[E92William]

Well that hadn't been brought up until now. Not the first time I've seen a used supercharger for mid 2k. Then you have to get it tuned though.

[e92streakofalpinewhite]

Originally Posted by Torgus

Why did you get rid of the S3? Isn't the e92 a downgrade?

But what everyone said here full NA bolt on mods if you want more pep for around 3k. You can see what they dyno if that is enough for you vs. stock to make the decision if dropping 3k is worth it. It's not going to be like the gains the S3 with full boltons and a tune will have or put down.

What do used SCs go for? Must be around 3k. Hold out for one of those? Not that I would own an n52 again but if I did it would have to be SC'd 100%.

My wife and I both hate to see the car go but it was a combination of factors: want to drive a manual again, no longer have parking garage so I'm anxious about the street parking situation with the Audi, the difference in price on the sale of the two cars will go a long way to furnish our new place, and I just came across this car and it checked all the boxes.

[e92streakofalpinewhite]

Originally Posted by ccyccm

I recommend deleting the clutch delay valve. It’s not a performance mod, but it’s going to make driving the car noticeably better—and if you’re doing everything else, why not!?

This sounds like a sensible thing to do, but would keeping the CDV make it easier to (re)learn how to drive a manual transmission? I'll be renewing my wife's ability to drive a stick and would like to make it as easy as possible.

[Torgus]

Originally Posted by e92streakofalpinewhite

This sounds like a sensible thing to do, but would keeping the CDV make it easier to (re)learn how to drive a manual transmission? I'll be renewing my wife's ability to drive a stick and would like to make it as easy as possible.

No the CDV is the worst thing ever created. It's a free mod. Takes like 20m including jacking the car up. Remove it immediately. It is counter intuitive. The stock clutch is super easy, at least it was on my n54.

[Vivek.]

I'd spend 3k on diff, suspension, and wheels, maybe chassis reinforcements and some cosmetics if you have the desire/leftover cash. Get some good coilovers on it, lightweight wheels with good rubber, and an LSD and that's a big improvement over stock. Chasing HP with bolt-ons will be MUCH more marginal returns.

[e92streakofalpinewhite]

Originally Posted by Noir

3.91/3.64 diff ~150

Would something like this work?
https://www.ebay.com/i/233392826120?...%26brand%3DBMW

[Noir]

e92streakofalpinewhite yeah man! Just clean it up and inspect when you get it. Should bolt right up. Maybe a good ole fluid flush will make sure you're good to go.

[Biginboca]

Originally Posted by e92streakofalpinewhite

Would something like this work?
https://www.ebay.com/i/233392826120?...%26brand%3DBMW

@Noir I think is mistaken. You need to get a 3.73 from a 328i manual RWD car for a direct bolt up. The XDrive models use a 3.91 diff that has a different pinion flange and has a shaft protruding from the flange that needs to be trimmed.

So 3.91 is better (IMO) but 3.73 is the direct bolt up. The difference in performance between the 3.91 and 3.73 is almost splitting hairs, but because I was building a LSD diff anyway and not a simple bolt up I opted for the 3.91 with the added work.

At this stage in the game I would recommend you get a 3.73 and you should be able to for around $200-250 delivered.

[E92William]

In theory I think you would get a better 0-60 with the 3.73 because with the 3.91 I have to shift into 3rd right before 60 so it might seem faster there but the truth is the 3.91 is quicker.

[Noir]

Biginboca my bad 😭 thank you for correcting me. I guess when I had the ole Indy do it he just didn't break it down for me, or maybe he did and my brain is toast... sorry e92streakofalpinewhite

[e92streakofalpinewhite]

Thanks guys very helpful! Do you guys know if there is a thread (or other resource) available the describes the work/trimming required? I'm confident my dad has the tools and experience to do it but wanted to get a sense of what we're up against to determine whether to go with 3.73 or 3.91.

[Biginboca]

Originally Posted by e92streakofalpinewhite

Thanks guys very helpful! Do you guys know if there is a thread (or other resource) available the describes the work/trimming required? I'm confident my dad has the tools and experience to do it but wanted to get a sense of what we're up against to determine whether to go with 3.73 or 3.91.

Look at the picture in the auction for the diff you posted. See the metal shaft protruding out of the flange the driveshaft bolts to? That needs to go. And then you need to unbolt that same flange (3 bolt triangular flange) and swap to the round one that the 3.73 diff would come with (which is also the same round driveshaft flange as your current diff has).

[e92streakofalpinewhite]

Hey everybody, I just wanted to provide an update on the modifications I landed on. I've purchased all the parts and I'll keep you guys updated when they are done and provide some photos. My dad and I plan to do all the work. I appreciate again all the help!

- Replace front grills (one was broken when I purchased the car)
- 3.91 rear end differential
- silicone intake hose
- charcoal filter delete
- MILVs
- 3 stage intake manifold
- short shifter + rear shifter bushing + upgraded shift knob
- cat-back exhaust

[Biginboca]

Originally Posted by e92streakofalpinewhite

Hey everybody, I just wanted to provide an update on the modifications I landed on. I've purchased all the parts and I'll keep you guys updated when they are done and provide some photos. My dad and I plan to do all the work. I appreciate again all the help!

- Replace front grills (one was broken when I purchased the car)
- 3.91 rear end differential
- silicone intake hose
- charcoal filter delete
- MILVs
- 3 stage intake manifold
- short shifter + rear shifter bushing + upgraded shift knob
- cat-back exhaust

Looks good dude! Just want to point out again the 3.91 diff will require swapping the pinion flange and trimming off the bit that sticks out. This is all doable but just be prepared it’s not a direct bolt on.

I would also recommend the Dinan style ram intake mod. It’s a simple diy that is cheap but makes a nice difference in intake sound and gives you a few hp too. This can be done easily for under $50 in parts. I see you are in NC also. If they don’t have emissions testing (I have no idea) you might want to pick up some headers down the line.

Here’s the info on the ram intake with links for Amazon parts I used at the bottom of the first post. It works fine with stock Airbox also I ran it that way for a couple years. Depending on what you have lying around and how you want the finished product to look you could do this mod for as low as $15 and a couple hours tinkering.

https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1696371

Here’s a link to the thread with dyno’s for this mod which inspired me to do it also:

https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1186611

[850CSi]

Which intake hose did you go with? Let us know how it turns out!

[NFiftyWon]

Originally Posted by rjahl

My 2 cents,

Do the three stage manifold and tune and call it the day. Put the balance of your funds into a savings/investment account.

You will have plenty of fun and the motor will be reliable and economical.

Have fun with it, its a great car and motor but it's never going to be the 335is so don't try to make it something it's not.

Oh please
$~1,000 nitrous setup (75wet)
$600 supersprint headers
$600 Stage FP tune
$280 Injen CAI
Secondary cat delete
DISA
MILVS

I put bus lengths on stock N54 until about 140
+ i dont pay for n54 repairs or insurance
+ SULEV warranty

[E92William]

I wonder what's left of that warranty once you pull up to the dealer with those mods lol

[NFiftyWon]

Originally Posted by E92William

I wonder what's left of that warranty once you pull up to the dealer with those mods lol

I just take the nitrous solenoid off, tuck the lines and flash the bimmerlabs tune. They are probably sus but the techs dont really care. They have approved me every time so far. in fact they replaced my bad cats under warranty and i took one off right away and sold it and used the money to buy M-sport bumper and do dual exhaust conversion lol