Driving the N20

Test drove the new 528 just to get a feel for the new N20 engine. Really responsive when paired with the 8 speed tranny. Little lag, and I didn't experience any of the tip in issues that the car mags and forums have noticed. Nice growl to it, and not too harsh at the upper rpm range. Does sound diesel-esque at idle and not particularly nice to hear standing next to it. My only worries for this engine are like all recent DI/turbos: carbon build up and oil usage. Any thoughts/comments?

I have not yet driven a car with the N20 in it but the more I read and look at it -- it seems like the 328i is going to be a great value and probably a very popular car. I really need to get out and test drive a 528i sometime soon!

I drove it as well. Not good enough engine in a 40K$ car, much less a BMW.

The N20 is going to be epic. Great fuel economy and nice power. Plus fo a few hundred, you can have more power than a 335

Own a GTI. Carbon issues in TSI motors but TFSI from '09 a little better. The 3.2 L V6 has known carbon issues too. One of the issues to be solved for DI motors.

Originally Posted by justinnum1

The N20 is going to be epic. Great fuel economy and nice power. Plus fo a few hundred, you can have more power than a 335

I predict that the N54 motor presently powering the 335i (and introduced in '06) won't be around for long and may not make it past the F3X mid-model run tweak.

Originally Posted by tdd

I predict that the N54 motor presently powering the 335i (and introduced in '06) won't be around for long and may not make it past the F3X mid-model run tweak.

huh? the N54 was retired 2 years ago for the N55. The N54 was epic, i owned 2...they were putting out well over the stated 300bhp. The N55 is less powerful than the N54 for sure.

Originally Posted by justinnum1

huh? the N54 was retired 2 years ago for the N55.

The N54 still exists in the 740i/Li, 335is, and 1M.

Originally Posted by floydarogers

The N54 still exists in the 740i/Li, 335is, and 1M.

True.

Originally Posted by Saintor

I drove it as well. Not good enough engine in a 40K$ car, much less a BMW.

Where does one find a $40K 528? Every one I price comes out closer to $50K

Originally Posted by e46_325xi

Where does one find a $40K 528? Every one I price comes out closer to $50K

That's not what I get out of what he said.

Originally Posted by e46_325xi

Where does one find a $40K 528? Every one I price comes out closer to $50K

Base 528i ED with $1000 BMWCCA would be hair over 40k.

Originally Posted by Saintor

I drove it as well. Not good enough engine in a 40K$ car, much less a BMW.

+1x10...piece of crap

I seriously doubt that the N20 is a piece of crap. Still, I am disappointed we won't get the i6 with the new 8 speed steptronic as that would probably be a good combination for city traffic.

N20 is going to be a great engine.

I'm not offended by a 4 cylinder engine in these class of cars. Audi has already been doing it, and I'm sure Mercedes will eventually follow (and now has the 1.8T). Smaller engines/cylinder count will be the future for all manufacturers. Big engine/cylinder count is wholly an American phenomenon. The biggest sellers for the big three German makers in Europe are 4 cylinder diesels. More than anything I hope we get the 320d eventually. If the engine runs right with peppy acceleration and can be reasonably reliable, that's all I'm after.

I think no one really objects to their offering the Turbo 4. What rankles is taking the NA 6 out of the US lineup.

I understand, loved my inline 6. Maybe they can make it more efficient and bring it back.

Drove a 2012 528xi. The N20 had adequate power but was uninspiring. Noticeable vibration revving up to 5000, much like a Lexus. Even the steering feel was similar to a Lexus.

But there is absolutely no reason to rev the N20.

I think it will be a good seller, people who are used to the Lexus comfort will have less reasons to not like the new 528.

Originally Posted by dtc100

Drove a 2012 528xi. The N20 had adequate power but was uninspiring. Noticeable vibration revving up to 5000, much like a Lexus. Even the steering feel was similar to a Lexus.

But there is absolutely no reason to rev the N20.

I think it will be a good seller, people who are used to the Lexus comfort will have less reasons to not like the new 528.

Thats a really heavy car...4000 lbs...thats 700 lbs heavier than the 328i...the N20 will feel much different in the F30 i feel.

Originally Posted by justinnum1

Thats a really heavy car...4000 lbs...thats 700 lbs heavier than the 328i...the N20 will feel much different in the F30 i feel.

I really think that the N20 in the F30 body with manual clutch transmission will be an extraordinarily good car. Unfortunately, I don't intend to ever buy a manual car as a daily driver again.

Originally Posted by jagu

I really think that the N20 in the F30 body with manual clutch transmission will be an extraordinarily good car. Unfortunately, I don't intend to ever buy a manual car as a daily driver again.

Totally agree, i am planning on ordering manual...why dont you want another manual?

Originally Posted by justinnum1

Totally agree, i am planning on ordering manual...why dont you want another manual?

I drive in town too much and my wife drives my car too. She's awesome manual driver but she'd rather not. I will not rule it out though, I will definitely consider it because the thought it just too exciting for me to pass on it.

Originally Posted by jagu

I drive in town too much and my wife drives my car too. She's awesome manual driver but she'd rather not. I will not rule it out though, I will definitely consider it because the thought it just too exciting for me to pass on it.

I have driven auto all my life and the ZF in my 335 was pretty good, fast shifts, paddles...
I think owning a manual would be fun, will take me a little to master it, but whatev. I can understand if you have a long commute, in traffic, or your wife will drive it. I dont think you can go wrong with either transmission.

Originally Posted by jagu

I drive in town too much and my wife drives my car too. She's awesome manual driver but she'd rather not. I will not rule it out though, I will definitely consider it because the thought it just too exciting for me to pass on it.

I live in Atlanta as well and afraid my next car will have to be auto. I'm hopeful the 8 speed step is as good as the reviews indicate.