Topic: BMW X3 - turbo 4 & Diesel

[LBJGH]

There has been much speculation on the BMW forums about which cars the new N20 turbo 4cyl will be installed in.

It appears the 2012 model year ends production March 2012. 

I suspect the 4cyl N20 will be the new base motor for the X3 considering the motor is currently available in the Z4, X1, 328i, 528i.

Thoughts?

[Julie]

There has been much speculation on the BMW forums about which cars the new N20 turbo 4cyl will be installed in.

It appears the 2012 model year ends production March 2012. 

I suspect the 4cyl N20 will be the new base motor for the X3 considering the motor is currently available in the Z4, X1, 328i, 528i.

Thoughts?

Yes, N20 28i confirmed for MY2013 (which starts in April):

http://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=637583

[ovr50]

There has been much speculation on the BMW forums about which cars the new N20 turbo 4cyl will be installed in.

It appears the 2012 model year ends production March 2012. 

I suspect the 4cyl N20 will be the new base motor for the X3 considering the motor is currently available in the Z4, X1, 328i, 528i.

Thoughts?

Old news I have posted this months ago.

[LBJGH]

At least one report in the media...

2013 BMW X3 xDrive28i Gets Smaller Engine
http://www.insideline.com/bmw/x3/2013/2013-bmw-x3-xdrive-28i-gets-smaller-engine.html

[OliverD]

So the current X3 28i is the last BMW (at least on this continent) available with a naturally aspirated inline six.

It's the end of an era. 

[LBJGH]

Nothing to be sad about... more horsepower more torque and better fuel economy.

I've driven the X1/n20, X3/n52 and the X3/n55 and they were all excellent performers.

The X3/n52 had the sweetest sound when revved but the two turbo motors were better performing.

I'm sure BMW could use a 'sound generator' similar to what is fitted on the M3 to make the n20 equipped cars sound like the N52's. 

So the current X3 28i is the last BMW (at least on this continent) available with a naturally aspirated inline six.

It's the end of an era. 

[Julie]

I'm sure BMW could use a 'sound generator' similar to what is fitted on the M3 to make the n20 equipped cars sound like the N52's. 

What sound generator are you talking about? I have an M3 on order. I am not aware of a sound generator. 

The sounds it makes are from the naturally aspirated V8 (which sounds terrific to me, stock)

There is an optional M Performance Exhaust for the M3. But they were introduced not long ago, are quite expensive and not many have that option.

[rrocket]

I'm sure BMW could use a 'sound generator' similar to what is fitted on the M3 to make the n20 equipped cars sound like the N52's. 

What sound generator are you talking about? I have an M3 on order. I am not aware of a sound generator. 

The sounds it makes are from the naturally aspirated V8 (which sounds terrific to me, stock)

There is an optional M Performance Exhaust for the M3. But they were introduced not long ago, are quite expensive and not many have that option.

The sound generator is on the M5.

[Julie]

I'm sure BMW could use a 'sound generator' similar to what is fitted on the M3 to make the n20 equipped cars sound like the N52's. 

What sound generator are you talking about? I have an M3 on order. I am not aware of a sound generator. 

The sounds it makes are from the naturally aspirated V8 (which sounds terrific to me, stock)

There is an optional M Performance Exhaust for the M3. But they were introduced not long ago, are quite expensive and not many have that option.

The sound generator is on the M5.

Correct. The new M5, that will be available this fall.

[rrocket]

^^You got PM.

[HeliDriver]

I'm sure BMW could use a 'sound generator' similar to what is fitted on the M3 to make the n20 equipped cars sound like the N52's. 

What sound generator are you talking about? I have an M3 on order. I am not aware of a sound generator. 

The sounds it makes are from the naturally aspirated V8 (which sounds terrific to me, stock)

There is an optional M Performance Exhaust for the M3. But they were introduced not long ago, are quite expensive and not many have that option.

Wow, guess I missed that thread. I knew you were pining for one, but didn't think it would happen so soon. Congrats!!!

[mmret]

I'm sure BMW could use a 'sound generator' similar to what is fitted on the M3 to make the n20 equipped cars sound like the N52's. 

What sound generator are you talking about? I have an M3 on order. I am not aware of a sound generator. 

The sounds it makes are from the naturally aspirated V8 (which sounds terrific to me, stock)

There is an optional M Performance Exhaust for the M3. But they were introduced not long ago, are quite expensive and not many have that option.

Wow, guess I missed that thread. I knew you were pining for one, but didn't think it would happen so soon. Congrats!!!

z o m g.

Details required.

[Julie]

Wow, guess I missed that thread. I knew you were pining for one, but didn't think it would happen so soon. Congrats!!!

z o m g.

Details required.

LOL.

I didn't start a thread.  This is the first I've mentioned it.

The new M3 will be here in 2 years (3 if you want the coupe), but I like cars towards the end of their life cycle because they're the most bug-free & refined (e.g. improved steering, improved dual clutch, etc.), have the most interesting options (e.g. competition package) and get 'cheaper' (more and more standard equipment).

I'm also a little hesitant about picking up a (rumored tri-turbo in-line 6) M3 in its initial years because of the problems that the 335i model had in its first few years. (Mine has had no issues in 2 years, but mine is also one that was bought in the second half of its cycle.)

It will be modestly optioned.  I am at a point in my life where I can consider not having to give up one car for another, so the plan will be to keep it forever.  Therefore, I don't want to add any more options (and future electrical gremlins) than I want or need.  When it will no longer be my commuter car, it would then become my track car.

I'm very excited. 

[Julie]

Back on topic about the Turbo 4.......

This is a great video on the sound differences between the turbo-4 (N20) and the turbo-6 (N55).

At the BMW 3-series sedan press launch event at Laguna Seca.

Clicky here: http://youtu.be/8rmoYAfr0t8

Make up your mind which motor sound(s) you like!

[OliverD]

Nothing to be sad about... more horsepower more torque and better fuel economy.

You can't beat the natural smoothness of an inline six though. It's been BMW's defining motor for decades. Even if the new four cylinder is objectively better, it's still a bit disappointing to see such a fantastic powertrain get dropped. Much like when Jeep abandoned the venerable 4.0 when the 2007 Wrangler debuted.

[LBJGH]

I love the sound of the six but if I was buying a 28i it would be the n20... no question.

The n55 cars have a vacuum actuated valve in the exhaust that opens during WOT to provide that sweet exhaust tone (google golf tee mod).  I don't know if the same valve is installed with the turbo engine.

Back on topic about the Turbo 4.......

This is a great video on the sound differences between the turbo-4 (N20) and the turbo-6 (N55).

At the BMW 3-series sedan press launch event at Laguna Seca.

Clicky here: http://youtu.be/8rmoYAfr0t8

Make up your mind which motor sound(s) you like!

[Julie]

Nothing to be sad about... more horsepower more torque and better fuel economy.

You can't beat the natural smoothness of an inline six though. It's been BMW's defining motor for decades. Even if the new four cylinder is objectively better, it's still a bit disappointing to see such a fantastic powertrain get dropped. Much like when Jeep abandoned the venerable 4.0 when the 2007 Wrangler debuted.

I remember being awed by the smoothness of the N52 when I test drove it.

I am also a little sad that it's being retired.    It was also a very reliable motor, from what I understand.

I love the sound of the six but if I was buying a 28i it would be the n20... no question.

The n55 cars have a vacuum actuated valve in the exhaust that opens during WOT to provide that sweet exhaust tone (google golf tee mod).  I don't know if the same valve is installed with the turbo engine.

Despite loving the smooth in-line 6's of BMW's past, the N52 unfortunately cannot compete market-wise anymore. The power (i.e. torque) and fuel economy trump the beautiful-sounding, silky-smooth, high-revving engines of BMW's (soon-to-be) past.

The engine on my M3 on order will also be outclassed (overall) by the new (likely) tri-turbo in-line 6 M3. Just like what happened with the old vs. new M5. The V10 of the old M5 will always retain certain attributes that the new M5's twin-turbo engine can't provide, but - overall - it's just wouldn't be competitive enough anymore in a new model.

If I had an N52 I loved, I wouldn't see the new engine (alone) as a reason to replace the car. It's still a terrific engine.

Interestingly, the fuel economy number of the N55 twin-turbo 6 is quite close to that of the N20 twin-turbo 4.  Which would make me lean towards the N55 actually, at least on paper. I'd see with the test drive.

p.s. ZF's new 8-speed auto tranny also makes the new auto 3-series quiet fuel efficient. Check the differences with the manual versions:


2012 F30 328i 8-speed auto: 24 city / 36 highway.
2012 F30 335i 8-speed auto: 23 city /33 highway.

2012 F30 328i Manual: 23 city / 34 highway.
2012 F30 335i Manual: 20 city / 30 highway.

Offical F30 USA MPG ratings from www.fueleconomy.gov

[LBJGH]

Yep the new 8spd auto is excellent.

The only issue I had when test driving the X3 35i was the initial throttle tip-in.

It was as if my foot and my brain asked for 30% throttle and the car gave only 20% acceleration.

I liken the throttle response to a Scott Air-Pak (google it if you've never heard of it) where you breath in, a valve opens to release the air... a funky delayed reaction sort of thing.

There is no doubt the 35i under WOT went like hell but most people don't "drive it like they stole it"

The N20 based X1 I drove did not exhibit this delayed throttle tip-in problem.

The N20 X1 did feel a little underwhelming in drive mode but in DS mode it was great.

[Julie]

Yep the new 8spd auto is excellent.

The only issue I had when test driving the X3 35i was the initial throttle tip-in.

It was as if my foot and my brain asked for 30% throttle and the car gave only 20% acceleration.

I liken the throttle response to a Scott Air-Pak (google it if you've never heard of it) where you breath in, a valve opens to release the air... a funky delayed reaction sort of thing.

There is no doubt the 35i under WOT went like hell but most people don't "drive it like they stole it"

The N20 based X1 I drove did not exhibit this delayed throttle tip-in problem.

The N20 X1 did feel a little underwhelming in drive mode but in DS mode it was great.

Sounds like they essentially eliminated any turbo lag in the new twin-turbo-4 

I don't doubt that what's you experienced but it does sound a little surprising to me. As I feel very little turbo lag with my N54... I would have thought the N55 would have been even better.

EDIT: Not turbo lag - sorry - I mis-read your post. You meant throttle tip-in.

But similarly, I don't feel the need for a lot of throttle tip-in on my car. Strange...

EDIT #2: But I DID experience the same sensation with a previous 325i I tested. Weird huh?   

[Julie]

In-Car Acceleration and Driving Footage from F30 328i Auto (N20 motor) and 335i Manual (N55 motor):

http://www.f30post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=643661

Good videos. What the motors sound like from the inside.