The N54 debuted at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show and was launched in the 335i model of the E90/E91/E92/E93 3 Series range.

BMW's marketed the twin-turbo as "TwinPower Turbo",[10] although the term has since been used for engines which have a single twin-scroll turbocharger.

[16] However, these figures are considered to be under-rated,[17] and independent testing has resulted in estimates of 232 kW (311 bhp) and 422 N⋅m (311 lb⋅ft).

[29] Comparing the N54-engined E60 535i with the 550i (using a 4.8–litre naturally aspirated V8), one reviewer noted that the V8 model had more torque but was "only marginally quicker than the 535i" and that the additional weight of the V8 engine was noticeable on twisty mountain roads.

[31] In April 2009, a class action suit was filed against BMW in connection with HPFP failures.

On 26 October 2010, following an ABC News story about HPFP failures,[34] BMW announced a recall of vehicles with the pump in question from manufacturing years 2007–2010.

[37] In the United States, the warranty period for the HPFP was increased to 10 years and 120,000 mi (190,000 km).

[42][43] Due to problems with rattling wastegates caused by premature bushing wear,[44][45] BMW extended the warranty period for wastegate-related issues to 8 years or 82,000 mi (132,000 km).