Why This Turbo Four Deserves More Credit

Relating to BMW engines, the inline six mills are inclined to seize headlines. However the four-cylinder has a long-running and vital function within the model’s historical past. In any case, the legendary 02 Series was largely the sporting success it was on account of its decrease curb weight and perky four-pot engines. That was clearest, after all, with the legendary 2002 turbo. Later, the E30 M3 and its rev-happy S14 engine confirmed the six-pots of the day what was actually doable with “simply” 4 cylinders. As six-cylinder engines slowly creeped to the highest of BMW’s lineup — reserved for the highest-trim and highest-performing fashions — BMW’s four-cylinder engines ultimately grew to become the model’s actual workhorse, showing in every thing from two-doors to sports activities automobiles and full-size SUVs.

In fact, the transition didn’t occur in a single day. Because the final N52-powered automobiles cemented a performance and reliability legacy, BMW started debuting a brand new turbocharged four-cylinder. This engine, dubbed the N20, was polarizing in time. Primarily as a result of it was a departure from the recognized amount that was the inline-six. The engine additionally suffered early on from defective timing chain guides, a flaw which adopted the engine for the remainder of its manufacturing run. A bit unhappy, contemplating a tweaked design kind of eradicated the issue in automobiles post-2015. Maybe that’s a proof for the engine’s quick life: it solely appeared in BMWs between 2011 and 2017. Regardless, loads of fairly wonderful BMWs cropped up in these two quick years, they usually all had one factor in frequent: the N20 engine.

BMW F30 328i

The F30 328i was arguably the automotive that outlined the N20 engine. When BMW launched the sixth-generation 3 Sequence for the 2012 mannequin 12 months, the turbocharged four-cylinder changed the beloved naturally aspirated inline-six within the quantity mannequin. With 240 horsepower and a broad torque curve delivering 255 pound-feet from simply 1,250 rpm, the F30 328i felt faster in on a regular basis driving than its predecessor. It didn’t damage {that a} pair of wonderful transmission selections coexisted with the N20. Paired with both a six-speed handbook or the superb ZF eight-speed computerized, it provided easy acceleration and spectacular gas economic system for a compact sport sedan. The F30 chassis leaned extra towards consolation than earlier 3 Sequence generations, however the 328i nonetheless retained the balanced rear-wheel-drive dynamics BMW was recognized for. In some ways, it completely encapsulated BMW’s transition into the turbocharged period, combining trendy effectivity with the accessible efficiency that made the three Sequence the benchmark sports activities sedan. Bonus factors should you go for the wagon variant!

BMW F10 528i

The F10 528i demonstrated how versatile the N20 engine could possibly be. In a midsize luxurious sedan just like the 5 Sequence, the turbocharged four-cylinder changed the naturally aspirated inline-six whereas sustaining respectable efficiency and considerably bettering effectivity. With the identical 240 horsepower and 260 torques, the 528i moved the big sedan with stunning authority. The torque-rich nature of the N20 suited the F10’s character nicely, delivering easy, easy acceleration. No simple feat, contemplating the F10 weighed a number of hundred kilos greater than the smaller 328i. Paired completely with the ZF eight-speed computerized in most markets, the drivetrain felt refined and nicely matched to the 5 Sequence’ luxurious focus. It grew to become one of the crucial standard configurations of the F10 technology. Extra importantly, it proved {that a} well-engineered turbo 4 may comfortably energy a premium midsize sedan.

BMW F22 228i

The F22 228i is among the most enthusiast-friendly automobiles to make use of the N20 engine. Because the entry-level model of BMW’s compact two-door coupe launched in 2014, the 228i mixed a light-weight chassis with the turbocharged four-cylinder to create a genuinely enjoyable driver’s automotive. The 240 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque meant efficiency was energetic. Particularly contemplating the automotive’s different virtues: the bottom curb weight of an N20-powered automotive (round 3,300 kilos) and 50:50 weight distribution. A 0–60 mph time within the mid-five-second vary put it firmly in true sports activities coupe territory. Consumers may select between a six-speed handbook and the superb eight-speed computerized, and rear-wheel drive remained the default configuration. The superb F22 platform does a variety of the heavy lifting right here, channeling automobiles just like the 1 Sequence Coupe earlier than it. However the N20 by no means seems like a letdown — particularly should you haven’t had seat time with the rowdy six-cylinder variations. And even then, the 228i’s decrease curb weight, decrease limits, and inexpensive possession expertise make it a really accessible alternative. In some circumstances, even superior to the M235i and M240i.

BMW F15 X5 xDrive40e

The two Sequence demonstrated the N20’s prowess in an agile, small chassis. In the meantime, BMW introduced the N20 to the X5 for its most technologically fascinating software. Launched as BMW’s first plug-in hybrid SUV, the xDrive40e paired the acquainted turbocharged four-cylinder with an electrical motor built-in into the eight-speed computerized transmission. Collectively, the system produced a mixed 308 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. The end result was a midsize luxurious SUV with robust acceleration and bouts of all-electric driving. An ideal mixture for some consumers. The hybrid setup allowed the X5 to journey roughly 13–14 miles on electrical energy alone underneath splendid circumstances, making it sensible for brief commutes with out utilizing gasoline. When the engine and motor labored collectively, the end result was easy, quiet efficiency that suited the X5’s luxurious character. The N20’s compact measurement and effectivity made it an excellent basis for BMW’s early plug-in hybrid technique, and the xDrive40e helped pave the best way for the electrified SUVs that now dominate the model’s lineup.

BMW E89 Z4 sDrive28i

The E89 technology BMW Z4 sDrive28i proved {that a} roadster didn’t want six cylinders to be a correct BMW. With the N20, the Z4 gained a lighter engine over the nostril with extra energy than the outgoing naturally-aspirated automotive. The brand new engine helped the Z4 dash to 60 mph in roughly 5.5 seconds when geared up with the eight-speed computerized. A handbook transmission was additionally accessible and delivered a supremely partaking driving expertise. The facility paired nicely with the Z4’s balanced rear-wheel-drive chassis and retractable hardtop, making it a compelling grand touring roadster. The lighter engine subtly improved front-end agility, too. Is it a greater automotive, general, than the F22? Maybe not, however it’s excellent in its personal proper and undoubtedly appears to be like the half. And for that, it tops our listing as the most effective N20-powered BMW.

There’s little question about it: the N20 will probably stay one in every of BMW’s most underappreciated mills. And it’s not solely stunning; in any case, lots of the automobiles on this very listing later acquired the extra trendy B48 engine. That’s to say nothing of the N55- and B58-powered alternate options that supply much more energy to fans. Regardless, these N20-powered automobiles immediately symbolize a chance to personal a wonderful automotive with out paying any B-series engine tax. And for that, we love them.