[rich123321]

So I've been thinking. How are we supposed to know if our cars are running full potential. I got a loaner x3 with the new n20 engine and damn that thing feels fast. The shifts are amazing too! According to BMW it is around the same power output as the traditional 6 we have in the N52 maybe with a little more horses. Personally I don't feel like the N52 is a fast car. The only mods I have is an air intake and that's pretty much it for
Performance. I've been thinking about a flash but so far I'm waiting for the open flash tablet to come out (support for 335i in same device if I get one down the road). The dealer is going to replace the eccentric shaft sensor and hopefully the maf sensor (which has been defective I feel). What do you guys think? Is it my car that's bad or is the power output of the N52 weak overall

[Mike.]

with a tune, exhaust and manifold youd be look at around 220-230 to wheels i think? I could be wrong. basically on par with a 330i

[CombatNinja]

N20 has about 270 lb-ft of torque compared to the 200 in your N52. It also has a mega-quick 8 speed auto. It should feel quicker. If you have a 325 like your profile indicates then your car is very slow.

[Mavus]

Originally Posted by rich123321

So I've been thinking. How are we supposed to know if our cars are running full potential. I got a loaner x3 with the new n20 engine and damn that thing feels fast. The shifts are amazing too! According to BMW it is around the same power output as the traditional 6 we have in the N52 maybe with a little more horses. Personally I don't feel like the N52 is a fast car. The only mods I have is an air intake and that's pretty much it for
Performance. I've been thinking about a flash but so far I'm waiting for the open flash tablet to come out (support for 335i in same device if I get one down the road). The dealer is going to replace the eccentric shaft sensor and hopefully the maf sensor (which has been defective I feel). What do you guys think? Is it my car that's bad or is the power output of the N52 weak overall

You have de-tuned N52 unlike 330i. Search for three stage intake manifold swap and AA tune (or other). Put on some light weight wheels (i.e. Apex) and you will have a much different animal.

Of course there are other things that could be done as well, i.e. race battery, CF panels etc.

Search ... the wallet is your limit but I would highly recommend the 3st IM, tune and wheels. If you want 400hp go buy 135 or 335, 1M, M3.

[ny325]

The n20 definitely feels faster. However, I prefer the inline 6.

[Eagle1oh7]

My 328i with N51 feels a lot faster after doing ForgeStar F14 18s with PSS, and CSL CF trunk and hood. My estimate says I lost up to 70lbs. off OEM curb weight. Got an aFe sealed CAI box too. Dropping the weight here and there helps out. Next major weight reduction is the IND CF roof for the E90 M3. Tune and exhaust is all I got left to do after that besides window dressing.

[rich123321]

Originally Posted by Eagle1oh7

My 328i with N51 feels a lot faster after doing ForgeStar F14 18s with PSS, and CSL CF trunk and hood. My estimate says I lost up to 70lbs. off OEM curb weight. Got an aFe sealed CAI box too. Dropping the weight here and there helps out. Next major weight reduction is the IND CF roof for the E90 M3. Tune and exhaust is all I got left to do after that besides window dressing.

70 pounds makes that big of a difference?

[Eagle1oh7]

Originally Posted by rich123321

70 pounds makes that big of a difference?

It does, especially when I hammer the backroads. The car feels much better with less rotational mass in the wheels and slightly improved body roll losing some of the weight off the top. Having an AT the 0-60 is slow as balls, but I would say I'm in the mid to high 6s compared to the 7 second 0-60 from the factory.

[Rival]

Originally Posted by Eagle1oh7

It does, especially when I hammer the backroads. The car feels much better with less rotational mass in the wheels and slightly improved body roll losing some of the weight off the top. Having an AT the 0-60 is slow as balls, but I would say I'm in the mid to high 6s compared to the 7 second 0-60 from the factory.

the wheels are what is really doing it.... the lower rolling mass/weight makes the difference

[Rival]

OP take out the charcol filter, and stk paper filter for a pro dry or K/N. or you could convert your air box into a eurobox by making it hold a round filter instead of a flat one.

Personally, Im doing for the following.

euro box convert.... look up DJapex's thread.
delete 2nd cats & add a y-pipe instead of stock resonator. (est 500)
light weight 18's (forged)
Eurocharged tune (400)

yes, adding a 3 stg IM & BMW perf. exhaust + headers will be much better but costs way way more.

you can add some air scoups too.

[SflBimmer8484]

The N20 makes max hp and tq almost instantly which is why it feels much faster than your n52 which make 215-250 only at redline.

That's a Turbo for ya...

[GoRomeo]

my 330i is fast enough for me really... Love the supension and how smooth engine is. Feels so light too...

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by Andrew@ActiveAutowerke

The N20 makes max hp and tq almost instantly which is why it feels much faster than your n52 which make 215-250 only at redline.

That's a Turbo for ya...

+1

AA tune,Exhaust and Air intake and its a totally different car . Do not just look at max hp/tq, the car with a tune is going to be a lot more responsive and it will get to that max a lot faster

[AGM5]

Originally Posted by Emozoo

with a tune, exhaust and manifold youd be look at around 220-230 to wheels i think? I could be wrong. basically on par with a 330i

50-60 WHP gain in the exhaust, inlet and tune. Whose tune, inlet and exhaust?

[SflBimmer8484]

Originally Posted by AGM5

50-60 WHP gain in the exhaust, inlet and tune. Whose tune, inlet and exhaust?

Highest I have seen so far is 222whp

[fravel]

Originally Posted by rich123321

70 pounds makes that big of a difference?

It does if most of that weight was lost from the wheels. Rotational mass requires significantly more force to overcome than static mass.

[Dylanize]

N20 was pretty quick, but it didn't feel like much of a difference from my N52K. Plus it sounded like doo-doo, and was no where near as Smoooth.

[smellthebeans]

Originally Posted by fravel

It does if most of that weight was lost from the wheels. Rotational mass requires significantly more force to overcome than static mass.

Shaving a few pounds off each corner/wheel makes a difference you CAN feel.

[Rival]

Originally Posted by Dylanize

N20 was pretty quick, but it didn't feel like much of a difference from my N52K. Plus it sounded like doo-doo, and was no where near as Smoooth.

the one loaner i drove and beat the crap out of.....sounded like poop and until the boost really hit was slow, honest, with all the bolt ons on our n52, id prolly take that over a lightly modded n20.

[upstatedoc]

Originally Posted by CombatNinja

If you have a 325 like your profile indicates then your car is very slow.

[poosamjam]

I had a choice of getting the f32 (n20) powered or a e92 (N52 powered) the N20 is a faster engine by a bit but it has an annoying turbo lag, doesn't sound as near as good and its not silky smooth. I chose the e92 right away. The NA inline 6 is a great engine that they dont make anymore!

[norsairius]

Runflat tires are pretty heavy too. You could always consider ditching those if you want to drop some unsprung weight/rotating mass.

I'm running the OEM Turanzas and they're all kinds of horrible. Loud, rough ride, and horrible tread life. I'm replacing them early next year with Continental DWS tires which will be 7 lbs. lighter each. I'll get more miles on them, better ride quality, and a quieter ride.