[Jason]

BIMMERPOST NEWS

F30 3-series Won’t Get Turbo 3-Cylinder N37 Engine. Bound for FWD 1-series Instead

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BMW's research and development head, Klaus Draeger, has confirmed that future BMWs will indeed utilize new turbocharged 3-cylinder gas and diesel engines. This begs the question which future models will receive these 3 cylinder motors. According to Draeger (via Autocar), the upcoming FWD 1-series models will receive the 1.5L turbo 3-cylinder and not the F30 3-series (at least not initially?)

“They are not a priority for the 3-series,” Draeger told Autocar last week. “We’ll start with the front-wheel drive architecture and more price-sensitive models.”

Instead, the smallest engine we expect to see for the F30 3-series in the US is the 245hp 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder N20 engine.

Draeger revealed that the petrol version of the engine, known internally as N37, has the potential to match the maximum 54bhp-per-cylinder rating of the firm’s recently introduced turbocharged 2.0-litre, four-cylinder N20. This suggests range-topping versions of the new triple will develop up to 160bhp.

The key to the new engine’s efficiency, says Draeger, is its
capacity-to-surface-area ratio, 
which he describes as being better than any existing BMW 
engine for thermal performance.

In a bid to dispel the idea that three-pot engines are used for cost-saving, Draeger said, “The three-cylinder engines are not cheap. They are every bit as hi-tech as our four and six-cylinder engines.”

We previously reported that this 3-cylinder engine range (gasoline and diesel) will receive the TwinPower Turbo treatment.

The TwinPower Turbo package combines a single twin-scroll turbocharger, direct injection and full variable valvetronic. It first debuted on the N55 motor in the 5-series GT in 2009 and most recently on the first 4-cylinder motor, with the 2.0L N20 gasoline engine in the X1 xDrive28i. The use of this technology allows for increased horsepower while decreasing CO2 emissions. As an example, the N20 outputs 245hp compared to just 156hp from the naturally aspirated version.

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[esqu1re]

Don't know much about engine dynamics, but isn't a 3 cylinder inherently imbalanced?

[red-sauerkraut]

Balance shafts can keep it more than happy.

Originally Posted by esqu1re

Don't know much about engine dynamics, but isn't a 3 cylinder inherently imbalanced?

[v3.0si]

^^^

it'll likely have a balance shaft similar to what benz uses in their v6's (272 motor). although, benz runs theirs down the valley, which isn't really possible on an I3... who knows what BMW might do?

[KSERGEI-BY]

Someone said here - this 3 cyl "engine" will open the door to the low-buget ppl IMHO 3 cyl is ok for 2 weels only.

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by Jason

Instead, the smallest engine we expect to see for the F30 3-series is the 245hp 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder N20 engine.

I guess you probably meant that comment with respect to the US, Jason.

Globally, I would be very surprised if we don't see a 320i with the lower output 184hp N20B20 recently confirmed for the Z4 20i and 520i. Additionally, I suspect some markets will get the two versions of the new smaller I4 that are slated for use in the F20 116i and 118i respectively. In fact, with the 1.6L I4 in the mix, it is no surprise that the three cylinder is not a priority yet since the 1.6L can cover that market for now.

Draeger revealed that the petrol version of the engine, known internally as N37, has the potential to match the maximum 54bhp-per-cylinder rating of the firm’s recently introduced turbocharged 2.0-litre, four-cylinder N20. This suggests range-topping versions of the new triple will develop up to 160bhp.

By my math, the current N20B20 is so far capable of 60hp/cylinder. No?

I think the new I3 will introduce the new shared engine architecture which is said to yield almost 70hp per cylinder (0.5L standard cylinder displacement across the lineup).

[Wolf]

Originally Posted by red-sauerkraut

Balance shafts can keep it more than happy.

I don't know but I think if you use all the balance shafts in the world, the engine will still vibrate.

[SomeRandomer123]

Originally Posted by blipit

FWD = FAIL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

1 "Life is too short for front wheel drive" - Sabine Schmitz whilst driving the E60 M5 around the Nurburgring.

[and 1]

Originally Posted by SomeRandomer123

1 "Life is too short for front wheel drive" - Sabine Schmitz whilst driving the E60 M5 around the Nurburgring.

this

[Alchem]

Why do you guys care if BMW makes FWD? Don't buy that model. FWD will be in the new low cost models. You guys are acting like every model is going FWD.

[Alchem]

Originally Posted by blipit

Because of the ads they use to run.

They look like dumbsh*ts.

Well times have changed. They are adapting to the needs of new markets especially in emerging economies.

[335_MI6]

FWD= Failed at life

[Touring]

The 160 hp 3-cylinder would be perfect engine-swap for my E21.

[ron_jeremy]

I thought this tread was about the new 3 sylinder engine.
Not FWD?


Oh well, i suppose BMW should rather give up, than follow EU regulations and other (stupid) CO commisions.
There is a need for such actions people, it doesn't mean you have to buy them though, but i can assure you, some will, and coming from BMW, these engines will sure be good, and most of all, others will follow.
It's not like BMW will be alone making 3 sylinder engines, and small FWD cars, look at A and B class from MB.

Rant over?

[bmwpride335i]

FWD made by a company such as BMW... its the principle of it that saddens me.

FWD cars isnt bad or anything but it will always underperform compared to RWD. law of physics is firm on that. for a purist car company such as BMW to do that... saddens me. ah the tragedy.

[Yogijet]

Originally Posted by ron_jeremy

I thought this tread was about the new 3 sylinder engine.
Not FWD?


Oh well, i suppose BMW should rather give up, than follow EU regulations and other (stupid) CO commisions.
There is a need for such actions people, it doesn't mean you have to buy them though, but i can assure you, some will, and coming from BMW, these engines will sure be good, and most of all, others will follow.
It's not like BMW will be alone making 3 sylinder engines, and small FWD cars, look at A and B class from MB.

Rant over?

I agree with you and Alchem on this but you can rest assured that the rant will continue until we no longer have free speech for the masses. In the meantime, bring on the innovation, BMW!

[XC]

Originally Posted by Alchem

Why do you guys care if BMW makes FWD? Don't buy that model. FWD will be in the new low cost models. You guys are acting like every model is going FWD.

But... this might be the beginning of the end...

[NightVisitant]

^ Indeed

This doesn't make any sense, with the 3 series getting ever bigger, the 1 series was beginning to replace it in terms of being small compact sporty - but making it FWD immediately cuts off that progression, perhaps that is the thinking behind it - by giving the 1 series a step backwards in handling/driving, it keeps the 3 series on top...

Having said that, we must try to keep a little faith in BMW, we are after all, good fans - perhaps their decisions are for the best, only time will tell

[Pentium]

I don't like the idea of FWD with BMW, but looking to all what's going on to automarket they have a point maybe!
I can't resist the BMW drive, even the smallest 1 Series is something special...don't know what will look like with FWD!

160 bhp from 3 cylinder is very nice actually!