Anyone makes a chip for the E90 325i engine? - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum

nimo · 07-30-2005, 07:57 PM

I know the E90 car is new on the market but I was wondering if there are any computer chips out there? If not, is there any aftermarket mods that add more power, i.e. intake, exhaust, etc. I feel the 325i motor is detuned so BMW can make the 330's specs more attractive. The 325 and the 330 are similar in engine size and only differs by the heads and induction system but for a 3.0 liter, I would think the 325i engine could come up with more power (U.S. 215 HP, 185 lb-ft torque). I think a computer chip could free up more power by adjusting the timing and fuel map. There are other 3.0 liter size motor out there that makes just as much or more power, i.e. IS300, Camry, Legend, etc.

coco · 07-30-2005, 07:59 PM

That's the million dollar question, how much tuners will be able to squeeze from the 325.

There's been tons of discussions on this already

search for "325" and I'm sure you'll see many threads on it. Lots of great info/speculation in those.

No chips out yet. We're starting to see exhausts now - supersprint, etc..

dnh325i · 07-30-2005, 08:16 PM

I'm just supposing here, but I doubt that the 325i engine is "detuned" as you say. The critical path to making horsepower in a naturally aspirated engne is how much air you can get into the combustion chamber, and how efficiently can you get it out.

The difference between the 325i engine and the 330i engine is a more elaborate and efficient 3-stage intake system on the 330i engine, allowing the engine to develop more torque and HP and a free flowing exhaust system. The combustion chamber (cylinder head, piston crown, bore/stroke) are identical between the 325i and 330i. So how do you improve on this with a chip? It's possible that a chip can marginally add some torque and HP, but the engine components will need to be changed to substantially change the torque/HP characteristics of the engine.

nimo · 07-30-2005, 08:46 PM

Coco,

Thanks for the quick reply and info.
------------------------------------------------

DNH,

However for a late model 3.0 liter, don't you think the torque is rather low. So if you do free up the intake and exhaust restrictions and combine it with a suitable timing and fuel map, won't the power come near the 330i. I do understand that the 330i-3 stage induction does make a difference, but for ~$6K more, couldn't the 325i use that money for a better intake and exhaust system than what the 330 has stock excluding the 3 stage induction system. I just feel that BMW had to justify the $6K upgrade to the 330i with better performance numbers besides the bigger wheels, brakes and the 3-stage-induction system.

The way I look at it is like how the late model Z28 Camaro LS1 is a detuned C5 corvette LS1. The exhaust and intake restrictions are limiting the Z28 camaro's LS1 potential. In real world, the Camaro Z28 is fjust as fast or faster due to its live axle set up. General Motors could not have the Z28 more powerful than the Corvette which is about twice cost of the Z28.

ward · 07-30-2005, 08:48 PM

chips didn't do crap for the E46

I bet they won't do crap for the 330.

The reasons you stated (head, bore/stroke....) all being the same between the 330-325 are why the 325 owners hope for a "magic" chip that will make their 325 a 330.

BMW isn't that stupid, and with the new throttle less engine it seems we're only a computer glitch away from major valve/piston damage (like old E30 timing belt failures)

I'll keep my BMW software thanks

nimo · 07-30-2005, 11:43 PM

10.7:1 compression X 3.0 liter X inline 6 = 185 lb-ft torque

.

Its not that the chip would make a 325 into a 330 but the numbers don't add up with their new technology; as if BMW did limit the motor's output intentionally to market the 330's performance. I could be wrong though and/or their main goal was better mileage for the E90.

Maybe the chip can set the nonsport-E90's governor pass the 130 MPH limit. Not that I need the speed or

, but it would be nice to know I have it.

romeo26 · 07-31-2005, 02:30 AM

well youll be able to trust dinan for the chips, and other components!! hey said in about a year from reading the other threads!! so just wait.
ward may be right but then again the 330 is almost identical!!!!

07-30-2005, 07:57 PM	#1
nimo Private Drives: E90, Mighty Corolla Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Honolulu Posts: 96 iTrader: (0)	Anyone makes a chip for the E90 325i engine? I know the E90 car is new on the market but I was wondering if there are any computer chips out there? If not, is there any aftermarket mods that add more power, i.e. intake, exhaust, etc. I feel the 325i motor is detuned so BMW can make the 330's specs more attractive. The 325 and the 330 are similar in engine size and only differs by the heads and induction system but for a 3.0 liter, I would think the 325i engine could come up with more power (U.S. 215 HP, 185 lb-ft torque). I think a computer chip could free up more power by adjusting the timing and fuel map. There are other 3.0 liter size motor out there that makes just as much or more power, i.e. IS300, Camry, Legend, etc.

07-30-2005, 07:59 PM	#2
coco First Lieutenant Drives: Bimmmer Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 287 iTrader: (0)	That's the million dollar question, how much tuners will be able to squeeze from the 325. There's been tons of discussions on this already search for "325" and I'm sure you'll see many threads on it. Lots of great info/speculation in those. No chips out yet. We're starting to see exhausts now - supersprint, etc..

07-30-2005, 08:16 PM	#3
dnh325i Private First Class Drives: E90 325i Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Houston Posts: 75 iTrader: (0)	I'm just supposing here, but I doubt that the 325i engine is "detuned" as you say. The critical path to making horsepower in a naturally aspirated engne is how much air you can get into the combustion chamber, and how efficiently can you get it out. The difference between the 325i engine and the 330i engine is a more elaborate and efficient 3-stage intake system on the 330i engine, allowing the engine to develop more torque and HP and a free flowing exhaust system. The combustion chamber (cylinder head, piston crown, bore/stroke) are identical between the 325i and 330i. So how do you improve on this with a chip? It's possible that a chip can marginally add some torque and HP, but the engine components will need to be changed to substantially change the torque/HP characteristics of the engine.

07-30-2005, 08:46 PM	#4
nimo Private Drives: E90, Mighty Corolla Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Honolulu Posts: 96 iTrader: (0)	Coco, Thanks for the quick reply and info. ------------------------------------------------ DNH, However for a late model 3.0 liter, don't you think the torque is rather low. So if you do free up the intake and exhaust restrictions and combine it with a suitable timing and fuel map, won't the power come near the 330i. I do understand that the 330i-3 stage induction does make a difference, but for ~$6K more, couldn't the 325i use that money for a better intake and exhaust system than what the 330 has stock excluding the 3 stage induction system. I just feel that BMW had to justify the $6K upgrade to the 330i with better performance numbers besides the bigger wheels, brakes and the 3-stage-induction system. The way I look at it is like how the late model Z28 Camaro LS1 is a detuned C5 corvette LS1. The exhaust and intake restrictions are limiting the Z28 camaro's LS1 potential. In real world, the Camaro Z28 is fjust as fast or faster due to its live axle set up. General Motors could not have the Z28 more powerful than the Corvette which is about twice cost of the Z28.

07-30-2005, 08:48 PM	#5
ward Lieutenant General Drives: F Join Date: May 2005 Location: T Posts: 6,044 iTrader: (0)	chips didn't do crap for the E46 I bet they won't do crap for the 330. The reasons you stated (head, bore/stroke....) all being the same between the 330-325 are why the 325 owners hope for a "magic" chip that will make their 325 a 330. BMW isn't that stupid, and with the new throttle less engine it seems we're only a computer glitch away from major valve/piston damage (like old E30 timing belt failures) I'll keep my BMW software thanks

07-30-2005, 11:43 PM	#6
nimo Private Drives: E90, Mighty Corolla Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Honolulu Posts: 96 iTrader: (0)	10.7:1 compression X 3.0 liter X inline 6 = 185 lb-ft torque . Its not that the chip would make a 325 into a 330 but the numbers don't add up with their new technology; as if BMW did limit the motor's output intentionally to market the 330's performance. I could be wrong though and/or their main goal was better mileage for the E90. Maybe the chip can set the nonsport-E90's governor pass the 130 MPH limit. Not that I need the speed or , but it would be nice to know I have it.

07-31-2005, 02:30 AM	#7
romeo26 Lieutenant Drives: e30 325 (no lette) Join Date: May 2005 Location: anaheim, cali Posts: 347 iTrader: (0)	well youll be able to trust dinan for the chips, and other components!! hey said in about a year from reading the other threads!! so just wait. ward may be right but then again the 330 is almost identical!!!!