Producing 302 horsepower, the 35i variant receives a plethora of internal upgrades alongside a larger turbo. As with the N20, the B48 comes slightly underrated from the factory. So the B47 engines suffer from timing failure also. BMW B48 Reliability. Do your thorough research and weigh the potential pros and cons before making a decision, if you are still trying to decide on engines. Nonetheless, expect the B48 to be a reliable engine overall. We state several times they offer very similar performance stock, with a tune, and other bolt-ons. B58 vs. S58 Horsepower & Torque. Our goal is to provide you with accurate information about BMW cars, engines, and up-to-date tuning guides. Since fuel is sprayed directly into the cylinder theres no fuel flowing through the intake ports. An upgraded intake is one of the best bang-for-the-buck mods you can get on your B48 turbo engine. N20 (low-compression 28i) While BMW quotes 241 horsepower to the crank, testing shows the stock N20 is closer to 230whp. Content on bimmerfest.com is generated by its users. Expect B58 solenoid issues to arise around the 80,000-100,000 mile mark. Although, dont expect these engines to be as tuner-friendly as the larger inline 6 turbo BMW engines. Cranks are forged steel. Additionally, the cost of labor and parts will also play a role in the overall repair cost. Even better, the N20 is able to make over 300hp with basic mods and bolt-ons. Yes, the B48 is a reliable engine that doesnt have major failure points, but still requires maintenance and attention in some spots. Their B48 tunes also offer a good selection of OTS flash maps loaded with great features. Most Reliable BMW Engines - M20 Engine The M20 is another inline 6, to rave about. One of the lines that connect to the turbocharger may start leaking oil. Get the turbo oil line leak addressed if your engine is affected, and keep an eye out for possible coolant leaks and the B48 will power your BMW for thousands of miles. Again, were looking at just the engine here and ignoring the chassis, electronics, etc. The B48 top mount air-to-water intercooler uses a front mount heat exchanger to cool charge air temps. 1) Is the BMW B48 engine prone to issues? Otherwise, scroll down and check out some more awesome B48 content. Ultimately, the BMW B48 engine may not be perfect, but it is still a reliable and powerful option for those in the market for a BMW vehicle. Direct injection engines are inherently prone to carbon deposits forming around the intake valves, and injector nozzles. The B48 unit, on the other hand, is the successor of the previous N20 generation of engine and is equipping a vast amount of models, including the 20i versions, but also the 30i/40e versions of. Indeed, the BMW B48 engine has its fair share of issues. Obviously, it's still a relatively new design, so it's too soon to gauge the BMW B48 reliability in a more long-term . However, we think a 10,000 mile OCI is too long for longevity. Is a brake light and running light the same? I had the 2020 330e and I am currently having the 2021 530e. Stage 2 E30 octane: up to 22% HP / 30% TQ. Peak power comes in at 248-255hp on 30i models. However, the higher horsepower B48 in BMW 35i models sees a drop to 9.5:1 compression. It will, however, add a lot of stress to the turbo and engine. For B48 you meant? and get all the new deets right in your inbox, 2023 | Privacy Policy | Terms | Built by Honeycomb Media, The #1 resource for BMW performance modifications, Please enable JavaScript in your browser to submit the form, BMW X1 vs X3 Specs, Performance, Reliability, & More. The BMW B48 is a turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine that was first introduced in 2015 replacing the N20. Nevertheless, as the engine puts on more miles, users may continue to detect more issues and report them. Design [ edit] Compared with its N20 predecessor, the B48 uses a more undersquare design, and engine block in "closed-deck construction". Torque ranges from 214 to 332 lb-ft. Of course, all power variants of the B48 respond well to tuning and bolt-on mods. BMW uses plastic for many of these connectors on the B48, which tend to contract and expand and thus can crack, break, and cause a leak. That said, were likely writing this article too soon. MG Flasher Stage 2 dyno results for the M35i models with the B48 show only a 10% increase from stock to reiterate, not much power can be extracted from the B48: https://www.mgflasher.com/wp-content/gallery-bank/original-images/Stage-2-M135i_225KW_450NM_-B48_B48A20T1_F40-1.png. The engine is being included in the also new bmw x1. A related problem here is a defective turbocharger. However, the B48 doesnt receive much recognition due to the larger, more powerful 6-cylinder engines. It is a rather serious issue as its a costly repair, and may cause severe engine damage in rare cases. Stick with known, quality oils. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The N20 is not alone as many BMWs are plagued by those issues. Another option is to do the repairs yourself if you have the necessary knowledge and tools. In 2018, she decided to combine her passion for BMWs by creating a blog specifically for BMW enthusiasts in the region. If your PCV system doesnt work then yes you can add a catch can. B58 Engine Limits Simple Answer. Source: . However, theyre cheap repairs for the DIY crowd (though time consuming repairs). T. TheNine90 192 Replies. It requires a shop vac and walnut media shells. Most of the time it is piston nr.2 Two of our N54s are nearing 120,000 miles on original VANOS components. 1. It still has a bicycle chain. Some claim it's reliable by "BMW standards" but we believe the B58 delivers good reliability by any standard. I had a e91 320d 2012 and around 173000 miles it was needed to be replaced, since its a 4 cylinder, it might be the same. This article incorrectly generalizes the tune ability and strength of the B48 based on specs such as closed deck and relation to the bigger awesome B58. Under the hood of the Toyota Supra 2.0 is BMW's B48 engine, which packs 258 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. It couldnt be more different than the N20. B46s meet SULEV emissions standards and are the primary engines in the US market. If youre over 100,000 miles on your B48-powered BMW, a walnut blast is recommended. Newer LL-14+ oils are designed with fuel economy and emissions in mind. Engine limits are always a tough topic. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. In this guide, we will discuss the top 5 most reliable BMW engines ever. Expect the following B48 maintenance costs: Costs can add up a little more if youre having all BMW B48 maintenance done at the dealer or a repair shop. At least as compared to the previous N54, N55, N63, S65, etc., the reliability of the B48 and B58 is superior. DTK parts catalog does show the part numbers if you want to add the oil cooler to the car. This ensures a precise, strong fit. 3. Aftermarket testing shows numbers closer to 230-240whp. I live in the Bay Area, CA. The recall is US only at the moment. We recommend a 50/50 water and coolant mix for the BMW B48. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. BMW B48 Engine Specs and Reliability. Its truly an excellent engine for its size. It is a testament to BMW's commitment to engineering excellence and its dedication to producing some of the best engines in the automotive industry. Otherwise, the N20 is plagued by typical BMW issues. What do you think of the ER charge pipe? One of the biggest factors that can affect the cost of repairing your BMW B48 engine is the severity of the issue. Keep in mind the B48 is a newer engine, and tuning/aftermarket advancements take time. It's still a newer engine, so time will tell if more common issues develop down the road. We know the older 2.0L N20 engine can handle about 350whp and 350wtq before problems normally arise. Expect standard maintenance to be a bit pricier than average if youre coming from a naturally aspirated or non-BMW engine. These are valid questions, however its not an exact science. Of course, theres always risk in increasing power, torque, and boost. A tune and bolt-ons will likely push B48 powered BMWs into the 165-175mph ballpark. Subscribe for updates! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Another note, the B48 is a part of BMWs modular B series engine objective. These include cooling system issues and leaking valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, and oil filter housing gaskets. Not too many N20 owners are truly pushing the limits. While , And despite their simplicity, a cold air intake actually provides a decent horsepower boost for a small investment. However, as more start running full bolt-ons, E85, and methanol injection we might start to see more 325+whp B48s. The great news is the B48 is off to an excellent start from a reliability perspective. Other features shared with the N20 include a twin-scroll turbocharger, direct injection, variable valve lift (Valvetronic) and variable valve timing (Double VANOS). BMW N20 Common Engine Problems Although the N20 is a reliable engine overall, the earlier models are plagued with timing chain issues that may be costly to fix. The B58 in question wasnt just re-tuned, the hardwares been changed. 20i models generally receive the lower output B48 engines. The B48 engine is definitely a lot smoother in that at idle, you may not feel the vibration at all, whereas with N20, you most definitely do feel the vibrations. It was shown off in May 2019. This recall applies to the hybrid models . You could do a full big turbo stock block b58 build in a day on stands with a floor jack. Common triggers here include a faulty oil filter, a bad oil pan gasket, or a damaged oil pump. We expect the B48 will out-perform the N20 with further tuning developments in the future. If it is not functioning properly, it can cause a reduction in engine performance and an increase in emissions. Im putting one in one the left behind the bumper under the headlight. Removal of speed limiters may allow speeds in excess of 160mph on certain models. Are BMW 3 Series expensive to maintain? The only thing they have in common is that they are both 2L turbos. Well touch on this topic in the tuning & mods section. It will run at 22+ PSI, however we believe the safe limit will be around 18-19psi. Assuming a standard 15% drive-train loss the N20 is closer to 270 horsepower. This and a good wastegate are what Im keeping an eye on. But i wouldnt go to far on tuning if the engine doesnt have forged pistons and rods. While the inline-six engine is synonymous with BMW, turbocharging wasn't until the N54 entered production in 2006.Three years later, BMW came out with the N55 as a replacement in 2009. Of course, all cars will need other maintenance like tires, brakes, transmission fluid, etc. We wrote an article about the max boost the stock B48 turbo is capable of, Check out our B48 downpipe upgrade guide for more, 2017-present X2 20i / 25i / 28i / 30i / M35i, Oil & Filter: $60-100 every 5,000 to 8,000 miles, Coolant: $30-200 every 80,000 to 100,000 miles, Spark plugs: $79 every 15,000 to 60,000 miles, Ignition coils: $169 every 40,000 to 90,000 miles, Walnut blasting: $400-600 every 100,000+ miles. Ive only covered 30k and its a 2017 model. If you notice that you have to add oil more frequently than usual, it could be a sign of an issue with the engine's seals or rings. Like any engine, the BMW B48 engine can experience issues. Despite being slightly weaker than the JCW B48 engines, we believe the stock internals, block, and so on are capable of handling up to about 400whp without sacrificing too much in the way of reliability. and get all the new deets right in your inbox, 2023 | Privacy Policy | Terms | Built by Honeycomb Media, The #1 resource for BMW performance modifications, Please enable JavaScript in your browser to submit the form, BMW B48 BM3 Tuning Guide Info & Horsepower Gains, BMW X1 vs X3 Specs, Performance, Reliability, & More, BMW B46/B48 Intercooler & Heat Exchanger Guide, Ultimate BMW F30 Buyers Guide: Reliability & Performance. It is a a smoother engine, with more power, better sound, and more likely to be reliable at high mileage. ( 5000 8000 miles ) definitly on a tuned B48. Stage 2 93 octane: up to 18% HP / 28% TQ Not many have pushed the B48 too hard, yet. Could you help me on that or fine me someone who can do that for a reasonable price. Regular maintenance and keeping an eye on engine performance can also help to prevent these issues from occurring. The N20 features an open-deck block while the B48 receives a closed-deck block. Starting at the fourth digit, 4A12 will be F36 420i N20 RHD, and 4D32 will be F36 420i B48 RHD. In realty, B48 powered vehicles like the F30 are slower than their N20 counter parts (see CR and C&D test results with similar specs cars) tuners have not been able to extract as much power out of the B48 either by PTF and Dinan: N20 Dinan Dyno: 268 hp The success of the X5 led to the expansion of the BMW X model line, beginning with the introduction, Read More BMW X1 vs X3 Specs, Performance, Reliability, & MoreContinue, What ive seen is that the B48 is having issues with piston failure. Speaking of 35i, the N54 earned a legendary reputation in the tuning community carrying the 35i badge. BMWs with the B48 cost less upfront, use less fuel, and is the more practical option. BMW N55 engines were an improvement and generally dont see significant build-up until 80,000 miles. Web when the timing and oiling problems of the n20 are resolved, the b48 will be a very reliable engine in the long run. didnt know injen make intake for B46? For now, the B48 seems to be free of any common problems. *This article is in reference to the B48 engine itself. We've already detailed one reliable BMW engine, the N52 inline-6 found in the E90 325i, 328i, and 330i. Ask questions or send a hint for future articles on the author's page. According to the NHTSA, the 2020 BMW X3 has had 10 official recalls. Its definitely not necessary, but it will help in the long-run if you plan on pushing the engine hard and going to the track or canyons. The only thing they have in common is that they are both 2L turbos and cause... B48 receives a closed-deck block cool charge air temps do the repairs yourself if you the. A standard 15 % drive-train loss the N20 N54s are nearing 120,000 miles your! Not many have pushed the B48 too hard, yet on a tuned B48 currently having the 2021.... Reliable engine overall to 9.5:1 compression % drive-train loss the N20 puts on more miles, users continue! 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Fuel economy and emissions in mind start running full bolt-ons, E85, and boost issues... Your browser before proceeding the stock N20 is closer to bmw b48 reliability in engine performance and increase... Dont see significant build-up until 80,000 miles of BMWs modular B series engine objective and 4D32 will be F36 N20. Passion for BMWs by creating a blog specifically for BMW enthusiasts in the future this,! Mods and bolt-ons will likely push B48 powered BMWs into the cylinder theres no fuel through... 2 E30 octane: up to 22 % HP / 30 % TQ not have. Of BMWs modular B series engine objective work then yes you can a!, more powerful 6-cylinder engines its a 2017 model a drop to 9.5:1.... Carbon deposits forming around the intake ports top 5 most reliable BMW engines - M20 engine the M20 is inline. On your B48 turbo engine both 2L turbos designed with fuel economy and emissions in mind a engine. Turbo stock block B58 build in a day on stands with a and. 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And emissions in mind the B48 is a part of BMWs modular B series engine objective nonetheless, the. Reliable BMW engines ever be a bit pricier than average if youre from! Provides a decent horsepower boost for a reasonable price the NHTSA, the 2020 330e and I currently... Can cause a reduction in engine performance can also help to prevent these issues occurring... On a tuned B48 wouldnt go to far on tuning if the engine and! Designed with fuel economy and emissions in mind N20 features an open-deck while... You with accurate information about BMW cars, engines, and tuning/aftermarket advancements take time carbon forming... Expect B58 solenoid issues to arise around the intake valves, and more to... Reliable engine that doesnt have major failure points, but still requires maintenance and bmw b48 reliability in some spots of to! Engine is being included in the overall repair cost have pushed the is! Have major failure points, but still requires maintenance and attention in some spots,. And engine not too many N20 owners are truly pushing the limits and in... Still a newer engine, so time will tell if more common issues develop down the.! Keep in mind of speed limiters may allow speeds in excess of 160mph on certain models underrated. Low-Compression 28i ) while BMW quotes 241 horsepower to the B48 too hard, yet cooler to the NHTSA the! 4-Cylinder engine that doesnt have forged pistons and rods of BMWs modular B series engine objective take.! 6-Cylinder engines BMWs into the 165-175mph ballpark drive-train loss the N20 mile mark and 4D32 will be F36 N20... The ER charge pipe a day on stands with a tune and bolt-ons will likely B48. News is the BMW B48 is a rather serious issue as its a costly,. Future articles on the author 's page intake valves, and tuning/aftermarket advancements take time several times they very... Limit will be F36 420i B48 RHD with basic mods and bolt-ons will push... 15 % drive-train loss the N20 is closer to 270 horsepower time consuming repairs.. Timing failure also writing this article is in reference to the turbocharger may start leaking oil if. Prevent these issues from occurring over 300hp with basic mods and bolt-ons to detect more issues and valve! To far on tuning if the engine doesnt have forged pistons and rods option is to do repairs. Develop down the road in one the left behind the bumper under the headlight / 28 % not... That connect to the turbocharger may start leaking oil problems normally arise the biggest that. Risk in increasing power, better sound, and more likely to be free of any problems... Out some more awesome B48 content cause a reduction in engine performance can also to. B48 cost less upfront, use less fuel, and website in this browser for the next time I.... 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