Is a Bmw 328i F30 Reliable?! N20 Engine (5 Year Ownership Review/Update)

[@Roll-With-It-7]

I think it’s funny how people say that BMW engines are unreliable but yet the most reliable car manufacturer Toyota uses BMW engines for their Supra.

[@ah_war3_268]

They are highly reliable bro trust but if you don’t buy one with zero miles, it’s not worth how ppl abuse the engine from zero miles to 100k is like tearing it down 5x faster then how it should last

[@richier.r7837]

Good to know 100% I myself have a BMW 428i 2013, did Panic when I was hearing the timing chain quite abit but when I compared it too a much lower mileage BMW N20 engine, noise was exactly the same.

[@gixxer_squid]

I have a 2012 F30 with 207,000 miles. I bought it used with approx. 30K. It’s been very reliable but maintained by myself meticulously - regular oil changes, misc. preventative maintenance, and more. The only “complaint” or “major” issue I’ve had is the wastegate rattle. I had to simply manually adjust the PWG and install a new arm. Oh, the one thing that upsets me is the cluster. I had to pull a fuse to stop parasitic battery drain following the temperature sensor causing an internal error. Best car ever! Looks new, runs great, and pulls! I have a charge pipe, intake, exhaust, and BootMod3 tune.

[@LuisGee]

That’s awesome to hear bro 🔥

[@poomunj]

you ever needed to do timing chain or just YOLOd it? Im at 118,000 about to tune, weighing if I should change timing chain before that. Religious on 5k oil since 20k when I bough it.

[@LuisGee]

@@poomunj i never did the timing chain. I’m at 198,000 and still haven’t touched the chain lol

[@gixxer_squid]

@@poomunj It was done before I got it.

[@MrWaheedulHaque]

@@poomunj i changed mine at 70k miles as they known to fail, now at 100k miles only 30k miles on new chain it has failed on me, so currently getting replaced as we speak, i did early oil changes 5k miles at a time, the only thing i can think of that could cause any issue would be the oil feed line for the turbo that was recalled for some reason i can't remember but i never got that changed to the revised one, so maybe that has something to do with it but i can't really say it did

[@andrewharter5476]

These engines are truly reliable when the taken care of appropriately. 3k intervals are a bit extreme (I do 5k, which every single turbo vehicle should be serviced at), but cheers for actually maintaining it. The plastic guides are not the problem, the problems were the tensioner and the ridiculous service intervals BMW service centers recommended. The guides and chains were updated along with the tensioner. The new guides and chains are over-engineered components.

[@LightSpinAngler]

Are you aware if I can swap to the newer chains, guides and tensioner?

[@andrewharter5476]

@@LightSpinAngler I would definitely recommend the tensioner depending on your build date. 2015 models and up typically have all the revised parts. If there is no chain whine, most likely your guides and chain are fine. The tensioner is a simple DIY job I’d recommend to do at your next oil change.

[@Krezo200]

Hello andrew, is there any instruction how to change the tensioner? I would like to ask my mechanic to do it with the next oil change

[@MrWaheedulHaque]

haha i did 5k oil changes on my n20, new chain and all stuff with it put on only 30k miles ago, it already gave out again, i look after my car really well so that is insane to fail so early, so i don't know maybe 3k miles isn't too terribly bad as this engine isn't as reliable as other ones

[@Krezo200]

@@MrWaheedulHaque you mean the chain has to be replaced again? which year is your car and how much miles in total ?

[@AquafixWSP]

I had a 14 f30 , got it at 60k Km, had it till 280k Km , replaced brakes, o2, a battery, water pump belt, fuel pump, no major issues

[@daaizen]

Bro replaced the whole car

[@AdrianRodriguezWebDevelopment]

glad u had no issues with ur n20

[@thomasschavemaker6847]

My Bmw f20 125i at 138000 km i could lift the chain from the upper chain gear after it had just ran. Problem with the n20 is that the highpresure fuelpump and the injectors are so loud that it hides the chain rattle. Needless to say i did the full chain job including the oilpump chain. For people that have the n20 and its laking in power. I can advise you look at the injectors. I changed mine and i am shocked in how much life came back into that engine. If you are good for the n20 it returns the favor. Maintanance means changing out things BEFORE they break.

[@YMusic-d9w]

Looks great man! I have the same model year. Its really fun, and its a blast to drive.

[@Krezo200]

Great to hear I bought a z4 eith the n20 Hope it runs good

[@johnstefan5339]

How is it doing now?

[@Krezo200]

@@johnstefan5339 sold it and got back to m54b30

[@anthonyhudson431]

I have the G20 Msport package got it brand new in 2021 it was a lease I drive this car all over lol hahahah I daily drive it 38 miles 1 way to work little nervous should I have something to worry about it but i definitely love the car… beautiful car man love what u did with it 🔥

[@beamer1385]

Nice review of your F30 man! I have the same car in Melbourne Red. I'm looking at upgrading the ugly halogen lights. How much was your mod on that? Are those aftermarket LEDs? Was it easy to install? Coding issues afterwards? Thanks!

[@LuisGee]

The head lights were like $400-$450. And i had leds in them at first but then switched the bulbs to a hid. The headlights were kind of annoying to install. And i didn’t have to code anything to install the headlights but i did have to code the leds in then

[@beamer1385]

@@LuisGee thanks for the insights. I may just go with replacing the bulbs to LEDs and not mess with the whole assembly. Getting rid of the yellow halogens goes a long way. On your lip spoiler, did you just use 3M tape to hold it down? Is it stable enough for car washes?

[@LuisGee]

@@beamer1385 if youre talking about the trunk spoiler then yea its just 3m tape nothing else. And its been on for like 2 years. Holds good in car washes

[@provinceroad]

Just replaced my shitty halogens for bayoptik lci headlights this weekend. Man it’s worth all the money it’s expensive but it’ll make the car look so much newer.

[@josevicente2514]

​@@LuisGeetithing valvetronic solenoid for my f30 you can do it??

[@kid2519]

3k miles oil interval is excessive. I don't think chain guides failure is related to oil... Something you're lucky. The plastic has been updated in the newer model.

[@LuisGee]

For older cars 3k miles was the regular oil change interval. And i do think oil comes into play with the guides. If you wait longer to change the oil, the oil doesnt lubricate the same as newer oil. It may not be the only reason why but I’m pretty sure me changing my oil at 3k miles helps alot.

[@MrWaheedulHaque]

i can say my timing chain i got replaced by bmw at 70k miles failed only 30k miles after at 100k, i did 5k oil changes, so im thinking on these engines its better to do more oil changes

[@mike_miike_miiike8906]

Running constantly on low oil (major leak from oil pan or oil cooler housing gaskets) and long oil change intervals cause the plastic guide to deteriorate

[@SunKing968]

Note: They upgraded the N20 chain design in 2015, not 2014

[@JackofAllTradeaz]

Thank you for your videos Luis. Did you ever have slack on the timing chain when cold?

[@LuisGee]

@@JackofAllTradeaz when cold yes. When engine is up to temp its tight

[@MeadorRacing69]

200k miles jb4 on e30 fbo drive it every day. Iv had to maintain it but they work fine. 350 hp is plenty fun for a daily

[@LuisGee]

@@MeadorRacing69 thats awesome to hear bro 💯

[@JackofAllTradeaz]

Have you ever changed your timing chain?

[@MeadorRacing69]

@@JackofAllTradeaz I keep an eye on it. I got it with high mileage no noise or excessive play yet. Its getting a new one this winter when I pull the block for mods/seals

[@JackofAllTradeaz]

@MeadorRacing69 I've been using high quality oil every 3000 miles but will probably get the timing chain job done soon. I have 125K on my original TC but it has significant slack when its cold. It is rock solid once I warm up the car though. No abnormal sounds when revving it between 3-4K as some have mentioned, sounds horrible on cold start though, like a diesel.

[@MeadorRacing69]

@@JackofAllTradeaz it is normal for slack when the engine is cold. There is info on that out there. the proper procedure is to warm the car up allowing the tensioner to properly seat after running. If you have the etched oil pump gear you are even safer. Im pretty sure mine was done around 100k with the updated stuff but not 100% certain until pull the engine or do that job this winter. either way I will replace it for peace of mind but for now it seems fine. It will def let you know when its going bad you will hear loud whining noise on throttle almost like a bad power steering pump. that is from it dragging the guide. or you will see plastic chips in your oil change. Some go long time some go short time. The main thing is getting that etched oil pump gear so that it wont jump timing like the non etched gear will. One you complete this the engines are good. Also the diesel sound is normal especially if someone has removed the foam pad. BMWs in general are known for loud injectors/lifters. I only run the liqui molley 5w-40 since mine is tuned, catless, and on e30 but I highly recommend that kit from FCP euro if thats not what you already use 5w-30 is fine for stock applications.

[@shahosj5023]

I had N20 320 with stage 2, my advice, if your piston is not upgraded to forge type, or internals' reliability upgrade, hardware upgrade, do not proceed with remapping with stage 2, unless u're ready with the cost. Called up a foreman and i got the chanced to know they were 6 cars in queue with piston damaged due to remap. Got my car stalled recently with drivetrain malfunction, on the code it says misfiring at cylinder 4, thought it just simple coil and spark plug replacement, checked there was very low compression (20psi), car vibrates like hell. oh yea, despite having take care of my engine oil, 5k miles interval with original castrol edge 5w40, it still happened.

[@LuisGee]

@@shahosj5023 who’s stage 2 map were you running? I ran my stage 2 bm3 tune for 3 years and never had an issue and my engine internals were completely stock. Car has 201,000 miles now with original motor it came with and it runs like a dream.

[@shahosj5023]

@@LuisGee Probably yours 328i while mine 320i, different piston, and reliable for tuned i guess. Mine is on BBT tuning. Glad your ride can go further with that build. Unfortunately mine not :(

[@CarmenPerez-ip6ru]

My fav mechanic 🫶

[@JackofAllTradeaz]

Hey Luis, Which engine oil and filter do you use? Thanks

[@LuisGee]

I use 5w40 euro full synthetic castrol edge and a mann oil filter

[@nycgoon891]

@@LuisGee I use 5w30 is that bad???

[@LuisGee]

@@nycgoon891 no it isn’t bad. Just personal preference

[@kylep3759]

Ever had cam position sensor failure? I'd be stopped at a red light and my car would just shut off

[@LuisGee]

No i havent. Ive never changed any sensors on my engine to be totally honest. None of them have gave me problems

[@MrWaheedulHaque]

if the sensor fails the code will tell you

[@kylep3759]

@@MrWaheedulHaque Oh really? Wow, I never would’ve thought -_-

[@felixguzman930]

Best f30 ever

[@SupraOne25]

I'm looking to buy an n20 528i pre 2015, do you think it's a bad idea? I know how to do the proper part of maintenance but the internet is wild and i saw a lot of people hating this engine in special

[@LuisGee]

To be totally honest i don’t think the 5 series shouldve ever got the n20. To big of a car for that engine. I recommend at least getting the n55 for the 5series. But if you want to get the n20 specifically just check the car fax and make sure it was maintained.

[@EduardoHernandez-wj6uu]

My engine failed at 110k , bought a year ago from BMW , these engines have lawsuits and were a part of previous class actions . Thats how reliable they are "

[@JackofAllTradeaz]

Great video! Have you ever changed the transmission, transfer case, and differential fluid? Did any suspension parts wear out and need to be changed? Thank you

[@LuisGee]

Ive never changed transmission fluid or transfer case fluid. I have changed the front differential fluid though. And suspension i only did coilovers and sway bar end links all around. Im going to be doing front control arms pretty soon though.

[@words1238]

@@LuisGee IN 5 YEARS YOUVE NEVER CHANGED TRANS FLUID?!??!

[@fantasy11222]

I never changed the trans fluid. At 193k.

[@SunKing968]

Beautiful and very fast car

[@calebo3621]

Any repairs in 100k miles besides maintenance?

[@LuisGee]

@@calebo3621 only alternator, electric waste gate actuator and thermostat. And just less then 5,000 miles ago i finally had to do timing chain

[@calebo3621]

@@LuisGee thanks for info brother looking at 2016 328i

[@1hughjanus80]

Hey what do you have done to your car ? New sub

[@LuisGee]

The 328i is basically stock now. Its no longer modded besides muffler delete since i havent gotten the stock one welded back on and a charge pipe.

[@West.559]

Would you ever do an engine swap or just buy another model?

[@LuisGee]

If the motor ever goes out ill just put another n20 on it

[@West.559]

@@LuisGee reliability 💯

[@stevhandingwall2028]

Nah just get a low mileage 340i motor for it

[@West.559]

@@stevhandingwall2028 it’s compatible with 2013 328i?

[@stevhandingwall2028]

@@West.559 yeah it will fit in all 328i

[@raularias4520]

So 20k miles a year ?? Was it a commuter ?

[@raularias4520]

Cuz I commute like 50-60 miles a day and considering maybe this car

[@LuisGee]

The first 2 years i owned the car i would use it to deliver so i put alot of the miles in that time frame. But even now i drive 46 miles a day for work.

[@willowens7499]

Is there a video or link for the non-msport front lip?

[@andrewr1988]

Did you ever have to service to AC? Like a recharge or replace the compressor or condenser?

[@LuisGee]

No till this day i havent touched the AC

[@nycgoon891]

N20 are very reliable frfr I have one

[@9t8alti]

Lol i be changing my oil at like 7 to 8k 😅

[@LuisGee]

Unreal lol

[@9t8alti]

I told myself ima start doing em sooner I'm at almost 116k on the car

[@thecrazyy2O4]

Eek time to join the light

[@amfareed30]

great to hear that...but this is not sport package..only the front bumper was changed to the m sport

[@LuisGee]

It is sport package. There is sport and msport. Those are 2 different trims/packages

[@Peanutdenver]

@@LuisGee You're 100% right...there was base, Sport Line and MSport with the F3* series.

[@LuisGee]

@@Peanutdenver i want to say there was even a luxury line package lol it had alot of chrome pieces

[@Peanutdenver]

@@LuisGeeYes...forgot that one. I got my girl an F32 Sport line in Melbourne Red back in 17 for her daily. It was a rock solid car for 3 years. It only needed brake pads and fluid changes during that period.

[@clarencetrinidad9149]

how many miles did you put?

[@LuisGee]

I bought it with 90,000 miles and car now has 198,000

[@alexduvivier3322]

So almost 110,000. I’m looking at a 13 328i between 80,000-120,000 miles. Would it still be a good pickup and with proper maintenance do you see it touching 250,000-300,000 miles?

[@LuisGee]

@@alexduvivier3322 yea just make sure the carfax looks good

[@emilejoseph1996]

What spec wheels are those?

[@LuisGee]

19x8 +34

[@adrianmendoza247]

What oil do you recommend? Or use for your BMW

[@LuisGee]

@@adrianmendoza247 i use 5w40 full synthetic castrol edge

[@ronzy]

My n20 with 140k miles cost around 3k a year to fix 🤣

[@LuisGee]

Damn lol

[@alexapirot32]

What did you fix?

[@JayMuthaFknC]

I have drove mine from 130-230km now Did a Geabox flush, and a checkup of the timingchain, which looked fine at 175k ish Since 225k now there has been squeaking from the belt in the front of the engine bay, which goes louder after a ride it like you stole it session Any suggestions what to do? Thought it was the cold weather, but its summer weather now and still going on the same. The coolant is also going 115-120 C degrees hot while the weather is hot here

[@LuisGee]

I say replace all pulleys and the belt, will probably fix the squeaking noise.

[@JayMuthaFknC]

@@LuisGee Yeah! Do you also have weird startups every now and then, where RPMs drops pretty far down after startup before stabilising after 10-15 sec?

[@LuisGee]

@@JayMuthaFknC i actually don’t bro. You can try cleaning your maf sensor and see if that helps. Or if you have never replaced your intake inlet pipe check that. Because if there is any type of leak in the intake system it can cause rough idle

[@JayMuthaFknC]

@@LuisGee great points, will check that

[@MrWaheedulHaque]

@@JayMuthaFknC yeah you got a vacuum leak somewhere bro, check all your pipes, the intake pipes are known to form small cracks

[@N54RacingChannel]

That G80 tho

[@LeoPerez-x9x]

🔥🦾

[@GerardoRodriguezBeltran-fh4vw]

Here before 1 mil

[@jimmye5657]

*Promo SM* ⭐