[cardnation]

Any update on the pricing for this? Is it really $2k?

[Arena Motor Dude]

Im getting excited... looks like a might be getting an F30 sooner than I thought now since the N20 motor is looking better.

[RPM90]

Originally Posted by JohnJ80

i wonder how big of an aftermarket the 328i will see....or if the major companies will focus more on the N55.

I know this question was some time ago, but I thought I would give my answer.

The 328i outsells the 335i by a LOT.
If memory serves, in the US, the 328i is over 70% of all 3 sales. I believe that includes coupes and sedans.
So, there would be a huge number of customers in the aftermarket.

Now, the question becomes, of those 328i buyers, how many are likely interested in a "tune"?
I'll guess that before the N20, there are more 335i drivers interested in tuning. With the N20 I'll bet the market for wanting a tune will be much greater. There will probably be some buyers who will go for the N20 over the 335i given the lower cost, and still be tuneable.

I'm in the market right now. I currently drive a 135i.
The N20 328i is swaying me very much. I can't believe how smooth an inline 4 can be. BMW did an excellent job on the smoothness of this engine.
But, since I'm in the US, engine size doesn't matter for taxation.
Couple that with my leasing preference, the monthly between a 328i and 335i is not that much more.
So for not much more monthly I can have the extra power of the 335i and not have to get a tune, thus keeping my warranty intact.

If I were doing a loan purchase, the 328i's lower cost gives more money left in the budget to do more than just a tune. You can get a tune plus a nice adjustable suspension, and that will give a very nice upgrade to an already sweet automobile.

[David328M-Sport]

Originally Posted by RPM90

I can have the extra power of the 335i and not have to get a tune, thus keeping my warranty intact.

You don't think you would be tempted once the tunes/piggy backs /whatever you prefer are released, even for the F30 335i?

[mocohead]

Has anybody installed one of these units yet?

Not only is it overly expensive, there is NO raw data on what it is actually controlling. The dynos are interesting enough, but I want to see more information like boost, waste gate duty cycles, injector duty cycles, knock counts, etc...

[RPM90]

Originally Posted by David325Australia

You don't think you would be tempted once the tunes/piggy backs /whatever you prefer are released, even for the F30 335i?

Not really.
To get N55 power, the N20 has to be tuned and run even higher boost levels than than the high level it already runs at.
It'll stress the engine even more.

The N55 already produces the power in stock warranted OEM tune.

To get the N20 to N55 power levels means a good bit of added cost, and now you're getting closer in cost to what the N55 already gives you at it's price point. In the US, similarly equipped 3's puts the 335i at about $3700 more. At $1500 to tune the N20 that's increases the 328i's over all, and immediately voids it's engine warranty.

Ok, let's put warranty aside.
Anything you can do to the N20 can also be done to the N55, both are turbo engines. You can tune the N55 beyond the reach of the N20, at reasonable tuning costs. Meaning, if you now want to get the N20 to the level of a tuned N55, cost will go up considerably, because you'll likely need injectors, IC, and a larger turbo for the N20.

For me, it makes more sense to go with the N55 in the first place, because there is plenty of power already with the N55.
I will also say, that the 328i has plenty of power for my needs too.
So why the 335i over the 328i, and it's greater cost?
It comes down to the over all cost of ownership for my needs.
I have been leasing for my past 4 cars and will again lease my F30.
Even though the price difference between the 328i and 335i is around $3700, in a lease the price difference is MUCH lower than that.
The cost difference over 3 years is less than $1500 between the two.
I get the higher power with full warranty.

Now, that's just for me and what I'm looking to get out of it.
For others, it's a different decision.
I will say that even if I were to by either model, I think I'd still go for the 335i as that is a 3.0 liter turbo vs a 2.0 liter turbo.
Displacement still matters, as the 3.0 can be tuned to a higher level over the 2.0.
So for those seeking the highest power out of their 3, regardless of warranty, the N55 is the better starting point.

[mocohead]

RPM90 this thread is not a debate between the N55 and N20...it is about a product for the N20. The original topic is interesting to people and we should keep it on topic please. Thanks.

[RPM90]

Originally Posted by mocohead

RPM90 this thread is not a debate between the N55 and N20...it is about a product for the N20. The original topic is interesting to people and we should keep it on topic please. Thanks.

You may want to take note that I was answering a question directed at me.

I gave information as to the differences between the two, and what "I" would prefer.
There is no "debate" in the post. I don't knock either engine in regards to it's own merits, simply answering the question posed to me.

Thanks.

[CombatNinja]

I'm kind of interested in what the ceiling will be on these engines. Having owned a few VAG 1.8Ts and 2.0Ts with their iron blocks, 300+ lb-ft and reliability went hand in hand. This new BMW engine with its aluminum block worries me a bit on that front. I'm sure the tuners will do some reliability testing albeit nothing as extensive as a manufacturer would perform BUT I'm thinking that these "mild" tunes we are probably going to be it for this engine. I'm interested in the car for much more than power potential of course (fuel economy and handling top the list) but I don't think I'd be comfortable pushing this engine very far. Anyone have any thoughts?

[nsquared]

Anyone know what kind of turbo/size is in the N20? Comparable to K03 or K04?

[JohnnyF10]

Originally Posted by blokbuk

You have to get a quote from a reseller...Quote I got was 2k$...
Hoping another product comes out soon...

Turner Motorsport will sell you the hartge tune for 1600$ USD I am placing an order for my 528

[blokbuk]

Originally Posted by jarruda

Turner Motorsport will sell you the hartge tune for 1600$ USD I am placing an order for my 528

Did you get the tune?

[blackangelm3italy]

qualcuno ha provato questa centralina ??

[Robz_328i]

Would doing this void my warranty with bmw??
(sorry I'm new at this just bought my 328i and i got to say I'm in LOVEEEE)
Does doing this would damage my car in any way? I mean transmission and engine? thx

[clarence]

Originally Posted by CombatNinja

I'm kind of interested in what the ceiling will be on these engines. Having owned a few VAG 1.8Ts and 2.0Ts with their iron blocks, 300+ lb-ft and reliability went hand in hand. This new BMW engine with its aluminum block worries me a bit on that front.

I think it should not be a problem as the N20 has been competing in the British Touring Car Championship (fitted to a E90 shell) since the start of this year. Quite reliable so far with some good results, considering how old the platform is.

[CombatNinja]

What power level do they run at in BTCC? I bet it isn't over 300bhp...

[clarence]

Originally Posted by CombatNinja

What power level do they run at in BTCC? I bet it isn't over 300bhp...

Limited to 300bhp, but like the Group A WRC cars (same 2 litre 300bhp limit), there's no limit on the maximum torque.

[mocohead]

It is impossible to tell how this particular tune will effect reliability because there is almost no data available on which to base speculation. What we really need to see are dyno charts both at WOT and at high load, low RPM's. The AFR, knock counts, injector duty cycles, EGT and IAT data all help a person analyze potential for damage.

Horsepower alone does not create reliability problems. Bad tunes blow engines up. Detonation, insufficient fueling, excessive temperatures and poor quality gas are the main culprits.

It would be great if somebody would do before and after dyno charts with this product. Who is willing to be the guinea pig?

[Kalem]

Anyone know how many sensors input they use? I know Burgerturning uses 4, TMC uses 2, and race chip only use 1. My understanding is that the more input sensors they use the better.

[CombatNinja]

I'd be curious to know what PSI those race engines are running and if the compression ratio is the same as a production engine. Clearly, in stock form the N20 beats the pants off of the VAG 2.0T right now. I think with off the shelf tunes it will be a wash but the VAG engine has more ultimate potential. Time will tell how far the N20 can be pushed.

[hyper1]

I'm taking the new car this Friday.
Where can i get that tune.....wow
thanks

[cw0974]

I want to see this work. This would be awesome to put another kick to the 328's.