On the subject of BMW engines, the inline six mills are inclined to seize headlines. However the four-cylinder has a long-running and essential position within the model’s historical past. In any case, the legendary 02 Collection was largely the sporting success it was on account of its decrease curb weight and perky four-pot engines. That was clearest, in fact, 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 finally grew to become the model’s actual workhorse, showing in every little 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 efficiency 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 identified 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 roughly 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 moderately glorious BMWs cropped up in these two quick years, and so they all had one factor in widespread: the N20 engine.
BMW F30 328i
The F30 328i was arguably the automobile that outlined the N20 engine. When BMW launched the sixth-generation 3 Collection for the 2012 mannequin yr, 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 harm {that a} pair of fantastic transmission selections coexisted with the N20. Paired with both a six-speed handbook or the wonderful ZF eight-speed computerized, it supplied easy acceleration and spectacular gas financial system for a compact sport sedan. The F30 chassis leaned extra towards consolation than earlier 3 Collection generations, however the 328i nonetheless retained the balanced rear-wheel-drive dynamics BMW was identified for. In some ways, it completely encapsulated BMW’s transition into the turbocharged period, combining fashionable effectivity with the accessible efficiency that made the three Collection the benchmark sports activities sedan. Bonus factors in the event 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 Collection, the turbocharged four-cylinder changed the naturally aspirated inline-six whereas sustaining respectable efficiency and considerably enhancing 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 effectively, delivering easy, easy acceleration. No simple feat, contemplating the F10 weighed a couple of hundred kilos greater than the smaller 328i. Paired solely with the ZF eight-speed computerized in most markets, the drivetrain felt refined and effectively matched to the 5 Collection’ luxurious focus. It grew to become one of the crucial fashionable configurations of the F10 technology. Extra importantly, it proved {that a} well-engineered turbo 4 might comfortably energy a premium midsize sedan.
BMW F22 228i
The F22 228i is likely one of 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 automobile. The 240 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque meant efficiency was full of life. Particularly contemplating the automobile’s different virtues: the bottom curb weight of an N20-powered automobile (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. Patrons might select between a six-speed handbook and the wonderful eight-speed computerized, and rear-wheel drive remained the default configuration. The superb F22 platform does numerous the heavy lifting right here, channeling automobiles just like the 1 Collection Coupe earlier than it. However the N20 by no means looks like a letdown — particularly in the event 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 very accessible alternative. In some circumstances, even superior to the M235i and M240i.
BMW F15 X5 xDrive40e
The two Collection demonstrated the N20’s prowess in an agile, small chassis. In the meantime, BMW introduced the N20 to the X5 for its most technologically attention-grabbing utility. 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 below best 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 a super basis for BMW’s early plug-in hybrid technique, and the xDrive40e helped pave the way in which 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 automobile. 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 obtainable and delivered a supremely partaking driving expertise. The facility paired effectively 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 automobile, general, than the F22? Maybe not, but it surely’s excellent in its personal proper and undoubtedly seems to be the half. And for that, it tops our listing as the most effective N20-powered BMW.
There’s little doubt about it: the N20 will doubtless 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 fashionable B48 engine. That’s to say nothing of the N55- and B58-powered alternate options that provide much more energy to lovers. Regardless, these N20-powered automobiles right this moment signify a chance to personal a wonderful automobile with out paying any B-series engine tax. And for that, we love them.
