BMW N20B20O0 engine

N20B20O0 are inline four-cylinder gasoline power units, which are a modification of the N20B20 motor. The engines are fitted with an additional supercharger in the form of a turbine, which allows them to reach a power output of 245 horsepower and a peak torque of 350 Nm. Production of the motors was launched to install them under the hood of BMW with the index 25i.

Engine specifications N20B20O0

Advantages

The N20B20O0 powertrains feature Valvetronic, which reduces fuel consumption by 10% compared to the previous range. A distinctive feature from conventional motors is also the fact that the air supply to the combustion chamber is carried out without the help of the usual throttle flap. A variable intake duration is responsible for this process. The classic throttle flap has been replaced by a specially designed variable-height exhaust valve. This mechanism has a greater efficiency, so motors with it are more economical and powerful.

The engines are turbocharged using the twin-scroll system, which involves the installation of two snails of different diameters. This solution is characterized by a stable torque retention regardless of the engine speed. This makes the power unit more responsive and easier to control.

The Doble-Vanos system is also used, which allows you to change the camshaft timing. The Double prefix indicates that the system works with two camshafts – on the intake and exhaust valves. Thanks to this solution it was possible to achieve greater fuel economy and, consequently, to reduce the amount of harmful substances emitted. The engine starts to run smoothly at idle speeds, but most importantly, there is a rather large increase in power regardless of the engine speed. This is achieved due to the high precision of the entire system. When the engine speed increases, the valves start to open earlier compared to idle speed. When maximum performance is reached, the valves start to open with a delay.

But this system is also not without its disadvantages. First of all, this solution is not particularly reliable. Despite the comparative simplicity of the design, the sealing rings lose their properties over time, which leads to backlash and wear. The solution allows you to reduce fuel consumption and increase power, but motors without this node are considered more reliable.

Disadvantages

N20B20O0 motors are considered quite successful, as is the entire N20 powertrain lineup. Even so, they do have certain typical problems that are somewhat related to the N13 line of engines. The most common sore spots are:

• Power units often experience floating revolutions during idling. This problem is noticed on engines quite often, so it is considered common and can be eliminated without much effort. Such a malfunction is caused by contamination of the idle valve. This phenomenon causes the valves to malfunction.
• Increased vibration is not uncommon. As a rule, this is the first symptom of worn fuel injectors. This problem is considered to be one of the most common for Bavarian engines. The problem can only be solved by replacing the worn elements. The vibration is caused by the fact that the fuel-air mixture enters the motors in the wrong proportion. This also negatively affects the dynamic parameters of the power unit.
• The ignition system may start late – this indicates a failure of the mass air flow sensor, resulting in a rich mixture. As more fuel than air starts to be present in the mixture, the consumption rate increases accordingly.
• Prolonged maximum loads are unacceptable for this motor as the electronics may fail. It is not recommended to operate the motor at peak loads.

The use of different fuels and frequent change of oils from different manufacturers also has a negative effect on the efficiency of the engine. Therefore, it is recommended to use only quality gasoline with octane number not less than 95, as well as fill lubricants recommended by the manufacturer.

Among the owners of cars with such power units, there is a common opinion about the poor organization of the oil supply system. In engines that were produced before 2011, almost everyone faces such a problem after the cars pass more than 100 thousand kilometers. Approximately after this mileage, the liners rotate. It is impossible to determine such a problem during the operation of the motor, it is manifested only after the power unit jams. After the last modernization in 2013, this problem was eliminated.

Regular and timely maintenance of the N20B20O0 motor ensures a long service life. Most of the typical malfunctions are due to natural wear and tear or excessive use.

Specialists give recommendations on how to replace the timing belt after overcoming the mark of 100 thousand kilometers of mileage. Also after this juice it will be necessary to replace injectors, oil sealing caps and VANOS. This will give the opportunity to overcome without serious malfunctions for about 100 thousand kilometers. Under a good set of circumstances, engines without serious problems can pass about 170 thousand kilometers. It will not be possible to overcome the mark of 200 thousand kilometers without the need for repair.

Technical specifications

The N20B20O0 power unit features a displacement of 1997 cubic centimeters. The cylinder diameter is 84 millimeters, with the piston stroke at 90.1 millimeters. A direct fuel injection system is present. All this allows to provide a compression ratio of 10 to 1.

The motor has a peak power output of 245 horsepower, which is achieved at 5,000 rpm. Maximum torque is 350 Nm and is developed at 4,800 rpm.

For normal operation it is necessary to use 95th gasoline, which is consumed in the amount of 6.8 to 7.5 liters per hundred kilometers of traveled distance. Consumption depends on driving style and road surface quality.

A turbine is present as an additional supercharger. The emission of harmful substances into the environment is 159 grams per kilometer, which is relatively low for such motors.

Tuning

The easiest way to increase the output of the N20B20O0 motor is chip tuning in Stage1, it will give the opportunity to achieve a maximum power of 280 horsepower. Chipping in Stage 2 will achieve about 300 horses, but you will have to install an intercooler, replace the standard exhaust and put a cold intake.

But it should be understood that modernization will reduce the life of the engine, which is already relatively small. The resource of such motors is designed for 250 horsepower, and increasing the power is not the most sensible thing to do. For tuning it is better to choose other motors, which have a greater resource and potential.

This engine is installed on the following models:

BMW 2-Series (F23)

BMW X3 (F25)