Hello guys, it's my first post here, but I couldn't help but note this is all really weird. When checking around parts databases, here is what I found with respect to B48 320i & 330i engines:
1) First off, there seem to be two variants of the 320i. Bimmercat calls them B48C and B48D. B48C appears to have the B48B20A engine:
Note how it says "till 02.2020"? Not sure if that means the part's production ended in 02.2020 or the particular engine you may order today will have been produced up to that period. If someone has more experience with the database, please let us know.
B48D, however, appears to feature the B48B20B engine:
2) Another thing I've tried is to compare values in RealOEM. I've picked the most recent EU version of the 320i and the 330i, respectively 03 / 2019. These are the results:
So, basically, as per RealOEM, there is no difference between the engines in the Euro 320i and 330i produced in 03/19?
3) Returning to Bimmercat, I took a look at what cars were equipped with each engine.
According to this B48C was applied in the G20 320i until 02.2020, as well as in the G21 until 02.2020.
The B48D was applied in the G20 320i, as well as in the G20 330i and the G21 330i.
The pistons featured in both engines are different, with respective part numbers being 11258678931 and 11258678934.
In the end, I'm not sure what to make of all this. Is it possible that the engines were only different in the start of production, utilising old stock and all, and now they are using the same engine in both cars, with the only difference being boost? If the pistons are the same, I'm having a hard time believing that the CR is any different despite the press release covering the initial specs a year ago.
If the above is true, what's the point in buying a 330i vs tuning a 320i? And what about the new 318i which appears as a further detuned 320i?