I was wondering if anybody/company starting playing around with the base 3-cylinder engine. The i8 makes significantly more power so I was wondering if there are any news for people tuning or taking parts from the i8 into the Cooper to help the engine handle added power or doing something with the turbos. I don't know how similar the engines are but all the reviewers say it's "the same engine" so if the BMW makes so much more power JUST from the 3-cyl, I figure at some point people are gonna start tinkering with the Cooper's to get some more power out of it. I'm just wondering if anyone has made any progress on this yet. Anyone know of any stories?

 

The B38 is nothing more than a generator for the batteries in the i8. At least that is what the bmw dealer guy told me. The /Drive youtube first drive says otherwise (as does most other info out there).

 

From my understanding that is not true. The consumer reports review of the i8 makes it clear that it is powering the drive train, unlike the i3 which has a generator for battery charging only (range extender). That same review notes that it again is "the same engine" but very tuned for performance.

 

I paid $2K more my MCS than what I would have paid for an equally equipped 3-banger at the time of purchase. Probably that's the investment and mod (factory backed!) for those who wants more power from the 3-banger MC.

 

I thought the i8 had a dual-drive system, where the electric motor powered the front (or back?) wheels, and the petrol engine powers the opposite end. I also thought it could run in electric only for a limited amount of time (30 miles or so). There's a ton of engineering going into that car.

 

Burger has a tune for the 3 pot motor much the same as the 4 pot. Money well spent!

 

The i8 is indeed dual drive... and frighteningly quick in that mode...

http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/...nner/17795655/

 

Whatever it's doing, it's very high on my awesome scale. Can't wait to see one in person.

 

I wonder how much lighter the I3 is to the S's I4 engine. With more power and less weight hanging out front I have high hopes for the Justa! With suspension upgrades, and power it could be an awesome little sleeper.

 

I've poked around comparing part numbers...and you'll find that although they are both B38 motors, they are pretty different and one is transversly moutned and the i8 is longitudinally mounted. Turbo is different I believe and internally the pistons & rods have different part numbers. What the exact differences are, I do not know.

There are 3 versions of the B38 or will be 3 versions as it makes its way into more BMW products. A low output version (in the MINI One), mid output (the F56 Cooper), and the high output version (like in the i8).

 

Oh thanks - I didn't think of that.
Let me just trade my delightful 3 cylinder on a Cooper S with the front fascia I don't like.
Many people even tune their Honda Fits and I'm sure they aren't advised to purchase a Honda Accord for the higher Hp etc. I bought the Cooper because I LOVE the 3 cyl engine and want to plan and customize my car in an individualized way. I don't want the Mini engineer to decide what I need and the package. That's too vanilla and I'm wasabi infused with ginger!