[KNR]

Hi guys,

Been searching here for this information but could not find anything so far.
Even searched extensively on the internet but still could not find any information.

I have read how the Pistons and compression ratios are different for the N20 320i and 328i but does anyone know what are the exact differences for the B48 320i and 330i?

Are there any significant H/W differences (other than ECU and higher boost on the 330i) that make it very difficult to convert a 320i to a 330i?

Just wondering......

Thank you!

[Diegov209]

Originally Posted by KNR

Hi guys,

Been searching here for this information but could not find anything so far.
Even searched extensively on the internet but still could not find any information.

I have read how the Pistons and compression ratios are different for the N20 320i and 328i but does anyone know what are the exact differences for the B48 320i and 330i?

Are there any significant H/W differences (other than ECU and higher boost on the 330i) that make it very difficult to convert a 320i to a 330i?

Just wondering......

Thank you!

Higher compression on the b48 330i? Maybe? Ive been looking at the b48 engine and researching it and damn pretty good engine lol.

[Tommy_hf]

Lower compression actually. Allows for more boost.
If you look at the 320i(CR 11:1), the pistons are the same as the 340i. If exrtrapolated, the 320i would be as "stressed" as the 340i based on specific output when it would have been 230 hp instead of 184. The other parts are identical. Then if you were to convert the 320i to 330i (CR 10,2:1)spec you might as well use the pistons from the i8. Same size, even lower CR of 9.5:1.

[KNR]

Tommy_hf and Diegov209,

Thanks for the response!
I am not a technical guy but really appreciate the sharing of information.

So from what you have discovered, ALL parts in the 320i and 330i are identical except for pistons due to the diff CR ?

I am just looking to extract more power and torque (like everyone else) from this very capable engine but just wondering how to go about doing it reliably and safely.

At the moment, I have JB4 running Map 1 with everything stock.
So far so good with significant improvement in Torque. I cannot really feel the so called 50BHP HP difference.
Downside - more lag and power/torque kicks in only at 3000 rpm......

I am looking at options for Catless DP for B48 and only found a few with Armytrix being my most likely choice.
After DP install, will run Map 2 on JB4 and see how it goes.....

What are your thoughts on my plans? Any advise?

Do you think it's even possible (like what I have read some people saying) that just plugging in the 330i ECU will "make" the 320i become like a 330i?
Personally, I am skeptical........Don't think it's that simple.

Good discussion and hopefully everyone learns more about the B48 which is the block that will be used widely for the BMW 4cycl applications.

Thanks to all who contribute to this discussion!

[Tommy_hf]

No actually the boost of the 330i is mated to the lower CR of the 330i pistons. There are videos of companies flashing the 330i software onto the 320i, but the ECU resets after a couple of hours or so. There's no "permanent" flashing yet for the new ECU.

The exhaust size is the same with the B48. The 330i only gains the active flap. Both are 65 mm. Back in the N20 days, the 320i had 60 mm exhaust tubing and the 328i had 75 mm. Catless DP gains a bit, but at the cost of noise.

Once the ECU's are cracked, the real tuning fun begins. Given the modular design, your wallet is the limit :-)

Looking at Mosselman, their N20 is running a hybrid turbo at over 360 hp. I expect the B48 to be at least as capable. And with that, a replacement B48 is less than half the price of a bare N20 engine.

[sensible]

Originally Posted by Tommy_hf

Lower compression actually. Allows for more boost.
If you look at the 320i(CR 11:1), the pistons are the same as the 340i. If exrtrapolated, the 320i would be as "stressed" as the 340i based on specific output when it would have been 230 hp instead of 184. The other parts are identical. Then if you were to convert the 320i to 330i (CR 10,2:1)spec you might as well use the pistons from the i8. Same size, even lower CR of 9.5:1.

Does this mean that if you made a 6 cylinder version of the 330i (which has different poisons and compression ratio) it would be more powerful than the 340i.....maybe it could be a 350i