I'm curious why you think a 2008 has the best engine for mods. The 2010 has the same N54 engine with likely newer/more updated HPFP and fuel injectors as the 2008. The 2011 has the N55 engine which is not nearly as mod friendly. So, in short, skip the 2011, but get the 2010 as it is the last 5 series with a N54 engine.

All 2008-2010 535s have the N54 and are all equally capable and can support the same mods all the way up to upgraded twins or even single turbo kits putting out 700 hp.

Of course, if you are truly looking for 500+ hp, I would strongly suggest a 6MT as no automatics can handle 500+ hp long term and, at least on the 335 and 135 platforms, cars pushing high 400 to 500+ hp have problems holding the power and have shifting issues from 4th to 5th gear (basically, car hunts between 4th and 5th gear when running full power, high speed runs).

 

From what I've learned about the N54 engine, the one & only year the engine came with forged rods and crank was 2008. It can handle upwards of 700hp (so I'm told). I'm looking for more of a luxury car than quick. I would like to have 380 to 420 hp and stop there. I have a race car if I need more speed. It is easier to find the options I want on the 2010, so I just wanted to know if it (engine & autotrans) can handle the ~400 HP I'm looking for. Sounds like it can but the trans might have an issue. Thank you all for your input, it is helping me for an opinion on which year I'm going to target.

Anyone with a 2010 535i with mods? How's it holding up? --Damon

 

Really? Can you share any links that support the statement?

(cuz I have an 08...)

 

This is internet hearsay and we can't always believe what we hear, but here is where I read this info. Info is still not totally confirmed but here it is...

Do all N54s have forged internals? - N54tech.com | BMW N54 N55 135 335 535 Turbo Performance Forum

 

That is not true. There are NO N54 engines with forged internals from the factory. There were lots of rumors of this, but none of the rumors have proven to be true. Those who have opened the engines up, none can factually back up the claim that ANY N54s had forged internals.

Doesn't really matter though as ALL N54s have very strong internals. The Vishnu test car, which has been beat on since virtually brand new is a 2007 335i. It got a single turbo transplant and 700 hp upgrade around 70K or 80K miles and was beat on again for over 10K miles. This 2007 model year N54 did not have forged internals, just very strong non-forged stock internals - exactly the same as all the other model year N54s.

It's funny, on n54tech, there's a similar thread about how all 2007-2009 N54s came with stock internals. Of course, we know that's not true either. In summary, lots of B.S. and anecdotal tales out there about forged internal stock N54s with ZERO proof.

What has been proven time and time again is that virtually ALL N54s are very stout motors - forged internals or not.