[dr.roro]

Originally Posted by mcacciola

More fresh info here:

http://www.bimmerfile.com/2009/09/17...e-power-kit-2/

I already posted that link 2 posts above yours.

He's asking about dealer install, not port install.

[mcacciola]

Sorry for the repost.

Im start thinking that this is getting too expensive.
Is not only bcs is only 20+ hp's but it cost over $2K!

Not sure...At the end of the day wise old-timers said that there is never enough horse power...
So I'm thinking that after getting 320hp. I might want 20 more and go on and on...

not sure now what to do.
ill wait until we have a final word from local dealership

[joec500]

I think if the cooling bits could be bought on their own, it might be a worthwhile investment for longevity of the motor if you were thinking about keeping the car for awhile. Especially if you had a piggyback....Hmmmm piggy back integration into the cooling bits....this could be interesting?

[767jetz]

Just found out my dealer has a brand new M-Sport Coupe with manual and the performance power kit installed at the port. I plan to test drive it soon and then order the kit for my automatic sedan if I'm pleased with it.

I'll report back as soon as I do.

[stressdoc]

Try and test drive a similar car (E92 335 manual) without the Perf kit for comparison.

[767jetz]

Originally Posted by stressdoc

Try and test drive a similar car (E92 335 manual) without the Perf kit for comparison.

That might be a good idea. But I think the comparison between it and my E90 will probably be sufficient. I was planning on getting the upgrade anyway. Test driving the one they have is just a bonus.

[r1200c/335i/318ti]

Originally Posted by stressdoc

Try and test drive a similar car (E92 335 manual) without the Perf kit for comparison.

Very good idea!
Better yet: ask the dealer to keep quiet and close your eyes when walking toward the car so that you don't know which one you are test driving!
Then you truly would be able to give an unbiased report!

[cstavaru]

Originally Posted by r1200c/335i/318ti

Very good idea!
Better yet: ask the dealer to keep quiet and close your eyes when walking toward the car so that you don't know which one you are test driving!
Then you truly would be able to give an unbiased report!

So you guys are debating whether or not there is a difference at all ? Because I can't see the point...I mean, you can't expect the tester to guess the wrong car when asked which one was faster. There is a 27whp difference and that is VERY noticeable.

[r1200c/335i/318ti]

Originally Posted by cstavaru

So you guys are debating whether or not there is a difference at all ? Because I can't see the point...I mean, you can't expect the tester to guess the wrong car when asked which one was faster. There is a 27whp difference and that is VERY noticeable.

I see your point...I simply do not know how 27whp feel like. The cynic in me is thinking that the expectation of gained power may influence the user's appreciation...from.."huh, not bad to WOW!"... this is the part I am (we are, I think) trying to capture.

I think that each tester may have a different appreciation of the kit because of the many present variables. Heck; the music you are playing, if you are playing any OR not, may effect how you appreciate the added power.

One thing is certain though: you will feel the difference. How much however, is user defined.

Overall however, I am planning on buying the kit. The only little problem I have is that I cannot buy it yet in the US.

Called a few dealers..the confusion still lingers!

[767jetz]

Well, I drove it today. Here is my impression.

First I will premise this report with a few details. I drive a 2009 E90 335i M Sport x-drive steptronic. The car I test drove was a 2010 E92 335i M Sport manual without x-drive. Not exactly an apples to apples comparison.

My car is well broken in with just over 5000 miles. The 2010 had 36 miles on the odometer. Luckily I have a good rapport with the sales manager and they tossed me the keys and let me have my way with it solo. I will also say that I regularly autocross my car and have many years of experience in various motor sport venues, so I'm very familiar with the driving dynamics of my car to say the least. I've also built and tested some 300+ hp cars in the past, so I know what an extra 8 - 10% power feels like. (more on that later.)

I drove the car on the same roads I drive my car and spent some time at slow speeds, in traffic, blasting from stop light to stop light, and on the highway.

Overall I can sum it up by saying I was not blown away. Many of the differences may have been due to the different gearing of the manual compared to the steptronic, the weight difference between x-drive and none, or even the E90 vs the E92. Off the line my steptronic x-drive launches like a catapult. Now remember that the performance package kit on the manual is only 17 ft-lbs of torque more while on the steptronic it would have been about twice that. And we all know that torque is life when you are talking about drivability. On a 300hp car, a 8-10% increase is noticeable, but it's not going to blow your socks off, so in this regard I would say it was close to what I expected. Also the power curve itself is important.

This is not a kit for those looking for the biggest bang for the buck. It's a modest increase with the backing of the factory BMW warranty and all the peace of mind of a stock vehicle. Unfortunately I think if I had a manual trans I might pass on the package. It was a nice boost but not quite worth the $2700 price tag I was quoted. Looking at the power curve of the steptronic version though, sways my opinion. The power comes on a little earlier and the extra 15 ft-lbs of torque will be just right.

The whole time I drove the car I was thinking, gee its smooth and feels pretty good, but it just needs a little more punch. I think I'll be ordering the package later this week.

[767jetz]

Originally Posted by cstavaru

There is a 27whp difference and that is VERY noticeable.

Where are you getting this number? I'm looking at an advertisement for the BMW performance power kit in Roundel magazine and it says 320 hp, and 332 ft-lbs on the automatic, 317 ft-lbs on the manual. The stock ratings are 300 and 300. And the whp increases would be slightly less due to parasitic losses.

[Mr. 5]

Thanks a bunch for your review.

[stressdoc]

The kit is not going to sell based on hp. Too much $. The selling points for enthusiasts will be the cooling and lag reduction. Most unfortunate that the manual version has reduced torque.

[marcel b]

Originally Posted by stressdoc

The kit is not going to sell based on hp. Too much $. The selling points for enthusiasts will be the cooling and lag reduction. Most unfortunate that the manual version has reduced torque.

the steptronic has more loss in the drivetrain... and BMW claims the same improvement in performance (acceleration).

[Panoz]

Originally Posted by e.n335

Have been aware about this Performance Kit right now and in my case, where I have an upgraded FMIC and Oil-Cooler already the extended coolant components of the kit might be the perfect completion to keep the engine temps low.

Somebody knows whether only the coolant-specific parts of the kit are sold and related pricing ?

Thanks,
Eugen

I thought that as well , but i'm under the impresssion that the extra water-coolant won't work without the reflash that comes into the package.

I also heard that the BMW Performance pack also has new sparkplugs included. May could the rest of us use them as well?

[jippii ensio]

Originally Posted by Panoz

I thought that as well , but i'm under the impresssion that the extra water-coolant won't work without the reflash that comes into the package.

There is no need for a reflash. The auxiliary radiator cools the coolant by increasing the total frontal area.

[767jetz]

Originally Posted by jippii ensio

There is no need for a reflash. The auxiliary radiator cools the coolant by increasing the total frontal area.

Unless it is programed with a thermostat to control when the coolant enters the aux radiator, as it does with the oil cooler. In that case it very well might not work without the flash. Also, the radiator fan is replaced by a different unit which also may need the proper programming to work correctly.

[767jetz]

Originally Posted by marcel b

the steptronic has more loss in the drivetrain... and BMW claims the same improvement in performance (acceleration).

However it is my understanding that the torque limit on the manual is due to concerns with transmission and clutch durability. It's not an issue with the automatic.

[r1200c/335i/318ti]

Originally Posted by 767jetz

Well, I drove it today. Here is my impression.
...

Thank you for your review, 767jetz!

[marcel b]

See this tread for my review.

[767jetz]

I'm starting to think that the car I test drove did not have the PK installed. Can someone tell me specifically what to look for? There was no additional radiator in the driver's side wheel well. I thought I would be able to see it from there, but I could be wrong. Is there a sticker that should be affixed somewhere under the hood as well?

My E90 always has a child seat and baby carriage in the trunk. I think any difference I felt might have been attributable to the weight difference of my x-drive E90 and the rwd E92 plus the gearing differences between my AT and the test car's MT. Plus there might have been the placebo effect of thinking it had the PK installed.

I will go back this week to investigate. Any tips on what to look for would be appreciated.

[r1200c/335i/318ti]

Originally Posted by 767jetz

I'm starting to think that the car I test drove did not have the PK installed...

I believe that the car you test drove had the power kit installed at port...as such; I do not know if the second radiator was eliminated.

On the retrofit; you should have a second radiator-driver side-and it should be as visible as the one on the passenger's side.
Yes, you should have stickers on the engine...again; this is for cars that are "retrofitted"; to add that supplemental info.

The placebo effect would definitely mess anyone up; regardless of your experiences...and the car that you are used to is noticeably different from the one you test drove...that just adds to the uncontrollable variables.

Did you look at the car fact sheet? I suggest you look at that when you go back; perhaps there is some info about the power kit "upgrade" on it.

I think that to really appreciate the difference; you need to drive 2 MT's: 1 with the power kit; the other without. At that point; the only variable you would need to deal with is the placebo effect.

We all seem to see this kit as a tool to increase power/torque (Power Kit); but from what I am reading; this kit seems to only smooth and balance the engine; so, it really is a Tuning Kit.
The N54 is a really nice engine; but I times; I feel it's roughness and some unexpected and inconsistent behaviors; particularly when shifting (MT).

Does the salesperson have any inout in all of this? Trying speaking to the foreman of the shop; perhaps she/he has some info on this.