New 4 turbo vs old 6

sjones0812 · 11-10-2013, 08:13 PM

I have a 2011 e93 328 with the 3.0 6 cylinder.

I'm looking at getting a 2014 428 vert with the 4 turbo.

How does the new motor compare?

Greenkirby21 · 11-10-2013, 08:14 PM

smaller, lighter, better fuel economy, faster

but sounds nowhere as good as the 6 cylinder

oceanview · 11-11-2013, 12:05 AM

There are tons of threads dealing with that. Anyway, if you can afford it, get the 435i!
At least testdrive both before you decide.
MPG is not so much of a difference in real life from N26 to N55.
http://www.f30post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=646993

newoldbeemer · 11-11-2013, 03:44 AM

The n20 is superior. Provides better punch n pickup. Drive it back to back and see the difference.

jzcrna · 11-11-2013, 06:22 AM

I think that the N20 is completely fine and performs very well if you need to save a few bucks. However, The N55 is near perfect. Im debating between the 228i and the m235i when they come out. If I don't get the 2 series I will strongly consider the 428i.

Andrew115 · 11-11-2013, 08:28 AM

You will hate it for the first few weeks, before you love it. Its a completely different feel, power delivery and sound.

Sound it he worst part. You will think you have a diesel at first, mostly on cold start. Initially you will the sound of engine when you step on it and may think.... wait a minute that doesn't sound appealing or mechanically like it's going to hold up......

After you get past the sound you will start to appreciate the power delivery and fuel economy. If you baby it you will get an avg of upper 30's on the highway mpg. When you don't want to baby it you will enjoy the turbo pull. It has plenty of power to get around traffic and have some fun but not enough to launch you into trouble before you can think about it.

I was pissed at first I didn't go for the 335 (I didn't avoid the 335 due to cost but made a practice decision to go with the 2.0T), now every time I pull up to the pump I am quite happy with the choice to save on mileage, insurance and purchase price. That's just my take but you may find others here that have the same feeling.

mike@x-ph.com · 11-11-2013, 12:32 PM

Yup you will hate the sound BUT the power delivery and fuel economy is way superior.

CHCCubs · 11-11-2013, 06:07 PM

Had an E90 328i before my current F30 328i. Overall I'd say the N20 4 cylinder is a better motor than the old N52 I6. In my opinion, it definitely feels quicker, pulls harder and also gets better fuel economy. The only thing I do miss is the sound from the 6 cylinder.

McleanT · 11-12-2013, 06:07 PM

I had a 2011 e92 328 before my new 428. The 4 turbo in the 428 is so much better than the old 3.0 6 cylinder. It sounds amazing and is quick as hell. BMW really got it right with this car.

Also just for the record, it sounds and feels a hell of a lot better than the current 3-series 4 turbo.

Kagawa26 · 11-12-2013, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by McleanT

I had a 2011 e92 328 before my new 428. The 4 turbo in the 428 is so much better than the old 3.0 6 cylinder. It sounds amazing and is quick as hell. BMW really got it right with this car.

Also just for the record, it sounds and feels a hell of a lot better than the current 3-series 4 turbo.

I thought the 428 has the exact same engine as the 328? I did hear that the MY14 328s got a tune so that their exhaust sound better? not sure if its true though.

rayg · 11-12-2013, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kagawa26

I thought the 428 has the exact same engine as the 328? I did hear that the MY14 328s got a tune so that their exhaust sound better? not sure if its true though.

They are the same engine, he's just saying it's superior to the old 328 engine which was essentially a 335i without the turbos (called n52). And yeah, the n20 is superior to the n52 is almost every appreciable way with the exception of exhaust sound but it's a minor point compared to all the benefits.

McleanT · 11-12-2013, 08:56 PM

Same engine but the exhaust note is noticeably different.

Sedan_Clan · 11-12-2013, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by McleanT

Same engine but the exhaust note is noticeably different.

The part numbers are the same and they sound the same.

R N M · 11-12-2013, 09:53 PM

N20 is good in terms of performance but the sound kills it.
get the N55

F32 · 11-13-2013, 12:18 AM

If the NA inline-6 was still offered in the 28i line, I would have ordered a 428i instead of a 435i without hesitation. Since it's my DD, speed/performance doesn't really mean much (it's not like N55 cars are fast anyway), and fuel economy will never be a consideration for me in any car I'll drive. That said, the NA 6 was butter smooth with perfect balance and sounded great. Best of all...it was NA.

The sound, NVH, and powerband of the N20 is a deal breaker.

DVC · 11-13-2013, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by F32

...(it's not like N55 cars are fast anyway)...

oceanview · 11-13-2013, 09:17 AM

E92 328i was a 3.0 6 cylinder! Or am I wrong? I think some of you mess up with the F30 328i.

Quote:

Originally Posted by McleanT

I had a 2011 e92 328 before my new 428. The 4 turbo in the 428 is so much better than the old 3.0 6 cylinder. It sounds amazing and is quick as hell. BMW really got it right with this car. Also just for the record, it sounds and feels a hell of a lot better than the current 3-series 4 turbo.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kagawa26

I thought the 428 has the exact same engine as the 328? I did hear that the MY14 328s got a tune so that their exhaust sound better? not sure if its true though.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rayg

They are the same engine, he's just saying it's superior to the old 328 engine which was essentially a 335i without the turbos (called n52). And yeah, the n20 is superior to the n52 is almost every appreciable way with the exception of exhaust sound but it's a minor point compared to all the benefits.

Quote:

Originally Posted by McleanT

Same engine but the exhaust note is noticeably different.

btbossman · 11-13-2013, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by F32

If the NA inline-6 was still offered in the 28i line, I would have ordered a 428i instead of a 435i without hesitation. Since it's my DD, speed/performance doesn't really mean much (it's not like N55 cars are fast anyway), and fuel economy will never be a consideration for me in any car I'll drive. That said, the NA 6 was butter smooth with perfect balance and sounded great. Best of all...it was NA.

The sound, NVH, and powerband of the N20 is a deal breaker.

Why doesn't anything you say make much sense? If speed/ performance dont matter than why did you choose a bimmer in the first place? If fuel economy doesn't matter why did you choose a 320?

I mean you have said some dumb things, but this surely takes the cake.

F32 · 11-13-2013, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by btbossman

Why doesn't anything you say make much sense? If speed/ performance dont matter than why did you choose a bimmer in the first place? If fuel economy doesn't matter why did you choose a 320?

I mean you have said some dumb things, but this surely takes the cake.

LOL. Sure.

raleedy · 11-13-2013, 10:04 AM

To the OP: try to drive one. The convertible is a heavy car. If you were satisfied with the performance of your E93, you will be o.k. with the 428 performance-wise: it's (I assume) a little lighter, and a little more powerful.
As for the sound -- again, try to drive one. I believe the 4 series is getting sound enhancement through the audio system, which means it won't sound like a 3 series N20.
I kicked and screamed for months after BMW announced the retirement of its last normally aspirated six. Every BMW I had owned, except for a 2002, had such an engine, and I thought of it as the company's crown jewel.
I'm eating those words. I'm now the happy owner of an F10 with the N20 engine. It has none of the bad things I associate with 4-cylinder engines. It has the smoothness of a six. Turbo lag is only a small problem (and one that you will not avoid with a new BMW of any kind). Performance is entirely satisfactory. Fuel economy is very satisfying. After six weeks with the new car, I don't miss my E92 or its N52 engine.

btbossman · 11-13-2013, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by F32

LOL. Sure.

Sure what? Care to make a stupid explanation to one of your stupid comments?

Jamesons Viggen · 11-13-2013, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

The part numbers are the same and they sound the same.

Sigh. Should be stickied at this point.

11-10-2013, 08:13 PM	#1
sjones0812 Second Lieutenant 31 Rep 241 Posts Drives: 2011 328ic Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Boston iTrader: (0)	New 4 turbo vs old 6 I have a 2011 e93 328 with the 3.0 6 cylinder. I'm looking at getting a 2014 428 vert with the 4 turbo. How does the new motor compare? __________________ 1995 318ic retired 2011 328ic Le Mans Blue, Black leather, Bamboo trim, M Sport package
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

11-10-2013, 08:14 PM	#2
Greenkirby21 Vrooom :) 314 Rep 2,602 Posts Drives: C7 Stringray Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Dream Land iTrader: (1)	smaller, lighter, better fuel economy, faster but sounds nowhere as good as the 6 cylinder __________________ 2014 C7 Corvette Stringray - Laguna Blue - NPP Exhaust - Competition Seats
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-11-2013, 12:05 AM	#3
oceanview Captain 207 Rep 603 Posts Drives: 335i F31 RWD Autom. Join Date: May 2013 Location: Switzerland iTrader: (0)	There are tons of threads dealing with that. Anyway, if you can afford it, get the 435i! At least testdrive both before you decide. MPG is not so much of a difference in real life from N26 to N55. http://www.f30post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=646993
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-11-2013, 03:44 AM	#4
newoldbeemer Major 266 Rep 1,093 Posts Drives: 2012 E92 328i Join Date: May 2013 Location: San Jose iTrader: (0)	The n20 is superior. Provides better punch n pickup. Drive it back to back and see the difference. __________________ Has a bad car addiction
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-11-2013, 06:22 AM	#5
jzcrna Captain 167 Rep 975 Posts Drives: 2019 M2 Competition Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: NC iTrader: (0)	I think that the N20 is completely fine and performs very well if you need to save a few bucks. However, The N55 is near perfect. Im debating between the 228i and the m235i when they come out. If I don't get the 2 series I will strongly consider the 428i.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-11-2013, 08:28 AM	#6
Andrew115 Major 328 Rep 1,450 Posts Drives: Silver Bullet Join Date: May 2013 Location: Charlotte NC iTrader: (0)	You will hate it for the first few weeks, before you love it. Its a completely different feel, power delivery and sound. Sound it he worst part. You will think you have a diesel at first, mostly on cold start. Initially you will the sound of engine when you step on it and may think.... wait a minute that doesn't sound appealing or mechanically like it's going to hold up...... After you get past the sound you will start to appreciate the power delivery and fuel economy. If you baby it you will get an avg of upper 30's on the highway mpg. When you don't want to baby it you will enjoy the turbo pull. It has plenty of power to get around traffic and have some fun but not enough to launch you into trouble before you can think about it. I was pissed at first I didn't go for the 335 (I didn't avoid the 335 due to cost but made a practice decision to go with the 2.0T), now every time I pull up to the pump I am quite happy with the choice to save on mileage, insurance and purchase price. That's just my take but you may find others here that have the same feeling.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-11-2013, 12:32 PM	#7
mike@x-ph.com BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 24198 Rep 190,805 Posts Drives: 07-335/12-328/18-M4/21-M4CP Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Las Vegas iTrader: (23)	Yup you will hate the sound BUT the power delivery and fuel economy is way superior. __________________ Check out our current sale by clicking on this link! https://x-ph.com/sale/ Phone number 702-494-9435
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-11-2013, 06:07 PM	#8
CHCCubs Colonel 97 Rep 2,101 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW 328i xDrive Sport Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Toronto, ON, Canada iTrader: (0)	Had an E90 328i before my current F30 328i. Overall I'd say the N20 4 cylinder is a better motor than the old N52 I6. In my opinion, it definitely feels quicker, pulls harder and also gets better fuel economy. The only thing I do miss is the sound from the 6 cylinder. __________________ 2013 BMW 328i xDrive Sport Line Mineral Grey on Everest Grey
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-12-2013, 06:07 PM	#9
McleanT Registered 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: 2014 428xi Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Mclean, Va iTrader: (0)	I had a 2011 e92 328 before my new 428. The 4 turbo in the 428 is so much better than the old 3.0 6 cylinder. It sounds amazing and is quick as hell. BMW really got it right with this car. Also just for the record, it sounds and feels a hell of a lot better than the current 3-series 4 turbo.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-12-2013, 08:56 PM	#12
McleanT Registered 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: 2014 428xi Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Mclean, Va iTrader: (0)	Same engine but the exhaust note is noticeably different.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-12-2013, 09:53 PM	#14
R N M Colonel 3633 Rep 2,051 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: NYC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 BMW M3 [0.00]	N20 is good in terms of performance but the sound kills it. get the N55 __________________ Current 2018 F80 ///M3 CompPack; 2020 BMW X3 M40i 2015 Subaru BRZ Series.Blue (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEBobwprGtA) Previous: 2016 F80 ///M3; 2013 F10 535i MSport; 2012 F10 528i MSport; 2009 E92 335i MSport
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-13-2013, 12:18 AM	#15
F32 Banned 20 Rep 688 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: SF iTrader: (0)	If the NA inline-6 was still offered in the 28i line, I would have ordered a 428i instead of a 435i without hesitation. Since it's my DD, speed/performance doesn't really mean much (it's not like N55 cars are fast anyway), and fuel economy will never be a consideration for me in any car I'll drive. That said, the NA 6 was butter smooth with perfect balance and sounded great. Best of all...it was NA. The sound, NVH, and powerband of the N20 is a deal breaker.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-13-2013, 10:04 AM	#20
raleedy Colonel 160 Rep 2,248 Posts Drives: 2016 228i 6-speed Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Portland, Oregon iTrader: (0)	To the OP: try to drive one. The convertible is a heavy car. If you were satisfied with the performance of your E93, you will be o.k. with the 428 performance-wise: it's (I assume) a little lighter, and a little more powerful. As for the sound -- again, try to drive one. I believe the 4 series is getting sound enhancement through the audio system, which means it won't sound like a 3 series N20. I kicked and screamed for months after BMW announced the retirement of its last normally aspirated six. Every BMW I had owned, except for a 2002, had such an engine, and I thought of it as the company's crown jewel. I'm eating those words. I'm now the happy owner of an F10 with the N20 engine. It has none of the bad things I associate with 4-cylinder engines. It has the smoothness of a six. Turbo lag is only a small problem (and one that you will not avoid with a new BMW of any kind). Performance is entirely satisfactory. Fuel economy is very satisfying. After six weeks with the new car, I don't miss my E92 or its N52 engine.
	Appreciate 0 Quote