Remapped N20 V B58. Musings

[Pondrew]

So I have the privilege of owning both a remapped (the standard 270ish bhp map) N20 E89 and a B58 in a 4 series.

I thought I would give an insight into which is more 'fun', purely from an engine point of view (in my opinion of course). The N20 is a manual and the B58 is a ZF8 auto.

Have to say the N20 with the map is WAY more fun to 'drive'. The B58 is effortlessly powerful, with loads of torque everywhere but is kind of lacking in the 'seat of the pants' fun factor IMO. On a motorway it's better, as it has power whenever you need it but is sedate at legal speeds.

It may be because the little 4 pot has to work harder for it's keep, it may be because it's a manual, it may be the cars are different, it may be all of those things, or it may be something else; I don't know.

The N20 isn't loud, it isn't jowl inducing, it isn't scary powerful, it's just more 'fun'. Fun is obviously a very subjective word which means different things to different people.

Musings over for now!

 

[N4LLY]

[ref]Pondrew[/ref], Still musing here re a remap of my 20 N20

It's a 2014 on 55K

Would it be wise at that age/milage to still go for it ? Advise appreciated

 

[Pondrew]

Still musing here re a remap of my 20 N20

It's a 2014 on 55K

Would it be wise at that age/milage to still go for it ? Advise appreciated

Can't see why not. 55k is hardly knackered is it? Seriously worth doing IMO. For you, being used to yours, it would be like having a new car. On the 20i the remap really does make that much difference. It's an everyday, in every gear at every revs difference too; and it's cheap!

 

[enuff_zed]

[ref]N4LLY[/ref], if it helps, you will hardly trouble the engine at high revs unless you are in sadistic mode.
The huge wedge of extra torque will take care of every eventuality.
Mine hits max torque at around 1500 rpm and is a perfectly flat line from there to around 5500rpm.
Kind of makes gears superfluous.
I can make very rapid progress and hardly venture above 3000 rpm if the mood takes me. The only downside if you have a manual box is keeping the revs down as it accelerates so quickly.

 

[biZ4rreMids]

[ref]Pondrew[/ref], Still musing here re a remap of my 20 N20

It's a 2014 on 55K

Would it be wise at that age/milage to still go for it ? Advise appreciated

Had mine remapped at 36k, replaced the plugs and coils prior to the remap. ECU was also checked for any engine issues and given a clean bill of health.

I’d echo enuff_zed s comments, the increase in torque, mine makes over 400nm between 2,000 and 5,500 rpm, improves the drivability and the way it punches past cars with ease.

 

[B21]

Same basic logic as N20 vs N54..

With hindsight my 304 BHP / 450nm 20i with Bilstein B8s and M3 suspension parts was a finer handling, dynamically much better car than the 35is either stock or even heavily modified..

In a world where with the best will in the world its hard to get passed say 70-80 on most roads 300 ish BHP and 450 nm of torque in a lighter car is all anyone needs..

The manual vs ZF8HP argument is not really the issue..the boosted N20 engine with such a flat torque curve means the classical chasing through the gears to then drop from peak BHP to peak torque is simply not there..the irony is that with such a broad power band its difficult in a manual to screw it up..

 

[hopz121]

I'd map your B58 and then compare them

The B58 is a much better engine in every aspect IMO.

Its one of the best engines BMW have made for a while, if they create the new zed in a manual with the engine it i think it could be the sweet spot.

I think the thing to note her is the cars are very different as well, you are comparing a 2 seater sports car manual with a heavy 4 seater auto.

Have you tried the latest Z4 or an M140/240i out of interest with the B58?

 

[Pondrew]

I'd map your B58 and then compare them

It has been. Only with the BMW 'mild' map to 360bhp and 550nm, though. I agree it is a very, very good engine. Just not as 'fun' as the mapped N20, taking the differences of the two cars into account, IMHO.

 

[N4LLY]

Thanks guy's. I realy must get round to having this done :wink: