How to Build a 350HP BMW N20!

We have curated an entire N20 mod course that goes in-depth on each of these mods + mods that will help your N20 more efficiently! We've spent hundreds of hours researching, so you don't have to. All of your questions will be answered AND if not, you have direct access to us through our BMW Tuner's Community. bmwtuning.co/courses/bmw-n20-...
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Looking to elevate your BMW N20 to a solid 350 horsepower? You've come to the right place! In today’s video, Zach will be exploring the top modifications you need to get your N20 engine to 350hp. From ECU tuning to fueling upgrades, he covers it all. Zach delves into each modification, explaining how they contribute to achieving that coveted 350 hp mark. Whether you're a seasoned BMW tuner or new to the world of car modifications, this guide will provide you with valuable insights and practical advice.
If you would like to read up more on this topic, we have an article on our BMW Tuning website: bmwtuning.co/bmw-n20-tuning-g...
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00:14 - BMW N20 vs N26
01:15 - BMW EWG vs PWG
02:25 - BMW 20i Models
02:45 - How to Build a 350HP BMW N20!
02:55 - The Best BMW N20 Upgrades #1 - Tuning
04:10 - The Best BMW N20 Upgrades #2 - Cold Air Intake
05:14 - The Best BMW N20 Upgrades #3 - Downpipe
06:08 - Catless vs Catted Downpipe?
07:53 - The Best BMW N20 Upgrades #4 - FMIC
09:37 - The Best BMW N20 Upgrades #5 - E30 Fueling
11:11 - Best BMW N20 Mods Summary

[@dogdog631]

N20 motor is such a fun motor! Ive owned my 2014 X1 Msport almost a year now at 107k miles and now about to cross 120k miles. No issues no timing chain issues just be on top of your maintenance! The car came with a AWE intake and the previous owner also gave me a dinan boost module for free with the car (took it off because it threw me a code) but otherwise really fun car i also beat on it and it hasnt let me down yet! Cant wait to upgrade my charge pipes and downpipe

[@8020Media]

D - We agree. Thanks for taking the time to share your experience!

[@scott331]

I have 432k miles on my 328i 10 years old, all original engine/drivetrain, Dinan stage 1 tuning piggy back @ 3k, Injen tuned cold air intake, MST Turbo Inlet pipe, Dinan Catback exhaust, Wagner Stage 3 Competition fmic Intercooler which gives me mid- high rpm noticeable hp gains, ER charge pipes both, now I’m looking at getting an ER catted downpipe and I’m happy. Only maintenance I’ve done is changed the high pressure fuel pump @ 67k miles, EWG 180k miles, and changed timing chain guides which crossed over to the Rod Bearing so I changed that out to, never changed transmission fluid however changed engine oil 0-30 , 5-30 BMW, or Liquid Molly oil every 6-8k miles. Never revved in traffic, warmed car up and drove smoothly for the first 8-10 minutes to lube up the engine bearings and cylinder’s properly before shifting to high speeds. One thing I’ve noticed is that these cars are built to be driven. Never dinno but butt g’s made me satisfied

[@8020Media]

S - Nice! This is a great success story for the BMW N20!

[@NzScruff]

I have a 2014 320i with a stage 1 tune. I'm at 133k km now, the chain feels sturdy. When would you recommend changing the chain/tensioners

[@8020Media]

N - We typically recommend it at 100k miles, but it's different for each engine. Stay on top of maintenance.

[@road_mine8733]

@@8020Mediai heard the big timing chain issues were fixed after 2015 on the n20 right? Ive got a 2015 528i with about 93k and just wondering

[@8020Media]

R - We have a great article on this on our website: bmwtuning.co/bmw-n20-timing-chain-failure-symptoms-solutions/

[@frankietom4294]

Great video. Don't see too many ppl talking on upgrading n20/n26, so this definitely helped.

[@8020Media]

Frankie - Thanks for the feedback! Hope it helped.

[@Slowww_F30]

Forgot to mention- boost pipe, charge pipe, turbo inlet due to stock BMW pipes being plastic upgrading to aluminum piping will help not crack any pipes and will hold boost pretty nice👌🏼 I got a 437whp N26 with a pure stage 2 turbo

[@8020Media]

J - Nice! You've built a good one! Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@nickysf30]

what's your ig? I have questions

[@WilmaCornett-ut4sy]

How long have you had it, and how many miles /year?

[@cleanname4439]

shit man 437 whp on a hybrid turbo. E85? Meth? I didn’t know that was possible

[@cleanname4439]

post some vids PLEASE

[@savedip__yt8159]

Omg , thank you soo much for this video! I just bought a 328i n20 and have been trying to do all this research on the best options! And you literally answered a lot the questions!

[@8020Media]

Sace - Love to hear that! Thanks for the feedback!

[@ManiacsGarage]

Great job explaining all of this!! Really helped me with my wife's N20 big turbo upgrade!

[@8020Media]

M - Thanks for the feedback! Sounds like your wife has a nice N20 build!

[@codenamedesertviper1825]

I love this, I would love more content on the N20! The F31 only came with the N20 or B48 here in the states, so I’d love to make better use of the car

[@8020Media]

Code - We do have a common problems video on the N20: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5XTi5dnYpyZY7c, but what other content are you looking for? We have a lot of knowledge about BMW engines.

[@yunanxian7838]

Great Video!!!!

[@8020Media]

Yuna - Thanks for the feedback! Hope you found it helpful.

[@quiksr20]

Great video, On my EWG 2013 N20 I have an Active Autowerke tune on my car for the last 5 years with zero issues. Another great tuner in the USA

[@8020Media]

Q - We agree! Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@kevinho040]

How you found out if it’s EWG or PWG? I’m also with a N20 2013.

[@8020Media]

K - Look up the VIN. It should say there.

[@quiksr20]

@@kevinho040You can just look at it, PWG will have hoses not wires going to it and look more like an old school wastegate on a 90s car vs a harness wire plug to it

[@khumokwezimashapa2245]

Aye man. I know you mostly specialize on BMWs, but what do you know about the M271 Supercharged engine found in the W204 C180 Kompressor

[@j6k325]

please post another similar video about the n26, so helpful. Tysm

[@8020Media]

The N26 is very similar to the N20. We have a course together for both of these engines that has a ton of additional info for $19 bmwtuning.co/courses/bmw-n20-n26-engine-mod-tuning-course/

[@Dragon228833]

Literally said in the video that everything that applies to the n20 applies to the n26

[@CommentLikeDescribe]

Another great video but It would be helpful, imo, to maybe address the n20 reliability issues (timing chain) before presenting power upgrade options. Vehicular DIY has a great one about this engine and how to avoid its most notorious issues.

[@8020Media]

Spian - Thank you for the feedback! We have a completely separate video covering common problems here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5XTi5dnYpyZY7c

[@StockTurboN20]

The N20 is very reliable

[@cruzfambillpayments6787]

I noticed that there are intakes for other BMW that is equipped with the N20 motor, but I am not seeing any for the X3 28i N20. The only thing I can find are drop in filters, a GFB DV, FMIC and Charge Pipes. Haven't looked into a downpipe but will do so when I purchase a supersprint exhaust.

[@8020Media]

C - Keep us posted! Sounds like you're building a nice N20.

[@MVF2024]

Thank-you for this video. I just picked up a sDrive 28i Z4 w M sport package. Has the N20. Was wondering what I could get out of this little engine. I'm sure 350 HP feels much different than stock!

[@8020Media]

MVF - Thanks for sharing your feedback and experience!

[@geoffreykidder5694]

Im building a forged internals N20B20 with ductile iron flanged sleeves... its FBO, might do an impeller upgrade on the turbo, keeping it on a basic piggyback for around 300hp/320tq for reliability and MPG

[@8020Media]

Geoffrey - Sounds like you're building a good one! Keep us updated.

[@bigbadwolf2075]

Just bought a 328 , looking to build daily/street without feeling I could’ve just bought an n55 lol thanks for this

[@8020Media]

B - Hope it helps.

[@chicagostreetcars]

Ive had my n20 for 3 years i have a K&N drop in filter bimmer code trans tune and stage 1 just watch out for ofhg leak😭 had oil in coolant had to flush the system like 5 times

[@8020Media]

Chicago - Thanks for sharing your experience and helping wolf!

[@8020Media]

Chicago - Thanks for sharing your experience and helping wolf!

[@chicagostreetcars]

@@8020Media ofc brother 🫱🏼‍🫲🏽 any tips on channel growth? Just getting started here brother

[@damaalguytan6536]

The timing chain kits are different between the n20 and n26 nobody seems to mention this.

[@8020Media]

D - Thanks for the insight.

[@Stockb46]

I wanted to know what about the b46 motor in the newer f chassis

[@8020Media]

S - We will add the B46 to our list!

[@livinglikelos8202]

To go stage 1 do you need a charge pipe upgrade for reliability?

[@8020Media]

Living - You don't NEED, but it would certainly help.

[@ronilsonmonteiro9850]

I have a 2014 bmw 320i I have everything on it that you mention and I have 3inch straight pipe I don’t know how much horsepower it has and I use 93 for gas

[@8020Media]

Ron - Nice! You're probably around that 350hp if you have a good tune!

[@Mr77Trojan]

So let me get this straight. You do not need an upgraded fuel pump for the N20 engine? That’s Amazing. I figured it would, considering the N54-N55 needed one but it makes sense that it doesn’t seeing as it’s a newer engine.

[@8020Media]

77 - It depends on what level of hp you're going for. For the sake of the power in the video, no. Fueling modifications can help keep engine temperatures lower with high horsepower builds, but ultimately, the N20's internals weren't built to withstand much more than that.

[@finnriley9625]

@@8020Mediahow much power would you say an n20 could reliably make with forged internals

[@8020Media]

Finn - It depends how much money you're looking to pour into it.

[@jfox24]

Have a 2015 228i with the n20/n26. I'm considering doing a stage 1 (BM3) tune. I'm a bit concerned on how this will impact reliability as this is my only car. I plan on doing an aluminum charge and boost pipe just in case, but have heard that you need to change spark plugs, ignition coils, and do oil changes more regularly. Have you noticed any issues with engine reliability after doing a tune?

[@8020Media]

A conservative stage 1 tune shouldn't have any notable impacts on N20 reliability. That said, higher boost does put a little more stress on the turbocharger and some other ancillary components. If you're frequently going WOT and using the newfound power that could shorten turbo longevity a little bit. Otherwise, it's true that you'll also end up replacing spark plugs and ignition coils a little more often (again, especially if you're frequently using all the power and boost). You shouldn't need to change the oil more frequently unless you only change the oil every 10,000 miles. I'd recommend changing the sooner (every ~4,000 to 7,500 miles) regardless of whether the engine is stock or tuned.

[@user-ux8hf2jy4g]

Where can I buy all these parts I have a 2013 528i

[@8020Media]

VRSF is a good option for a downpipe and FMIC. There are tons of intakes available. You can get the JB4 from Burger Motorsports if you want to go that tuning route, or there's bootmod3 which is just purchased online/through the app. Ultimately, all the parts are going to be easiest to buy online and there are tons of options for the N20.

[@Nate6446xr]

Can I do this to a 2016 320i

[@josephdavis1508]

yeah just look up your vin and figure out what engine you have

[@8020Media]

Joseph - Thanks for assisting Nate!

[@evilbeaver267]

2016 328i ty

[@8020Media]

E - Thanks for the feedback. We hope this video helped!

[@gio6487]

Okay so wait, I can just put E30 fuel in my tank? I’m on stage 2 tune and I never heard of this E30 fueling

[@8020Media]

Gio - What vehicle do you have?

[@timvanslooten3840]

I believe the 328i’s N20 engine has stronger pistons than the 320i’s N20, but I could be wrong

[@8020Media]

The pistons are slightly different due to compression ratios but I don't know that there is a major strength difference with respect to power capacity

[@StockTurboN20]

The 320 and 328 have the same internals just different compression they share their internals with the N55