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      12-21-2012, 01:33 AM   #1
daveycrocket
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2013 28i engine sound

Although weeks away before my MSport is delivered I'm reading/ hearing reports on the engine sounding like it's diesel.

Can anyone with a 28i post a reasonable sound clip or comment?

When I drive tested I remember the interior being incredibly quiet as well my 7 year old made a comment on how quiet it was too. However I'm not sure I recall the vehicle running while I was standing outside of the cabin.

I don't want my brand new 53k car sounding like a bucket of loose bolts!
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      12-21-2012, 03:00 AM   #2
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It sounds almost like a very discrete diesel on the outside. Inside, you will mainly hear the wind noise, so, no worries

(Compared to my Z3 coupe, the engine sound is indeed very "sissyish"; I guess that this is the price we have to pay for downsizing and progress?)

Last edited by Renaud; 12-21-2012 at 06:07 AM..
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      12-21-2012, 03:31 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Renaud
It sounds almost like a very discrete diesel on the outside. Inside, you will mainly hear the wind noise, so, no worries

(Compared to my Z3 coupe, the engine sound is indeed very "sissi-ish"; I guess that this is the price we have to pay for downsizing and progress?)
Thanks for the feedback.

I'm leaving a 2006 X5 4.8iS and a 2001 540i Sport. Both sound great but realize that I will not get that in my new X3.

I have to keep in mind that we bought this for fuel savings and not for the track although it's crossed my mind!

Apparently my MSport is awaiting rail and should be in my driveway by end of January!
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      12-21-2012, 04:24 AM   #4
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It only really sounds like a diesel on start up but once you put the pedal to the metal the sound goes away! Don't worry about the sound!
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      12-21-2012, 07:03 AM   #5
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Welcome to the next generation of BMW engine. The new N20 engine sounds like a money savings tune to my ears with 24-25 mpg (within break-in period) over my old v6 which did less than 18 mpg...sounds good.
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      12-21-2012, 07:10 AM   #6
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Originally Posted by rmbs16 View Post
Welcome to the next generation of BMW engine. The new N20 engine sounds like a money savings tune to my ears with 24-25 mpg (within break-in period) over my old v6 which did less than 18 mpg...sounds good.
What v6 was that?
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      12-21-2012, 07:13 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by daveycrocket View Post
Thanks for the feedback.

I'm leaving a 2006 X5 4.8iS and a 2001 540i Sport. Both sound great but realize that I will not get that in my new X3.
Having owned (among others) an '00 540i/6, I would certainly say you won't hear anything close to the V8 growl
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      12-21-2012, 07:24 AM   #8
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Engine sounds perfect. I have had engines that tick repeatedly no matter hot or cold. The n20 ticks upon start up and then I never hear it again. The smooth power puts a smile on my face everyday
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      12-21-2012, 10:55 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by noka View Post
What v6 was that?
It was the M54 engine in my old 2005 X3 3.0. t was previous generation to N52.
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      12-21-2012, 11:06 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rmbs16 View Post
It was the M54 engine in my old 2005 X3 3.0. t was previous generation to N52.
OK, I6 not v6.
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      12-22-2012, 09:56 AM   #11
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Funky

Yes, it sounds very odd from outside the vehicle idling and as it passes by at lower speeds.
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      12-22-2012, 11:54 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by noka View Post
Having owned (among others) an '00 540i/6, I would certainly say you won't hear anything close to the V8 growl
Agreed! As another V8 aficionado (and also owned some of BMW's best including S65) ratchet way down your "visceral" tone expectations..

The n20 does sound like a little diesel upon start. And it's not much of a heart thumper when warmed-up either..

But it's a nice, smooth & spunky motor...I've been driving BMW's since the E36 and the N20 is actually my 3rd favorite BMW Motor (behind M3 S65 and my x5D)
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      12-22-2012, 12:09 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Midwest X6 View Post
Agreed! As another V8 aficionado (and also owned some of BMW's best including S65) ratchet way down your "visceral" tone expectations..

The n20 does sound like a little diesel upon start. And it's not much of a heart thumper when warmed-up either..

But it's a nice, smooth & spunky motor...I've been driving BMW's since the E36 and the N20 is actually my 3rd favorite BMW Motor (behind M3 S65 and my x5D)
I test drove the 28i and found it adequate. Some last minute thinking led me to order the 35i (go figure...). I think either one is a good choice.

V8 sounds: I think my '03 M5 had the best growl (even better than the subsequent V10 IMO). When I saw S65, for a brief second I was thinking MB I had a few M3's but not any V8 version. Must have been fun. I'm older now and having had many toys, I'm settling into a more conservative/practical side of life
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      12-22-2012, 12:48 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by noka View Post
I test drove the 28i and found it adequate. Some last minute thinking led me to order the 35i (go figure...). I think either one is a good choice.

V8 sounds: I think my '03 M5 had the best growl (even better than the subsequent V10 IMO). When I saw S65, for a brief second I was thinking MB I had a few M3's but not any V8 version. Must have been fun. I'm older now and having had many toys, I'm settling into a more conservative/practical side of life
I hear yah...I have a kid going to school in NY and that's a major cash drain as you can imagine. I feel very fortunate to be able to drive X3.

Down the road some-day? Would love a little Boxster S in the garage along with a cross-over of some kind for winter driving
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      12-27-2012, 11:07 PM   #15
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Yes at an idle, with the window rolled down, it does sound a little like a diesel. The minute you are off idle, the sound disappears. I am sure this is due to the ~11:1 compression ratio.

I would not let this scare you away as I cannot say enough good things about this little motor. There are several post on how BMW underrates the HP & Torque of their motors and I believe it. The N20 will keep up with a lot of V6s out on the market and getting great fuel economy while doing it. My wife consistently gets 26 mpg in mixed driving condition in comfort mode.

If you are looking for a great sounding BMW motor, the N20 is probably not for you. I myself prefer to keep the noise outside the car
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      12-28-2012, 12:24 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Chariotrider View Post
Yes at an idle, with the window rolled down, it does sound a little like a diesel. The minute you are off idle, the sound disappears. I am sure this is due to the ~11:1 compression ratio.

I would not let this scare you away as I cannot say enough good things about this little motor. There are several post on how BMW underrates the HP & Torque of their motors and I believe it. The N20 will keep up with a lot of V6s out on the market and getting great fuel economy while doing it. My wife consistently gets 26 mpg in mixed driving condition in comfort mode.

If you are looking for a great sounding BMW motor, the N20 is probably not for you. I myself prefer to keep the noise outside the car
10 years from today people will complain how bad the next generation engine when compared to N20. It takes time to get recognition for any new comers like actors, singers...engines are not exception to this rule.
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      01-02-2013, 05:25 PM   #17
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my neighbor always loves the sound of my car when i depart. says it sounds powerful, strong, but not too loud. from inside im not really aware of it. My son has a new 3 series that barks more than my x3 does however.
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      01-10-2013, 04:42 PM   #18
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Okay I finally took delivery on Tuesday and have put a whole 63 miles on my X3. I LOVE IT! So far everything about it is fantastic. Yes even the Stop/Start I have been enjoying.

I fooled around with the power and although it's not my 4.8iS or its growl it has enough power for me to be excited about.

It has been raining and snowing since I picked it up so it's quite dirty but will post pics soon.

Thanks for all you responses of encouragement too!
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      01-10-2013, 05:13 PM   #19
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My X3 sounds like there's air coming out from the rear tires though the tire pressure is ok. Is this normal?
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      01-10-2013, 05:37 PM   #20
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Does the air sound happen when you unlock your X3? If so, the sound is the high pressure fuel pump (HPFP).
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      01-10-2013, 05:49 PM   #21
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Does the air sound happen when you unlock your X3? If so, the sound is the high pressure fuel pump (HPFP).
I parked my car and went out to see if my distance to the curb is ok. To answer your question, Yes, I unlocked the car. But the engine was still running. Would you still say this is normal?
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      01-10-2013, 06:01 PM   #22
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The HPFP sound happens before you start the car, so that's probably not it.
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