m54 vs N54. Whats the difference (besides the turbo.)

Just a random question that I was pondering, but what are the differences between the M54 and N54? YES, I know the N54 is turbocharged, I got it. I assume the N54 has a different DME tune, but besides the tune and turbo are the engines themselves much different. Theoretically could you bolt (prbbly wouldnt be that simple) a turbo from an N54 on the engine of a E46?

Originally Posted by GotVANOS?

Just a random question that I was pondering, but what are the differences between the M54 and N54? YES, I know the N54 is turbocharged, I got it. I assume the N54 has a different DME tune, but besides the tune and turbo are the engines themselves much different. Theoretically could you bolt (prbbly wouldnt be that simple) a turbo from an N54 on the engine of a E46?

"Theoretically" yes.
If they can stuff a V10 from the M5 into a e30...

Originally Posted by GotVANOS?

Just a random question that I was pondering, but what are the differences between the M54 and N54? YES, I know the N54 is turbocharged, I got it. I assume the N54 has a different DME tune, but besides the tune and turbo are the engines themselves much different. Theoretically could you bolt (prbbly wouldnt be that simple) a turbo from an N54 on the engine of a E46?

unless it was a direct bolt on, it wouldn't be worth it financially. There are turbo kits out there for the M54 that are cheap enough already.

they have a very similar block and share the same materials (aluminum with cast iron cylinder liners if i remember correctly) but by no means would anything be a bolt on

wikipedia

Surprisingly the engine block of the N54B30 is similar to the older generation BMW M54B30 engine - all aluminum with cast iron cylinder liners. This is because the newer N52 aluminum-magnesium engine block was not deemed as suitable for turbo-charging with the above-mentioned engineering goals. As a result, the N54B30 is physically heavier (195 kg (430 lb)) than the very light (161 kg (355 lb)) N52 engine. This also explains why the engine block size is identical to the older M54B30 at 2979 cc/181 in³ instead of the 2996 cc/182 in³ of the new N52B30 3.0L engine. There are some differences between the M54 and N54; the M54 is a single-piece block, with the water pump housing cast into the block, and is a closed-deck design, compared to the N54's two-piece block with a separate bedplate, electric water pump, and open deck.