[john08135i]

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So i have a 2013 Msport with an n20 but i got for a loaner a new base <premium pckg> 2013 with an n26.
The n26 has NO turb lag.. mine does.
The n26 feels faster to me.
The base model 3 is horrible.
The brakes feel smaller, non nav sucks, dash without enhanced screen is cheap, pirellis tires spin much easier, flat seats, comfort access for trunk by sweeping your foot is very slow.

n20:
My interior is much nicer with sport seats and blue trim piece.
Msport steering wheel looks and fells MUCH nicer.
sport auto trans is better

For the $6k price difference for my M is a no brainer. I got nav, enhanced BT and better styling, sport transmission and sport seats.

So below thats a shot of the blow off on the loaner..N26 right?

[iwannabimmer]

What is the deal with N26? I must've missed that....please explain....

[john08135i]

Im not sure.. i heard only california and other strict emissions states got the N26 which has a more controlled electronic blow off valve.
The pic is of the new N26 valve setup.

Seriously though it has NO turbo lag.

[amoeba]

N26 is the SULEV version of N20.

I don't know if there's any performance differences. But my wife's E46 had a SULEV engine and it was better for several reasons. Many of the parts were stainless steel and it came with an extended 150k miles emissions warranty. Basically anything along the fuel system (Check Engine light OBD stuff) will be replaced for free by BMW.

We had a stainless steel gas tank replaced at 110k miles. It would've cost $8000 at the dealer.

[john08135i]

OK i might be confused now.. how can you tell the difference between an N20 and N26?

[nikneo]

Originally Posted by john08135i

OK i might be confused now.. how can you tell the difference between an N20 and N26?

Easiest way would be to look at the model code from your vehicle inquiry listing. Code 133O and 133Y are for the SULEV N26. Does anyone know if dyno plots for the N26 are available yet? My CA put down 133Y (South African SULEV 328i) for my build without so much as mentioning it I just hope its got the same underrated performance as the N20.

[john08135i]

OK mine shows N20 but the waste-gate looks electric?

[SomeRandomer123]

Just for clarity:
SULEV (N26) = Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle
ULEV (N20)= Ultra Low Emission Vehicle

The differences are to do with legislation differences across the world, or states in your likely case. From what I recall, it is mainly to do with the aforementioned fuelling system being comprised of stainless steel.

EDIT: Just dug out a reply from BMW UK on this when I asked last year:

"The US have strict emission laws that are actively enforced with road side checks forming part of their enforcement agencies daily routine activities. Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicles have measures in place that ensure compliance with the US law.

For example in the rest of the world where it is acceptable, rubber fuel hoses are commonly employed in vehicle fuel systems. However in the US metal pipes are specified as these ensure that fuel vapour and fuel are less likely to be emitted into the environment.
Road side spot checks carried out in the US also mean that emission reducing systems need a robust means of being tested, this not being a requirement in the rest of the world at present. The US version and ECE version of the N20 commonly employ a fuel tank venting system. This system is designed to route fuel vapour formed in the fuel tank in to the engines intake system where it is combusted. However in the US model the system needs a way of being tested for leaks to the atmosphere. Therefore an additional valve is installed in the fuel tank venting system that closes off the venting lines so as a specific vacuum can be applied to them and through this action leaks in the system lines can be detected."