Maximizing the HP of a 328

bimmercrown · 08-05-2011, 03:45 PM

Short of a SC kit, what are some ways to maximize the power of a 328?

I know the BMS PBS is recommended for the throttle lag, but doesn't really do much for +HP.

Also from what I read a lot of aftermarket intake actually decreases the performance of the car.

What are some options that can max the power of a 328?

Right now I'm planning on a Performance Exhaust, K&N filter w/ charcoal delete. Then top everything off with an AA tune.

Am I getting it right? Are there other options than my selection? What else can I do?

The 3-stage manifold - that's just for the 325 right?

FrankE90xi · 08-05-2011, 03:48 PM

from what u have listed yes those are the mods that will give you some power

krnboy817 · 08-05-2011, 04:50 PM

honestly you wont see or feel any noticeable gains from any of the mods you are about to do... they simply makes your car feel "better" or some might also say "more free".

bms pbx seems to give you a noticeable difference but its a piggy back and just like you said it only alters the maps.

from what i have gathered on this forum its pointless to make your car gain in notieable HP... but if you are going for "getting the most out of the 328i" then i say aa tune is best choice for you.

CombatNinja · 08-05-2011, 05:25 PM

3 stage intake manifold is not just for the 325. Your car lacks this piece as well which is the main reason that the 2006 330i made 255bhp with the same engine. Very few people carry out this modification but I don't know why. It is OEM quality, it is not that expensive (in relation to exhausts and intakes and some of the other junk they waste money on) and it produces real, tangible power increases. Not some imaginary butt dyno trickery like throttle remapping. My advice: 3 stage intake with the proper 330i software to run it, quality exhaust and the euro airbox. You should be near 270 crank horsepower with a healthy engine. My real advice, however, is to enjoy the car as it is because 40bhp is not worth $3000+ in my opinion.

tamster00 · 08-05-2011, 06:00 PM

Some 328's have the 3 stage intake manifold, I know I have it on mine.

ZhengHai · 08-05-2011, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tamster00

Some 328's have the 3 stage intake manifold, I know I have it on mine.

How do you know if you have it on your 328 or not??

tamster00 · 08-05-2011, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZhengHai

How do you know if you have it on your 328 or not??

I did the research on the forum and found out that my 2008 328i is a n51 sulev engine, which comes with the 3stage intake manifold. Depending which state you're in, you may have the n52 series vs n51 due to emissions. If you goto www.realoem.com and enter the last 7 digits of your vin number, it will say either you have n52, which has no 3stage intake or the n51 which does.

CobraMarty · 08-05-2011, 07:27 PM

Where is that, California?

ZhengHai · 08-05-2011, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tamster00

I did the research on the forum and found out that my 2008 328i is a n51 sulev engine, which comes with the 3stage intake manifold. Depending which state you're in, you may have the n52 series vs n51 due to emissions. If you goto www.realoem.com and enter the last 7 digits of your vin number, it will say either you have n52, which has no 3stage intake or the n51 which does.

Damnit! Ive been doing alot of reading and I dont know if 3 stage manifold and AA tune would be worth it..

e90pilot · 08-05-2011, 07:45 PM

The 3-stage works on your car as well. The Z4, X3, and X5 have the high output variant of the 328's engine.

tamster00 · 08-06-2011, 01:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CobraMarty

Where is that, California?

Yup! California got some crapo emissions law. This applies for 2008 and up 328's, 2007 may have either N52/N51. AA and OE both have tunes for the N51, which is great! (took me forever to get a straight answer

)

1NS0MN1A · 08-06-2011, 02:58 PM

so is the n51 faster or slower than the n52?

tamster00 · 08-06-2011, 04:28 PM

N52 can be faster since it has higher compression 10.7 vs 10.0, and adding the 3 stage intake manifold.

spacemonkey1112 · 08-07-2011, 03:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CombatNinja

....My real advice, however, is to enjoy the car as it is because 40bhp is not worth $3000+ in my opinion.

I dunno where you got $3000 from but I already have my 3 stage manifold installed and saving up to bring my car in for an AA tune and all together (cost of the manifold, installation at a shop, AA Tune) it should cost me no more than $900 bucks

CombatNinja · 08-07-2011, 07:40 AM

Manifold is around $1000, exhaust $1000, tune $400, airbox $300. That leaves $300 for install, which is on the low end in my opinion. Not at all unrealistic to budget around $3000 for this upgrade path. You can buy used parts and scour the internet to save money of course, your results may vary.

t1mmy · 08-07-2011, 09:48 AM

not worth it to upgrade HP on these cars. focus more on driving enjoyment, SSK's, exhaust, better steering wheel, different tires. much more noticeable changes to the ride

e90pilot · 08-07-2011, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CombatNinja

Manifold is around $1000, exhaust $1000, tune $400, airbox $300. That leaves $300 for install, which is on the low end in my opinion. Not at all unrealistic to budget around $3000 for this upgrade path. You can buy used parts and scour the internet to save money of course, your results may vary.

Intake and exhaust are different mods. Not required at all since the both would add less than 10hp. So $3000 isn't really realistic to quote for a 3-stage intake. $900 for the intake, $400 for the tune, $400 for install.

CombatNinja · 08-07-2011, 04:15 PM

I never said that the intake manifold was $3,000. What I said was that the 3 stage mani, proper tune, quality exhaust and intake would total to around that figure and net about 270 crank horsepower. No dispute that the manifold by itself is the biggest bang-for-buck power modification you can make. It is a shame that BMW decided to not equip the 328 with it from the factory.

Dr. Nate · 08-07-2011, 08:51 PM

Nitrous, $500 for a kit and you get an extra 75-125 horsepower. Because lets be honest the 328i could be the perfect sleeper.

-Nate

fdriller9 · 08-07-2011, 09:09 PM

Forget trying to get more power out of the N52.

Do weight reduction....

But if you really want to...

330 intake conversion
Headers
AA tune
Cams
Also I think there is a 3.2L bore kit available somewhere.

You're looking at a good 8-10K right there.

engotski · 08-08-2011, 12:45 AM

Who makes headers for n52?

NaturalBornDriver · 08-08-2011, 01:48 AM

also lightweight flywheel, switching seats to lightweight racing seats and simply gutting your car will give you some gains

08-05-2011, 03:45 PM	#1
bimmercrown Private 9 Rep 79 Posts Drives: 2007 E90 328xi Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: The Midwest iTrader: (0)	Maximizing the HP of a 328 Short of a SC kit, what are some ways to maximize the power of a 328? I know the BMS PBS is recommended for the throttle lag, but doesn't really do much for +HP. Also from what I read a lot of aftermarket intake actually decreases the performance of the car. What are some options that can max the power of a 328? Right now I'm planning on a Performance Exhaust, K&N filter w/ charcoal delete. Then top everything off with an AA tune. Am I getting it right? Are there other options than my selection? What else can I do? The 3-stage manifold - that's just for the 325 right?
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08-05-2011, 03:48 PM	#2
FrankE90xi Private First Class 13 Rep 182 Posts Drives: Black 2007 BMW 328xi Join Date: May 2011 Location: Orland park iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 BMW 328 xi [8.40]	from what u have listed yes those are the mods that will give you some power __________________ 18" alzor style 703, 20mm rear spacers, 10mm front spacers, 235/40/18 Nitto Neogen, Afe Stage 2 pro5r CAI, Eurocharged tune, Meistershaft catback exhaust, 35% Window Tints, Taillight and Side Marker Tint, Debadge, Blackout Grille, CF Interior kit, Cyba Scoops
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08-05-2011, 04:50 PM	#3
krnboy817 Major 44 Rep 1,011 Posts Drives: 2008 328i coupe Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: DFW texas iTrader: (3)	honestly you wont see or feel any noticeable gains from any of the mods you are about to do... they simply makes your car feel "better" or some might also say "more free". bms pbx seems to give you a noticeable difference but its a piggy back and just like you said it only alters the maps. from what i have gathered on this forum its pointless to make your car gain in notieable HP... but if you are going for "getting the most out of the 328i" then i say aa tune is best choice for you. __________________ driving is poetry in motion.
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08-05-2011, 05:25 PM	#4
CombatNinja Banned 46 Rep 1,556 Posts Drives: e91 328i, e90 328i, e90 335i Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	3 stage intake manifold is not just for the 325. Your car lacks this piece as well which is the main reason that the 2006 330i made 255bhp with the same engine. Very few people carry out this modification but I don't know why. It is OEM quality, it is not that expensive (in relation to exhausts and intakes and some of the other junk they waste money on) and it produces real, tangible power increases. Not some imaginary butt dyno trickery like throttle remapping. My advice: 3 stage intake with the proper 330i software to run it, quality exhaust and the euro airbox. You should be near 270 crank horsepower with a healthy engine. My real advice, however, is to enjoy the car as it is because 40bhp is not worth $3000+ in my opinion.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-05-2011, 06:00 PM	#5
tamster00 Uhh, Hi =) 9 Rep 280 Posts Drives: 11' E90 335i, 12' Fit Sport Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Daly City iTrader: (2)	Some 328's have the 3 stage intake manifold, I know I have it on mine. __________________ Was - 08' E90 328i\|Sparkling Graphite Metallic\|AA Tune\|Steptronic\|Navigation\|Comfort Access\|Sport\|Matte Black Kidneys Now - 11' E90 335i Performance Edition\|Space Gray Metallic\|Sport\|Premium\|Navigation\|Steptronic\|JB4\|E R Charge Pipe\|HP Autowerks Foam Filter
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08-05-2011, 07:27 PM	#8
CobraMarty Major 619 Rep 1,402 Posts Drives: 2007 328xi e90 + e92 Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: BimmerMILVs.com iTrader: (7)	Where is that, California?
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08-05-2011, 07:45 PM	#10
e90pilot Freight Dawg 104 Rep 2,103 Posts Drives: E90 325i Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Oakland, CA iTrader: (3)	The 3-stage works on your car as well. The Z4, X3, and X5 have the high output variant of the 328's engine. __________________ --Marcelo '06 Arctic Metallic 325i \| Sport Package \| 6MT \| Dinan Stage III suspension \| Dinan exhaust \| 330i manifold swap! Click here! \| Active Autowerke tune \| 135i Brake Calipers \| Deiselboost caliper brackets \| E46 M3 front rotors
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08-06-2011, 02:58 PM	#12
1NS0MN1A Lieutenant 50 Rep 573 Posts Drives: IS Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Location iTrader: (7)	so is the n51 faster or slower than the n52?
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08-06-2011, 04:28 PM	#13
tamster00 Uhh, Hi =) 9 Rep 280 Posts Drives: 11' E90 335i, 12' Fit Sport Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Daly City iTrader: (2)	N52 can be faster since it has higher compression 10.7 vs 10.0, and adding the 3 stage intake manifold. __________________ Was - 08' E90 328i\|Sparkling Graphite Metallic\|AA Tune\|Steptronic\|Navigation\|Comfort Access\|Sport\|Matte Black Kidneys Now - 11' E90 335i Performance Edition\|Space Gray Metallic\|Sport\|Premium\|Navigation\|Steptronic\|JB4\|E R Charge Pipe\|HP Autowerks Foam Filter
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08-07-2011, 07:40 AM	#15
CombatNinja Banned 46 Rep 1,556 Posts Drives: e91 328i, e90 328i, e90 335i Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	Manifold is around $1000, exhaust $1000, tune $400, airbox $300. That leaves $300 for install, which is on the low end in my opinion. Not at all unrealistic to budget around $3000 for this upgrade path. You can buy used parts and scour the internet to save money of course, your results may vary.
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08-07-2011, 09:48 AM	#16
t1mmy Second Lieutenant 2 Rep 224 Posts Drives: BMW 328i 2008 Sport Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (0)	not worth it to upgrade HP on these cars. focus more on driving enjoyment, SSK's, exhaust, better steering wheel, different tires. much more noticeable changes to the ride __________________ BMW 328i 2008, 6MT, Perf Exh + Perf Int, Continental DWS and BMW Perf SSK
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08-07-2011, 04:15 PM	#18
CombatNinja Banned 46 Rep 1,556 Posts Drives: e91 328i, e90 328i, e90 335i Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	I never said that the intake manifold was $3,000. What I said was that the 3 stage mani, proper tune, quality exhaust and intake would total to around that figure and net about 270 crank horsepower. No dispute that the manifold by itself is the biggest bang-for-buck power modification you can make. It is a shame that BMW decided to not equip the 328 with it from the factory.
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08-07-2011, 08:51 PM	#19
Dr. Nate Nate Dogg 8 Rep 437 Posts Drives: 2011 328i Saloon Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Houston, Texas iTrader: (0)	Nitrous, $500 for a kit and you get an extra 75-125 horsepower. Because lets be honest the 328i could be the perfect sleeper. -Nate __________________ 2011 BMW 328i by weekend, various airplanes by week.
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08-07-2011, 09:09 PM	#20
fdriller9 Banned 253 Rep 7,089 Posts Drives: '06 AW 330xi Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: North Jersey/Philly/NYC iTrader: (4) Garage List 2006 330xi [6.44]	Forget trying to get more power out of the N52. Do weight reduction.... But if you really want to... 330 intake conversion Headers AA tune Cams Also I think there is a 3.2L bore kit available somewhere. You're looking at a good 8-10K right there.
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08-08-2011, 12:45 AM	#21
engotski oh haiii 43 Rep 1,105 Posts Drives: e92 328i Join Date: May 2011 Location: VanCity iTrader: (4)	Who makes headers for n52?
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08-08-2011, 01:48 AM	#22
NaturalBornDriver Private First Class 8 Rep 194 Posts Drives: AW E92 Coupe M-Sport Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (7)	also lightweight flywheel, switching seats to lightweight racing seats and simply gutting your car will give you some gains
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