[Michael Schott]

Originally Posted by ndog14

The N20 is faster than which N52? What about the 270hp N52?

What are you talking about? In the US the N52 has 230 hp. If you are referring to the 2006 N52 it put out 255 hp but is no longer offered in the US.

[r3dbimmer89]

It doesn't really matter about the N20 as BMW has done this for years...this is nothing new people...the issue is more handling vs the prior generations...

[Saintor]

Originally Posted by ndog14

The N20 is faster than which N52? What about the 270hp N52?

Make that N53.

According to what I read, BMW like Mercedes and its NA DI 3.5, couldn't have made it work as well in America than Europe. They could have made other technological choices, though. A 328i costs in fuel the same as an not-DI Accord V6 with 278HP.

[ndog14]

Originally Posted by Michael Schott

What are you talking about? In the US the N52 has 230 hp. If you are referring to the 2006 N52 it put out 255 hp but is no longer offered in the US.

The N52 made between 215hp and 270hp. 215hp in the 325 and 270 in the X3 3.0si.

@Saintor,

N53? The same way the S54 is an M54?

[derrick603]

Originally Posted by ndog14

The N20 is faster than which N52? What about the 270hp N52?

Not quite apples to apples, but looking at the results from C&D's tests, the 2006 330i (255hp N52) and F30 328i pull almost the exact same numbers in the quarter (14.3@98 vs 14.2@98). No 270hp N52s were available in a 3-series chassis in the U.S. if I'm not mistaken.

[CAPSGOD]

Originally Posted by calicolorado

My only objection to the F30 is that one is now compelled to buy a turbo engine to drive one. Turbo power is absolutely great, and I have extensive experience with the care and feeding of a turbo Audi, but part of the 3 series appeal until now has been a wonderful NA 4 or 6 cylinder engine. BMW must think they cannot achieve competitive power outputs using direct injection and smaller displacement because they have embraced turbo completely. It's sad, because the euro 330i with direct injection made awesome power without turbos.

Adding a turbo makes the 3 (or any other regular turbo BMW) much more complicated and expensive to repair. This is unfortunate for people who don't treat cars as throwaway Kleenex. I'm young, but I have an old-school view toward cars and ownership. My 328i was bought because it had the perfect combination of normal aspiration, manual transmission and a comfortable, long lived leather interior and I hope to drive it through 300K miles.

The F30 has all of the electronic subsystems and computers an E90 has, only more AND it has turbocharging. How hard will it be to keep and love this car long term???

This is exactly why Mercedes cheapened their cars in the late 90's. The old models were lasting so long that owners didn't feel the need to upgrade, causing them to lose business. In fact, some militaries still won't purchase new G-wagens because their 1980's models are running just fine. It's all in the name of profits.

[spiike32]

I recently test drove the new F30 and preferred my e92 to it. So instead of paying for downpayment I just bought an M3 bumper.

[Saintor]

Originally Posted by ndog14

The N52 made between 215hp and 270hp. 215hp in the 325 and 270 in the X3 3.0si.

@Saintor,

N53? The same way the S54 is an M54?

I am unsure of the question.

N52 + direct injection = N53

You are correct about near 270HP N52 in the X3 3.0si but fuel consumption was not that good. The N53 allows a 272HP Euro 330Xi coupe to have the same fuel economy as a 270HP Audi TTS, despite being a NA I6... and 400lbs heavier. I don't understand why they dropped it.... it is probably just a victim of the current turbo madness.

[E90MCF]

'E9x > F30'

Was there ever any doubts about that? lmao

[ndog14]

Originally Posted by Saintor

I am unsure of the question.

N52 + direct injection = N53

You are correct about near 270HP N52 in the X3 3.0si but fuel consumption was not that good. The N53 allows a 272HP Euro 330Xi coupe to have the same fuel economy as a 270HP Audi TTS, despite being a NA I6... and 400lbs heavier. I don't understand why they dropped it.... it is probably just a victim of the current turbo madness.

Direct injection or do you mean fuel injection? The N52 is fuel injected, I don't know BMW ever made a carburerated 3 series.

And 330Xi coupe E90? I want!

[ndog14]

Originally Posted by E90MCF

'E9x > F30'

Was there ever any doubts about that? lmao

This thread is secretly a NA I6 hate thread for turbo junkies.

[pjm]

Originally Posted by EPOS

And it was true. E90 was fugy as hell till LCI. LCI is light years ahead in he looks department compared to per-lci.

Yeah, those SUV-sized mirrors on the LCI look great.

[ndog14]

Originally Posted by pjm

Yeah, those SUV-sized mirrors on the LCI look great.

For the E90:
LCI front end
preLCI mirrors
preLCI backend with blacklines