circumstances.”

[Source: Bimmerfile and BMWCCA]
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BMWM - 11/18/2008 4:09:27 PM

+7 Boost

What the hell is wrong with more engine noise????

EnnNorak - 11/19/2008 7:15:17 PM

0 Boost

Noise is loved by lower classes who believe that louder is better. A bigger issue than noise is engine block and cylinder liner material. Silicon-impregnated aluminum blocks are more brittle and more prone to cracking. I'll take a good old iron block or aluminum block with iron liners any day. I can't remember which of the two in-line six engines that BMW has comes with an iron block.

JCH335i - 11/18/2008 4:17:58 PM

+5 Boost

so does this mean my 335 will be louder and quicker? Thats turbonerific

ghosthunter - 11/18/2008 6:42:24 PM

+3 Boost

The engine noise, was caused by metallic rattle of the wastegates not being fully closed and rattling against their seals.
Search for 335i wastegate rattle on youtube for more information.

007vehispy1 - 11/18/2008 4:34:59 PM

0 Boost

I hope they get your situation resolved- actually they better seeing that you could spread some really bad press

JCH335i - 11/18/2008 5:56:00 PM

+3 Boost

I currently have an S5 and a 335. gotta tell you, the S5 is a ridiculous piece of machinery, better than the BMW on interior, overall finish and build, technology, looks, feel, everything. People stare at the car. you feel marvelous driving it.

but then you get back in the bmw. and you feel so much more dialed in, the audi feels slower at first, but perhaps it is because it is so smooth and linear. the bmw is visceral. truth be told, the bmw gives me more of a thrill and its more fun to drive (even with the drive select on the S5 to full dynamic), but the audi kills it on sex appeal and overall satisfaction. i feel like a pauper in the bmw now, and that is quite a statement. hats off to both companies, not sure which one i prefer overall yet....

2ndbimmer - 11/18/2008 6:01:12 PM

+3 Boost

I havent had a problem with my 335i and it was one of the first built. I have 40K on it and drive like a maniac. love the car everyday.
JCH335i, i am surprised about your statement on the S5. I ahve driven it on the track and the BMW is a lot more dialed in, but I didnt think the audi interior stood out that much. to me, after a lap, the interior lost its lustre and the steering was more loose.
but, there is definitely sex apeal with the S5.

Designer1 - 11/19/2008 8:26:23 AM

+2 Boost

How beautiful it is when the problem is with software. Isn't software wonderful? I'm glad to see BMW acknowledging their problems quickly and fixing them.

investor27 - 11/19/2008 1:59:48 PM

0 Boost

I don't know about the "BMW acknowledging their problems quickly." It's been over 8 months since people have been complaining about the turbo lags on the new 135i and BMW has been denying that there was lag with a software update. But now that the economy has burdened BMW and forces them to admit that there is a problem and that a fix is "on the way." Why is it not already here? This statement of theirs does clear up the issue by stating that all bi-turbos built from now on will not have this problem.

gooch - 11/19/2008 3:27:41 PM

+1 Boost

I have driven a 335i, and while it wasn't as visceral or maniacal as the E46 M3, it was very rapid and sounded great. Here's hoping the problem is taken care of quickly.