[Jason]

BIMMERPOST NEWS

First Review of 2012 528i With 4-cylinder N20 Turbo

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The 2012 528i will introduce BMW's Twinpower Turbo 2.0L inline 4-cylinder Motor (N20) to the 5-series lineup. The N20 powered 528i is rated at 245 hp and 258 lb-ft.

This new engine was also recently introduced in the 2012 Z4 sDrive28i and the first reviews of the N20 powered Z4 were positive. Now the first of the review for the N20 powered 528i is in, via Automobile. What do they think of it?

Is the new, downsized, four-cylinder BMW 528i a home run? Almost -- let's call it a triple. Even though the turbo is responsive enough in normal driving that you don't even notice its existence (oh, but you do hear lots of delicious turbo sounds with the windows down) you can occasionally catch the entire powertrain sleeping.

The 528i isn't all about isolation, either. Refinement is more the word, because once the revs start climbing, you can very clearly hear the engine. What you hear, though, is all sweetness and light until about 6000 rpm: up until that point, the sound is unmistakably four-cylinder, just with all the bad bits removed. It sounds throaty, purposeful, and completely and totally in line with what the buyer of a base-model BMW 5-series would expect.... And it's more than quick enough with the 2.0-liter, as will be the sedan.

Final EPA numbers aren't in, but BMW says to expect a significant improvement over the 528i's already stunning fuel economy numbers. (The 528i sedan with the normally aspirated 3.0-liter six already achieves 32 mpg on EPA highway testing.) Expect that number to improve slightly with more of a gain on the 22-mpg EPA city number.

With significantly more torque (over a far larger rev area) and no real loss of refinement in driveability, we're easily sold on the N20-powered F10 5-series.

Full review at Automobile - http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews...ive/index.html

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[1on135_deal]

Good stuff; 32 mpg+ sounds like a daily driver

[grimlock]

So the character of the 6 is replaced by something that does the work of the engine, but is nowhere to be felt or heard? Does it then exist?

[Saintor]

What you hear, though, is all sweetness and light until about 6000 rpm: up until that point, the sound is unmistakably four-cylinder,

Exactly what we needed; a 50K$ BMW with a 4-cylinder engine that sounds like one.

[EdwinF10]

Originally Posted by Saintor

Exactly what we needed; a 50K$ BMW with a 4-cylinder engine that sounds like one.

I was thinking the same...

[Q4P]

Sorry I am not sold, a 50K luxury 5 series with a 4 banger, it may be a good engine but there is something inherently wrong with that. Keep it only in the 3 series and only offered the big turbod motors in the 5.

[Snow King]

Originally Posted by Questforpower

Sorry I am not sold, a 50K luxury 5 series with a 4 banger, it may be a good engine but there is something inherently wrong with that. Keep it only in the 3 series and only offered the big turbod motors in the 5.

If you're not sold, then don't buy it! The 535i is also available if you want the "big turbod motors". Choice is not a bad thing, there are some who prefer fuel economy over the extra power and price. I would just wish that BMW would supply the North America market with all models that they make (e.g. 320d).

[E92LNGCGY]

The 2.0 seems like a worthy successor to the NA I-6. I always wonder if there is too much stress on these small engines because of the weight. I would expect the weight of the 528 to be about 3800 lbs and for a little 4 banger to be pulling that weight seems well stressful.

[red-sauerkraut]

In the past this was the case, but now the transmissions are the magic in the mix.

Originally Posted by E92LNGCGY

The 2.0 seems like a worthy successor to the NA I-6. I always wonder if there is too much stress on these small engines because of the weight. I would expect the weight of the 528 to be about 3800 lbs and for a little 4 banger to be pulling that weight seems well stressful.

[sali]

Quote:
Final EPA numbers aren't in, but BMW says to expect a significant improvement over the 528i's already stunning fuel economy numbers. (The 528i sedan with the normally aspirated 3.0-liter six already achieves 32 mpg on EPA highway testing.) Expect that number to improve slightly with more of a gain on the 22-mpg EPA city number.


I get 30-31 mpg on highway@70-75 mph on 2011 535i. What is the point of a 4 cylinder unless it gave 38 mpg?

[Q4P]

Originally Posted by Snow King

If you're not sold, then don't buy it! The 535i is also available if you want the "big turbod motors". Choice is not a bad thing, there are some who prefer fuel economy over the extra power and price. I would just wish that BMW would supply the North America market with all models that they make (e.g. 320d).

Don't worry I won't! If you believe that 4 cyliner 2.0L engine belongs in a close to 4000lb sedan that costs up to 60K in full trim for a 528i...I suggest you re evaluate your head. Let's remember this is still marketed as a mid size luxury vehicle compared to the likes of an E-class and a Lexus GS/Infiniti M - none of which have a 4 cylinder engine.

[Q4P]

Originally Posted by E92LNGCGY

The 2.0 seems like a worthy successor to the NA I-6. I always wonder if there is too much stress on these small engines because of the weight. I would expect the weight of the 528 to be about 3800 lbs and for a little 4 banger to be pulling that weight seems well stressful.

No doubt.

[Wolf]

I don't like the 2.0T but I wouldn't criticize it unless I drive one

[skiernan36]

i think the 4 banger is a good idea, especially for those of us that have 100+ mile commute every day. you still get a wonderful BMW luxury sedan without having to get a different car for MPGs. although i think i'd prefer the 535, the 4 cylinder is still a great choice

[Gunz335xi]

There's no reason to knock this 2.0l. More power and more efficient than the 3.0l. Winning. Very smart move for BMW.

[bmwdinamo]

Originally Posted by EdwinF10

I was thinking the same...

Lol. What a sad argument. Then take the old 6 cylinder with less hp and less mpg and keep your 6 cylinder sound (whichever sound it may be because I don't hear anything).

[Q4P]

Originally Posted by bmwdinamo

Lol. What a sad argument. Then take the old 6 cylinder with less hp and less mpg and keep your 6 cylinder sound (whichever sound it may be because I don't hear anything).

No is saying the old six is great by any means but it is certainly more appropriate in such an expensive and large car. Hell, if it was my decision, for the US market I would have removed it as an engine option all together and keep the larger FI motors. I would instead offer a 535D for the fuel conscious...

[elias]

To give up the straight six for a 4 cyl that gets 36 mpg hwy is to much of a sacrifice for too little mpg gains. No 4 cyl for me, maybe on the 1 or 3 series but on the 5 series no thanks I pass.

[Dackelone]

Humm... think we shall see a 728Li ? I don't think we will.

[TonyMeister]

I don't see why some of you are moaning about the demise of the straight six in favour of this new four cylinder turbo. The new engine is just as powerful as the old 3 litre and returns better fuel mileage. So, it doesn't sound as good as the six cylinder... big deal! Nothing that an after market exhaust won't solve it and besides, the engine is quiet and smooth; that's what really matters.

[yogi799]

Unless it's a LOT quicker then the NA 6, it's a dumb move. Slight fuel economy is no reason to dump a 6 cyl engine that stands for something and been perfected for years (and does not have a turbo that could, say... BREAK one day or wear the engine sooner!). Again, the ONLY thing that would convince me is significant torque difference over the 6, which I doubt there is given the engine is so much smaller.

Now, for European markets this may be a good move. I remember our great dilemma one year when mom was buying a car (2000 Nissan Altima). We could not decide whether we could afford 1.8l engine over the 1.6l (that was the choice! 1.8 was considered a rocket!). Can you believe that!? We've ended up with the 1.6 as it was more affordable. Take that into perspective guys. I know both sides of the story (born in Europe, living in Canada), so I get why BMW did it... it just does not make enough sense for our continent, where 4-door sedans are often seen with V8's in them and that's in the very much affordable $30k area. We consider 6 cyl a bare minimum (like me in a small '99 E46!), over there 6 cyl is a pure waste and environment killer.

[1M Fan]

Originally Posted by E92LNGCGY

The 2.0 seems like a worthy successor to the NA I-6. I always wonder if there is too much stress on these small engines because of the weight. I would expect the weight of the 528 to be about 3800 lbs and for a little 4 banger to be pulling that weight seems well stressful.

It all depends on the strength for the block and rotating assembly. The question to ask is what are the journal sizes, how much mating surface do the main caps have, what size and materials are the rod bolts made from? As long as they are designed for the GCVW of the vehicle, everything will be fine.