The 2011 introduction of the BMW N20 marked the return of four-cylinder BMW engines to the North American market after more than a decade. The BMW N52, a normally aspirated inline-six engine, was to be replaced by this turbocharged 2.0L inline-four. Naturally, many purists disapproved of the Bavarian manufacturer’s choice. However, it exemplified the new course that the rest of the sector was taking. Naturally aspirated engines were no longer necessary as turbocharged engines could achieve comparable output levels while being more efficient.
The N20 made its debut on the American market in the BMW 528i (F10) and the Z4 sDrive28i (E89). It ultimately served as the engine for numerous models in the 1-Series, 3-Series, 5-Series, X3 lines, and additional Z4 variations. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the N20 if you’re looking to purchase one of these vehicles. To assist you with that, we’ve put together this little guide. Here is everything you need to know about the BMW N20 engine, including the many models and ownership costs.
In This Article...
Common Issues & Reliability Concerns with the BMW N20
The 3.0L 6-cylinder, normally aspirated N52/N53 engines were replaced by the 4-cylinder, turbocharged BMW N20 from 2011 to 2017. The BMW N20 had huge shoes to fill as the former N52 and N53 were dependable engines, especially given their turbocharged configuration. There are more potential problems with turbo engines because they are more complicated and need multiple extra components. However, the N20 has so far shown to be a dependable engine with a small number of typical issues.
How to determine whether your engine is a N20 or N26
All of the new F30 chassis BMW 328is have the N20 4-cylinder engine when they were first introduced in early 2012. Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle status is assigned to the N20 engine (ULEV).
BMW began swapping out the N20 engines for the N26 engine starting around the March 2012 manufacture date. Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle status is assigned to the N26 engine (SULEV). There will be SULEV vehicles in 13 states. California, Arizona, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and the District of Columbia are among them. Therefore, N26 engines are found in 99% of vehicles produced in those states after March 2012. While the N20 engines should be available in the remaining states, there is still a potential that you could receive the N26 engine. The same holds true for the states that use SULEV vehicles. The easiest approach to find out is to inspect your own unique autos using the below guide.
Under the factory-installed hood (bonnet) is an emissions sticker:
The engine bay is the best place to look to determine whether you have a N20 or N26 engine. A sticker displaying the vehicle’s emissions specifications will be located underneath the factory-installed hood (bonnet). This is how the sticker will appear:
It will say ULEV if your engine is a N20. It will say SULEV if it is a N26 engine.
Downpipe:
The N20 exhaust system connects via a typical slip fit connection and clamps. The downpipe will appear as follows:
The ball and flare joint and clamps are used by the N26 exhaust system to connect. The downpipe will appear as follows:
Intake:
BMW Models 2013-2017 | BMW N20 Engine | BMW Engine Overview
You are probably already aware of the BMW N20 engine and its specifications if you have even the tiniest interest in automobile engines. BMW introduced the N20 engine, a beautiful single turbo four-cylinder engine with wicked power and remarkable torque, ever since the carmaker committed to revive the four-cylinder engine range. The BMW N20 engine, which can be found in BMW models from 2013 to 2017, is a popular automotive engine.
Does the N20 or N26 engine in my BMW exist?
The 3.0L 6-cylinder, normally aspirated N52/N53 engines were replaced by the BMW N20, a 4-cylinder, turbocharged engine built from 2011 to 2017.
What does N20 on a BMW mean?
The wheel torque and lower-to-mid 300 whp ranges appear to be the N20’s safe upper limitations. With full bolt-ons and some E85 in the N20, you’ll end up around here, and most owners don’t push their cars past this point without at least improved rods, according to the popular consensus.
How can I tell whether my engine is a N20?
Open the hood, then examine the underside. An emissions sticker should be right near the center. If the sticker reads ULEV, your vehicle is a N20. SULEV, on the other hand, would suggest that your BMW is a N26.
Which BMW motor is the most dependable?
BMW has consented to settle allegations that its timing chain parts are flawed, leading to engine damage and other problems. The agreement pays out for numerous BMW car repairs connected to this problem.
Which automobiles have n26 engines?
- 8 2002 BMW 318i.
- 7 2008 BMW 750i.
- 6 2012 BMW Z4.
- 5 2016 BMW M4.
- 4 2005 BMW 325i.
- 3 2019 BMW F40.
- 2 2018 BMW i3.
- 1 2006 BMW E90 330i
When did BMW repair the N20 timing chain?
The engine bay is the best place to look to determine whether you have a N20 or N26 engine. A sticker displaying the vehicle’s emissions specifications will be located underneath the factory-installed hood (bonnet). This is how the sticker will appear: It will state ULEV if your engine is a N20.
What makes N20 and N26 different from one another?
The BMW 1-Series, 3-Series, and 5-Series vehicles manufactured between 2007 and 2009 have seen multiple instances of complete engine failure in the past year, according to Watchdog. which resulted in the engine coming to a complete stop as a result of the timing chains snapping.
The N26 engine’s dependability
The N26 engine loses power at high rpms due to the adoption of higher density (read: more restrictive) CATs. The N20 CATs contain 600/400 cells per square inch compared to the N26 CATs’ 900/600 cells. The power increases with DINANTRONICSTM are also impacted by this difference.
Which BMW engines are problematic with the timing chain?
The main development in this case is that BMW revised the timing chain’s component designs. just how? We can presume that N20 and N26 engines with construction dates of 2015 contain the upgraded timing chain and components because RealOEM indicates that there was a part number change for the N20 Timing Chain starting on 01/2015.
Which engine powers the 320i?
Additionally, you can determine from the VIN without even conducting a search. F36 420i N20 RHD and F36 420i B48 RHD, starting with the fourth digit, respectively, will be 4A12 and 4D32.
How can I tell whether I have B48 or N20?
Summary for BMW N20 Max Boost The tiny single turbo can boost up to approximately 24-26 psi. However, that is already pushing the engine and turbo to their maximum capacity. As a result, we advise keeping the OEM turbo’s pressure at no higher than 20 to 22 psi.
What boost level can a N20 withstand?
The 2011 introduction of the BMW N20 marked the return of four-cylinder BMW engines to the North American market after more than a decade. This 2.0L inline-four turbocharged engine was viewed as a successor for the BMW N52, an inline-six engine with naturally aspirated fuel.
Can a stock N20 handle a lot of horsepower?
As long as they are properly maintained, any alterations are discretely made, and reliable & tested parts are used, they are sturdy and dependable in my opinion. What he said, indeed. With a build date after 2/15, you are OK to go. When my TC failed on my 2013 328i with N26, I had over 110K.
Has the 320i got B48?
The standard BMW 320i has a lot of power. Its four-cylinder, 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo engine produces a respectable 180 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission are available.
Will BMW cover the timing chain cost?
Belts don’t cost a much by themselves. Since many pieces must be removed in order to reach the belt, labor is where the true expense lies. Your best chance is to shop about and compare prices, but be prepared to pay anything between $409 and $919. (including parts and labor)
How much does a BMW timing belt replacement cost?
“Because the plastic guides on the BMW N20 timing chain wear out after five years, a replacement is necessary. Whatever the mileage during this period would be—200,000 km or 50,000 km—the part’s condition will be appalling.”
How long is the life of the N20 timing chain?
The 2 liter B48 engine is used in a number of new BMWs, including the most recent 320i. The “20i” vehicles’ whole lineup (120i, 420i, etc.) use essentially the same engine, however more powerful variations like the 225i, 330i, and 430i provide wildly varied power outputs.