[Jelle458]

I have a european 330i, I was told it was pretty important to say it's EU car because the intake should be different?

Anyway I'd like to do something, but all I really read about is changing the intake from an EU model onto your US model, and not really anything else.

I like the power of it, and the sound, but is there any way at all to increase low rpm power on these? It was basically impossible on my E39, you could get more power but only past 3500 rpm. This one needs 4500 rpm before it takes off, and until then it seems like I'm just waiting.

I got the car some months back so I am new in N52 engine but the M52 I am quite familiar with, just not sure what people do to their N52, and if it is just as impossible to gain low rpm power as on M52.

Engine and drivetrain is completely stock, with manual transmission. I really like how it sounds, not too loud but you can also hear it when it's working. I'd rather not change exhaust system for louder, but it might be the only real thing to do?

Any gurus?

[bluewater328]

Yeah, I wouldn't put on an exhaust if you're looking for low end power.

Is this an auto or stick? Not sure if Euro autos were neutered as much as the 2007+ 328i with the auto pedal position response.

[Jelle458]

I figured it wouldn't be the best thing to do either, just curious what people do, and if there is even anything to do at all.

It has a manual transmission, I spend almost 6 months finding one as I like the feeling of the stick.

It's a 2005 model so not sure about pedal position response, car is bone stock with only original stuff in it, I wasn't able to find anything aftermarket in it.

I see a people in here fiddling with superchargers, but I don't think boost is something I'd like to venture into. We have a 180% extra tax on cars (and 25% VAT) so just buying this car was a major setback, and getting parts are not very easy here, of course it all comes down to money.

But maybe an N53 or N54 intake could help on things, of course those have boost so not sure.

Actually I know nothing of these engines. On the M52 I installed the M50 intake and you gain some power on high rpm because the intake is bigger, and with a tune you could get those to make at least some power. Really not sure about N52.

[Twix]

Your only option for more power would be exhaust. You can do headers which will be a pretty decent gain, and with the rest of the exhaust stock, won’t be loud and obnoxious. If you can, catless headers would be the best option, but I know Denmark is very strict. You’d also need a tune to make best use and to remove the catalyst checks so you don’t get an engine light (if you go for no cats)

[Biginboca]

For high rpms power you can swap a n54 manifold onto the car. For low end grunt since you have a manual you can swap in a 3.73 rear differential complete (used take off from a wrecked 328i automatic). The diff swap is effectively going to feel like adding approx 30ft/lbs of torque at the motor, a nice increase you can really notice. In the US these differentials cost like $250-300 delivered so the value is very good also. They call it the poor mans supercharger lol

[F31B48]

Originally Posted by Jelle458

I have a european 330i, I was told it was pretty important to say it's EU car because the intake should be different?

Anyway I'd like to do something, but all I really read about is changing the intake from an EU model onto your US model, and not really anything else.

I like the power of it, and the sound, but is there any way at all to increase low rpm power on these? It was basically impossible on my E39, you could get more power but only past 3500 rpm. This one needs 4500 rpm before it takes off, and until then it seems like I'm just waiting.

I got the car some months back so I am new in N52 engine but the M52 I am quite familiar with, just not sure what people do to their N52, and if it is just as impossible to gain low rpm power as on M52.

Engine and drivetrain is completely stock, with manual transmission. I really like how it sounds, not too loud but you can also hear it when it's working. I'd rather not change exhaust system for louder, but it might be the only real thing to do?

Any gurus?

Check your DISA flaps are working in the intake manifold. If they are stuck open (which is a common issue) your low end power will be suffering.
I noticed a big difference in my low end power after fixing mine.
The best way to test them is by using inpa or ista to activate them. If you can't hear them working they will be jammed.
An 330i should have plenty of low end power if the DISAs are working properly

[Phil325i]

Originally Posted by Biginboca

For high rpms power you can swap a n54 manifold onto the car.

Erm...how can you fit the manifold from a turbocharged N54 onto an N/A engine?

[Biginboca]

Originally Posted by Phil325i

Erm...how can you fit the manifold from a turbocharged N54 onto an N/A engine?

Erm… You can Google or just read my write up on this forum

[Phil325i]

Originally Posted by Biginboca

Erm… You can Google or just read my write up on this forum

Ha ha! I'm being lazy to be honest as your build thread now runs to over 800 posts!

EDIT - sorry my bad. I thought you were talking about EXHAUST manifolds, not inlet, when I queried how that would work.

[Biginboca]

Originally Posted by Phil325i

Ha ha! I'm being lazy to be honest as your build thread now runs to over 800 posts!

EDIT - sorry my bad. I thought you were talking about EXHAUST manifolds, not inlet, when I queried how that would work.

Oh yeah, good point I should have said Intake Manifold.

And I see your point, my build thread is way out of hand. It really needs a table of contents at this point

[bluewater328]

Originally Posted by Biginboca

Oh yeah, good point I should have said Intake Manifold.

And I see your point, my build thread is way out of hand. It really needs a table of contents at this point

You know, that really would be great considering how many unique items it covered: I mean, yeah, build thread that has a M3 roof replacement midway through then goes back into power stuff. TOC on first post!

[Saico]

How about MILVs?