[SnowGlobe]

Hello everyone.

I've been looking to make a budget HPDE car for a long time now. It's come to my attention that base model e90's, specifically a N52 powered, pre-LCI 328i with the 6speed manual are fairly cheap now. I was initially looking for an older Civic Si, BRZ, 350Z, etc.....but all those cars have been essentially beat to death.

Meanwhile nice, base model e90 328i's that were used to put around town are plentiful. From what I recall the N52 powertrain is stout, with no problems apart from common maintenance (gaskets...no rod bearings like the N54 or injectors).

My plan would be
1. Get a cheap e90 with 120k miles
2. Swap radiator/waterpump/all fluids
3. Bilstein B12 or equivalent + M3 control arms and bushings
4. Performance alignment
5. ??????
6. Have fun at the track. Not looking to set any records, just have a good time.

Optional: Get a 3 stage DISA manifold from a junkyard car.

Thoughts ????

[eljay]

Nothing wrong with that plan, but I'd opt for a 128i instead - the lightest and nimblest of the N52 variety.

[SnowGlobe]

I would agree. I'll keep an eye on prices.

[eljay]

https://www.thedrive.com/guides-and-...rance-race-car

It's only recently that I got over the external looks of the E82 and I always liked the compact interior. If I had time & space, this would be a great track toy methinks.
That video above has a nice list of practical mods in the description.

I think this one is a great deal with all the work already done and low mileage:
https://www.kijiji.ca/v-autos-camion...3613?undefined

[72GMC]

Originally Posted by SnowGlobe

Hello everyone.

I've been looking to make a budget HPDE car for a long time now. It's come to my attention that base model e90's, specifically a N52 powered, pre-LCI 328i with the 6speed manual are fairly cheap now. I was initially looking for an older Civic Si, BRZ, 350Z, etc.....but all those cars have been essentially beat to death.

Meanwhile nice, base model e90 328i's that were used to put around town are plentiful. From what I recall the N52 powertrain is stout, with no problems apart from common maintenance (gaskets...no rod bearings like the N54 or injectors).

My plan would be
1. Get a cheap e90 with 120k miles
2. Swap radiator/waterpump/all fluids
3. Bilstein B12 or equivalent + M3 control arms and bushings
4. Performance alignment
5. ??????
6. Have fun at the track. Not looking to set any records, just have a good time.

Optional: Get a 3 stage DISA manifold from a junkyard car.

Thoughts ????

328 or 128, either one is a good path.

[72GMC]

-3.0 to -3.5 front camber
-2.0 rear camber

[SnowGlobe]

I'll keep this all in mind fellas. It seems in my area, e90 328i's can be had for half of the equivalent 128i. There are just more of them, and even more of them with light damage for cheap

[tlow98]

Originally Posted by SnowGlobe

I'll keep this all in mind fellas. It seems in my area, e90 328i's can be had for half of the equivalent 128i. There are just more of them, and even more of them with light damage for cheap

Yep, I get it. Plus, no one brings up how cheap the 128i interiors feel. It’s another step down, for sure. Maybe that doesn’t matter if you’re just looking for performance, but it bothered me more than I thought it would!

[F13.KENN]

ECSTuning front sway bar & condor rear subframe bushings will make a BIG difference btw. (Imo)

I know you said budget but if you can squeeze both in, i highly recommend them.

Swaybar felt like going from oem shocks n struts to coilovers all over again

Condor rear subframe bushings helped a lot with keeping the car straight when WOT. Found myself naturally "correcting" for the wandering that wasnt there anymore the first few drives with them. Might not be as apparent on a 328i/128i though since im making way more power than one

[SnowGlobe]

Originally Posted by SCHWARZ_E92

ECSTuning front sway bar & condor rear subframe bushings will make a BIG difference btw. (Imo)

I know you said budget but if you can squeeze both in, i highly recommend them.

Swaybar felt like going from oem shocks n struts to coilovers all over again

Condor rear subframe bushings helped a lot with keeping the car straight when WOT. Found myself naturally "correcting" for the wandering that wasnt there anymore the first few drives with them. Might not be as apparent on a 328i/128i though since im making way more power than one

Thanks for the tip!
I'll look into it. By budget I mean't the initial cost of entry. A $5k 328i is a lot easier to put into a wall than a $45k M240i

[rothwem]

I'm not sure if its the same north of the border, but manual ones are fairly rare around me and command a premium if they're not completely clapped out.

[oVeRdOsE.]

question, are those n52 are prone to oil starvation in curves on the track ?

[Biginboca]

Originally Posted by oVeRdOsE.

question, are those n52 are prone to oil starvation in curves on the track ?

On 200tw tires it’s not an issue but if you want to go full slicks/R comps then it might be a concern and you should consider an accusump. N52 on track is surprisingly capable and easy to live with. I have 8 or 9 full track days on mine with a bumped redline to 7500 for about 80k miles (140k miles on car) and it’s been completely issue free.

In that last video above I’m chasing a z4 3.5is which is a N54 on stage 1 (3psi added boost) and a DCT.

[72GMC]

Originally Posted by oVeRdOsE.

question, are those n52 are prone to oil starvation in curves on the track ?

I've had no oil starvation issues with 200TW or 100TW tires.

Only issue has been "reduced power mode" after 15 minutes, on a 38C/100F day. All the BMW's were suffering, turbo's even more so. Oil temp.

Went up a gear, basically a mid-session cool-down lap. Less power = less braking required, and improved focused on corner entry speed. All good. Full power restored after one lap.

[oVeRdOsE.]

Originally Posted by 72GMC

I've had no oil starvation issues with 200TW or 100TW tires.

Only issue has been "reduced power mode" after 15 minutes, on a 38C/100F day. All the BMW's were suffering, turbo's even more so. Oil temp.

Went up a gear, basically a mid-session cool-down lap. Less power = less braking required, and improved focused on corner entry speed. All good. Full power restored after one lap.

very impressive.

I'm into B7 audi since this was the last chassis with the wagon manual, but all engine, 2.0t, 3.2 or the 4.2 (even the rs4) get oil starvation.

Then I had a E90, damn those car, somewhat very similar, are better in almost every way.

Might plan to sell the B7 part out since I have a lot of mods, and jump into E90s full blast.

[JonOhh]

Originally Posted by SCHWARZ_E92

ECSTuning front sway bar & condor rear subframe bushings will make a BIG difference btw. (Imo)

I know you said budget but if you can squeeze both in, i highly recommend them.

Swaybar felt like going from oem shocks n struts to coilovers all over again

Condor rear subframe bushings helped a lot with keeping the car straight when WOT. Found myself naturally "correcting" for the wandering that wasnt there anymore the first few drives with them. Might not be as apparent on a 328i/128i though since im making way more power than one

+1 on correcting the rear subframe wandering, especially over uneven surfaces. My 330 does it as high as 3rd gear, so I imagine even the 328 will do it to some degree once they get some miles on them. Not quite as bad as a 500hp N54, but it's still there.

[JonOhh]

Originally Posted by 72GMC

I've had no oil starvation issues with 200TW or 100TW tires.

Only issue has been "reduced power mode" after 15 minutes, on a 38C/100F day. All the BMW's were suffering, turbo's even more so. Oil temp.

Went up a gear, basically a mid-session cool-down lap. Less power = less braking required, and improved focused on corner entry speed. All good. Full power restored after one lap.

Jeez that must be HOT. I believe oil temp protection begins close to 300f? I'm considering the 5er heat exchanger, partially to help keep temps sub 270, and partially to accelerate oil warmup during my commute.

[72GMC]

No oil temp guage on my car, but all the other BMW's had them, and they were all reporting high oil temp. But they were all turbo's. It could have been "estimated" brake temperature, as discussed in this thread:

https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1435120


Either way, it was a slight power reduction on a very hot day, and one cool-down lap solved it. Long live the N52.

[eljay]

Originally Posted by 72GMC

No oil temp guage on my car, but all the other BMW's had them, and they were all reporting high oil temp. But they were all turbo's. It could have been "estimated" brake temperature, as discussed in this thread:

https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1435120


Either way, it was a slight power reduction on a very hot day, and one cool-down lap solved it. Long live the N52.

The lack of oil temp gauge is easily rectified with this DIY. Finally, my instant fuel economy gauge is doing something useful:
https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1590205

[SnowGlobe]

Appreciate the feedback fellas!

[tlow98]

Also, subframe bushing inserts in the rear are incredibly easy to install and get you 90% of the way to the solid feel.

[Biginboca]

Just stumbled across this on my YouTube feed…