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].
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].
The sixth-generation 328i marked BMW's move to a turbocharged four-cylinder, replacing the beloved inline-six[1].
| 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] |
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].
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.
The fifth-generation 328i featured BMW's acclaimed naturally aspirated inline-six, considered one of the finest engines of its era[7].
| 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].
| 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].
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].
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:
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].
The N52 is generally considered more reliable but has its own typical problems[13]:
For general BMW maintenance information, see our BMW maintenance cost guide.
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