N20 engine. Some questions

[Pondrew]

Does anyone know if any of the internal of the N20 were changed during it's production run? I am only aware of an upgrade to the cam chain gear in around 2015.

The reason I ask is that one of the big remapping companies, Superchips, now has this on their website in relation to the 20i, but strangely not the 18i or 28i:

Copied and pasted from the N20 (20i 184bhp) remap page:

"There is a known fault with this engine where a weakness in the pistons can cause catastrophic internal damage to the engine. This fault appears very occasionally both on unmodified vehicles and after a remap. Although this is a known fault it is not directly a fault of the remap and we have successfully mapped over 600 cars with this engine with no problems, there have been reports of issues on around 0.5% of cars and we feel duty bound to highlight that there is a risk."

I can't see what difference it would make being an 18i, 20i, or 28i.

[Reamesy]

I think B21 would be the person best suited to offer information as I believe he has mapped a few.

[Nictrix]

It only affects the blue ones

[Pondrew]

It only affects the blue ones

Just my luck then!

[Pondrew]

Rob (Smartbear) would know, but he seems to have tootled off to the "Citroen 2CV appreciation club".

I can't find much at all about weak pistons on the N20, so presume it is not a common issue. I remember there being a 'rumour' that the N20 in 28i guise was fitted with strengthened pistons, but that seems to be just that; a rumour.

[john-e89]

0.5% of cars tells its own story no Pondy…? Can’t really see Superchips bullshitting either, they certainly don’t need the tiny amount of business from this engine.

[Pondrew]

0.5% of cars tells its own story no Pondy…? Can’t really see Superchips bullshitting either, they certainly don’t need the tiny amount of business from this engine.

Hello John, nice to see you back, matey!
I know Paul has been missing you.

I take their 1/2% of "over 600 cars we've mapped" as 3 cars have gone bang that they have mapped and it's a disclaimer. What I don't understand is the difference of their map on the 20i (184bhp) to the other two. If I ask awkward questions they will gloss over it. I will still ask the awkward questions, just useful to get more information if there is any.

Not sure about the tiny amount of business from the N20; it was fitted in every incarnation of BMW 2 litre petrol for nearly 15 years. Must be nearly as many made as the EA888 from VAG.

[john-e89]

0.5% of cars tells its own story no Pondy…? Can’t really see Superchips bullshitting either, they certainly don’t need the tiny amount of business from this engine.

Hello John, nice to see you back, matey!
I know Paul has been missing you.

I take their 1/2% of "over 600 cars we've mapped" as 3 cars have gone bang that they have mapped and it's a disclaimer. What I don't understand is the difference of their map on the 20i (184bhp) to the other two. If I ask awkward questions they will gloss over it. I will still ask the awkward questions, just useful to get more information if there is any.

Not sure about the tiny amount of business from the N20; it was fitted in every incarnation of BMW 2 litre petrol for nearly 15 years. Must be nearly as many made as the EA888 from VAG.

Paul doesn’t miss anyone Pondy, he’s beyond help….

True on the engine numbers, hadn’t thought of it in other cars…it’s Friday night between Xmas and new year so had a wine gum or two….

I wouldn’t worry anyway, are you not going to map it despite what anyone says…? Anything can go bang at any time so not worth worrying about it imho. Go for it and rip it up…