You may also like:
The BMW 328i engine depends on the generation: the F30 328i (2012-2016) uses the N20 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four producing 240 hp and 255 lb-ft of torque[1], while the E90 328i (2007-2011) uses the N52 3.0-liter naturally aspirated inline-six producing 230 hp and 200 lb-ft of torque[2]. Earlier generations (E36, E46) used various 2.8L inline-six engines with different power outputs[3].
BMW 328i Engine by Generation
The 328i nameplate has spanned multiple BMW generations, each with distinctly different powertrains:
| Generation | Years | Engine Code | Displacement | Power | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F30 | 2012-2016 | N20B20[1] | 2.0L Turbo I4 | 240 hp | 255 lb-ft |
| E90/E91/E92/E93 | 2007-2011 | N52B30[2] | 3.0L NA I6 | 230 hp | 200 lb-ft |
| E46 | 1999-2005 | M52TU/M54[3] | 2.8L NA I6 | 193 hp | 206 lb-ft |
| E36 | 1995-1999 | M52[3] | 2.8L NA I6 | 190 hp | 206 lb-ft |
The transition from the E90’s N52 inline-six to the F30’s N20 turbo-four represented a significant shift in BMW’s engineering philosophy—from naturally aspirated smoothness to turbocharged efficiency[2].
F30 328i: N20 2.0L TwinPower Turbo (2012-2016)
The sixth-generation 328i marked BMW’s move to a turbocharged four-cylinder, replacing the beloved inline-six[1].
N20 Engine Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine Code | N20B20[1] |
| Displacement | 1,997 cc (2.0L)[4] |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC[1] |
| Forced Induction | Twin-scroll turbocharger[1] |
| Horsepower | 240 hp @ 5,000-6,500 rpm[4] |
| Torque | 255-258 lb-ft @ 1,250-4,800 rpm[4] |
| Compression Ratio | 10.0:1[4] |
| Fuel System | Direct injection[4] |
| Valvetrain | Variable valve timing (Double VANOS)[1] |
N20 Fuel Economy
The turbo-four delivered significant efficiency gains over the previous inline-six[5]:
| Configuration | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automatic (8-speed) | 24 mpg | 36 mpg | 28 mpg[5] |
| Manual (6-speed) | 23 mpg | 34 mpg | 27 mpg[5] |
| Previous N52 (E90) | 18 mpg | 28 mpg | 21 mpg[5] |
Real-world owners report achieving 25-26 mpg combined in mixed driving, with 33-36 mpg possible on highway trips[6].
N20 Performance
Independent dyno testing revealed the F30 328i’s N20 engine produces approximately 222 hp and 245 lb-ft at the wheels, suggesting BMW’s factory ratings are conservative[2]. The twin-scroll turbo provides a broad torque plateau across the low and middle RPM ranges before tapering off at higher revs[2].
0-60 mph acceleration: 5.9 seconds[4]
Top speed: 155 mph (electronically limited)[4]
For more BMW performance information, see our BMW M3 guide.
E90 328i: N52 3.0L Inline-Six (2007-2011)
The fifth-generation 328i featured BMW’s acclaimed naturally aspirated inline-six, considered one of the finest engines of its era[7].
N52 Engine Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine Code | N52B30[7] |
| Displacement | 2,996 cc (3.0L)[7] |
| Configuration | Inline-6, DOHC[7] |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated[7] |
| Horsepower | 230 hp @ 6,500 rpm[2] |
| Torque | 200 lb-ft @ 2,750 rpm[2] |
| Construction | Magnesium/aluminum block[7] |
| Valvetrain | Variable valve lift (Valvetronic)[7] |
The N52 was renowned for its silky-smooth power delivery, linear throttle response, and characteristic BMW inline-six sound[7]. Dyno testing showed approximately 231 hp at the wheels, suggesting the factory rating was actually conservative[2].
E90 328i Fuel Economy
| Configuration | City | Highway |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic | 18 mpg | 28 mpg[5] |
| Manual | 17 mpg | 28 mpg |
Real-world owners report 22-24 mpg in mixed driving, with 27-33 mpg achievable on highway trips[8].
N20 vs N52: Which Engine is Better?
BMW enthusiasts frequently debate the merits of each engine[9]:
| Criteria | N20 (F30) | N52 (E90) | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 240 hp | 230 hp | N20 |
| Torque | 255 lb-ft | 200 lb-ft | N20 |
| Fuel economy | 28 mpg combined | 21 mpg combined | N20 |
| Smoothness | Good | Excellent | N52 |
| Sound character | Turbo-four | Classic inline-six | N52 |
| Long-term reliability | Timing chain concerns | Proven durability | N52 |
| Tuning potential | High (responds well to mods) | Moderate | N20 |
The N20 delivers more usable power and better efficiency, while the N52 offers the refined character of a naturally aspirated six-cylinder[9].
Common Engine Problems
N20 Timing Chain Issues (F30 328i)
The N20 engine has a well-documented history of timing chain guide failures, particularly in vehicles produced between 2011-2015[10]. The plastic timing chain guides can deteriorate prematurely, causing:
- Chain slack leading to timing skip
- Rattling noise from the engine bay[10]
- Fragments blocking the oil pump
- Potential catastrophic engine failure[11]
BMW issued a recall and extended warranty coverage to 7 years/70,000 miles for affected vehicles[12]. The timing chain guide was redesigned in January 2015 with a new part number[11]. Repair costs if out of warranty can reach $2,000-$4,000 for timing chain replacement, or significantly more if engine damage occurs[10].
N52 Common Issues (E90 328i)
The N52 is generally considered more reliable but has its own typical problems[13]:
- Oil filter housing gasket leaks: Very common, requires gasket replacement
- Valve cover gasket failures: Often paired with PCV valve issues
- VANOS solenoid problems: Can cause rough running, usually from oil contamination
- Ignition coil failures: Common wear item, replace with spark plugs
For general BMW maintenance information, see our BMW maintenance cost guide.
Key Takeaways
- The BMW 328i engine varies by generation: F30 (2012-2016) uses the N20 2.0L turbo-four with 240 hp; E90 (2007-2011) uses the N52 3.0L inline-six with 230 hp
- The N20 turbo-four offers better power and fuel economy (28 mpg vs 21 mpg combined) but has documented timing chain issues in 2011-2015 models
- The N52 inline-six is praised for smoothness and long-term reliability but delivers lower fuel efficiency
- BMW redesigned the N20 timing chain guide in January 2015, making 2015-2016 F30 models more reliable choices for used car buyers
- Both engines respond well to proper maintenance—follow BMW service intervals and address oil leaks promptly to maximize longevity
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the BMW 328i a 4-cylinder or 6-cylinder?
It depends on the model year. The F30 328i (2012-2016) uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder (N20 engine)[1]. The E90 328i (2007-2011) and earlier generations use a naturally aspirated 6-cylinder engine[7]. This was a significant change that disappointed some BMW purists who valued the inline-six’s smoothness and character.
How reliable is the BMW 328i engine?
Reliability varies by generation. The E90’s N52 inline-six is generally considered reliable with proper maintenance, scoring well for longevity[13]. The F30’s N20 turbo-four has documented timing chain issues in 2011-2015 models, though BMW addressed this with a redesigned component in 2015[11]. RepairPal gives the BMW 328i an overall reliability rating of 2.5 out of 5 stars[14].
What is the difference between BMW 328i and 330i engines?
The 328i and 330i designations have varied across generations. In the E90 era, both used the N52 3.0L inline-six, with the 330i producing slightly more power (255 hp vs 230 hp)[3]. In the current G20 generation, BMW dropped the 328i designation entirely—the 330i now uses the B48 2.0L turbo-four producing 255 hp[1].
How much horsepower does a BMW 328i have?
What year BMW 328i is most reliable?
For the E90 generation, 2010-2011 models are generally considered most reliable as BMW had addressed early production issues[13]. For the F30 generation, 2015-2016 models are preferred because they received the redesigned timing chain guide that addresses the N20’s most significant reliability concern[11]. When shopping for a used 328i, prioritize vehicles with documented maintenance history and timing chain service records for F30 models.
References
- BMW Blog. (2025). BMW N20 Engine: Pros, Cons, Reliability, Tuning, Maintenance. https://www.bmwblog.com/2025/06/08/mw-n20-engine-reliability-maintenance-tuning-guide/
- Motor Trend. (2016). 2012 BMW 328i N20 Dyno Results. https://www.motortrend.com/news/2012-bmw-328i-n20-dyno-results
- Motor Trend. (2014). BMW 3 Series Engines: Technology Spanning Five Generations. https://www.motortrend.com/news/eurp-1106-bmw-3-series-engines-technology-five-generations
- Ultimate Specs. (2024). BMW F30 3 Series Sedan 328i Specs. https://www.ultimatespecs.com/car-specs/BMW/40043/BMW-F30-3-Series-Sedan-328i.html
- U.S. News. (2012). EPA Rates 2012 BMW 328i at 36 MPG Highway. https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/advice/best-cars-blog/2012/02/epa-rates-2012-bmw-328i-at-36-mpg-highway
- Reddit r/BMW. (2023). 328i bad gas mileage discussion. https://www.reddit.com/r/BMW/comments/18euy9i/328i_bad_gas_mileage/
- SlashGear. (2023). A Quick Guide To The BMW 328i Engine: What You Need To Know. https://www.slashgear.com/1475083/what-to-know-about-bmw-328i-engine/
- Bimmerforums. (2011). 2011 328i WOW, 32.6mpg on Highway, what’s your MPG? https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?1640086-2011-328i-WOW-32-6mpg-on-Highway-what-s-your-MPG
- E90Post. (2021). N20 VS N52 Discussion. https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1333888
- Paul’s Auto Repair. (2024). BMW N20 Timing Chain Problems: How to Spot Them. https://www.paulsautorepair.com/blog/bmw-n20-timing-chain-problems/
- Reddit r/BMW. (2017). Is the N20 Timing Chain issue as bad as it seems? https://www.reddit.com/r/BMW/comments/6qnrlo/is_the_n20_timing_chain_issue_as_bad_as_it_seems/
- YouTube – ThinkOutsideTheCube. (2019). BMW’s BIGGEST Problem – N20/26 Timing Chain. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNBjs6YJqJM
- Reddit r/BmwTech. (2019). Common problems with 07 328i? https://www.reddit.com/r/BmwTech/comments/acnj64/common_problems_with_07_328i/
- CarParts.com. (2025). BMW 328i Reliability and Common Problems. https://www.carparts.com/blog/bmw-328i-reliability-and-common-problems/
I am a senior automotive analyst at Autvex. Expert vehicle evaluations, in-depth reviews, and objective analysis helping readers make informed automotive decisions with years of industry experience.
