[whippersnapper]

Well you have ot ask yourself always what is the rationale for the change in performance and is it plausable.

I have no idea whether this particular chip works or not but there is certainly a plausible explanation.

The motor is otherwise identical to the 330 save the 3 stage intake which like many things may or may not be doing that much. Since the engine opens the intake valves under electronic control it is certainly reasonable to assume that BMW simply electronically crippled the 325. This chip then just restores it to 330 spec.

[ksfrogman]

Originally Posted by whippersnapper

Well you have ot ask yourself always what is the rationale for the change in performance and is it plausable.

I have no idea whether this particular chip works or not but there is certainly a plausible explanation.

The motor is otherwise identical to the 330 save the 3 stage intake which like many things may or may not be doing that much. Since the engine opens the intake valves under electronic control it is certainly reasonable to assume that BMW simply electronically crippled the 325. This chip then just restores it to 330 spec.

I've been wondering the same thing too. It will be interesting to see if the 325i has a different exhaust tone after it's chipped. In OEM form, the 330i sounds more throaty.

[steve@trendixinc.com]

Originally Posted by ksfrogman

Okay, I think this is how it works. The valvetronic attenuates the amount of valve lift that is timed via camshaft. Here's a cutaway diagram:


A closer view:


bmwusa.com info:

Double Vanos

Double VANOS allows the engine to "steplessly" choose valve timing for both intake and exhaust camshafts. Electronically controlled in response to engine speed, load and temperature, Double VANOS maximizes engine response, efficiency and emission control. The benefit: more low- to medium-speed torque for strong acceleration and added flexibility for better highway performance, plus quieter, smoother engine at idle.


Valvetronic

Valvetronic replaces the function of the throttle butterfly with continuously variable valve lift control, to enable the engine to breathe more easily. An electric motor controlled by the accelerator pedal turns an eccentric shaft, which transmits the rotation of the cams to the valves via a connecting lever. Controlling the position of the eccentric shaft controls the ideal valve lift. The result is remarkably smooth and optimized power and efficiency at all times.

Nice homeworks Mike! YOU are the Doc!

[Joe Bimmer]

James, I just sent you an email. I do believe that this will only be a safe mod for those of us with a 325 STEP, because the 6MT tranny can't hold the power gains.

[Driv3r]

Originally Posted by Joe Bimmer

James, I just sent you an email. I do believe that this will only be a safe mode for those of us with a 325 STEP, because the 6MT tranny can't hold the power gains.

uhhh? u mean the other way around? automatic transmission are much more fragile when given more power than designed to handle, the 6MT can easily handle the extra powergain.

[Ryan@Motorwerks]

Isn't the 325i Trans identical to the 330's? If so I don't see a problem with chipping either, it just makes it like a 330i.

[ADHD]

Originally Posted by Driv3r

uhhh? u mean the other way around? automatic transmission are much more fragile when given more power than designed to handle, the 6MT can easily handle the extra powergain.

the dyno was done with a 325 step so im sure thats why hes saying that!!

[Joe Bimmer]

Originally Posted by Driv3r

uhhh? u mean the other way around? automatic transmission are much more fragile when given more power than designed to handle, the 6MT can easily handle the extra powergain.

I meant 325i STEP vs 325i 6MT. I remember reading somewhere that the 325i 6MT was only rated for about 225 HP max. I'm sure an upgraded clutch would solve the problem, but then that's an additional expense that the STEP people won't have. I could be wrong though; I'll try to dig up the info that I read a while back and post it.

It basically said that the 325i STEP tranny can handle more power than an OEM 325 6MT tranny. There was no discussion about 325 vs 330 drive train comparisons, just between the 325 step, and the 325 manual.

EDIT:
Click here

Originally Posted by RichReg

Yeah, sure they will.
That's why they have no replies when I ask them when something will be available for the 325.

Also, the chart that coco posted doesn't list the different intake manifold for the 330, as well as the adjuster units for the variable intake:

330i
Intake manifold : 11 61 7 522 927
Adjuster unit : 11 61 7 522 929
Adjuster unit : 11 61 7 522 928

325i
Intake manifold : 11 61 7 542 757
(No adjuster units)

It should also be noted that the manual transmission on the 325 is not rated for any more hp than 215. I have all 3 Dinan upgrades on my 323Ci and recently when I went for an oil change @ 83K miles, the mechanic noticed a very slight leak of transmission fluid in the driveshaft. He said its normal @ that mileage, but I'm still wary....

Originally Posted by Epyon
wtf, you mean the tranny in the 325 cant handle safely more than 215?

god BMW, jerks!

Originally Posted by RichReg
I should rephrase: Its not RATED for more than 215 hp. Whether or not the unit inside any one particular 325 will be able to withstand any upgrades over the long term is anybody's guess.

[whippersnapper]

there is no way that the drivetrain in the 325 would be so close to its max potential as you suggest. I'd be surprised if there is any difference between the 325 and 330 drive trains

[GSI]

I know every one is very skeptical about these # but they are real and solid! these are on a dynodynamics dyno and in about 90 degree Summer heat, with 50 to 60 % humidity. and this is not just one run, the power is consistent run after run if you look at the final dyno run on the dyno sheet the run is #21. be confident that you will see very similar increases on you 325.

Jon
Dynocomp

[diesel007]

Originally Posted by GSI

Attachment 37685I know every one is very skeptical about these # but they are real and solid! these are on a dynodynamics dyno and in about 90 degree Summer heat, with 50 to 60 % humidity. and this is not just one run, the power is consistent run after run if you look at the final dyno run on the dyno sheet the run is #21. be confident that you will see very similar increases on you 325.

Jon
Dynocomp

Thanks for the info this is awesome! I can't wait to get this done James lets do this ASAP!

[Got-BMW?]

What kind of an improvement has either of the tested cars (325/330) gained at the track?

Not that I don't believe the results but I've seen just about every dyno trick there is for graphs so what kind of a MPH and ET improvement has it gained off the dyno? (Before/After, etc...) What about day to day driving? Gas mileage? (Gain/Loss?) Cost? Who can install it or does it have to be done locally? Labor for install? Etc....

We need real world tests and more info about the mod if they want to sell it.....

[FinnVette]

Originally Posted by GSI

Attachment 37685I know every one is very skeptical about these # but they are real and solid! these are on a dynodynamics dyno and in about 90 degree Summer heat, with 50 to 60 % humidity. and this is not just one run, the power is consistent run after run if you look at the final dyno run on the dyno sheet the run is #21. be confident that you will see very similar increases on you 325.

Jon
Dynocomp

There is no reason for anyone to be skeptical. These numbers are exactly what I expected. We should remember that U.S. spec. 325i is just a detuned version from 330i. Only mechanical differences between these two engines, is the 3-stage intake manifold versus 1-stage in 325i. The 330i intake will probably make the biggest difference in the low end torque.

For the same reason I don't believe that 330i engines will see similar gains, expect something in 10-15hp range.

Anyhow it's great to see somebody has finally accomplished to do this re-map, great work!

[huchung]

Are the numbers for step really accurate/obtainable? Im still under the impressions that the auto tranny in the 325i/330i was labeled inaccurate/difficult to dyno because it shifts to the next gear when you try to rev it to max. Has something changed from the time some members did a dyno on the fajita intake to now?

[FinnVette]

Originally Posted by huchung

Are the numbers for step really accurate/obtainable? Im still under the impressions that the auto tranny in the 325i/330i was labeled inaccurate/difficult to dyno because it shifts to the next gear when you try to rev it to max. Has something changed from the time some members did a dyno on the fajita intake to now?

All automatic transmissions are like that. By the RPM it will change higher gear you have already reached the maximum output.

[huchung]

Originally Posted by FinnVette

All automatic transmissions are like that. By the RPM it will change higher gear you have already reached the maximum output.

ahh, thanks for clearing that up!

[RichReg]

Originally Posted by Joe Bimmer

I meant 325i STEP vs 325i 6MT. I remember reading somewhere that the 325i 6MT was only rated for about 225 HP max. I'm sure an upgraded clutch would solve the problem, but then that's an additional expense that the STEP people won't have. I could be wrong though; I'll try to dig up the info that I read a while back and post it.

It basically said that the 325i STEP tranny can handle more power than an OEM 325 6MT tranny. There was no discussion about 325 vs 330 drive train comparisons, just between the 325 step, and the 325 manual.

EDIT:
Click here

Dug my quote up from under the cobwebs, eh?

In any event, after reading through this thread I am convinced that this re-flash will definitely do SOMETHING noticeable to a 325, but whether or not it will add a full 40hp remains to be seen.

However, the truth about the 325's manual trans is that it IS different from the 330's, and if you do a search on Bimmerfest.com around the time of my previous post, you can find several sources that can confirm this.

But if it were my 325, I'd probably take the chance anyway.

[ksfrogman]

E90 325i:

Transmission
Manual gear ratios - I/II 4.32/2.46 :1
Manual gear ratios - III/IV 1.66/1.23 :1
Manual gear ratios - V/VI/R 1.00/0.85/3.94 :1
Manual gear ratios - Final drive ratio 3.23 :1
Automatic gear ratios - I/II 4.17/2.34 :1
Automatic gear ratios - III/IV 1.52/1.14 :1
Automatic gear ratios - V/VI/R 0.87/0.69/3.40 :1
Automatic gear ratios - Final drive ratio 3.73 :1

E90 330i:

Transmission
Manual gear ratios - I/II 4.35/2.50 :1
Manual gear ratios - III/IV 1.67/1.23 :1
Manual gear ratios - V/VI/R 1.00/0.85/3.93 :1
Manual gear ratios - Final drive ratio 3.15 :1
Automatic gear ratios - I/II 4.17/2.34 :1
Automatic gear ratios - III/IV 1.52/1.14 :1
Automatic gear ratios - V/VI/R 0.87/0.69/3.40 :1
Automatic gear ratios - Final drive ratio 3.64 :1

[Driv3r]

Originally Posted by RichReg

But if it were my 325, I'd probably take the chance anyway.

which is the exact risk im willing to take...there are many e46 owners with superchargers, running on stock tranny no problem.

[tl_boy]

I'm keeping a VERY close eye on this development. I was confident that something would come out that would untap the 325's potential, and this MAY be it. Personally, I would still need for at least one known forum member to test this out (Diesel??). If its true, I'm down 100%, and will buy it as long as they keep it sub 1k.

If it is indeed accurate, congratulations to the evotech team on a job well done! I was actually thinking it would take up to 2 years to have a mod to untap the 325i's potential for 40+ horses, this, after about 1 year is excellent news.

One thing fellas, please keep this thread strictly technical and informative, lets not let this thread digress into 325 vs. 330, or "see, i told you" threads. That has no productive value.

bump for more productive comments and/or queries.

[Driv3r]

ohh, so this dyno was done on a 325 in STEP!, which means people with 6MT could be expecting a little more power delivered to the wheels? if i lived close to Evo, i would definatly stop by and have them update it on site, any cali owners should do that!, once someone gives the "OK" im all over this, i think the eisenmann SR pipes are going to have to wait a little bit....:rocks: :rocks: :rocks:

[Goalie_K]

Originally Posted by Driv3r

Evotech i beleive was in an article on European Car and they were explaining how remarkable dedicated teh engineers at the shop were with cars, and how they had more passion than most companies at "getting it right"

This is probably the article you are talking about??
http://www.evotech.de/de_2_3_8.htm