Asking BMW - Difference Between 320i and 328i | F30 Review

[@winston7251]

new 320i owner here and i love it. at the end of the day there’s always a car that’s gonna be faster than yours

[@RADBAVARIAN]

Very true! Sorry I’m just getting to you now, I’m doing a clean up of all my messages. Thanks Winston!

[@03greedoslime87]

I like that you said that and agree,my e46 just got crashed and that was my baby bro should I get another one or try a f30 ima test drive it soon

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

My wife 320 started life as a strong one, were pushing the limits of stock internals since 2018. I blew two m157 in my "e350s" in the meantime... You can blame it on luck but the two are driven and maintained the same pretty much...

[@Zaque-TV]

Thats true but like me, youll eventually want that punch. Short on-ramps are a bitch.

[@JackKello]

Bro, There is *ONE* major difference between the engines. The 320i has a higher compression ratio of 11.3:1 The compression ratio for the 328i is 10:1 Why is that? Higher compression means more effective engine and better fuel economy. the downsize is that you can't have high boost. The stock boost for the 328i is 17psi which gives an effective compression ratio of 21.56:1 If you tune the 320i to 17 psi you will have a much higher effective compression ratio of 24.37:1, which could cause "knock" and engine failure.

[@RADBAVARIAN]

This is great stuff! Would love to check out your sources for a detailed video. Thanks!

[@avgfinnishdude]

isnt it 11:1?

[@craftwanderer8802]

where did you get this detail? Im interested in reading up on bmws, please reply. currently have a 118i F20 PRE lci and highest boost was 19+ psi, is it overboosted? bought the car and owner said it was tuned to stage 1. only had a mst intake otherwise it's stock. oh and xhp stage 3 tune as well. have some misfiring currently, changed coil packs but no luck, steering is very heavy sometimes and has a knock(steering rack?)

[@krystianrebowski4467]

The 20i and 28i cars have been confirmed a long time ago to have different piston heads giving them different compression ratios. They are more differences than just the "tune"

[@JackKello]

Yes exactly!

[@RADBAVARIAN]

This is true. Thanks for the response Krystian and sorry for just getting to you just now.

[@Dontrememberaskin]

@@RADBAVARIAN enjoyed your video. New owner of a 2016 328i xdrive with sport package & loving it

[@52maq52]

Can confirm it, 320 has a diff. pistons and compression.

[@DronMac]

@@RADBAVARIAN Just got a 320i w/ 70k miles. Loving it so far, power feels way more than 180. I also have an A4 w/ 220 hp & 225 torque, the beamer feels faster with both weighing about the same.

[@The_Truth777]

BMW has been doing this since way back when. E46 came with a M54 motor, which was used in the 320i, 325i, 328i as well as the 330i. Whilst the engine block was the same, there would be small but critical differences which made a huge difference in power and performance. For e.g. The intake manifolds where different, with 330i having the biggest. Tune was different, throttle actuator, etc. BMW is still doing the same thing with the N20.

[@MrMeepMoop]

Displacement was also different, correct me if im wrong but I believe the m54 was the post-lci motor and came in a 2.5L or 3.0L displacement

[@KiesMotorsports]

Great idea for a video!

[@RADBAVARIAN]

Thanks guys!

[@Arcolion012]

differences between a N20 320i and N20 328i : 1) different pistons 2) lower compression ration on the 328i engine wich results in a bigger potential for tuning (less engine knock). a 320i can be tuned all oem witout bolt ons to 280 hp, a 328i will do 295 - 300 hp. once you put on bolt ons, the 328i engine wit the lower compression ratio will extend that lead and go well over 320 - 325 hp. Also te proshaft and final gearing ARE different , a 320i with bolt ons results in transmition problems.

[@RADBAVARIAN]

Thanks for the info man!

[@emmanuelmachado3572]

You deserve SOOOOO much more recognition!!!

[@RADBAVARIAN]

Thanks man!

[@tunnelvisionrevs7395]

Team N20 checking in

[@Benny-zo3qh]

Did you have timing chain issues?

[@tunnelvisionrevs7395]

@@Benny-zo3qh nope lol. But im only at 43k so that may be why lol. An mines is LCI so they say it's fixed

[@Benny-zo3qh]

@@tunnelvisionrevs7395 Ok just stay on top of your oil changes. I have a 528 with the N20 and I changed mine proactively because I got it used. Car runs beautiful

[@TechTokOffical]

These numbers used to mean something,now they are just nostalgic...like my e36 328i has a 2.8l motor while the 320i has a 2.0.

[@RADBAVARIAN]

Yeah, how's the e36 running? I just got an e46 as a daily.

[@carsinourdna9388]

Good video👍🏼, love the way you describe and talked to BMW dealers and ask for their opinion. keep it up, congratulations for your new 440i

[@RADBAVARIAN]

Thanks, will do! I have more content coming out soon!

[@NzScruff]

Got a 2014 320i F31 N20 in NZ. From my research, its the compression is different between the 320i and 328i. Havent confirmed if other parts are different or the same. I know they improved the later N20 motors to stop them from getting issues with timing chain (well reduce the risk). So if you had to choose between a 2012 and a 2014/15 i would always go for the newer N20 motor. Build up from there.

[@RADBAVARIAN]

Good choice

[@davidBarrel]

Hi, I'm on my quest for a BMW , my goal is to achieve 240hp , I would be more than happy with that. ..so as you said, I should choose builds after 2015 (included) ?. What about millage? What about ...the 528i , they are cheaper that 328's and I guess they have the same engine isn't it? In the other hand I have plenty of 320i to choose from (red would be perfect) ...all of them around 90.000 miles ... Whould do you recomend ? :) thanks in advance .

[@imrankabir6297]

IMO, randomly check and compare part numbers, like the charge pipe, turbo, manifolds, injectors. If they match, then it's the factory tuning. I saw a similar thing in JDM Toyotas. For example: 3SGE engine was put into various cars and SUVs with different power output within the same year. As it turns out, they changed some small components and the ECU. And since they don't need programming like BMW, we just sourced those parts and the ECU, voila. Instant gain. That's why people love these vehicles, they are like Lego.

[@RADBAVARIAN]

Ha! Yeah they are, just like Legos man. Thanks for the feedback!

[@socalnitro]

I’ve got a 2016 320i. Love it. 36 mpg. 90k miles on the original timing chain. 🤟🏻

[@RADBAVARIAN]

Let's go!!

[@StockTurboN20]

@@RADBAVARIAN my ass 36 mpg I pull 20 in mine

[@SaifDrives]

@@StockTurboN20 i easily get 30+ mpg in the 320 , i’ve gotten 45+ on a long beach trip

[@MarcoGonzalez-bi6cg]

2016 320i and up didn’t have timing chain issues

[@spingybingy5610]

I've had a 320 and now onto a 328i. In the uk at least the 328i is much rarer and ends up costing quite a bit more. Out the factory the 328 is a different animal. 0 to 60 in 5.9. Genuinely quick for a standard car. The 320 wasnt slow by any means but a night and day difference. I'm pretty sure in a str8 light traffic shootout my 328 would leave the 320 for dead. My research led me to believe they both had the same 2 litre engine but the 28 had better cooling as well and like you said other rumours but nothing confirmed. I know in the uk as soon as you tune, you not only invalidate your insurance but you also ruin your warranty and most people don't want to buy a tuned car. If this isn't an issue it just makes more sense to run the tune on a 320 and save the money ( and have a bigger pool to buy from) Just for info the 330 is pretty much the facelift lci 328. I love my 328, only criticism is the rough idle. My dream is to get the extra 2 cylinders and get a 340 next. :) great vid mate

[@RADBAVARIAN]

Thanks for the info man! 340, seems like a great trade up as well lol.

[@spingybingy5610]

@@RADBAVARIAN to be fair im never happy. 320 was a great car, 328 is awesome. If I ever could afford a 340 I'd then be after an m3😂

[@ImranKhan-ej3fy]

Wait so if you stage map your car you invalidate your insurance? Even if you declare it?

[@spingybingy5610]

@@ImranKhan-ej3fy no not if you declare it. Will usually bump up insurance quite a bit if they even let you ( some dont). But it definately invalidates any manufacturer warranty if you lucky enough to own a newish one.

[@yavortsarski4315]

Actually the 330i comes with B48 engine, not N20 like the 328 lci does. Generally due to the new shared component strategy that BMW implements when designing the new generation engines, the 330i with its B48 engine has much more in common with the six-cylinder 340i rather than 328i lci.

[@isaiahdiaz4040]

The 328i has forged pistons as well , it’s way better than a 320

[@RADBAVARIAN]

Welp

[@PokeFlexii]

whats more reliable ? F30 or E90 ? I know it depends on the maintance and driver but if we just compare those cars, wich one is more reliable ? Wich one has the higher prive per maintance Ratio if something brakes ?

[@lm05_]

2016 F30 with the B series engine all day

[@RADBAVARIAN]

I actually want an e90 one day, sooo all depends on what work you are wiling to do on it to keep it running

[@RADBAVARIAN]

Lets go!

[@ivailo89]

Pistons are different. Exhaust system is different. Other parts are different. 28i u can make it 320hp hp. 20i u can’t make with the same parts to make 320hp even if you put from 28i computer unit

[@mike6672]

Great video, good to know. I'm interested in the actual differences between the two motors

[@RADBAVARIAN]

You and me both!

[@Armzilla-]

The base 2016 BMW 320i has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 180 horsepower, while the 328i comes with a 240-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.

[@spingybingy5610]

@@Armzilla- they both sound unrefined @ idle- almost diesel like. But with a half decent exhaust they sound much better

[@Reaper_f30]

from watching this and you talking about the 320 and 328i i assume its the n20 engine thoughts on getting a 320i f30 b48 184bhp to the level of a 330i f30 b48 250ish bhp?? im looking into doing this to my 320i b48 2018

[@RADBAVARIAN]

Depends on the investment and commitment. I am not one to stay content, so I probably would've traded up for a 340 instead of a 330. Just my thoughts.

[@robertbanger495]

Great info. Thx. I have same 2016 320i

[@RADBAVARIAN]

Glad it helped!

[@gustavocobra77]

328i is the same car but much better performance and monster acceleration, don't waste time with 320s since maintenance are exact the same price

[@RADBAVARIAN]

Never said it so clear

[@kennkart]

Brian. Where did you get that jacket? Looks dope tho. Care to share where to buy it?

[@RADBAVARIAN]

Haha, well it was a Christmas gift, let me see if I can track it down.

[@Armzilla-]

Google BMW PUMA jacket

[@spiritualaries4500]

Can you always drive a 320 in sport mode? or only when you need to go fast . My first bmw .n dealer told me it had 250 horsepower I see now that was wrong I have a 2016 320xi can you explain about the sport mode thanks for video . My choice was between 338i 100k at 15k or a 2016 320 37k mi at 21k n perfect condition I chose the 320 n I'm also wondering how long till anything goes ...n I hope I can learn to keep iit maintained correctly watching videos to learn. Thank you.

[@RADBAVARIAN]

Thanks for the question. Our Motors only produce 180hp and it’s not bad to run it on Sport mode all the time, you’ll probably just waste more gas lol.

[@pranavk8293]

You’ll be fine as long as you remember to warm up your engine before doing sport mode driving. Drive for 3-4 miles keeping RPM below 3K before turning on sport mode.

[@truebacolove]

they are not the same, different pistons the compression rate is different. and the camfshafts are bigger

[@ShowMeWhatINeedToKnow]

Myself and others have already commented on this numerous times -- the pistons and the compression ratios are DIFFERENT. I don't understand why he keeps saying they are the same engine. Anyone can go to realoem and put the VIN numbers in and view the parts list for themselves -- don't have to tear down the engine.

[@JackKello]

@@ShowMeWhatINeedToKnow me as well

[@RADBAVARIAN]

Somewhat true!

[@Foreignsgarage444]

So you can’t swap the motor out to either or

[@RADBAVARIAN]

I mean, you can? But why, just invest into another BMW and build from there. Just my opinion lol

[@jachinchetty2412]

@f30Fans I have a question for you guys Does the 320i lci have the same N20 and the prelci or does it have a new b48 motor??

[@RADBAVARIAN]

You should drop this question on our N20 crew group! Link in description.

[@MrWaheedulHaque]

2012 to 2015 Pre LCI has N20 Engine 2016+ LCI has B48 Motor if you have the money get LCI much better on reliability, noise and fuel economy

[@christopherjefferson3561]

Lower compression is better for boost

[@RADBAVARIAN]

Totally agree!

[@davec5237]

Thanks for posting 👍

[@RADBAVARIAN]

No problem 👍

[@bartoszdulewicz9560]

guys 320i its enough for normal traveling or its necessary to get 328i ?

[@RADBAVARIAN]

It’s preference really, the 328 does have an extra 60hp, in which a tune can get you there

[@jatinkaushal8339]

Great stuff man !! Keep it up

[@RADBAVARIAN]

Thank you!!

[@TheRitualChannel]

Why not get both cars and show us?

[@RADBAVARIAN]

If only friend lol that would be a fun project tho

[@TheFrankiemg]

My obd port will not work any suggestions on what I could be 2014 320i

[@RADBAVARIAN]

Could be a faulty OBD, what are you using?

[@jevon485]

This guys like “could’ve gotten an M car, but I went with the bottom of the barrel instead”

[@RADBAVARIAN]

bottom barrel is correct! lol

[@jevon485]

320 is not for a car guy, 320 is for a person (grandma) who just wants to looks good and be comfortable… literally like literally, it’s the one car they make that’s not fast…not everyone wants to be sliding lool

[@nickserrano3005]

@@jevon485 bro what? That literally has nothing to do with what he said. Some car guys don’t necessarily want m style performance. I personally have a stage 2 320 with a couple other simple bolt-ons, and yah it isn’t throwing 500+ hrsp but it’s definitely improved the driving experience. You’re silly for hating on others peoples personal choices.

[@MrWaheedulHaque]

@@nickserrano3005 he just a hater haha, if i had the money to buy a BMW F80 M3 instead of the F30 320i i bought, i would have ended up with a C63 Instead :)

[@Armzilla-]

I thought the 320i had the N26 and 328i had N20

[@RADBAVARIAN]

Depends on the year I believe

[@philipmvee8466]

N26 is the SULEV variant of the N20. In places where SULEV cars are sold both 320i and 328i have n26 and vice versa for areas where n20 version was sold.

[@Ricardo-eg3wn]

N26 is better , all steel fuel lines and pneumatic waist gate. Never had a timing chain issue because they were all built after the facelift update. It has 2 cats in the system. And a vacuum line from the intake as well as an electric waist gate. It has a more restrictive exhaust system but the engine is built better. Most people… modify exhaust. So if you plan to modify the car and don’t live in a sulev state. Remove the cat in the downpipe. Your left with a single factory high flow cat in the midpipe. And a better quality engine. Buy the n26. Low compression in the 28i. Paired with a sports trans. Which is also different. You can tell by your shifter.

[@yashaspradeep7073]

What can I do to get more horses from my 320?

[@RADBAVARIAN]

Hi Yashas, I have a few videos on this that can help you. Let me know if you still need help!

[@nikakvinikadze693]

@@RADBAVARIANi interesd

[@Nesbrick]

Bro is this dude from Whittier? 😭562

[@RADBAVARIAN]

Welp

[@lilsmokeonthewater4965]

U don’t need a catback for BM3?

[@RADBAVARIAN]

I have a full catback system by AWE. You do not need to upgrade your your catback for a tune, if that's what you mean.

[@captivesojourner]

bro i have a 2014 320i X drive ive had it since 2016. Not one problem. Shit I even slapped a tow hitch and pulled a uhaul trailer from tampa to dallas 3500 lbs lol not a problem. Shes paid off and i been thinking about tinkering with her to avoid buying a new car so im getting new headlights taillights some ground effects and some rims. also a paint job but she runs like new and now i wanna tune that bitch lol

[@RADBAVARIAN]

Do it, and let me know how you like the tune. Kies Motorsports is my go-to for parts and tune. Reach out to them and let them. I also have a video on tuning my 320, if it helps.

[@user-ew2rq4sn2t]

328i has more power than 320 bro

[@RADBAVARIAN]

Exactly

[@styletoxic7183]

Hay muchas mas diferencias que un solo mapa, no seais ingenuos

[@alvaroavendano4121]

328i= N20B20 320i= N20B16 Yes, both are N20 engines. The N20B16 found in the 320i is a low output engine. It's not just the maping that is diferent in the ECUs but also the engine internals. The N20B16 has smaller internals.

[@RADBAVARIAN]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@avgfinnishdude]

i have n20b20 in my 320i.. you got it wrong mate

[@alvaroavendano4121]

@@avgfinnishdude Did you buy your car in the USA?

[@alvaroavendano4121]

@@avgfinnishdude in the US they have the N20B20A in the 328i and the N20B20B in the 320i. The N20B20A being the high output engine and N20B20A the low output engine. It's kind of confusing because the are about 4 different 4-cylinder engines that the F30 chassis has around the world. It varies from country to country.

[@avgfinnishdude]

@@alvaroavendano4121 Nah its EU model. It originates from here Finland and i have the n20b20b engine. But from oem part searches i get the 10:1 pistons although I must have the 11:1 compression ratio.

[@suemason]

The newer vehicles have an arguably worse engine than the old n54 strait six engines. the n54 engines are miles better than the 4 banger crap n24 engines they put in them now.

[@RADBAVARIAN]

Yeah, I totally agree with that!

[@oscarrivera9510]

What is the difference between 316 and 320?

[@RADBAVARIAN]

Maybe try googling it, for sure years, motors, etc.

[@nfifa6958]

Would you recommend a b48 over the n20 or n26?

[@keanu6355]

Yes bro, more reliable..

[@RADBAVARIAN]

The n20 is the successor of the b48. There are mechanical differences, but the n20 in my experience is very easy to work on.

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

People who say theres a compression difference between 20 and 28 version are all wrong the only difference was in the n26 which is a US only SULEV compliance engine made a couple or years. ALL n20 have a compression ratio of 10.3:1

[@RADBAVARIAN]

Lesson learned!

[@beatbyrich2891]

What about 2012 320i F30?

[@RADBAVARIAN]

I would get that timing belt checked asap

[@702xRyder]

Ay bro does it pull or is it slow as hell be honest ? I have a 2017q50s Making around 330 is 180 enough ?

[@thesimpleone2698]

Enough for what? For city yeah, after that it goes but that's about it

[@RADBAVARIAN]

Depends what you want to achieve, HP is great and all, but it gets old fast and you would want more HP. Its an itch that you can't scratch. 180 is enough for city and even track purposes, tbh. Once I hit stage 2 on my old 320i, I was going to focus on suspension and track it.

[@broyou92]

I know I'm late to the party but I've had 4 BMWs. A 328, 2 528s and now a 2018 320i x drive. By far it's the lowest HP BMW that I've owned. You don't notice a difference tho. The car is lighter, so the acceleration is better. I can casually hit 115 with out feeling a tug. In sports, sports+ and drive sport 7 mode it's smooth and fast. Gives you that need for speed feeling. So a 320 with 180 is fine, I promise.

[@FDDFGGSHORTS]

@@broyou92 i agree. BMW 3 with 184 hp goes much faster than Toyota or Chevy with the same amount of horsepower

[@cdm6buva]

This video is just a load of false information....compression ratios are different as well as the the pistons and rings....

[@EngrKhanUSA]

328 is comparable to 330i. Don't be delusional. U r trying different dealers for your wrong view validation.

[@RADBAVARIAN]

Oh, so 330i’s have the n20? Wow, must be a new development from BMW 😅

[@geoffreykidder5694]

Couldve just asked me man

[@bmw_knight_f3088]

Bro I hope you be able to fix your car bro!!

[@RADBAVARIAN]

Thank you! Next week, hopefully I can get an update on what will happen.

[@bmw_knight_f3088]

@@RADBAVARIAN cool brother

[@lilsiranthony]

I woudl be so annoyed If I was at work to get these phone calls liek come down and test drive if you wanna see. I knows he’s playing dumb but there are peol actually like this lol hahaahahah but anyway I love my 2021 330i

[@RADBAVARIAN]

Haha. Welp it happens

[@andyfunkstep]

It’s not correct. Compare parts number. N20 in 320, N26 in 328.

[@maxwellkeeling3781]

False. N26 is the lower emissions variant. It has a more efficient catalyst and some extra piping /vacuum lines. All just emissions. There are N20 20i and 28i and N26 20i and 28i variety motors.

[@realsaxual2357]

@@maxwellkeeling3781 ^ Correct

[@RADBAVARIAN]

Will do!

[@Ricardo-eg3wn]

@@maxwellkeeling3781n26 also has steel braided lines. Updated timing chain. It also makes like 20hp more at 1000 less rpm. Essentially the engine works less for more output. However if you tune the car you negate that. My n26 is on bootmod stage 2 FBO running a catless downpipe. So no restrictive emissions cats…. I gap tuned n20s….