N52 TO N20 question

juyeop · 11-17-2015, 07:50 PM

So...I drive 2013 128i and as you guys know, the car is equipped with NA inline 6. I love the 6 cylinder engine sound piping through performance exhaust. I understand N20 will be more efficient engine with less gas consumed with more power. My question is if I end up buying 228i, am I gonna regret buying 4 cylinder compared to 6 cylinder that I have now as far as engine note? Also, can I make turbo 4 cylinder sounds as deep as 6 cylinder with some exhaust mod???

2msport · 11-17-2015, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by juyeop

So...I drive 2013 128i and as you guys know, the car is equipped with NA inline 6. I love the 6 cylinder engine sound piping through performance exhaust. I understand N20 will be more efficient engine with less gas consumed with more power. My question is if I end up buying 228i, am I gonna regret buying 4 cylinder compared to 6 cylinder that I have now as far as engine note? Also, can I make turbo 4 cylinder sounds as deep as 6 cylinder with some exhaust mod???

Only you will know if you will regret it.

You can get an exhaust and code the N55 sound in. That will most likely make you very satisfied.

midwest 340xi 6sp · 11-17-2015, 08:31 PM

You will not get an N20 to sound like a 6 cylinder...And btw, I love the N20 motor. I drove one for 3 years before my M235.

Just love it for what it is. If you can't? 228 is the wrong car for you.

midwest 340xi 6sp · 11-17-2015, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2msport

Only you will know if you will regret it.

You can get an exhaust and code the N55 sound in. That will most likely make you very satisfied.

I guess there is that too...Hell, might as well code in an S55 lol!!

SteveInfante · 11-17-2015, 10:21 PM

I think you will be fine. I went from a 5.0 with very rumbly exhaust to the N20. I especially love the exhaust when it hits it's sweet spot and the turbo is spooling up. I drive with the windows down quite a bit because of those two things. I don't miss the rumble as much as I thought I would.

dalrx · 11-18-2015, 06:51 PM

Drove 128 for 5 yrs then went to 228i now...sound will not be same or steering ....However more refined car...more power more torque ....228i a better car overall compared to 128I in my opinion. ...However I wished I got m235.

Transfer · 11-18-2015, 06:56 PM

The N20 is a fantastic engine, but it does not stir the soul. You would certainly notice the torque increase though. There are tradeoffs but overall the 228i is a better car. Of course make sure you drive one before committing.

ralawren · 11-18-2015, 07:59 PM

Ditto, You will definitely be disappointed in the engine sound of the N20. I had a 2010 128i, a 2012 MB Coupe and a Porsche Boxster before my 2015 228i. I really like the car but really really miss the sound of the 6 cylinders. If you have the extra $3k for the M235i get it.

128Guy · 11-19-2015, 04:14 AM

I previously owned a 2011 128i and now have a 2015 228i. I don't notice the sound difference since I use my 228i almost exclusively for long trips, and I like relatively quiet and stealth-like cars that don't attract attention from traffic cops; but I sure do like the way the 228i drives and looks.

Merc for hire · 11-19-2015, 09:56 AM

I just upgraded my 228i to a M235i. Wow what a differences in the power delivery!

6 cylinder feels miles ahead compare to turbo-4. There is no sudden punch in power at 3000 RPM like the N20. The power increases smoothly all the way from idle to near red line for the 6.

Regardless of the lack of turbo, I would pick the N52 over N20, 100% of the time

juyeop · 11-19-2015, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dalrx

Drove 128 for 5 yrs then went to 228i now...sound will not be same or steering ....However more refined car...more power more torque ....228i a better car overall compared to 128I in my opinion. ...However I wished I got m235.

Your opinion got me rethink about getting 228i. tHANKS. I might save up more money for at least 2 years and go for M235i or M2.

juyeop · 11-19-2015, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ralawren

Ditto, You will definitely be disappointed in the engine sound of the N20. I had a 2010 128i, a 2012 MB Coupe and a Porsche Boxster before my 2015 228i. I really like the car but really really miss the sound of the 6 cylinders. If you have the extra $3k for the M235i get it.

Thanks for your input man. I will def try to go for 6 pots for sure.

juyeop · 11-19-2015, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merc for hire

I just upgraded my 228i to a M235i. Wow what a differences in the power delivery!

6 cylinder feels miles ahead compare to turbo-4. There is no sudden punch in power at 3000 RPM like the N20. The power increases smoothly all the way from idle to near red line for the 6.

Regardless of the lack of turbo, I would pick the N52 over N20, 100% of the time

2 more cylinders are that noticeable difference? Wow.

Merc for hire · 11-19-2015, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by juyeop

2 more cylinders are that noticeable difference? Wow.

I came from a 2.5 L M52 6 Cylinder. Even that was more fun than the N20, I drove for 8 month. I am so glad to be back in a 6 cylinder again.

simoneves · 11-20-2015, 12:12 AM

Picked up a 2016 228i 6MT today after never having driven an N20 car before. No, the sound isn't as smile-inducing as my previous two N52s, but it has plenty of character of its own (noise when you want it, and not when you don't) and I'm very happy so far.

Cyberdemon · 11-20-2015, 09:50 AM

The N20 is a very nice engine, but it's not a straight 6 and will never make the same noise.

With a performance exhaust you can get some more volume out of it, and you could always code the active sound to give you the "Virtual" straight 6 experience, but it's never going to be the same.

I drove a 328i sport for a week while my 335 was in the shop and personally, I didn't think it was that big of a deal breaker. Most of the time I'm not revving the 6 high enough to get a lot of noise out of it anyways - the 4 cyl is easier to wind up on the street without getting yourself in trouble.

simoneves · 11-20-2015, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cyberdemon

The 4 cyl is easier to wind up on the street without getting yourself in trouble.

This. I can already tell after 50 miles.

MikeG12 · 11-20-2015, 07:22 PM

Had 2 E36's, one a 325i, one an M3. Loved those engines, but now have a 228 MSport and it sounds good and pulls better than the 6 cylinders. No regret here. The sound enhancement makes the N20 sound mean when you get on it.

E90 87ss · 11-21-2015, 12:58 PM

I had a 325i and would definitely take the N20/N26 over the N52 any day of the week. Had a 4 series loaner for a day and its definitely pretty quick for what it is and obviously has the ability to produce much more power for relatively little cost in compassion to the N52. As far as sound, the N52 was relatively quiet in my opinion. I honestly could not stand the N52, just too slow and too little torque. Go for the 228i, I don't think you will have many regrets.

EBf22 · 11-24-2015, 11:22 PM

I personally love the sound of my 228i 6MT, its not deep and throaty like a full performance exhaust, but it sounds satisfying for the small turbo engine that it is! Won't compare to the m235i, but you need to appreciate it for what it is. Great engine so far, been driving it for about 2weeks/500 miles now; def agree with the change in tone at 3000 RPM and beyond, but that comes as no surprise.
Love this tiny 4 cylinder! It's full of excitement

aerostar · 11-25-2015, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ralawren

Ditto, You will definitely be disappointed in the engine sound of the N20. I had a 2010 128i, a 2012 MB Coupe and a Porsche Boxster before my 2015 228i. I really like the car but really really miss the sound of the 6 cylinders. If you have the extra $3k for the M235i get it.

44k-33k = 3k?

scrape1 · 11-25-2015, 09:00 AM

The N20 has good specs on paper and performs well enough, but it just doesn't suit the character of these cars. I would have rather had an N52.

11-17-2015, 07:50 PM	#1
juyeop Second Lieutenant 93 Rep 230 Posts Drives: 13 STI & 13 E92 M3 Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	N52 TO N20 question So...I drive 2013 128i and as you guys know, the car is equipped with NA inline 6. I love the 6 cylinder engine sound piping through performance exhaust. I understand N20 will be more efficient engine with less gas consumed with more power. My question is if I end up buying 228i, am I gonna regret buying 4 cylinder compared to 6 cylinder that I have now as far as engine note? Also, can I make turbo 4 cylinder sounds as deep as 6 cylinder with some exhaust mod???
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11-17-2015, 08:31 PM	#3
midwest 340xi 6sp Lieutenant Colonel 360 Rep 1,797 Posts Drives: 2018 340xi Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: The Great Midwest iTrader: (6)	You will not get an N20 to sound like a 6 cylinder...And btw, I love the N20 motor. I drove one for 3 years before my M235. Just love it for what it is. If you can't? 228 is the wrong car for you. __________________ Previous Rides: 535xi, M235xi, X3, E92 M3, E70 X5 35d, X6 50i, X6 35i, E60 550i, E46 M3 Cabriolet, E39 540i, E36 328i
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11-17-2015, 10:21 PM	#5
SteveInfante NewFinishColumbia/detailer 604 Rep 2,096 Posts Drives: 2015 F31 xDrive Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Columbia, SC iTrader: (0)	I think you will be fine. I went from a 5.0 with very rumbly exhaust to the N20. I especially love the exhaust when it hits it's sweet spot and the turbo is spooling up. I drive with the windows down quite a bit because of those two things. I don't miss the rumble as much as I thought I would. __________________ 328 F31 xDrive/OSM/Venetian Luxury Line/Cold Weather/Premium/Driving Assist/Nav/Tech "Golden Goose" 78' Honda CB400A project http://www.instagram.com/steve_inf31
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11-18-2015, 06:51 PM	#6
dalrx Lieutenant 88 Rep 435 Posts Drives: 530i Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: regina iTrader: (0)	Drove 128 for 5 yrs then went to 228i now...sound will not be same or steering ....However more refined car...more power more torque ....228i a better car overall compared to 128I in my opinion. ...However I wished I got m235.
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11-18-2015, 06:56 PM	#7
Transfer Major General 5254 Rep 5,874 Posts Drives: Bronco Wildtrak, Tesla MYP Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Issaquah, WA iTrader: (1)	The N20 is a fantastic engine, but it does not stir the soul. You would certainly notice the torque increase though. There are tradeoffs but overall the 228i is a better car. Of course make sure you drive one before committing.
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11-18-2015, 07:59 PM	#8
ralawren First Lieutenant 77 Rep 310 Posts Drives: 2015 228i MSport w/Trk Pkg Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Wake Forest, NC iTrader: (0)	Ditto, You will definitely be disappointed in the engine sound of the N20. I had a 2010 128i, a 2012 MB Coupe and a Porsche Boxster before my 2015 228i. I really like the car but really really miss the sound of the 6 cylinders. If you have the extra $3k for the M235i get it.
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11-19-2015, 04:14 AM	#9
128Guy Private 6 Rep 64 Posts Drives: 2015 228i Coupe Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Arizona iTrader: (0)	I previously owned a 2011 128i and now have a 2015 228i. I don't notice the sound difference since I use my 228i almost exclusively for long trips, and I like relatively quiet and stealth-like cars that don't attract attention from traffic cops; but I sure do like the way the 228i drives and looks.
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11-19-2015, 09:56 AM	#10
Merc for hire First Lieutenant 157 Rep 387 Posts Drives: M235i 6MT Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada iTrader: (0)	I just upgraded my 228i to a M235i. Wow what a differences in the power delivery! 6 cylinder feels miles ahead compare to turbo-4. There is no sudden punch in power at 3000 RPM like the N20. The power increases smoothly all the way from idle to near red line for the 6. Regardless of the lack of turbo, I would pick the N52 over N20, 100% of the time
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11-20-2015, 12:12 AM	#15
simoneves First Lieutenant 88 Rep 300 Posts Drives: '16 228i DSB/THP/6MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: San Rafael, CA, USA iTrader: (1)	Picked up a 2016 228i 6MT today after never having driven an N20 car before. No, the sound isn't as smile-inducing as my previous two N52s, but it has plenty of character of its own (noise when you want it, and not when you don't) and I'm very happy so far.
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11-20-2015, 09:50 AM	#16
Cyberdemon Brigadier General 1538 Rep 3,331 Posts Drives: 2020 X5 40i, 2018 M3 Comp Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Long Island NY iTrader: (3)	The N20 is a very nice engine, but it's not a straight 6 and will never make the same noise. With a performance exhaust you can get some more volume out of it, and you could always code the active sound to give you the "Virtual" straight 6 experience, but it's never going to be the same. I drove a 328i sport for a week while my 335 was in the shop and personally, I didn't think it was that big of a deal breaker. Most of the time I'm not revving the 6 high enough to get a lot of noise out of it anyways - the 4 cyl is easier to wind up on the street without getting yourself in trouble. __________________ Current: '20 X5, '18 M3 ZCP Previous: '11 E90 335i, '11 E90 M3, '16 VW GTI, '15 M235i, '13 335i, '08 TL-S, '00 Corvette
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11-20-2015, 07:22 PM	#18
MikeG12 First Lieutenant 65 Rep 326 Posts Drives: 2020 X3M40, 2000 Z3M, 2017 X1 Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Cape Cod, Massachusetts iTrader: (1)	Had 2 E36's, one a 325i, one an M3. Loved those engines, but now have a 228 MSport and it sounds good and pulls better than the 6 cylinders. No regret here. The sound enhancement makes the N20 sound mean when you get on it.
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11-21-2015, 12:58 PM	#19
E90 87ss Captain 37 Rep 608 Posts Drives: ! Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: NJ/Philly iTrader: (1)	I had a 325i and would definitely take the N20/N26 over the N52 any day of the week. Had a 4 series loaner for a day and its definitely pretty quick for what it is and obviously has the ability to produce much more power for relatively little cost in compassion to the N52. As far as sound, the N52 was relatively quiet in my opinion. I honestly could not stand the N52, just too slow and too little torque. Go for the 228i, I don't think you will have many regrets. __________________
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11-24-2015, 11:22 PM	#20
EBf22 Private 12 Rep 50 Posts Drives: 2014 228i m sport Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	I personally love the sound of my 228i 6MT, its not deep and throaty like a full performance exhaust, but it sounds satisfying for the small turbo engine that it is! Won't compare to the m235i, but you need to appreciate it for what it is. Great engine so far, been driving it for about 2weeks/500 miles now; def agree with the change in tone at 3000 RPM and beyond, but that comes as no surprise. Love this tiny 4 cylinder! It's full of excitement
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11-25-2015, 09:00 AM	#22
scrape1 Second Lieutenant 70 Rep 229 Posts Drives: '14 228i M Sport, '04 X3 3.0i Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Northeast iTrader: (0)	The N20 has good specs on paper and performs well enough, but it just doesn't suit the character of these cars. I would have rather had an N52.
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