[Fugly M3]

So, for all of you that had an e9x/e8x car with the N54 or N55 engine and converted to the F30 N20, ie 328i, how is it? would you do it again? do you miss your turbo 6? how much better mileage are you getting. I am seriously considering the N20 in an F30 sedan M-sport. I'm thinking a back to basics car with limited options for my ED trip.

I've decided that I don't use my moonroof enough to justify it, so at 3360 pounds, the base 328i is really a featherweight by today's standards and I figure it's gotta be pretty fun to drive. Since it really has more like 270 hp, that's about 12.5 lbs/hp so it can't be that boring. I'm going to be driving one this week I think at the dealer- they finally have a stick and msport in. any input would be appreciated. and if you think I'm a douche for not searching this well enough, just let me know and I wont get all offended.

edit- also, how much did your mileage improve?

[justinnum1]

I had N54 and it was epic. I really enjoy the N20, yea it is rougher and doesn't sound great but the performance from it is fantastic and fuel efficiency is great. I dont have moonroof and dont miss it at all.

[mocohead]

I had a couple of N54 cars, currently have a N52 car and got my N20 recently. I miss the sound of the 6-cylinder cars, but really enjoy driving the N20. Personally I like small displacement, high boost motors. During my ED I never found the car wanting for power. Plus I really like the fact that all of the mass is between the axles for cleaner turn-in.

Comparing my ED in my N54 e92 and my F30, under similar driving conditions the F30 go much better gas mileage. The N54 was better at speeds over 100. But the N20 was plenty quick even loaded with 5 people and weeks worth of luggage.

Good luck! There is no "right" answer to this dilemma.

[Fugly M3]

Originally Posted by mocohead

Good luck! There is no "right" answer to this dilemma.

you couldn't have summed it up better right there. For me the biggest draw of the N20 is the value and the mileage. I really, really would love a car that only needs to be filled up once a week- assuming i can get 25 mpg mixed and will be driving 300-350 miles per week.

[mocohead]

Hey I hear you. It is just so hard to predict here in So Cal. I still don't have my car back from ED yet (hopefully today or tomorrow) so I can't give you and first hand MPG results locally. But during my Ed I averaged 87 MPH and 29.5 MPG with 5 people, luggage and A/C at a top speed limiter run or two...

[Fugly M3]

Originally Posted by mocohead

Hey I hear you. It is just so hard to predict here in So Cal. I still don't have my car back from ED yet (hopefully today or tomorrow) so I can't give you and first hand MPG results locally. But during my Ed I averaged 87 MPH and 29.5 MPG with 5 people, luggage and A/C at a top speed limiter run or two...

that's absolutely phenomenal. but then again at high speeds they get great mileage- did you get the 8spd auto or the 6mt?

[shabadoo25]

I had an N54 and enjoyed driving it. What I didn't enjoy was averaging about 18 mpg in 80/20 city driving.

The N20 has plenty of power (not great off the line) and I am creeping up on 25 mpg after 2k miles.

[mocohead]

Originally Posted by E46M54325Ci

that's absolutely phenomenal. but then again at high speeds they get great mileage- did you get the 8spd auto or the 6mt?

6MT. Sorry but no automatics for me. Call me old-fashioned.

[Fugly M3]

Originally Posted by mocohead

6MT. Sorry but no automatics for me. Call me old-fashioned.

haha, no that's a good thing, it's what I'd be ordering and that mileage is great for a stick!