[DEfan]

Hey y'all. New to the forum.
I've always liked the feel of Bimmers, especially when I was in Germany. I kick myself a lot for getting rid of my 850i.
Anywho, last year, my fiance was trying frantically to get my attention. She found an '06 330i with 168k on the clock. Interior is pristine w no tears or wear on the beautiful black leather and the body is in incredible shape. They were asking $1,500 and I so happened to have the funds on hand. It was missing on #2, so I ordered plugs and injectors for it and the valve cover is leaking oil like a sieve. Long story short, I decided that instead of just repairing it, I'm going to make it one of my last project cars. I've seen mention of these producing around 600bhp when built right. I know just for the engine, I'm looking at around $10k+ just in parts. I'm a master tech for GM, so I have the know-how and tools to get this done. I know for certain, forged H-beam rods are a must, and I'll look around at different pistons. Are there any bolt on turbo kits for the N52B30 (header, turbo, and all the goodies)? Or am I going to have to fabricate the header? Also, all my prev builds have been american V8s, so I'd like to try and stay with my known manufacturers if possible (E3, jet, royal purple, etc). Thoughts? I know I can't bore this engine .030 over like I would normally since it's a composite mag aluminum block. Also, anywhere I can get a decent LVDS cable? I'm getting a performance code for it. Anyhow, I know this post is kinda all over the place, but I'm stoked for the build. TIA for the advice

[Brandoch]

Originally Posted by DEfan

Hey y'all. New to the forum.
I've always liked the feel of Bimmers, especially when I was in Germany. I kick myself a lot for getting rid of my 850i.
Anywho, last year, my fiance was trying frantically to get my attention. She found an '06 330i with 168k on the clock. Interior is pristine w no tears or wear on the beautiful black leather and the body is in incredible shape. They were asking $1,500 and I so happened to have the funds on hand. It was missing on #2, so I ordered plugs and injectors for it and the valve cover is leaking oil like a sieve. Long story short, I decided that instead of just repairing it, I'm going to make it one of my last project cars. I've seen mention of these producing around 600bhp when built right. I know just for the engine, I'm looking at around $10k+ just in parts. I'm a master tech for GM, so I have the know-how and tools to get this done. I know for certain, forged H-beam rods are a must, and I'll look around at different pistons. Are there any bolt on turbo kits for the N52B30 (header, turbo, and all the goodies)? Or am I going to have to fabricate the header? Also, all my prev builds have been american V8s, so I'd like to try and stay with my known manufacturers if possible (E3, jet, royal purple, etc). Thoughts? I know I can't bore this engine .030 over like I would normally since it's a composite mag aluminum block. Also, anywhere I can get a decent LVDS cable? I'm getting a performance code for it. Anyhow, I know this post is kinda all over the place, but I'm stoked for the build. TIA for the advice

Way cheaper to get a 335i then to turbo a N52. It can and has been done but often it's way easier and cheaper to start with a 335i with a N54.

[DEfan]

Originally Posted by Brandoch

Way cheaper to get a 335i then to turbo a N52. It can and has been done but often it's way easier and cheaper to start with a 335i with a N54.

I understand it's probably cheaper and easier to do that, But i enjoy the challenge of doing something not many have done. I've considered getting the M3 engine and trans and going from there, but finding one that isn't rodded out is difficult. Even if I'm just pulling this one apart, cleaning it up, and putting it back together without doing the FA, I will. But I'm not going to get a completely different car just because others deem it "easier" to mod. From what I've read, the N52B30 is the last really reliable engine BMW produced. Sorry if it seems like I'm being rude or all over the place, But far too often have I seen "just get an n54". Rock on, bro

[Brandoch]

Originally Posted by DEfan

I understand it's probably cheaper and easier to do that, But i enjoy the challenge of doing something not many have done. I've considered getting the M3 engine and trans and going from there, but finding one that isn't rodded out is difficult. Even if I'm just pulling this one apart, cleaning it up, and putting it back together without doing the FA, I will. But I'm not going to get a completely different car just because others deem it "easier" to mod. From what I've read, the N52B30 is the last really reliable engine BMW produced. Sorry if it seems like I'm being rude or all over the place, But far too often have I seen "just get an n54". Rock on, bro

The reason for it is that the N52 is higher compression, open deck, valvetronic and in general is not designed from factory for forced induction. However the N54 is already designed for turbo-charged.
I'm not knocking you for wanting to go with a N52, just giving you other ideas.

[DEfan]

Originally Posted by Brandoch

The reason for it is that the N52 is higher compression, open deck, valvetronic and in general is not designed from factory for forced induction. However the N54 is already designed for turbo-charged.
I'm not knocking you for wanting to go with a N52, just giving you other ideas.

Much obliged. I've seen some really crazy N54 builds, But from what I've read, the N54 isn't as reliable as the N52, unless I'm misunderstanding. The biggest thing that I'm having trouble wrapping my head around is the fact that it's a Mag composite block. I kinda worry about the block catching on fire spontaneously