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      02-11-2012, 02:15 PM   #1
Bimar
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Test drove the N20 4 cylinder Turbo 2012 X3...

....After a long wait, finally got to test drive the new N20 engine on the X3 while on business in Johannesburg, South Africa. I have to say, it exceeded all my expectations for such a small motor, here is my 2 cents...

The Engine
Was impressed by how much torque is available at low rpm's, was heaving and weaving through traffic effortlessly for such a big car and it was just a blast. The car wanted to be pushed and in normal mode it loved racing to 5000pm+ on a constant basis. I would compare performance to a Subaru forester turbo minus the lag but the N20 is miles smoother, peppier and 10 times the fun. Below are some key official performance indicators of the 20i to the 20d

Max. output in kW (hp) at 1/min
20i 135 (184) / 5,000
20d 135 (184) / 4,000

Max. torque in Nm at 1/min
20i 270 / 1,250-4,500
20d 380 / 1,750 – 2,750

Acceleration 0–100 km/h in s
20i 8.3 [8.6]
20d 8,5

Acceleration 80–120 km/h in 4th/5th gear in s
20i 7.9 / 9.5 [ ./. ]
20d 6,9 / 9,0 [ ./. ]

The Consumption
I averaged 10km per litre on a heavy foot and cannot complain if that's what you get with all that fun. Here is a comparison of the official figures N20 20i vs the 20d

Urban in l/100 km
20i 9.9 [8.9]
20d 6,7 [6,1]

Extra-urban in l/100 km
20i 6.7
20d 5,0 [5,3]

Combined in l/100 km
20i 7.9 [7.5]
20d 5,6 [5,6]

CO2 emissions in g/km
20i 184 [175]
20d 149 [147]

The Ride
Unlike the 20d 4 cylinder diesel, the N20 is pretty quiet both externally and internally. Loved the turbo whoosh noise when floored, but unlike a subaru forester turbo, turbo lag is hardly noticeable. The model I drove had the 8 speed Auto with no VDC, and it was comfortable over rumble strips and no noticeable body roll. For some reason the car felt lighter, could just be my imagination.

Conclusion
For those who have regions with high taxes or have poor diesel fuel quality, or those who want a quiet 4 cylinder motor, the N20 is a good compromise. In South Africa, the cost differential of 20i to the 20d is $1300, where I am from its $10,000 so depending where your are in the world, the savings could be huge. Ability to tune the 20i to the N20 28i BHP specs is also definitely a possibility and you get to keep the spare change in your pocket between the 2 N20 models. BMW really thought this through, I might irk some here by saying this, but the six cylinder in-line six death won't be missed by me and the N20 replacement is a smart move from Bavaria. More power, lower consumption is definitely a home run in my books.

Last edited by Bimar; 02-13-2012 at 02:15 PM..
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      02-11-2012, 02:36 PM   #2
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Can't wait to see what the N20 will do. So far I have been very impressed with the application of the F10, F30, and E83. I think those times are a little slow though... could be the air/tempature or fuel?

Who knows. Either way good to see that it will be in real life application.
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      02-11-2012, 02:38 PM   #3
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Great feedback and I fully agree the engine fuel type choice which depends where you are in the world.
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      02-13-2012, 01:35 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by fiddy yen View Post
Can't wait to see what the N20 will do. So far I have been very impressed with the application of the F10, F30, and E83. I think those times are a little slow though... could be the air/tempature or fuel?
The X3 as of today is only available with the detuned 20i version, the much faster 28i will be launched this year. The engines are the same.
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Originally Posted by tank531 View Post
Great feedback and I fully agree the engine fuel type choice which depends where you are in the world.
Yup, especially where high taxes are commensurate with engine cc and fuel type
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      02-13-2012, 02:20 PM   #5
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Just think we'll be getting the 180 kW/245 hp, 350 Nm version of the N20 starting in April 2012.

Now you know why I've been harping about the N20 upgrade.

Quote:
Originally Posted by inamik75 View Post
....After a long wait, finally got to test drive the new N20 engine on the X3 while on business in Johannesburg, South Africa. I have to say, it exceeded all my expectations for such a small motor, here is my 2 cents...

The Engine
Was impressed by how much torque is available at low rpm's, was heaving and weaving through traffic effortlessly for such a big car and it was just a blast. The car wanted to be pushed and in normal mode it loved racing to 5000pm+ on a constant basis. I would compare performance to a Subaru forester turbo minus the lag but the N20 is miles smoother, peppier and 10 times the fun. Below are some key official performance indicators of the 20i to the 20d

Max. output in kW (hp) at 1/min
20i 135 (184) / 5,000
20d 135 (184) / 4,000

Max. torque in Nm at 1/min
20i 270 / 1,250-4,500
20d 380 / 1,750 – 2,750

Acceleration 0–100 km/h in s
20i 8.3 [8.6]
20d 8,5

Acceleration 80–120 km/h in 4th/5th gear in s
20i 7.9 / 9.5 [ ./. ]
20d 6,9 / 9,0 [ ./. ]

The Consumption
I averaged 10km per litre on a heavy foot and cannot complain if that's what you get with all that fun. Here is a comparison of the official figures N20 20i vs the 20d

Urban in l/100 km
20i 9.9 [8.9]
20d 6,7 [6,1]

Extra-urban in l/100 km
20i 6.7
20d 5,0 [5,3]

Combined in l/100 km
20i 7.9 [7.5]
20d 5,6 [5,6]

CO2 emissions in g/km
20i 184 [175]
20d 149 [147]

The Ride
Unlike the 20d 4 cylinder diesel, the N20 is pretty quiet both externally and internally. Loved the turbo whoosh noise when floored, but unlike a subaru forester turbo, turbo lag is hardly noticeable. The model I drove had the 8 speed Auto with no VDC, and it was comfortable over rumble strips and no noticeable body roll. For some reason the car felt lighter, could just be my imagination.

Conclusion
For those who have regions with high taxes or have poor diesel fuel quality, or those who want a quiet 4 cylinder motor, the N20 is a good compromise. In South Africa, the cost differential of 20i to the 20d is $1300, where I am from its $10,000 so depending where your are in the world, the savings could be huge. Ability to tune the 20i to the N20 28i BHP specs is also definitely a possibility and you get to keep the spare change in your pocket between the 2 N20 models. BMW really thought this through, I might irk some here by saying this, but the six cylinder in-line six death won't be missed by me and the N20 replacement is a smart move from Bavaria. More power, lower consumption is definitely a home run in my books.
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      02-13-2012, 10:34 PM   #6
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Somebody correct me if I'm wrong, but this N20 is not the same one coming to the USA, right?
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      02-13-2012, 11:33 PM   #7
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I'm not a car guy. Why do they detune an engine? For emissions? mileage? something else?
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      02-14-2012, 01:01 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Robocheme View Post
I'm not a car guy. Why do they detune an engine? For emissions? mileage? something else?
It's my understanding that car companies detune engines for all of the reasons that you've listed plus other things like bypassing heftier taxes b/c of emissions, production costs, HP/torque figures being too close to a more expensive car/engine, or simply because the company can make more money by offering both a detuned version and a un-detuned version for those willing to pay more.
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      02-14-2012, 03:16 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JoeyO View Post
Somebody correct me if I'm wrong, but this N20 is not the same one coming to the USA, right?
It's the same base engine, but with plenty of more power hence it replacing the 28i. This was a test of the 20i.
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      02-14-2012, 07:59 AM   #10
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I think I'd opt for a loaded 28i over a moderately optioned 35i for the same price now that the N20 will find it's way into the 28i. Also the 28i will get the Driving Experience Control so it's only the dynamic dampers and paddle shifters that would force me into the 35i.
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      02-14-2012, 06:46 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lbjgh View Post
I think I'd opt for a loaded 28i over a moderately optioned 35i for the same price now that the N20 will find it's way into the 28i. Also the 28i will get the Driving Experience Control so it's only the dynamic dampers and paddle shifters that would force me into the 35i.
Yeah I'm thinking same. Not worth paying the extra for the 35i once the N20 is available, specially with our Canadian prices.

But, can we get Heads-up display with the 28i in Canada?

- Bob
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      02-15-2012, 01:32 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bobthebridge View Post
Yeah I'm thinking same. Not worth paying the extra for the 35i once the N20 is available, specially with our Canadian prices.

- Bob
Come on already. You Canadians don't know how lucky you are. Most European countries is more expensive than Canada. Here in Norway the cars are double and triple the cost than in Canada. If I lived in Canada I would have the 35i and opted for everything on the list and still have money left for a small apartment.

Another thing is that you guys get your cars after just 6-7 weeks after ordering. Mine will hit production next week after a 7 months wait. There will be another 7-8 weeks until I get it.

Stop wining about the prices. At least you won't get our sympathy about it.
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      02-15-2012, 04:26 AM   #13
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In Norway are the prices that high on all imported vehicles? Same double/triple range whether it's a Toyota, Kia, Ford, Opel, BMW? Or does it climb steeply based on engine size?

I'd be lucky to afford a bicycle there . . . .
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      02-15-2012, 06:15 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Nahoa View Post
In Norway are the prices that high on all imported vehicles? Same double/triple range whether it's a Toyota, Kia, Ford, Opel, BMW? Or does it climb steeply based on engine size?

I'd be lucky to afford a bicycle there . . . .
Bicycles are cheap (environmental friendly)

The vehicle taxes are based on 4 elements for Diesel and Petrol engines:
- Weight of the car
- Power of the engine (BHP/KW)
- CO2 emissions
- NOx emissions

Hybrid cars gets a moderate tax discount and Electrical cars have no taxes at all. Electrical cars can even drive free everywhere, can park for free everywhere and can even drive in the bus lane.

Basically it means, the bigger engine the more expensive.


Looking forward to order a Tesla model X in a few years



For my car (30D), the tax is 55% of the price. The total for my car was equivalent to CAD 170K. Base car (before taxes) is a bit higher in Europe than in NA... Go figure.

My spec:
30D Msport
19" 369M alloys summer runflats
17" 305 alloys winter runflats
Deep Sea Blue with aluminium exteriour trim and rails
Black nevada and aluminium trim
Dynamic Damper Control
Performance Control
Variable Sportssteering
Servotronic
Xenons with high beam assistant
Panoramic roof
Navi Pro
Pro Hifi
Heated front and rear seats plus steeringwheel
DAB radio
Top view
Power tailgate
Towbar, electric
Climate windshield and tinted windows
Theft alarm
High beam assistant and rain sensor
External and internal mirrors auto dimming and folding
Blutetooth with extended support for iPhone
Internet and Apps
Full climate controll
Cruise control
Rain sensor

The base 35i without any options, starts at CAD 180K...

What you pay for the 35i in Canada, is just enough to get a standard VW Golf or Toyota Avensis in Norway.


For what it's worth, the taxes are even higher in Denmark. I always tell that to myself when I look at pricelists

Last edited by RichardBR; 02-15-2012 at 06:22 AM..
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      02-15-2012, 10:29 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RichardBR View Post
Electrical cars can even drive free everywhere, can park for free everywhere and can even drive in the bus lane.
Wish we had similar laws in the USA, throw _biodiesel_ in there as well as electrical.

Here I think they're going to build Keystone XL and drill in the Arctic Refuge instead
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      02-15-2012, 11:05 AM   #16
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The Canadian government may not put a huge tax on its vehicles like Norway does, but there are other economic factors that affects people's wallets.

With Canadian vehicles being 1/2 or 1/3 the price of Norway vehicles, you would think everyone would be driving a Porsche or Aston Marton in Canada. But they don't. Far from it. There are other economic factors at play than just vehicle cost. IMO, it's not a fair apples-to-apples comparison without taking into account different taxes, incomes, housing costs, daily costs between the two different countries.

So whine away my Canadian friend :-)
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      02-15-2012, 01:49 PM   #17
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BMWNA treats Canada and USA as one market but reduces content and increase prices for Canadians. Does BMW Europe treat all European countries the same way? I doubt BMW charges Norwegians significantly more or less than Danes for the same car. No doubt the tax/environmental fees would vary county to county.

Quote:
Originally Posted by RichardBR View Post
Come on already. You Canadians don't know how lucky you are. Most European countries is more expensive than Canada. Here in Norway the cars are double and triple the cost than in Canada. If I lived in Canada I would have the 35i and opted for everything on the list and still have money left for a small apartment.

Another thing is that you guys get your cars after just 6-7 weeks after ordering. Mine will hit production next week after a 7 months wait. There will be another 7-8 weeks until I get it.

Stop wining about the prices. At least you won't get our sympathy about it.
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      02-15-2012, 02:45 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lbjgh View Post
BMWNA treats Canada and USA as one market but reduces content and increase prices for Canadians. Does BMW Europe treat all European countries the same way? I doubt BMW charges Norwegians significantly more or less than Danes for the same car. No doubt the tax/environmental fees would vary county to county.
Actually they do. The base price (before tax) vary a bit. Countries with higher taxes actually have lower base prices. Not just BMW but everyone do that.

At the same time the standard eqipment on BMW's vary a lot between each country. Scandinavian countries ( Norway, Sweden and Denmark) plus UK have more equipment in the base models than eastern and southern parts of Europe

Last edited by RichardBR; 02-15-2012 at 05:08 PM..
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      02-18-2012, 10:55 PM   #19
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Moral of the story, its abt volume, largest markets get the best prices!
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