Specifications
| Engine | Displacement | Power | Torque | Redline | Year | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N54B30 | 2,979 cc (3.0 L; 181.8 cu in) | 190 kW (254 hp) @ 6600 | 310 N·m (230 lb·ft) @ 2600 | 7000 rpm | 2009 | Naturally aspirated; Asian markets only |
| N54B30 | 2,979 cc (3.0 L; 181.8 cu in)) | 225 kW (306 hp) @ 5800 | 400 N·m (295 lb·ft) @ 1400-5000 | 7000 rpm | 2007 | Twin Turbocharged |
| N54B30 | 2,979 cc (3.0 L; 181.8 cu in) | 243 kW (326 hp) @ 5800 | 450 N·m (332 lb·ft) @ 1500-4500 | 7000 rpm | 2008-2009 | Twin Turbocharged |
| N54B30 | 2,979 cc (3.0 L; 181.8 cu in) | 250 kW (335 hp) @ 5900 | 450 N·m (332 lb·ft) @ 1500-4500 | 7000 rpm | 2010 | Twin Turbocharged |
The relatively small-displacement N54B30 provides the midrange torque of a large-displacement engine but more efficiently. Using direct fuel injection allows for a broader power band and less turbo lag than previous turbocharged gasoline engines.
Piezo fuel injectors are used, as per the naturally-aspirated N53 (used mostly European markets only). However it was found that the relatively expensive piezo injectors were not reaching their full potential when used in North America, in contrast to Europe which they could perform lean burn. The succeeding N55's direct injection uses cheaper Bosch solenoid-type injectors. BMW's term for twin turbochargers or a twin-scroll turbocharger is "TwinPower Turbo".
According to BMW, the N54B30 produces 306 hp (228 kW) and 295 lb·ft (400 N·m) The engine uses two small low-pressure turbochargers to remove turbo lag at low elevations. For this reason, the turbo pressure is only 8.8 psi as the engineering goal was to offer the same driving feel as with naturally aspirated engines. The relatively small-displacement N54B30 provides the midrange torque of a large-displacement engine but more efficiently. In addition, using direct fuel injection allows for a broader power band and less turbo lag than previous turbocharged gasoline engines.
In the Asian-only F01 730i/Li variant, the twin turbochargers are removed leaving the engine to be naturally aspirated and directly-injected.
Read more about this topic: BMW N54