[tctic]

Originally Posted by voltron1011

328's throttle response is 100 times better than the 325's....

Any one know the reason to that. More specifically, what kind of changes caused this?

[voltron1011]

Originally Posted by tctic

Any one know the reason to that. More specifically, what kind of changes caused this?

• New throttle - EGAS8 with magnetoresistive position feedback

The reason that the 325/330 N52 has such a noticeable throttle lag over the E46's motors is because of the Valvetronic system. Even though the system is fantastic at optimizing intake and exhaust valves infinitely, there is still a mechanical delay in the system due to the fact that there is no throttle butterfly valve. I'm guessing this system has been better optimized with the 328's motor.

[demosthenes]

I just checked BMW's Certified Used Car web site to see how many 2007 328 ULEV's and SULEV's are for sale. I counted approximately 45 ULEV's and 60 SULEV's. It appears that CA got a mix in 2007. I don't know if that's the case for 2008.

[STE92VE]

Since this thread was revived, I figure I'll give you a progress report.

After over 6000 miles, I'm thoroughly enjoying the car and have absolutely zero issues with the N51 SULEV. It is a very responsive engine with plenty of get up and go whenever I feel the need to punch it. Seems all the trepidation I had about this engine before I took delivery was not necessary.

[demosthenes]

Thanks STE92VE. Your post is very timely.

I read all this stuff on the SULEV and got worried. Was the car I test drove a SULEV? Would my SULEV feel as good? Should I call my salesman and find out if it's possible to order a ULEV and if so, why he ordered me a SULEV?

I really don't want to go there, but let's face it. We are enthusiasts and we don't want to feel like we got 2nd best, especially if we can rectify it.

Thanks again.

[STE92VE]

Originally Posted by demosthenes

T
I really don't want to go there, but let's face it. We are enthusiasts and we don't want to feel like we got 2nd best, especially if we can rectify it.

Don't for a minute think you got 2nd best. On the contrary, you should feel very good that you are doing your part to reduce emissions and will enjoy driving a BMW.

[keysopendoors]

How can I tell if my may build 07 328i is an N51 or N52KP? Its a California car, but in this thread it says California got a mixture of N51 and N52s. I checked my window sticker and it doesnt say anything about being ULEV or SULEV. If it helps, it says my smog index is .39 (with the average new car being .40), which seems like it would be a ULEV.

Can anyone shed some light on this topic? Is there an easily identifiable engine code somewhere under the hood as in Honda/Acura engines?

[STE92VE]

Originally Posted by keysopendoors

How can I tell if my may build 07 328i is an N51 or N52KP? Its a California car, but in this thread it says California got a mixture of N51 and N52s. I checked my window sticker and it doesnt say anything about being ULEV or SULEV. If it helps, it says my smog index is .39 (with the average new car being .40), which seems like it would be a ULEV.

Can anyone shed some light on this topic? Is there an easily identifiable engine code somewhere under the hood as in Honda/Acura engines?

Your engine model is stamped in the block and it's coded in your VIN.

[demosthenes]

Originally Posted by keysopendoors

How can I tell if my may build 07 328i is an N51 or N52KP?

Check the 4th - 7th characters of your VIN.

328i Coupe E92 WB33 N52
328i Coupe E92 WV13 N51 SULEV
328xi Coupe E92 WC33 N52
328xi Coupe E92 WV53 N51 SULEV
328i Sedan E90 VA33 N52
328i Sedan E90 VA37 N52 South Africa
328i Sedan E90 VC53 N51 SULEV
328xi Sedan E90 VC93 N52
328xi Sedan E90 VC73 N51 SULEV
328i Wagon E91 VS13 N52
328xi Wagon E91 VT73 N52

[demosthenes]

Originally Posted by STE92VE

Don't for a minute think you got 2nd best. On the contrary, you should feel very good that you are doing your part to reduce emissions and will enjoy driving a BMW.

Thanks for your support STE92VE. I'm a good citizen, but in this case, I won't feel guilty about not having the cleanest burning BMW around. The key questions for me are:

- will the N51 perform as well as the N52KP?
- will the additional smog stuff cut down reliability?

Does anyone know? Without a definitive answer, I want the N52KP.

Many thanks.

[keysopendoors]

Originally Posted by demosthenes

Check the 4th - 7th characters of your VIN.

328i Coupe E92 WB33 N52
328i Coupe E92 WV13 N51 SULEV
328xi Coupe E92 WC33 N52
328xi Coupe E92 WV53 N51 SULEV
328i Sedan E90 VA33 N52
328i Sedan E90 VA37 N52 South Africa
328i Sedan E90 VC53 N51 SULEV
328xi Sedan E90 VC93 N52
328xi Sedan E90 VC73 N51 SULEV
328i Wagon E91 VS13 N52
328xi Wagon E91 VT73 N52

thanks that was extremely helpful! Looks like I got one of the California cars with the N52KP.

[demosthenes]

You are most welcome. I just used the same post to help a friend determine that the E91 he picked up in Europe last summer was a N52KP. He was pleased.

[otisdog]

So, no N51 E91's ?

[raleedy]

Isn't the N51 SULEV car made in S. Africa? Steve, what are the first 4 of your VIN? Maybe not. Maybe S.Afr. is sedans only.

[demosthenes]

Based on the BMW Ordering Guide:

- all 3 series Sports Wagons (E91) have the N52 ULEV engine
- N51 SULEV engines are only manufactured in Germany

The 328 I ordered was produced in Munich with the N51 engine.

[stugotz]

if i'm ordering a 328xi coupe this week in ny, can i request i get an n52 engine? thanks

[voltron1011]

Originally Posted by stugotz

if i'm ordering a 328xi coupe this week in ny, can i request i get an n52 engine? thanks

No, you live in one of the 7 SULEV states, so you will be getting the N51... There's really no discernible difference between the two engines.. They'll both drive identically.

[stugotz]

how come some dealerships seem to have sulev and ulev models on their website? is that jsut the supply they get and then anything ordered is sulev? (example: competition bmw's website

[Bamafn1]

Also, is there anywhere on BMW's website where they even mention SULEV?

[1WickedE90]

Originally Posted by voltron1011

No, you live in one of the 7 SULEV states, so you will be getting the N51... There's really no discernible difference between the two engines.. They'll both drive identically.

Not necessarily true. If you order your car, you can specify to your CA whether you want SULEV or ULEV. If you don't, you will get either a N51 or N52KP.

I was pretty specific when I ordered mine. I told my CA that I wanted my E90 built in Germany and with an N52KP engine (ULEV). He just clicked off the selections on his ordering screen and said, "No problem, done."

The N51 will have a few less ponies, due to the extra emission control parts - doubtful that the "butt" dyno could feel it.

[STE92VE]

Originally Posted by 1WickedE90

The N51 will have a few less ponies, due to the extra emission control parts - doubtful that the "butt" dyno could feel it.

BMW must meet advertised HP ratings which ever engine you get...

Nevertheless, I have the N51 and this engine keeps showing it's better side. I mostly drive within reason, but occasionally, have the need to put her through her paces....like today. Was shifting through the gears from a stop sign and while in 3rd, had the need to step on it. As always, immediate response and it surprised me that she kept pulling stronger as the RPMs increased.

You're right about the "butt" dyno...I don't care if they call this engine Shirley. It's still very worthy.

[pony_trekker]

Originally Posted by STE92VE

As E90Fleet said, whatever the recommended octane is, that's what I'll use. What's the sense of getting the Ultimate Driving Machine if I'm going to treat it like a Toyota!

Toyota 4runner manual said you can use 87 but 91 is best.

When I used 87 thing would hesitate when gas was given. 91 no probl.