[Mracer]

Hi all,

I am looking for a replacement for my wife's Audi TT and really like the F30 platform. I am in the market for either a 328 or 335 xdrive sedan. I have read lots of posts about the timing chain issue on the N20, so if I would go that route it would be a 2016 328 to avoid the issue. I am also looking at some 2014+ 335's. It sounds like the N55 is more reliable than the N54 was. I am not concerned with modding the car (I have an E46 M3 built into a fun hill climb/TT car), just long term reliability after the nightmare of the Audi, lol.

Would the N20 or the N55 have better reliability?

Cheers,

[alohasurftoad]

between your choices, N55. don't waste your time with N20, even after 3/15.

imo, you should increase your budget to B58 if you can, or B48 if you're unable.

[MHF30]

If you're going the 4 cylinder route, you'd probably be better with with the B48 motor in the 330s. As someone who has an N20, and preventatively changed my timing chain and guides, I don't think I could recommend it to anyone, even though outside of the known issues it's a great engine.

It also sounds like a truck but that's neither here nor there lol.

[tturedraider]

Originally Posted by alohasurftoad

between your choices, N55. don't waste your time with N20, even after 3/15.

imo, you should increase your budget to B58 if you can, or B48 if you're unable.

I agree with this. If the horsepower of the N55 isn’t of utmost importance to you then a 2017 - 2018 B48/46 330i would be a better choice than an N20 328i.

[gameson]

Originally Posted by MHF30

If you're going the 4 cylinder route, you'd probably be better with with the B48 motor in the 330s. As someone who has an N20, and preventatively changed my timing chain and guides, I don't think I could recommend it to anyone, even though outside of the known issues it's a great engine.

It also sounds like a truck but that's neither here nor there lol.

any reason why you would avoid n20 even after you changed your timing chain and guides? yes, n20 in idle sounds like a diesel... when i first hear it, i thought i was looking at a 'd' batch, until i asked again that it's an 'i' batch

[MHF30]

Originally Posted by gameson

any reason why you would avoid n20 even after you changed your timing chain and guides? yes, n20 in idle sounds like a diesel... when i first hear it, i thought i was looking at a 'd' batch, until i asked again that it's an 'i' batch

Thinking about it now, for me probably two reasons:

1) I've heard horror stories of people still running into timing chain issues even after doing the swap. I'm not sure what the circumstances were in those situations but it was a pricey item to take care of preventatively and I hope I never need to again while I have the car. That alone has pushed me to not recommend it to others and honestly should have been handled better by BMW. People shouldn't have to worry about cars this expensive turning into 2 ton paper weights.

2) I've done BM3 Stage 1 which honestly is how the car should have come from the factory. Its definitely quick but as enthusiast you always want to perform better lol. Considering the stock N55/B58 are quicker stock than the N20 with BM3, probably would have been a better starting point. This one probably doesn't apply as much in your case.

All that being said, it's a fuel efficient engine and still a fun powertrain in terms of daily driveability. If you manage to stay clear of the known issues it still makes for a great car.

[bavarianride]

Originally Posted by Mracer

Would the N20 or the N55 have better reliability?

Cheers,

I would suggest either B46 or B58. The B engines are closed deck design, which should have more head room for tunes than the N engines(open deck).

[gameson]

you are not planning to go bm3 stage 2? if not, any reason why?

bm3 stage 1 is what the 328i is tuned to. since you own 328i, i guess you don't feel the stage 1 as much as the 320i to bm3 stage 1, both 328i and 320i are tuned by bm3 to the same spec for the stage 2, i think, since it's same N20 engine

Originally Posted by MHF30

Thinking about it now, for me probably two reasons:

1) I've heard horror stories of people still running into timing chain issues even after doing the swap. I'm not sure what the circumstances were in those situations but it was a pricey item to take care of preventatively and I hope I never need to again while I have the car. That alone has pushed me to not recommend it to others and honestly should have been handled better by BMW. People shouldn't have to worry about cars this expensive turning into 2 ton paper weights.

2) I've done BM3 Stage 1 which honestly is how the car should have come from the factory. Its definitely quick but as enthusiast you always want to perform better lol. Considering the stock N55/B58 are quicker stock than the N20 with BM3, probably would have been a better starting point. This one probably doesn't apply as much in your case.

All that being said, it's a fuel efficient engine and still a fun powertrain in terms of daily driveability. If you manage to stay clear of the known issues it still makes for a great car.

[Mracer]

Originally Posted by tturedraider

I agree with this. If the horsepower of the N55 isn’t of utmost importance to you then a 2017 - 2018 B48/46 330i would be a better choice than an N20 328i.

If I was going N20, I will be looking for a 2016....maybe just bump it another year and some extra $$$ and look for a 2017 330, hmmm.

[F30lolz]

Originally Posted by Mracer

Hi all,

I am looking for a replacement for my wife's Audi TT and really like the F30 platform. I am in the market for either a 328 or 335 xdrive sedan. I have read lots of posts about the timing chain issue on the N20, so if I would go that route it would be a 2016 328 to avoid the issue. I am also looking at some 2014+ 335's. It sounds like the N55 is more reliable than the N54 was. I am not concerned with modding the car (I have an E46 M3 built into a fun hill climb/TT car), just long term reliability after the nightmare of the Audi, lol.

Would the N20 or the N55 have better reliability?

Cheers,

Prices are through the roof so you might have to travel to find the best deal. If money isn’t that much of a concern, have you considered a CPO b48 330i? Is a warranty a must or no? Care to share your budget? Are you looking more for a private party or dealer transaction? Since this would be your wife’s car and modding isn’t an issue, a n20 post March 2015 would be fine.

You can get away with finding an earlier build n20 if proof is shown that it has the updated parts. N55 2014/2015 are pretty much reliable but recently a member here posted that a shop messed up his n55 by botching his OFHG repair and they aren’t owning up so if you do get a N55 and it needs the OFGH replaced down the road, take it to a reputable shop that’ll stand by their work.

[MHF30]

Originally Posted by gameson

you are not planning to go bm3 stage 2? if not, any reason why?

bm3 stage 1 is what the 328i is tuned to. since you own 328i, i guess you don't feel the stage 1 as much as the 320i to bm3 stage 1, both 328i and 320i are tuned by bm3 to the same spec for the stage 2, i think, since it's same N20 engine

BM3 Stage 1 is definitely not what the 328i is tuned to. There was a noticeable difference when I flashed it, especially when paired with their transmission flash as well. From what I've read and seen online, applying BM3 Stage 1 to the 320i brings it's more in line with the stock 328i.

I've considered going Stage 2, but it does require a decent investment though since you need the downpipe and an upgraded intercooler. I'll probably do it at some point.

[sspade]

I wasn't going to go here but since performance has been brought up...

The N20 has absolutely proven to be more tunable/faster than the B48 (so far). In my experience of owning two... they are pretty reliable as well when taken care of. Even when FBO and flash tuned.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/244324833434651/

Please spread the word... its downright embarrassing the representation that the B48 has on this ranking, with almost 800 members across the globe!

[adhrp]

The TC issue notwithstanding (since you are looking at MY2016+), my early build N20 has been very reliable. It is at 127k miles now with mostly just routine maintenance. I also own a B48 X3 which is wonderful, but it is brand new so I can't speak to it reliability vs the N20 just yet.

[sspade]

As a pure answer to OP's question:

I would get the lowest mileage / best maintained F30 you can find regardless of engine (even the diesel potentially).

This way, you'll be starting with as clean of slate as possible in regard to maintenance, interior/exterior care, etc.

Secondary for me would be the power plant… if you want more power and traditional BMW inline six, get the N55 (or B58). If you think fuel economy could be a consideration, then either of the 4 cylinders would be a fine choice.

Thirdly for me is color and options.

Of course… if you have the funds treat 1, 2 and 3 equally but it will cost you the most.

For example… I'd take a low mileage non-M Sport with basic features, in an a random color before I waited around for clapped out M Sport with higher mileage in a specific color combo.

Just my two cents, good luck with your decision… I dont think you'll go wrong since you're on here doing homework first.

[sspade]

@MHF30

Your just flat out wrong about a stock N55 being faster than a lightly modified N20 running bootmod3. Not even close!

You're probably just misinformed yourself but… stop spreading misinformation on here. It really doesn't help anyone.

[gameson]

Originally Posted by MHF30

BM3 Stage 1 is definitely not what the 328i is tuned to. There was a noticeable difference when I flashed it, especially when paired with their transmission flash as well. From what I've read and seen online, applying BM3 Stage 1 to the 320i brings it's more in line with the stock 328i.

I've considered going Stage 2, but it does require a decent investment though since you need the downpipe and an upgraded intercooler. I'll probably do it at some point.

yes, that's what i meant. 320i stock to bm3 stage 1 is 328i stock level

however 328i stock to bm3 stage 1 is probably in between max of the bm3 stage 2 (please see below)

graph

320i stock
320i bm3 stage 1 = 328i stock
328i bm3 stage 1
320i bm3 stage 2 = 328i bm3 stage 2

[thejeremyman9]

Originally Posted by gameson

yes, that's what i meant. 320i stock to bm3 stage 1 is 328i stock level

however 328i stock to bm3 stage 1 is probably in between max of the bm3 stage 2 (please see below)

graph

320i stock
320i bm3 stage 1 = 328i stock
328i bm3 stage 1
320i bm3 stage 2 = 328i bm3 stage 2

Where are you getting this info from? Where does it say BM3 develops separate maps for the 20i and 28i, and only for stage 1?

[gameson]

Originally Posted by thejeremyman9

Where are you getting this info from? Where does it say BM3 develops separate maps for the 20i and 28i, and only for stage 1?

bm3 offers the same map for 328i and 320i, when 320i is flashed to bm3 stage 1, it feels like a 328i stock, but when both 328i and 320i is flashed to bm3 stage 2, it should be on par...

i think 328i stage 1 is felt slightly higher due to different compression between n20 320i and 328i

[MHF30]

Originally Posted by sspade

@MHF30

Your just flat out wrong about a stock N55 being faster than a lightly modified N20 running bootmod3. Not even close!

You're probably just misinformed yourself but… stop spreading misinformation on here. It really doesn't help anyone.

Okay, maybe I'm misinformed. Can you show me charts or something quantifiable that shows me that I'm "flat out wrong"? If my Stage 1 N20 is quicker than a stock N55 F30 than that's great. You telling me I'm wrong without showing anything that proves otherwise does nothing to help anyone either.

[thejeremyman9]

Originally Posted by gameson

bm3 offers the same map for 328i and 320i, when 320i is flashed to bm3 stage 1, it feels like a 328i stock, but when both 328i and 320i is flashed to bm3 stage 2, it should be on par...

i think 328i stage 1 is felt slightly higher due to different compression between n20 320i and 328i

So are you just completely guessing here or is there documentation from BM3 on this? Or at least some datalogs from a 20i and 28i running stage 1 or 2?

[bavarianride]

Originally Posted by MHF30

Okay, maybe I'm misinformed. Can you show me charts or something quantifiable that shows me that I'm "flat out wrong"? If my Stage 1 N20 is quicker than a stock N55 F30 than that's great. You telling me I'm wrong without showing anything that proves otherwise does nothing to help anyone either.

I guess the bm3 website shows dyno graphs with tons of HP/lb-ft with their products. With such massive power bumps I do wonder if the stock N20 components will break prematurely.

https://www.protuningfreaks.com/prod...428i-520i-528i

[Mracer]

Originally Posted by sspade

As a pure answer to OP's question:

I would get the lowest mileage / best maintained F30 you can find regardless of engine (even the diesel potentially).

This way, you'll be starting with as clean of slate as possible in regard to maintenance, interior/exterior care, etc.

Secondary for me would be the power plant… if you want more power and traditional BMW inline six, get the N55 (or B58). If you think fuel economy could be a consideration, then either of the 4 cylinders would be a fine choice.

Thirdly for me is color and options.

Of course… if you have the funds treat 1, 2 and 3 equally but it will cost you the most.

For example… I'd take a low mileage non-M Sport with basic features, in an a random color before I waited around for clapped out M Sport with higher mileage in a specific color combo.

Just my two cents, good luck with your decision… I dont think you'll go wrong since you're on here doing homework first.

good input, thanks.