[Hpwbot]

Hi all,

I've got a 2012 F30 320i and it has served me well. I drove a friends 328i recently and the extra power has got to me. What upgrades can I do to my 320i to get 328i power? I have read that getting Jb4 done is a good starting point?

I'm also considering to get a m performance exhaust. Anyone know how this will sound on a 320i? Will it sound much different than if it were on a 328i? Also, if you anyone can recommend a place to get it done in Melbourne that would be great. I've already got a quote from SouthernBM but looking for another for comparison. BMR Autowerkes in Sydney are selling it for $1775 but I need a place that can install it in Melbourne.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Hpwbot

[terminator335i]

320i shares the same engine as the 328i (it's the n20/26 engine)
Only difference is that it is just detuned to around 135kw vs 180kw. All other components are stock (oh and exhaust tip is a single one versus a double on the 328)
You can get it cranked up to same power as the 328 or beyond it.
A. Go to bmw and they will reflash it (but charge a "high rollers" price)
B. Get a piggy back (eg. Afe scorcher, jb1, racechip chip tuning) which is much cheaper and you can easily install yourself or if you are not confident you can get it installed at a workshop (recommend active autowerkes in burwood Vic). Price wise is around $400 - $800.
C. Get a proper ecu flash tune (they take out your ecu and remap it completely). It will cost around $1800 and highly recommend 'evolve technik' in box hill (speak to Christian Fitzgerald)

As for exhaust, you got to sake yourself: performance or sound only?
A. Performance: get a down pipe (recommend a catted one 200cpi) various brands out there such as ER, wagner tuning, AR, etc. cost is around $1000. This combined with a tune will probable give you around 200kw of power.
B. Sound alone: no increase in power but gives car a bit of presence.

M performance is nice (not too loud) but a nice burble during downshift. Sets u back around $1500 to $2000 which is pricey for only an 'Axle back system'. But if combined with a downpipe aswell, it sounds pretty amazing (not a stupid try hard sound like bogans car), very nice classy sound for a bmw.

Awe tuning full catback $2000 approx
Remus full catback $2000 approx
Other exhausts are supersprint, meistershaft, eisenmann and armytrix which are very loud but are very pricey aswell.

Installation is around $300 to $500.

As for workshops that purely specialise in bmw tuning and down to earth techs, I will recommend Active autowerkes or Evolve technik.

Hope this helps.

[Stuart@BMRAutowerkes]

Originally Posted by Hpwbot

Hi all,

I've got a 2012 F30 320i and it has served me well. I drove a friends 328i recently and the extra power has got to me. What upgrades can I do to my 320i to get 328i power? I have read that getting Jb4 done is a good starting point?
BMR Autowerkes in Sydney are selling it for $1775 but I need a place that can install it in Melbourne.

Hi OP, best bet is a proper flash for your vehicle. JB4 does offer some gains on the 320i, but it won't be 328 power and in my experience, the JB4 works better and smoother on the 328i than the 320i.

Any exhaust shop /workshop will be able to install the M Performance exhaust if you decide to purchase from us. I would estimate labour to be $100-150.

Originally Posted by terminator335i

You can get it cranked up to same power as the 328 or beyond it.
A. Go to bmw and they will reflash it (but charge a "high rollers" price)

Didn't know BMW offerered this

[MikeVictor]

Originally Posted by terminator335i

320i shares the same engine as the 328i (it's the n20/26 engine)
Only difference is that it is just detuned to around 135kw vs 180kw. All other components are stock (oh and exhaust tip is a single one versus a double on the 328)

Mate I don't think that's entirely true. Pistons, exhaust, transmission, drive- and axle-shafts are different (28mm drive shafts against 35mm 328i shafts).

I get that your saying a number of parts are shared, but it's not quite as simple as "it's just detuned" compared to a 328i.

Originally Posted by Stuart@BMRAutowerkes

Didn't know BMW offerered this

I'm with you Stu, I'm also extremely sceptical about that claim.

[rednose]

+3, otherwise you could simply buy a 320 and aske them to flash a 328 tune in and still retain warranty.

[terminator335i]

Originally Posted by MikeVictor

Mate I don't think that's entirely true. Pistons, exhaust, transmission, drive- and axle-shafts are different (28mm drive shafts against 35mm 328i shafts).

I get that your saying a number of parts are shared, but it's not quite as simple as "it's just detuned" compared to a 328i.

I'm with you Stu, I'm also extremely sceptical about that claim.

F30 320i vs 328i engines - Part number comparison
by Tim Jones on January 17, 2013, 12:35 pm
tags:f30postf30 newsf30 328bmw partsbmw part numbersbmw newsbmw f30 320ibmw320 vs 3282013 320i2013 3 series



BMW has just announced a new entry level F30 3 series, the 320i. The 320i shares the same N20; TwinPower single turbo, twin scroll, 2.0 liter inline 4 cylinder engine as the 328i. The 320i is factory rated at 180 hp at 5,000 RPMs and 200 lb-ft of torque from 1,250 RPMs. Stacked next to the 328i with 240hp at 5000 RPMs and 255 lb-ft of torque from 1250 RPMs and the obvious question is what is the difference in the two engines.

The first obvious answer is there is something in BMW's DME control software that limits the power, most likely by limiting boost pressure, on the 320i. That appears to be true as both the 320 and the 328 use the same DME hardware (PN - 12148604210) and the same engine control system MEVD 17.2.9. With a software tweak the likely difference between the 320i and the 328i we go in search of other changes that might limit the 320is ability to make the same power the 328i N20 puts down.

Read more about the 2013 BMW 320i entry level 3 series

The next easy target is the intake, exhaust manifold and turbo. Surprisingly they turned out to be the same part number. In fact the 320i and the 328i share the exact same part numbers for a majority of the engine components.

Shared engine components between F30 320i and 328i
Cylinder head - PN 11127624778
Connecting rods - PN 11247624616
Crankshaft - PN 11212212762
Intake manifold - PN 11617588126
Air box - PN 13717597589
Air filter - PN 13718507320
Intercooler - PN 17517618809
Radiator - PN 17117600520
Throttle body - PN 13547588625
HPFP - PN 13517584461
MAF - PN 13627602038
DME/ECU - PN 12148604210
Exhaust manifold/turbo - PN 11657642469
See what is missing in the above list? The difference in the 320i and the 328i is the pistons. While both have a 10:1 compression ratio the 320i has a different part numbers for the pistons then the 328i. (Slightly more stronger forged pistons to hold higher boost setting on 328i)

Driveshafts are same. The 28mm vs 35mm are from the older models (e-series)
Both use same transmission (zf 8 speed auto)

Bmw will not spend more money to make a different car (cost cutting)
They charge more from a 320i to 328i for two reasons
-328 has more standard luxury features
-ecu tuned for more power to give the buyer the deception that it should cost more. Back in the old days, the nomenclature meant engine displacement (ie 320i = 3series with 2.0 litre engine, 328i = 3series with 2.8litre engine) these days with newer cars, that is no longer the case.


That means, an ecu tweak could potentially give the 320i the same power and torque as a 328i. Think of it as an M performance package (MPK) you can get on a 335i to raise the power levels up. As for the case of turning the 320 into 328 via an ecu dealership tune, there are a small handful in melbourne that do it (for the right price).

[Spikey]

Originally Posted by Stuart@BMRAutowerkes

Didn't know BMW offerered this

They offer to tune your 320 to a 328 level? why wouldn't everyone do this?

O/T: Stu your inbox is full!

[jctg]

I think there is a lot of confusion with regards to the compression ratio of the 320i. Apparently in some regions it shares 328i's 10:1, in others 11:1.

OP's car is an Australian 2012. I have kept an Australian 3 Series brochure from that same year as that was the year I bought mine as well. In the specs it states that the compression ratio is 11:1, which matched up with my memory of literatures on compression ratios back then.

The compression ratio for 320i might have changed since then.

You can certainly bring up a 2012 320i, either by piggyback or by flashing, to a level similar to a 328i. But a comparable piggyback or flashing seems to bring a 328i to close to a 335i. I have not seen any reputable tuner/piggyback manufacturer claim that you can treat a 2012 320i as if it is a 328i by getting rid of the factory detune.

[Stuart@BMRAutowerkes]

Originally Posted by Spikey

O/T: Stu your inbox is full!

cleared

[MikeVictor]

Originally Posted by jctg

I think there is a lot of confusion with regards to the compression ratio of the 320i. Apparently in some regions it shares 328i's 10:1, in others 11:1.

OP's car is an Australian 2012. I have kept an Australian 3 Series brochure from that same year as that was the year I bought mine as well. In the specs it states that the compression ratio is 11:1, which matched up with my memory of literatures on compression ratios back then.

Yeah I thought this was the case. I haven't put aside the hour it's going to take to read all of terminator335i's post however that bit stood out as something I thought was wrong.

[terminator335i]

Originally Posted by jctg

I think there is a lot of confusion with regards to the compression ratio of the 320i. Apparently in some regions it shares 328i's 10:1, in others 11:1.

OP's car is an Australian 2012. I have kept an Australian 3 Series brochure from that same year as that was the year I bought mine as well. In the specs it states that the compression ratio is 11:1, which matched up with my memory of literatures on compression ratios back then.

The compression ratio for 320i might have changed since then.

You can certainly bring up a 2012 320i, either by piggyback or by flashing, to a level similar to a 328i. But a comparable piggyback or flashing seems to bring a 328i to close to a 335i. I have not seen any reputable tuner/piggyback manufacturer claim that you can treat a 2012 320i as if it is a 328i by getting rid of the factory detune.

Here's a reputable tuner:

And trust me, there are tuners here in melbourne that can bring the 320i to levels beyond imaginable. Remember that ALL F-series cars are all forced induction, they all have turbos, from the 1.6 litre to the 4.4litre including petrol, diesels and hybrids. What that means is that they are all very responsive to tunes, compared to NA of the older models where not much can be gained.

There are plenty of people posting up videos of a 320i with a 328i ecu. It can be done people. They are the same engine with just a detuned software in the ecu.
The reason why Bmw separate the two, is purely on a marketing and business perspective.
They charge more for a 328 because they come with a bit more standard features than a 320i (which you have to fork out if you want the extras) and the increased power output.
They would not openly advertise their 320i with the option of a 328i performance, when they can actually charge for a higher price on their 328i lineup (in some parts of the world where there are hefty gov taxes on cars- a considerable amount). It's a profit game. All car manufacturers do it. They have the same engine for many of their lineup, but detune, or uptune the engine so they can make more money selling to consumers.
There are many threads on the bimmerpost forum of 320i vs 328i (including engine specs and power output) and I am not about to start a war on this or try to open up a can of worms.

I only gave my two cents on a chap who needed HELP on trying to get his 320i to the specs of a 328i. My original reply was on ecu tunes, piggybacks, exhaust, power expectation, prices and recommendations on workshops. We're not trying to turn it into a 500hp monster, just an extra power bump from factory to a 328i's performance level.

Good luck hpwbot

[Hpwbot]

Hi all,

Many thanks for all your responses. They are very helpful.

I think I am going to go with a piggyback system rather than a full flash for the simple reason of best bang for buck.

I will either go with a JB4 or BSR Stage 1. What do you guys think? pros and cons of each?

[MikeVictor]

Originally Posted by Hpwbot

Hi all,

Many thanks for all your responses. They are very helpful.

I think I am going to go with a piggyback system rather than a full flash for the simple reason of best bang for buck.

I will either go with a JB4 or BSR Stage 1. What do you guys think? pros and cons of each?

[Stuart@BMRAutowerkes]

Originally Posted by Hpwbot

Hi all,

Many thanks for all your responses. They are very helpful.

I think I am going to go with a piggyback system rather than a full flash for the simple reason of best bang for buck.

I will either go with a JB4 or BSR Stage 1. What do you guys think? pros and cons of each?

Whilst the piggyback is good 'bang for buck', the car still has heaps of potential that the flash tune takes advantage of.

As for which piggyback, the JB1 is $550, the BSR is $1,360 and they both do the same thing..

[AUSf22]

Originally Posted by Hpwbot

Hi all,

I've got a 2012 F30 320i and it has served me well. I drove a friends 328i recently and the extra power has got to me. What upgrades can I do to my 320i to get 328i power? I have read that getting Jb4 done is a good starting point?

I'm also considering to get a m performance exhaust. Anyone know how this will sound on a 320i? Will it sound much different than if it were on a 328i? Also, if you anyone can recommend a place to get it done in Melbourne that would be great. I've already got a quote from SouthernBM but looking for another for comparison. BMR Autowerkes in Sydney are selling it for $1775 but I need a place that can install it in Melbourne.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Hpwbot

This is how the 235 MPE sounds on the N20 engine, yours most likely will sound similar if you deleted the resonator as well

[Ted773]

Originally Posted by Stuart@BMRAutowerkes

Hi OP, best bet is a proper flash for your vehicle. JB4 does offer some gains on the 320i, but it won't be 328 power and in my experience, the JB4 works better and smoother on the 328i than the 320i.

Any exhaust shop /workshop will be able to install the M Performance exhaust if you decide to purchase from us. I would estimate labour to be $100-150.



Didn't know BMW offerered this

Hi Stuart, do you know if there are any power losses when installing the 328 MPE on a 320? Also, I have a F31 LCI with the B48 engine, will the 328 MPE still fit? I haven't seen a new MPE for 330 LCI yet...

[Stuart@BMRAutowerkes]

Originally Posted by Ted773

Hi Stuart, do you know if there are any power losses when installing the 328 MPE on a 320? Also, I have a F31 LCI with the B48 engine, will the 328 MPE still fit? I haven't seen a new MPE for 330 LCI yet...

No power loss from the MPE.

the LCI cars have different mufflers, see this thread: http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1280755

[knightsabers]

Originally Posted by AUSf22

This is how the 235 MPE sounds on the N20 engine, yours most likely will sound similar if you deleted the resonator as well

That run 2 was the money shot

Just needs a catless DP now

[Ted773]

Originally Posted by Stuart@BMRAutowerkes

No power loss from the MPE.

the LCI cars have different mufflers, see this thread: http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1280755

Oh I see, thanks!!