I Found The Best Kept Secret In BMW Engines!

Welcome to a thrilling deep-dive into the heart of BMW engines! In this video, we uncover the best-kept secret of BMW engines, challenging conventional wisdom and redefining car performance. Join me as we journey from the naturally aspirated N52, through the turbocharged N20 and B48, right up to the exceptional B58.
If you're interested in the turbo and downpipe that I mention in this video you can find it here (affiliate):
The turbo is from IPOS and it's called the IM450, link here bit.ly/43Gn6jV and the downpipe is here bit.ly/3JgU3va
We unravel the transformation BMW underwent in engine development, and how they learned from past failures to produce engines that are not only powerful but also efficient and surprisingly tunable. We'll answer intriguing questions - what if BMW knew from the beginning that the engine architecture was going to be turbocharged? How did this foresight transform the design of the B58 and B48 engines?
Watch me as I upgrade the turbo on my B48, aiming for a whopping 360 wheel horsepower with just 91octane, and making this G20 330i nearly as fast as a G80 M3, all while keeping the engine untouched. This engine has more to offer, and I’ll push the limits, even reaching over 400 wheel horsepower with E50. Could it get any better? Well, stay tuned for a potential run at 450 wheel horsepower with port injection in the future.
Who knew you could own a B48 powered BMW that's lighter, faster, and more fuel-efficient than its expensive counterparts? It's about time we let this well-kept secret out!
If you enjoy getting up to speed with the ins and outs of engine performance, don't forget to like this video, share it with your fellow car enthusiasts, and subscribe to my channel for more exciting content. Enjoy the ride!
Thanks for watching, if this is the first video you're seeing of mine consider subscribing. I upload regularly. When you see the word "affiliate" listed beside any link in my description please know that this is a custom link and I will earn a small commission if you opt to purchase using said link. This is at no extra cost to you so it's a win all around :) Thank you!

[@workwithjp170]

Just want to say that I just recently bought my first bmw , a 335i e92, and I found it has a ton of issues (after buying, of course) and the dealership quoted me $14k+ to get it running well again. I’ve been binging your videos to help educate myself to do the work at home and they have been super helpful. Thanks for putting so much effort into them 🙏

[@VehicularDIY]

Glad to help, that's why I do this. Thanks for watching.

[@randallboone9375]

Definitely want to do a complete cooling system refresh.

[@BozoBlaster12]

A LOT of routine maintenance, I'm gearing up to do a valve cleaning here when I find the time, oil blow by gets into the intake tract and creates carbon build up inside the intake valves choking off air flow to the engine. I took the manifold off and LOTS of carbon crud on the walls and valves themselves, an upgraded PCV valve and oil catch can should alleviate the build up but it still needs to be cleaned.

[@teekay_1]

I thought the secret was that they all end up leaking oil.

[@BozoBlaster12]

They do, the oil filter housing gasket will eventually fail, leaking oil down the front and drivers side of the engine, oil will get on the serpentine belt and over time saturating the oil and stretching the belt which can then result in it slipping making awful belt squeaking and then it can slip out and get wedged in between your harmonic balancer and push its way back the front main seal I to the oil pan, and if your lucky the power steering pulley might hit the subframe from hitting a pothole and breaking the guides for the pulley and can shred the softened belt up like it did to me! Which can also push pieces instead of the whole belt into the front main seal. It's a plastic pulley like everything else so I replaced with an aluminum pulley. If you don't replace the gasket this can all happen and lead to catastrophic engine failure.

[@chrispetty5058]

The only failure I’ve seen to the balance shaft was from a customer over revving to 9k. The idler sprocket wobbled off the bearing and broke through the side of the block. The rod bearings were in good shape.

[@VehicularDIY]

Good to know, thanks

[@mike_oe]

How is it possible to rev to 9000rpm??? The rev limiter should prevent that. Only way to do that would be downshifting a manual in the extreme, but there are not many manuals left, if any with the later engines.

[@busterscrugs]

Can't wait to see what this will do! I'll admit, I've always written off the 4cyl cars, but you make a great point about the lower weight plus the engine being behind the front axle.

[@infidel900rr]

Great video. Love the B48! Looking forward to see what it can do. 👍

[@aztecvspec002]

Glad I found this video! I have a G42 230iX and so far not many channels have touched on modding the B48. The B48 in the Minis get love but not so much on the BMW side. Def looking forward to following your build.

[@shotty.]

with what you & others like Kern417 are doing for the community is massive. THESE are the things that got me into these cars… cannot wait to see 4 pots shaking up the game 😳

[@monkeywentbananas]

Great information brother! Your coverage of the engine internals was awesome!

[@potatochobit]

B series engines changed my mind about how unreliable bmw was.

[@tommerlin6579]

BMW M engines in 80-2000 were BEST engines in reliebility

[@evildrizzt1]

@@tommerlin6579 They were practically bulletproof. Once management changed hands it was more like ‘We need these things to fall apart exactly at 100k miles’.

[@pedrorodrigueztube]

Are you saying B48 is reliable?

[@mperez9745]

No such thing as a unreliable bmw engine, it's called unreliable owners.

[@andrej8365]

I think it's because B58 was in development with toyota (supra) that's why B series is ok now days

[@ariyoabiona1606]

This is the content I've been looking for. I've always thought these B48 engines are under-appreciated. Great video Musa. Keep it coming.

[@VehicularDIY]

Thanks, I only found one guy pushing the platform but he started with a 330e which means the pistons would be the limiting factor and the hybrid assist would skew the numbers. Nobody pushing the standard engine which shares the pistons and rods from the B58TU which go 700+ HP.

[@CrowSaysMoo]

@@VehicularDIY are the pistons and rods from the TU different from the gen 1 B engines?

[@rocavelli20]

@@CrowSaysMooyes the TU pistons are forged by Mahle and lower compression. I believe 10.5:1 vs 11:1

[@xzszx]

@@VehicularDIYI have a 330e too. Pushing 340hp and 580nm at the moment and still going strong with 130k km.

[@puretagamer]

@@VehicularDIYhow much power do you think could be safely achieved with the 11:1 pistons?

[@CrowSaysMoo]

I'm keeping watch now. I've been waiting to see more developments for the B48 and makes me even more excited to be working on my 330i.

[@tuurbow]

This is why I follow this channel. Great info.

[@951Guy]

Really good and informative content, thanks!

[@thespian666]

I can almost change the oil on my 2013 Ford Fiesta and you make me feel like I can change an N54 injector, electric water pump and/or oil filter housing gasket in about 6 minutes. Thanks for your awesome videos.

[@Andrei1986]

From a review point of view...these type of video are really super knowledge based and are gaining confidance instant, compare to other types. Generate on some way nostalgic feelings, from the time Porsche brochures were discovered, as they were embedded with technical details. Of course, the present video beeing at another higher level, the model presented is still percepted as new in the market (and it is, despite being facelift today). Again a big thank you to Musa! Not only for the content, but also for the way that he is presenting. I never heard him complaining for something...no matter what the issues were encountered.

[@davidryans2232]

Your videos are amazing - keep up the great work!

[@bmwlane8834]

Great info on the balance shafts. I learn a lot every time I watch your videos.

[@davec5237]

Great information. Thanks for sharing. 👍

[@jacobm7221]

Super informative, thank you!

[@ckegman6103]

Glad to see you back. Missed your content.

[@brankokoic1219]

Fantastic video. Thanks!

[@peterbustin2683]

Absolutely fascinating! Subbed!

[@davewallace9048]

This is what’s sets you apart from a lot of KZbinrs.. your knowledge is like any other!! Great inside info!!

[@VehicularDIY]

Thank you!

[@6ixvamp]

This was extremely informative. I learned a lot from this, thank you 🙏🏾

[@high_drivexxx]

My favorite BMW engines overall were the N52, N55 and B58. N55 was very reliable, especially in the EWG and M2 variants while being tunable as you mentioned, and the B58 just improved on every aspect into one package. Just my opinion and experience from owning all three. B48 is also giving me a good feeling as a quality engine.

[@bmwlane8834]

I totally agree! I drove my 2005 530I 400,000 miles...the car was great. Now I'm in a 2019 430I b46/48 engine....I'm blown away with it. I went from 6 years saying I would never buy a 4 cyc. to now....Mercedes metris van(4 cyc.)..which I love...moto,camp dog rescue and everything else, wife X3 and my 430. All three of our cars have the same cylinders as my old 850i lol.

[@sw2599]

N52 and B48 are great have both 70k km in the B48 and 190k km in the N52 runs just like new

[@highlyfunctionalfitness4134]

Great vid super thorough

[@Tuned_RWD]

Yessss 🎉🎉 finally someone that's talking power here. I wanna take mine to the next level too. Hopefully everything goes well.

[@DjNikGnashers]

Fascinating video, and I work in the motor trade myself. I have owned many BMW's, and currently own an M140i with it's amazing B58. It's sensibly tuned to 455bhp/634nm as it's a daily driver, but I have a lot of confidence in it's reliability at that state of tune. I have always had 6 cylinder petrol engines, a particular favourite was the M52 in my E36 328i, as BMW have always made great straight sizes. I did have one 4 cylinder diesel but the reliable M47 engine.

[@brianmckerrow817]

Packed full of info. Great vid.

[@Nico_335i_DCT]

Thank for sharing Musa. Pretty curious about the upgrades on this one. Btw, the #12 injectors turned out to be a complete game changer on my n54. I'm happy again. Have a great weekend. Dutch regards, Nico

[@VehicularDIY]

Thanks for watching, awesome glad to hear that! Nothing like a smooth cold start to make you appreciate the car again lol.

[@dcrasta]

wOW... Good content. I didn't know about the B48, it sounds spicy.

[@pashag.1577]

fascinating... keep the vids coming.

[@krisjaniszalkalns2461]

I just get b48 but 420i gran coupe Will follow this guy and see what we can do with b48

[@mazboost]

Great vid 👍

[@SteveWeltman]

Mousa, as always, you're so well reasoned and highlighted something else that I had little understanding of previously. Really good video that sheds light on a decent option to the B58 powered M340i (and I looked... they are about $40K+ anywhere in CA). This is a decent option for the wife's replacement car from her F30 N55. Thank you again for posting!

[@realestateeric]

Looking forward to this series!

[@fazrulrusdi3709]

Keep up.. Your video help a lot

[@duhanemcgregor6596]

Great content 👌🏽

[@jimmyjamal2392]

Salam mousa ..... bro can't wait to see this platform and how it pans out with the mods and power and most important reliability..... good luck bro can't wait !!

[@laworder2652]

Such a good video!! Love it. I'm an engineer and just listening to this just makes me feel all nice inside lol.

[@randfort_]

Hey man listening to you speak I feel confident I can handle whatever BMW engines can throw at us. Great video I subscribed 😂

[@aarondostou3888]

Great content.

[@andyreynoldsF31]

The B4X motors truly are a hidden gem in the BMW motor lineup.

[@Credman1883]

I think you are starting to touch on a lot of really good points for modern internal combustion engines

[@lamboferruccio]

Oh hell yes I’ve been waiting for this!

[@emrahbeslija]

I have an N54 and have watched your videos for years. Now I have a 430i (still have the n54) so this content will be exciting. Considering there isn’t much out there for this platform.

[@VehicularDIY]

Thanks for watching all this time. Yeah I was really surprised to find that the aftermarket is only just starting to support the platform. I think we can thank the Supra for that considering they started offering it with a 4 cylinder.

[@DrDre001]

This will be a cool build to see!

[@friguy4444]

As always you're awesome!!

[@vargasaidan7366]

great video :)

[@krezka294]

Quality Content bro! - Jercy :)

[@shmerd1]

Good explanation.

[@yearight6294]

man im excited to see more from this engine/car . i miss my e90 and e92 so much im looking into buying of these asap.

[@309gti8]

I can’t thank you enough for such an informative video. I wouldn’t be modifying this, just curious about the reliability as a daily driver for years to come. I’m concerned about the timing components being at the rear, but I do feel better now knowing that the balance shaft is gear-driven. I believe these have 3 water pumps, which also seems a little concerning for long-term reliability, but on the other hand, it’s good to see cooling is a priority.

[@charlesberry4958]

Wow!!! I was thinking we haven’t seen you I. A while. You’ve been busy!!!

[@bmwlane8834]

Love this engine....my 430i gran coupe....m sport. I had no idea I would love this car as much as I do. It handles so well....and I've had 500 mile days...(work car) and didn't feel worn out.

[@dinosoarmotorsports]

I agree the 4-cylinder BMWs are way overlooked...everyone wants power and xDrive, so M340s and M cars make sense for them. But you lay out a great argument for modding a B48 car and you'd have a lighter car, and better turn-in too...imagine a great handing BMW! I have a 2022 230i M Sport and am excited to get even 300 RWHP, but maybe an easy 350+ would do me even better. Great video, thanks! I'll be watching all your upgrades.

[@boostlee876]

Nice key point to mention the N55’s potential if it had forged internals. The M235i and OG M2 have forged connecting rods and forged crank so power potential is substantially higher than with a 335i N55. But because of the N55 being sandwiched between the N54 and B58 the N55 ends up being underrated and overlooked.

[@mayormsuthu1465]

The way you layed your info about this engine is so pleasing than listening to the best of motivational speaker. So informative.

[@mr.sauvage330]

Got my all hyped up, and i don't even own one. Really cool, informative video, giving me ideas for the future. (Currently owning a mk7.5 Golf GTI, would be nice to own a RWD BMW one day)

[@israel426]

Very nice content

[@AdrianRodriguezWebDevelopment]

thank you for sharing your insight about the BMW B48 engine, I am currently looking to buy a used bmw and now I know for sure not buy anything with the N20 engine

[@MiniBrothas]

Great information in this video. The Mini community knows how great this engine is. These engines indeed are under-appreciated.

[@brandonwallace9059]

Yup after already knowing this and you owning an m340 and still wanting to mod the b46 just sold me to full send🤝🏾

[@morganlingsweiler9813]

I've been following your channel since the n54 335i content you would post back years ago. It helped tremendously when I had a N54 535i. Especially when I was doing the ZF transmission filter and mechatronics sleeve replacement. Getting that sleeve back in was ridiculous. Its awesome to come across some of your videos now when looking into BMW's 4 cylinders. I'm kicking myself for giving up on finding an x3 m40i (b58 suv) and going with a b9 Audi S4 (sedan lol). BMW dealerships were all asking on the high end/over KBB value on the X3's. The Audi was cheaper but the v6 "hot turbo v" 3.0 engine in the Audi is making me nervous. I'm looking to get back into a BMW soon because the insurance cost for the S4 is ridiculous. I've been looking at the 4 cylinder wagons, and hope insurance is cheaper for them. Thanks for what you do, and I'm excited to see future stuff on the b48!

[@TheGbizaille]

Very excited for this one

[@postalpancho]

Just found your channel and instantly subscribed. I love when people actually know what the fuck they are talking about. You sound very competent and experienced, unlike the majority of clout chasing youtubers who can barely change the oil. You don't need an M2, m3 or m4, this is something I've been saying for a while now. I've been tracking my 230i and absolutely dominating with my b48 engine. I was skeptical about the power at first but it is more than adequate. Glad I got a b48 because the handling characteristics from the lighter front end is better than a MX5, and GR86. It is that good!

[@VehicularDIY]

Thanks for subbing! There are two places where even stock it impresses me, sometimes if you hit the torque just right at around 20 mph it'll put you back and from 80 to 100 mph it really moves. Might be going into an over boost. The lighter front end really sets it apart, the G80 M3 had an amazing front end but you could still feel the weight. The M340i felt clumsy at times, if you get it wrong that back end would want to swing around quick.

[@philipgrobler7253]

8:54 Dang, this engine looks like a person on life support, such a busy engine bay!!! This is why I absolutely still LOVE my E30!

[@edwardwerley8831]

Great video and project. Long time viewer that appreciates the return to a more original DIY content…IMO 👍👍👍👍

[@VehicularDIY]

Thank you. Yeah being alone with my thoughts in my garage sometimes can be nice.

[@mrmusic1880]

Yay, I was wondering where you were! Can't wait to watch this one! Do you mind me asking, what happened to that first 328i Modern Line flip car you bought? Did you do the M Sport conversion and sell it?

[@VehicularDIY]

Yeah I traded it in actually toward the 440i that I was driving for almost 2 years. I never M Sport converted it as the vendor ghosted me after reaching out.

[@mrmusic1880]

@@VehicularDIY Thanks for the response! Some weird people out there, I always get ghosted when buying phones!

[@JCGonzalezZaiah]

Bro this is a super informative video and you answered every single question that I had. I have this same car b48 2019. I was debating whether or not to do mods on it because there was very little information on this engine. If I can drive this car safely with 400 ish hp daily I'm happy. Thanks for the video

[@VehicularDIY]

Thanks for watching!

[@JCGonzalezZaiah]

Waiting on the update on this video! I want to see some progress 🙏

[@chrispy104k]

Interesting discussion.

[@16vPete]

Excellent, excellent video, B48 is such an underrated motor. It's so fun in the Supra 2.0, too.

[@VehicularDIY]

Yeah especially considering how much lighter it is.

[@user-fz6yv5bc5o]

Having the 330e with the lower compression b48b, I can’t wait to have a 500hp monster :)

[@pugs1377]

This will be fun.

[@correttgraham2606]

❤ dope video

[@bimmerlife5452]

Even pushing more boost on B48 is awesome engine with down pipe g42 230i M sport with tune ajb4 and cold intake feels so much difference you can really feel it engine is tq happy

[@lowk3ychris484]

As a last gen F30 328i owner right before they introduced the B48 and 330i name (again). I always wondered why there was no major performance parts for the 328i. Other than those early N20s having that timing chain failure looming overhead the final year of the 328i was the N26, still open deck etc but no timing chain issues, and some other throw ins for reliability/efficiency. For the 4 cylinder community this is one of the few vehicles that has a longitudinally mounted engine that sits behind the front axle. It’s such a fun car to drive and handles great. Compared to some of the understeery fwd “fun” vehicles. Plus I agree with your take on the pricing of the 330i and M340i. It’s tough to find a low mileage example of the M340 for under 45k. Meanwhile I bought my 2016 in 2019 with 16k miles (spotless carfax) for 25k. BMWs are BMWs and they’ll still do BMW shit but my car has been reliable since I’ve owned it. Tires, oil change, and brake fluid change and bleed is the only maintenance I’ve had done but I am just hitting 56k miles.

[@djmusk6015]

Thank you for this video. It affirms that Bmw hasn't made a good reliable 4 cylinder engine in a long time. The main failures of most 4 cylinders from most manufacturers now are balance shaft and chain failures. Vehicle manufacturers are going down the Colin Chapman route. But instead of making them last till the end of a race, it's now keeping them running until the warranty period is complete.

[@fred420]

I test drove a M240 and 230 Msport back to back and opted for the 230, mainly because of what you mentioned here. The 230 is more fun to drive as it is 200lbs lighter and the steering is leagues better. Also, for a daily driver the 230 has more than enough power for commutes and also have quite a bit of fun in the canyons without flying off a cliff lol.

[@apuedinson]

Great video. I want to see what would you do with this platform.

[@ravszee]

im so intrigued! might upgrade turbos & downpipe on my mums f30 330i m sport

[@shredmonster76]

Thanks for making this! As an owner of a 230i with the B48, I was surprised that there is very little info about these. I only have bootmod3, but the car is still a lot of fun and as you mentioned the motor behind the front axle just feels great to drive. I'm curious to see what turbo you get, I've been eyeing the Pure Turbo.

[@Reaper_f30]

In the same boat as you man got a 320i stage 1 plus I call it. Cause its literally the same as a 330i stage 1 now! Crazy right

[@soomz5159]

great video and explanation. i'm on a 2014 328i xdrive wagon with the n20 engine. 108k+ miles and it's been reliable so far considering it's stock. zero leaks so far. i'm not sure if it being from the munich factory has anything to do with it or not. i do oil changes every 5-7500 miles using either motul, bmw oem, or liqui moly. i also replaced the zf transmission fluid/pan and differential fluids around 70K miles as well. not sure if the previous owner ever did a spark plug change but the car ran really well when i changed it a few months ago. i would really like to take this car to 200k+ miles if possible. i also think the b48 is an underrated engine and often looked over.

[@f.j.l.4503]

Hello from Spain! Big BMW lover here. Your explanation and understanding of this platform is incredible. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. About the b48, which particular model would you recommend? B48B20B it’s the most tunable for g20. You agree?. There are many variations and I find it hard to understand the right one. Looking in particular for manual models. Could you give your point of view about engine codes and in what models it can be found? Thank you. Gracias!

[@Icebarbed]

I have the same spec on my G20 330i, did a downpipe and BM3 stage 2 on it. Only getting around 300hp. Can’t wait to see you to finish your project, I would like to see if it’s possible to make this B48 engine go crazy.

[@Itschaboylamari]

What other mods do you have for stage 2?

[@Icebarbed]

Just a VSRF downpipe and intake @@Itschaboylamari

[@NoCompM2]

great video. Thank you. Question on the timing, is it in the back of the motor? Do you forsee issues with servicing timing like we saw on some of the audis with the horrible timing service in the back of the motor?

[@ShadowBlitz001]

most say dont bother with the n20 but i am going with the challange to see what i can get out of it, this video has given me some ideas to look in to for things for the n20

[@Dietcola1]

I like this allot, it's also in a 2er too!

[@BMW1M]

Even in the F30 series, the N20 powered 328i's handled and steered noticeably better than the N55 335i's. So I totally get it. 400whp for a daily driver with good FE, and a great chassis is all I'll ever need. Following!

[@WholesaleTurbos]

I guess it would depend on spec too, dads f30 328 doesnt feel that great in the mountains but mums e46 while not as powerful had the factory m suspension which deals with it much better

[@Funded...]

The amount of knowledge regarding the b48 engine is insane - BMW 330i are a fantastic value

[@stephennelson624]

That’s the same balance shaft/ crank architecture as the diesel N47 4 cylinder, exactly. Great video

[@VehicularDIY]

Yeah I plan on covering how the B series engines were derived from the diesel engines in the future.

[@justindaniel5959]

The VAG engines just seems much easier to get good reliable power. BMW 4 cylinders seems to be very sensitive. So people don’t really touch them. You can see it from the tuning world too. They all focused on the B58. My B48 has a new turbo replaced at 20 000 miles, leaking oil..others running MHD or Bootmod have over fuelling issues on piston 4 which blows engine. Good Luck, I am subscribed . to see more!

[@radiantav]

As the owner of 2019 430i which uses B48 engine, I will be closely following your videos.

[@ratedm90]

Did you do a bigger turbo upgrade?

[@jasonfrancoispotgieter7302]

Very excited for the B48 content and not covered well on KZbin. Have a 120i with a B48 (2017) and have unlocked so much potential to date from it.

[@VehicularDIY]

Yeah the 20i models have the most potential to unlock as they can be tuned to be like a 330i with a stage 2 tune. If you want big power and would like to take it as far as I will on this car you'd need to install upgraded pistons.

[@1618MyMusic]

Same I have a 120i, (b48 gen 1), already running a custom tune from Navardi, now in the middle of dialing in a meth tune.

[@TheKookiemonster007]

@@1618MyMusichow many hp are you running on stock pistons?

[@1618MyMusic]

@@TheKookiemonster007 I'll get back to you as soon as I Dyno the car, gas is crap where I live

[@pollo.888]

f30 LCI has been on my radar with either the 8 speed or manual. 330i seems like a fun platform.

[@VehicularDIY]

would be interesting to see what trans comes with the manual option, I know the manual they put with the N20 wasn't strong but the auto was.

[@ggriffiths99]

@@VehicularDIY According to FCP Euro it comes with a GS6-17EG from ZF. I have a 2018 with a B48 (B46) and that transmission, so I'll be watching for more on this build process.

[@angelofrederic]

great vid. I'm a N20 guy.

[@fields1]

The B38, B48 and B58 are all great engines. The B38 never got the high output version I wish they’d offered for the MINI line. A MCS with a 250HP version of the 1.5T I3 would’ve been such an exciting little engine. Shoot it would’ve made a decent entry level engine for the X1/X2, or even a 3-series, especially with a manual transmission.

[@TheZooness]

I have the same sentiment of a 4 cylinder's placement in a BMW. Having both the 1.9 z3 and 3.0, there was a night a day difference in how the car turns in and feels. I wish I had a cheap legal 4 cyl swap alternative for my coupe.

[@shhhpark]

Glad I finally moved on from my N20 428i...was always a concern to me and finally moved on to a b58!!

[@BocaAtractivo82]

oooh.... your diy upgrades now got me curious

[@bearchow1929]

I bought a BMW in 1973. It helped me to quickly outgrow them.