2011 BMW 335i N55 faster than N54

Car and Driver proves that two turbochargers are not necessarily better than one in a quick test of the 2011 BMW 335i Sedan. The N55-powered 335i reaches 140 mph almost 1 full second faster than the N54 powered one. Here is an excerpt of their review:

What Is It?

You know exactly what the BMW 335i sedan is. It’s one of the best sports sedans on the market, with a perfect balance of supple ride and superb handling. For 2011, BMW dropped the N54 twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six and replaced it with the N55 single-turbo 3.0-liter. With direct fuel injection, a twin-scroll turbocharger, and BMW’s Valvetronic variable-valve-lift system—the N54 covered its turbo and direct-injection bases, but lacked Valvetronic—the new engine bests its predecessor’s EPA-estimated fuel economy, 19 mpg city and 28 highway versus 17 and 26, respectively. Power remains the same: 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. Peak horsepower still arrives at 5800 rpm, but the new motor delivers its torque punch at 1200 rpm, 200 revs earlier than the old one.

How Does It Drive?

Nearly identically to the N54-powered 335i: It’s fast, smooth, and extremely stable. With the announcement of the move to the single-turbo engine, enthusiasts (including us) cried foul. We believed the N54’s output had been underrated, and that the N55, although matching it in advertised output, would be weaker in reality. But all of that can be put to bed. Our 2011 335i was just as quick as the twin-turbo car, reaching 60 mph in the same sprightly 4.8 seconds. The quarter-mile flew by in 13.6 seconds at 106 mph, a tenth behind the quickest twin-turbo sedan we tested. After the century mark, however, the new mill picks up steam, reaching 140 mph nearly a full second quicker.

How Does It Stack Up?

For years, the competition has been chasing the 3-series’ legendary dynamic package. The Infiniti G37 has come close, making up more ground in value than in performance, but only the 2010 Audi S4 has been able to dethrone the 335i in a comparison test. Still, the 335i is the quickest of its competitive set to 60 mph and provides a singular experience behind the wheel. The clutch and shifter operate in perfect harmony to provide effortless gear changes. Steering weight and feedback are finely tuned, and the suspension makes the car feel glued to the road but never harsh or unsettled. As we said in the comparison test with the S4, “It taught the competitors what a sports sedan should be.”

What’s the Cost?

The 2011 335i sedan is in showrooms now, starting at $41,475 with a sunroof, leatherette interior, walnut wood trim, power front seats, xenon headlights, and automatic climate control on the standard-equipment list. Our test car added the (mandatory, in our opinion) $2150 Sport package, which adds 18-inch wheels, a sports suspension, a fatter steering wheel, and bolstered seats. With Comfort Access keyless entry ($500), an iPod and USB interface ($400), and special Montego Blue Metallic paint ($550), this example rang up at $45,075. Here in Michigan, we’d add only the Cold Weather package to make this our ideal sports sedan.

Source: Car and Driver