A few years back I had a 2.5-litre E89 Z4 and, while it was great fun, I always felt it was missing a little bit of oomph. So I decided to go for a 2012 Z4 with the N20B20 engine.
I knew I’d have to do a few things to it. I’ve changed the valve stem seals, replaced the timing chain and guides, and also fitted a turbo from a lower-mileage car, as my original wastegate was getting rather loud. I wish I’d changed the turbo cooling pipes while I was doing all that, but hey, that’s next week’s job!
Being a 20i, it was OK but felt a little sluggish, so I decided to get it remapped — and what a difference! It now goes like stink and is great fun to drive.
I honestly don’t know whether I love this engine or hate it. It seems to require quite a bit of work, the HPFP sounds like a diesel, and it certainly likes its petrol!
But I have to admit, when everything is working and you put your foot down, it’s bloody good fun. I’m really enjoying the car.
I knew I’d have to do a few things to it. I’ve changed the valve stem seals, replaced the timing chain and guides, and also fitted a turbo from a lower-mileage car, as my original wastegate was getting rather loud. I wish I’d changed the turbo cooling pipes while I was doing all that, but hey, that’s next week’s job!
Being a 20i, it was OK but felt a little sluggish, so I decided to get it remapped — and what a difference! It now goes like stink and is great fun to drive.
I honestly don’t know whether I love this engine or hate it.
It seems to require quite a bit of work, the HPFP sounds like a diesel, and it certainly likes its petrol!But I have to admit, when everything is working and you put your foot down, it’s bloody good fun. I’m really enjoying the car.