[ploppper]

Hi everyone, I’d really appreciate some info how the different engine specs of the F32 BMW 4 Series work and the possibilities of remapping the different engine types.

Here is my current understanding of the range (non-M4 and petrol only) after some light research, please correct me if I’ve got anything wrong:

Model Engine
420i 2.0L, N20 or B48
428i 2.0L, N20 or B48
430i 2.0L, N20 or B48
435i 3.0L, N55 or B58 or S55
440i 3.0L, N55 or B58 or S55

I’m guessing the exact engine will be based on the year of the vehicle (or maybe region based?) but I’m not too sure. Is there any way to tell before purchasing?

My aim is to buy a low-ish milage (~30K) model, probably a 2L model, and remap it for more performance (and so some cosmetic changes).

I’m also unclear on the exact capabilities of a remap, with the first three models listed above having the same engines, are they a remap away from each other or are there hardware differences? If anyone knows a good thread that can guide a beginner, that would be super helpful.

Any recommendations on engines or things to look out for would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks all.

[ploppper]

Oh and I'm based in the UK if that's relevant

[RAK92]

I believe the S55 was for M series cars.

[visionaut]

Model Engine
420i 2.0L, N20 or B48 (low power variant)
428i 2.0L, N20
430i 2.0L, B48
435i 3.0L, N55
440i 3.0L, B58

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_4_Series_(F32)

[WallySlash]

N26 SULEV. F32 2014 to 2016.

Was this an option for UK or just USA?

Suspect the F32s with the N26 have more than “low miles”.

I just turned 100K in my 2014 a few months ago.

[co_440i]

The 4-cylinders aren't really very different from each other power-wise. The B46/48 (430i) doesn't have the timing chain problem the N20 (428i) does, and is definitely the better platform.

That said, the 6-cylinder B58 is the king of the non-M engines.

[visionaut]

Originally Posted by co_440i

The 4-cylinders aren't really very different from each other power-wise.

The difference between the ‘low power’ (420i) and regular N20 is 184hp vs 245hp. (+61hp is kinda significant)
But yes, difference between reg N20 and reg B48 is 245hp vs 252hp. (+7hp)
Lastly difference between reg N55 and reg B58 is 306hp vs 326hp. (+20hp)

I didn’t include the N26 or B46 SULEV variants, or any diesels, since OP didn’t list them. I also don’t believe changing between the different engines and power outputs is just a simple ‘software remap’…

[ploppper]

Hi everyone, thanks for all the info, incredibly helpful.

Based on the advice you've all given. it seems that I'll be choosing between 428i, or paying more and getting a 430i with a extra 6hp and a seemingly more reliable engine. But I'll look into the N55 vs B58 question further.

Feel free to drop any extra info that could be useful but if not thanks again.

[ploppper]

N20 vs B48*

[dmakhkamov]

Hi Everyone,

I am a newbie, just got my 2018 420i off the 2nd hand market with low milage.

As per the info I found on the internet, it should be having the B48 engine, but somehow, the title that I have says the engine number is f3671840, which A) does not really fall into the typical nomenclature, and B) does not match the b48 engine the 420i should be fitted with. I dont think BMW has any f36 series engine.

Am I missing something? or could it be a swap?

[oem.plus_440gc]

Originally Posted by dmakhkamov

Hi Everyone,

I am a newbie, just got my 2018 420i off the 2nd hand market with low milage.

As per the info I found on the internet, it should be having the B48 engine, but somehow, the title that I have says the engine number is f3671840, which A) does not really fall into the typical nomenclature, and B) does not match the b48 engine the 420i should be fitted with. I dont think BMW has any f36 series engine.

Am I missing something? or could it be a swap?

Your cars title will likely not designate the engine code on it. Looks like you're referring to the last digits of your cars vin. F36 is your chassis code (4 series gran coupe). You can type your vin into a vin decoder website and it will tell you what engine is in your car. But based on year and model you can figure it out as well.

[dmakhkamov]

Originally Posted by oem.plus_440gc

Your cars title will likely not designate the engine code on it. Looks like you're referring to the last digits of your cars vin. F36 is your chassis code (4 series gran coupe). You can type your vin into a vin decoder website and it will tell you what engine is in your car. But based on year and model you can figure it out as well.

Thank, but my car is not grandcoupe. It's an f32. It is a bit confusing )

Btw, thanks for the idea of VIN Decoders. As per those it's B48M