BMW to Turbocharge All New 4-Cylinder Engines

[Jason]

BIMMERPOST NEWS

BMW to Turbocharge All New 4-Cylinder Engines

25
COMMENTS

Tweet

The auto industry is going the way of forced induction and BMW is no exception. Autocar is reporting that BMW will be turbocharging its entire range of 4-cylinder engines in the near future and that the 4-cylinder turbo motors will be used for all models up to 241 horsepowers. Beyond that power threshold, the inline 6-cylinder will be the motor of choice.

All 4-cylinder turbo engines will be based on same new-generation 2.0L aluminum block, with each variant achieving different power outputs with their varied turbocharger units and engine management software maps. This new 2.0L block gets a new type of cylinder lining, which sees iron sprayed on at a thickness of just 0.3mm, instead of using conventional 1.5mm thick cast iron liners.

The range-topping 241bhp version (N20B20) of the new 4-cylinder unit (which has debuted in the X1 28i - first reviews here), features a double-sided 'twin scroll' turbocharger, double vanos variable valve timing and high pressure (up to 200 bar) fuel injection.

Compared to the outgoing 6-cylinder 2.8L motor, the 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo engine which replaces it has increased torque (from 229lb ft to 258lb ft), faster 0-62mph by 0.7 seconds (to 6.1sec) and a reduction in CO2 output from 219g/km to 183g/km.

The new range of turbo fours are expected to debut in the upcoming F30 3-series.

[OdomPHD]

I'm more than pleased that they will continue to offer the turbo six for the higher end 3er (335, maybe a 350?!?!)

[jimny]

So happy to hear that the inline 6 that makes BMW so famous will still have a place and life for the foreseeable future!

[Diver]

The number sound pretty good to me. .6 sec improvement in 0-62 is a bunch. The CO2 numbers imply 16.5% less fuel used.

[Adj5633]

I love the idea I just would like to hear what it sounds like.

[ciomas]

looking at the engine bay I see great intake opportunities

[lasovan]

That's ok! Whether it is done to achieve performance or frugality. I welcome it. "Thank you direct injection" It made this possible.

[positiveions]

I foresaw this coming; doesn't surprise me at all. Most likely, they will turbo the turbo

[vwong]

Originally Posted by OdomPHD

I'm more than pleased that they will continue to offer the turbo six for the higher end 3er (335, maybe a 350?!?!)

Why would it be 350? 350 would mean a 5.0L or equivalent engine in a 3-series.

[Augu$tu$]

Most people seem to frown on this engine in North America. If you read alot of reviews this motor is actually quite popular in Europe. I know it's not much lighter, but if you look at the placement of the engine in the engine bay, that's the key. It sits so far back, completely behind the front axel. Whereas the inline six is balanced on the front axel.

I've had a brief chance to try this motor and it actually gives the car a much crisper turn in. There's no more of that sloppy understeer. As well the engine is satisfying. The 230hp version of the N52 always felt "de-tuned". Sad to see the loss of another normally aspirated engine in BMW. But in this case, I do think it's replacement has more caracter and will provide a better drive.

[jhbodle]

Originally Posted by hcourville

Most people seem to frown on this engine in North America. If you read alot of reviews this motor is actually quite popular in Europe. I know it's not much lighter, but if you look at the placement of the engine in the engine bay, that's the key. It sits so far back, completely behind the front axel. Whereas the inline six is balanced on the front axel.

I've had a brief chance to try this motor and it actually gives the car a much crisper turn in. There's no more of that sloppy understeer. As well the engine is satisfying. The 230hp version of the N52 always felt "de-tuned". Sad to see the loss of another normally aspirated engine in BMW. But in this case, I do think it's replacement has more caracter and will provide a better drive.

What does the new engine sound like? Does it sound good at high RPMs?

[IancoleTX]

I am pumped about this engine - it should offer greater base performance and tuning capability on the base model (hopefully for the same price), and that's what counts.

[rori zahr]

BMW is testing artificial acoustic system to improve engine sound! They also stated that user will be able the adjust the engine note to suites his taste.
I think this feature is made right for the coming generation of 4 Cylinders turbos.

[rori zahr]

And here is the article, for artificial engine enhancing sound scroll to the last part of the text

https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/pressclub/p/pcgl/pressDetail.html?outputChannelId=6

[Diver]

Originally Posted by hcourville

Most people seem to frown on this engine in North America.

Don't think that what you see around here is reality. People self select to give their opinions in internet forums, often resulting in a distorted view. I suspect this engine will be very well received because of its combination of performance and fuel economy. In North America, this will be BMW's most popular engine for a while to come, as the N52 has been. Remember, this will be the base engine (in North America) for the popular 3, X3, 5 and a few other models with lower sales.

[evanescent03]

i think sometimes "purists" frown on the idea of a turbocharged engine, but i think the reality is setting in for a lot of ppl that if you want power and efficiency, turbos are a great way to accomplish that goal. i came from a turbo subaru which i loved and now the 335i and i couldn't be happier. forced induction all day for me not to say i won't ever get an NA v8....

matt

[Raine]

Having never owned a turbo before (all IL4 or IL6), how are turbos for long term reliability and maintenance? (like 7-10+ years)

[Augu$tu$]

Originally Posted by jhbodle

What does the new engine sound like? Does it sound good at high RPMs?

Sound with the hood open sounds like a typical 4 cyl. (kinda tinny) It does however sound quite nice from inside the cabin, especially once you get up into the power band of 4500rpm and beyond.

For me, both this engine and the N52 both need exhaust or some enhancement. They are pretty conservative sounding.

[Prince_of_Persia]

NA V8 engine FTW

[vladberca]

With a full aftermarket exhaust system u don t need that artificial sound!

[zivyn]

Originally Posted by OdomPHD

I'm more than pleased that they will continue to offer the turbo six for the higher end 3er (335, maybe a 350?!?!)

I think it's already been mentioned that the new top 3er will be called the 340.

[magbarn]

Originally Posted by Raine

Having never owned a turbo before (all IL4 or IL6), how are turbos for long term reliability and maintenance? (like 7-10+ years)

A well designed NA engine will always be more reliable than a well-designed forced induction engine. Less moving parts=more reliability. I'm just hoping this N20 will be more reliable than the N54/55 as the N52 is a much more reliable powerplant. The HPFP (I know it's covered with ext warranty), direct injectors, wastegates, and turbos aren't cheap.