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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Powertrain and Drivetrain Discussions > NA Engine (non-turbo) / Drivetrain / Exhaust Modifications > OE Tuning N52 325i Update



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      01-06-2011, 07:18 PM   #1
robbiec
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OE Tuning N52 325i Update

So I've been driving around for nearly a month now with the OE tune on my 325 and I figured I'd post an update. I am really happy with this tune, definitely money well spent! I've had the car since May 2007 and have been waiting a long time for a real tune. I passed on the PBX, just knowing something better would come along.

Second gear is just awesome now, basically right from 1k RPM. There's a nice kick when the torque peak starts at about 3k. 3k-5k the car just pulls really hard now. Huge difference. I know my car pretty well after 3 1/2 years and I know the torque increase is for real. And it isn't all loaded into the first 25% of pedal travel. 10-20% throttle position feels like stock. Once you roll into it a little more, the torque starts to build progressively through 100% pedal travel. I'd been waiting just like a few others to do a manifold swap, but now I'm not sure I need it. And this is from a guy who has owned 3 forced induction cars: Procharged Mustang GT, Saab Turbo, and Audi A4 2.0T (wife's current car, APR tuned). This car is just right for me now. Lightest of the e90's, 3 pedals, sport package, amazing seats, great steering wheel. The perfect daily driver, even up here in MA with winter tires + rear wheel drive. Sorry, I'm rambling, but the car is just so good right now! Oh, and my MPG display has been locked at 29.0 for the past 3 weeks. This is getting on it hard 2-3 times a day, 50/50 hwy/town driving.

Anyone considering a tune definitely go for it. I love the OE tune, but it sounds like you can't go wrong with the AA tune as well. Kudos for both of these tuners for FINALLY unlocking the potential of the 325/328. I knew a 3 liter, 4-valve, variable cam timing engine with 10.7:1 compression could make significantly more than 185 ft-lb!!
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      01-06-2011, 11:14 PM   #2
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Good to hear this. Thanks for the feedback.
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      01-06-2011, 11:38 PM   #3
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Who did the tune? I'm interested in an upgrade once the weather gets better and debating between the AA and PBX, but am open to other options.

Thanks
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      01-07-2011, 06:54 AM   #4
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Originally Posted by dlm6568 View Post
Who did the tune? I'm interested in an upgrade once the weather gets better and debating between the AA and PBX, but am open to other options.

Thanks
Bren Tuning in Worcester, MA. Bren is very professional and passionate about BMW's.
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      01-07-2011, 04:01 PM   #5
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stop lying that you are gettin 29mpg-post a picture with mpg and average speed and distance and we will see what your really getting. Not with 50 percent city-not a chance. The car is rated at 30 for highway and it gets exactly that or 32 on a good day.
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      01-07-2011, 04:15 PM   #6
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I wouldn't go as far as calling him a liar. He just said the display shows 29mpg. I measure the gallons I pump verses the miles I drove from time to time and it's usually within 1mpg.
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      01-07-2011, 07:13 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 5erman View Post
stop lying that you are gettin 29mpg-post a picture with mpg and average speed and distance and we will see what your really getting. Not with 50 percent city-not a chance. The car is rated at 30 for highway and it gets exactly that or 32 on a good day.
Why are you such a hater?
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      01-12-2011, 12:06 AM   #8
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Is all you have the tune? (any other mods?) I'm looking for a viable route for better power over 3k and better fuel efficiency out of my stock 325i. I too thought about the 3 stage intake manifold swap, but idk about how the tuning will go for it. I'll ask my tuner what he says about it too.
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      01-12-2011, 12:20 AM   #9
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Check out the link in my sig. I have peak torque at 2750 rpm with 90% available from 1500rpm to 6000rpm.
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      01-12-2011, 09:07 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by robbiec View Post
... Kudos for both of these tuners for FINALLY unlocking the potential of the 325/328. I knew a 3 liter, 4-valve, variable cam timing engine with 10.7:1 compression could make significantly more than 185 ft-lb!!
But is it really significantly more?
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      01-12-2011, 09:20 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dubbedown View Post
But is it really significantly more?
Going from the power level of a 325i to a 330i, I'd say yes. Even with a 328i, doing 3 stage swap/tune would have significant gain. But a 325i is a more ideal candidate for 3 stage/tune mods.
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      01-12-2011, 10:17 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dtc100 View Post
Going from the power level of a 325i to a 330i, I'd say yes. Even with a 328i, doing 3 stage swap/tune would have significant gain. But a 325i is a more ideal candidate for 3 stage/tune mods.
but op didn't do the 3 stage manifold conversion, correct?
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      01-12-2011, 10:39 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dubbedown View Post
but op didn't do the 3 stage manifold conversion, correct?
But he was talking about his engine's potential, correct? Which was why e90pilot followed up with his post too.
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      01-12-2011, 10:55 AM   #14
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correct.. the OP got the straight tune, which he is happy with. e90pilot has the 3 stage manifold + tune, which yields more power.

actually just the 3 stage manifold on my 325i was a noticeable increase in power, even without a tune.
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      01-13-2011, 08:48 AM   #15
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hey gang, very new to this forum and did a search for e90 325i ecu upgrade which lead me here. as this is the most recent thread, i though i'd jump in. i have a 06 325 that came with magnaflow exhaust and simota CF intake. i bought the car a month ago. original owner had no software upgrade so i am looking for best option. any links would be appreciated! so far i have only read about Active Autowerks. was curious about the OE mentioned by OP. thanks in advance!

-DC
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      01-13-2011, 11:26 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DUI Elite View Post
Is all you have the tune? (any other mods?) I'm looking for a viable route for better power over 3k and better fuel efficiency out of my stock 325i. I too thought about the 3 stage intake manifold swap, but idk about how the tuning will go for it. I'll ask my tuner what he says about it too.
No other mods, except for carbon filter delete.
I don't know that you'll get better noticeably fuel efficiency from a tune. You need to change your driving style (and scrap the torque converter if you have one!). Make a conscious effort to keep the mpg gauge to the left side of 30. Get into 5th or 6th gear as soon as you can, especially cruising at 40 mph
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      01-13-2011, 11:36 AM   #17
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I average 20-21mpg city/hwy combined because of my right foot. How bout them apples?
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      01-13-2011, 11:59 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AlpineSwift View Post
I average 20-21mpg city/hwy combined because of my right foot. How bout them apples?
You need to lose 200 lb of power sapping coupling and front drive shafts! Trade them for a set of lightweight 16" wheels and Dunlop Wintersports.
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      01-13-2011, 12:01 PM   #19
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Originally Posted by AlpineSwift View Post
I average 20-21mpg city/hwy combined because of my right foot. How bout them apples?
I averaged 21mpg city/highway and fully tuned with headers lol
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      01-13-2011, 12:21 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by robbiec View Post
You need to lose 200 lb of power sapping coupling and front drive shafts! Trade them for a set of lightweight 16" wheels and Dunlop Wintersports.
I like my xdrive just fine thanks very much. It does its job in these colorado winters. And, at 6-7K ft elevation, I really don't have much of a "Give a damn" attitude left over when I'm running 16.5 seconds in the 1/4 completely stock. Just gives you an idea of what kind of bullshit I have to deal with every day, but thanks for the captain obvious remark.
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      01-13-2011, 12:24 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Craven 328 View Post
I averaged 21mpg city/highway and fully tuned with headers lol
Somehow that doesn't at all surprise me.

I'm thinking spring break (or maybe sooner) I'm gonna have to bug you about a set of headers. I'm kind of nervous to see how many people start cussing at me for being too loud.
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      01-13-2011, 12:26 PM   #22
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Somehow that doesn't at all surprise me.

I'm thinking spring break (or maybe sooner) I'm gonna have to bug you about a set of headers. I'm kind of nervous to see how many people start cussing at me for being too loud.
Who cares you wont hear them anyway!
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