[325/528]

Also the 328, 528 do not have the oil separator so they shouldn't need the vent hose (I am spending way too much time on realoem.com)

[BudVlad]

Originally Posted by Aonarch

Only the 330i in Europe is DI right?

So none.

European 325i has the same N53B30 engine (DI) as 330i. The only difference is the 3 stage manifold.

[issabmw]

Originally Posted by BudVlad

European 325i has the same N53B30 engine (DI) as 330i. The only difference is the 3 stage manifold.

Hmm, i thought the european version was the N52B25? Maybe the older 06 and 07? You own one so Im sure you know what youre talking about.

You have the B30, awesome. You get to do this mod too

Btw, whats the difference between N52 and 53

[issabmw]

Originally Posted by IancoleTX

Upon further review, you're right.. I can't wait to see a diy and some dyno sheets!

Neither can I

Originally Posted by Aonarch

Only the 330i in Europe is DI right?

So none.

Correct, all n52 across the board endure the same compression ratios

Originally Posted by IancoleTX

But wait.. how much of the power difference between the 328i and the 330i is due to DI and compression differences, if any?

(subscribed)

Same compression, yet a single stage intake manifold

[Alexander]

It's about time there is real facts on this swap. I know that members have sucessfully done the swap, but no one has shared besides E90Pilot, so this thread is needed to help clarify.

[BudVlad]

Originally Posted by issabmw

Btw, whats the difference between N52 and 53

N53 was released in 2007 in the facelifted BMW 5 Series (E60/E61) and the BMW 3 Series (E90/E91/E92/E93). It is an improvement on the N52 (NA) engine mainly since it has gasoline direct injection technology and can burn stratified.

[issabmw]

To reassure the extent of clarity of this write-up, i will soon be posting videos of acceleration runs 0-60, 0-100, 60-100, 2nd gear pulls, etc of the car stock before the intake manifold goes in.

Now to find an empty strip

[issabmw]

Update

[BudVlad]

I’m doing the conversion on 325i with N53 engine. Local BMW specialist will do it for me ( I’ll be in Canada next two months). When I return to Europe I will have to update the software. When it’s all done I will dyno the car and post the results.
When I bought the car I was deciding between 325i and 330i. The 330 was over $6,000 more than 325. The cars are identical except for the manifold, rear muffler and larger brakes on the 330. Since I was going to replace the muffler and brakes anyway I got the 325 and saved 6K for the mods. I already installed Remus Quad and BMW Performance brakes. Now is the time for upgrading to 330i with better braked and muffler.

[ska325xi]

I just spent 2k$ in mods (pbx, perf exhaust, perf intake) cant wait for this manifold

Question.
XDrive/XI folks are the same right?


This will be sweet with detail diy...thanks!

[issabmw]

Originally Posted by BudVlad

I’m doing the conversion on 325i with N53 engine. Local BMW specialist will do it for me ( I’ll be in Canada next two months). When I return to Europe I will have to update the software. When it’s all done I will dyno the car and post the results.
When I bought the car I was deciding between 325i and 330i. The 330 was over $6,000 more than 325. The cars are identical except for the manifold, rear muffler and larger brakes on the 330. Since I was going to replace the muffler and brakes anyway I got the 325 and saved 6K for the mods. I already installed Remus Quad and BMW Performance brakes. Now is the time for upgrading to 330i with better braked and muffler.

+1, the 330 is not worth it after this mod, 6k is not worth larger brakes, a manifold, a badge, and higher insurance rates, which is why im selling mine.

nice, with the N53 you should reach somewhere near 280hp which is very impressive.

Im looking forward to the dynos.

[issabmw]

Originally Posted by ska325xi

I just spent 2k$ in mods (pbx, perf exhaust, perf intake) cant wait for this manifold

Question.
XDrive/XI folks are the same right?


This will be sweet with detail diy...thanks!

Yes this is being performed on an Xi/X-drive

I realised that i messed up my signature picture and forgot to put the "x" . My 325 is an xi, not i. I hope i didnt mislead anyone, i dont think this changes anything in terms of the conversion.

[Alexander]

Originally Posted by issabmw

Yes this is being performed on an Xi/X-drive

I realised that i messed up my signature picture and forgot to put the "x" . My 325 is an xi, not i. I hope i didnt mislead anyone, i dont think this changes anything in terms of the conversion.

yah no engine difference in XI vs I.

[issabmw]

Originally Posted by Aonarch

yah no engine difference in XI vs I.

Correct, it only some people do not like the fact that the all wheel drive system will be transferring power during the dyno runs.

Lets hope for the best

[issabmw]

Update: after realizing that the manifold removal and installation is too much of a job for me, I will be letting a mechanic do this for me.

Dont worry, Im going to be there every step of the way taking pictures, helping, and taking notes so the DIY is still in effect.

[wuchao1]

So if I dont reeally have a lot of experience on doing DIYs then do you think its a better idea to let a shop do it for me?
And im also guessing that a BMW dealer wont do that swap for me right??

[lul77]

Originally Posted by ska325xi

I just spent 2k$ in mods (pbx, perf exhaust, perf intake) cant wait for this manifold

Question.
XDrive/XI folks are the same right?


This will be sweet with detail diy...thanks!

pbx is gonna need to go if u do this mod. if i'm not mistaken it won't work and u have to get some custom tune from powerchip thats some $600-900

[lux.sh]

man you guys are "upgrading" to 330i.. wrong target to me.

You guys should be going for 335. 330i is still painfully slow compared to others.
Get a 335i and see what 6 grand can do. oh man.

[BudVlad]

Originally Posted by lux.sh

man you guys are "upgrading" to 330i.. wrong target to me.

You guys should be going for 335. 330i is still painfully slow compared to others.
Get a 335i and see what 6 grand can do. oh man.

335i wasn’t ever option for me. 330i has 30hp less than 335i but it’s over 100kg lighter than 335i. Besides the reliability of the N/A engine I favor the driving characteristic of N/A car over the turbocharged.

[PiZauL]

Def. keeping my eye on this thread. Looking forward to running out of warranty, lol

[lux.sh]

Originally Posted by BudVlad

335i wasn’t ever option for me. 330i has 30hp less than 335i but it’s over 100kg lighter than 335i. Besides the reliability of the N/A engine I favor the driving characteristic of N/A car over the turbocharged.

emm I can see where you are coming from. I guess if straightline performance isn't your main concern, there is no reason for you to get 335s. Especially with all the damn problems.

Just to straighten out some facts, 335i is heavily underrated. 335i stock dynos nearly 60whp more than 330i. and that is WHP not at the flywheel. It is a beast. Im proud of our brother.

[Hephaesta]

Originally Posted by lux.sh

man you guys are "upgrading" to 330i.. wrong target to me.

You guys should be going for 335.

That would be great if I lived in Europe. But in the U.S. the wagon/touring only comes as a 328. This is looking like the best way to get my wife some more power. Between our two cars this is the biggest bang for the buck, especially if I tag on an aftermarket exhaust.

What she would really like would be the wagon owned by our SA at the dealer. He's swapped out the motor for an E46 M3 motor but I'm not willing/don't have the skill to go that far. This swap, OTOH, sounds very doable.