Name 5 must have mods for the N52 engine

Pete.J · 10-06-2015, 05:37 AM

As per the title, what are the 5 must have mods to make more power out of the N52 engine while still keeping it naturally aspirated?

I'll start:

1- 3 stage intake if you don't already have one stock
2- catless headers with an oxygen sensor simulator (to get rid of the check engine light)
3- Bigger free-flowing exhaust
4- Aftermarket air intake Or Euro airbox
5- ECU tune

Mike. · 10-06-2015, 06:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pitos_7

As per the title, what are the 5 must have mods to make more power out of the N52 engine while still keeping it naturally aspirated?

I'll start:

1- 3 stage intake if you don't already have one stock
2- catless headers with an oxygen sensor simulator (to get rid of the check engine light)
3- Bigger free-flowing exhaust
4- Aftermarket air intake Or Euro airbox
5- ECU tune

pretty much hit the nail on the head

justpete · 10-06-2015, 07:08 AM

A tune should take care of the CEL so an O2 simulator wouldn't be necessary.

Mike. · 10-06-2015, 07:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justpete

A tune should take care of the CEL so an O2 simulator wouldn't be necessary.

I was too busy looking up crow stats to notice that

justpete · 10-06-2015, 07:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike.

I was too busy looking up crow stats to notice that

so how big is a crow anyway?

Lotsa damn grackles around here, not sure if there are any crows but then I don't live in the country.

Pete.J · 10-06-2015, 07:18 AM

Ok, thanks for the replies guys.

How about a 335i exhaust for a free flowing exhaust for the N52? I have one sitting around that I got for free off my cousin's 335i after he got Eisemann muffler with quad tips installed on his'.

I know I'll need a 335i diffuser and boot floor to install that exhaust, but is the N54 exhaust big enough or do I still need to go aftermarket?

Secondly, what's the best tune brand yielding the most power/torque that everyone uses these days?

Mike. · 10-06-2015, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justpete

so how big is a crow anyway?

Lotsa damn grackles around here, not sure if there are any crows but then I don't live in the country.

broke it down in the other thread. almost 2 feet high standing

Quote:

Originally Posted by pitos_7

Ok, thanks for the replies guys.

How about a 335i exhaust for a free flowing exhaust for the N52? I have one sitting around that I got for free off my cousin's 335i after he got Eisemann muffler with quad tips installed on his'.

I know I'll need a 335i diffuser and boot floor to install that exhaust, but is the N54 exhaust big enough or do I still need to go aftermarket?

Secondly, what's the best tune brand yielding the most power/torque that everyone uses these days?

AA tune, look at my sig i made all that power--and Im awd and an automatic. Also, I got a custom tune, so I have to redyno it.... dont do the dual 335i crap, just get a custom exhaust that'll actually yield results

justpete · 10-06-2015, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike.

broke it down in the other thread. almost 2 feet high standing

Holy crap! Two friggin feet?! That's a big damn bird. Impossible to miss then, wow...

Digitalinkartist · 10-06-2015, 08:26 AM

My recommendation:
AA ecu tune + Simon tool (for future upgrades)
Exhaust + midpipe (Eisenmann or PBMW)
3-stage manifold (oem)
AA Headers
3.73 (own) open differential swap (if 6 speed)
Charcoal air intake filter delete

Not 335 fast but a great, reliable canyon carver.

hassmaschine · 10-06-2015, 09:23 AM

There's really only 3 IMO:

Tune
headers
3 stage intake

everything else is pretty "meh".

Tom Droze · 10-06-2015, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pitos_7

As per the title, what are the 5 must have mods to make more power out of the N52 engine while still keeping it naturally aspirated?

I'll start:

1- 3 stage intake if you don't already have one stock
2- catless headers with an oxygen sensor simulator (to get rid of the check engine light)
3- Bigger free-flowing exhaust
4- Aftermarket air intake Or Euro airbox
5- ECU tune

I have a N51 so I have the three-stage intake manifold.
I have catted headers.
I have the Dinan exhaust.
I have the Dinan ram air intake.
I have the AA tune.
I also have the charcoal delete with the Rev intake tube, and an AFE dry element air filter.

One, 2, and 5 are the biggest bang for your buck. If you install headers, I'd give serious consideration to leaving the rest of the exhaust stock, unless you are into loud cars.

hassmaschine · 10-06-2015, 10:39 AM

yeah, I guess the intake tube is a good value. I agree on leaving the exhaust stock unless you just like a loud car.. this is a 3500lb family sedan, it seems silly to make it sound like a 90's Honda with a fart can..

Taskmaster · 10-06-2015, 02:43 PM

(Supercharger....)
Headers
3 stage manifold
Tune

intake (not the European airbox)

Exhaust.

Tom Droze · 10-06-2015, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheAxiom

(Supercharger....)
Headers
3 stage manifold
Tune

intake (not the European airbox)

Exhaust.

Keeping it naturally aspirated. . .

Yes! I finally got to use that little guy!

Three_thirty_I · 10-06-2015, 03:32 PM

So then I will eventually need to look at 2,3 and 5 - others came as standard!

justpete · 10-06-2015, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheAxiom

(Supercharger....)
Headers
3 stage manifold
Tune
intake (not the European airbox)
Exhaust.

Nah, just need one of them turbo badges. That'll do it.

justpete · 10-06-2015, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Three_thirty_I

So then I will eventually need to look at 2,3 and 5 - others came as standard!

Honestly I don't think you need the tune except for the CEL with headers, hard to beat a 330i engine. Be sure to have the headers coated, makes a difference.

Delta0311 · 10-06-2015, 03:36 PM

1. Replacement with a N54/N55 based 3 series.

justpete · 10-06-2015, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Delta0311

1. Replacement with a N54/N55 based 3 series.

Wayyyyy too easy.

Tom Droze · 10-06-2015, 04:02 PM

I am so tempted to buy a 335i and mod it, change the rear bumper with a single exhaust, and rebadge it with a 328i badge, and then go on the hunt for some cocky 335i guys.

justpete · 10-06-2015, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Droze

I am so tempted to buy a 335i and mod it, change the rear bumper with a single exhaust, and rebadge it with a 328i badge, and then go on the hunt for some cocky 335i guys.

LMFAO....

matteblue3er · 10-06-2015, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justpete

A tune should take care of the CEL so an O2 simulator wouldn't be necessary.

A tune can keep the SES light off the dash but when it comes time to pass emissions, not all tunes leave the rear O2s ready to pass inspection. That's where the O2 sim comes in.

Instead of the Mr. 5 intake mod, I did a modified Dinan intake.

I know, Dinan....but I didn't pay $500 for their stupid kit. I bought the molded snorkel that rivets onto the bottom corner of the stock airbox for $30 directly from Dinan. Then pieced together the rest of the kit for less than $100.

10-06-2015, 05:37 AM	#1
Pete.J Captain 491 Rep 620 Posts Drives: BMW M4 DCT (F82) Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Melbourne iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 Honda Accord Euro [0.00] 2015 BMW M4 [0.00] 1998 Ford Falcon Ut ... [0.00] 2007 Volkswagen Gol ... [0.00]	Name 5 must have mods for the N52 engine As per the title, what are the 5 must have mods to make more power out of the N52 engine while still keeping it naturally aspirated? I'll start: 1- 3 stage intake if you don't already have one stock 2- catless headers with an oxygen sensor simulator (to get rid of the check engine light) 3- Bigger free-flowing exhaust 4- Aftermarket air intake Or Euro airbox 5- ECU tune __________________ Current: F82 Mineral White M4 7DCT Gone but never forgotten: E92 Sparking Graphite 335i (N54) 6MT build thread.
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10-06-2015, 07:08 AM	#3
justpete Brigadier General 1259 Rep 3,778 Posts Drives: '11 328i '19 M6 Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: DFW iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 BMW M6 [10.00] 2011 BMW 328i [9.00]	A tune should take care of the CEL so an O2 simulator wouldn't be necessary. __________________ 2011 E90 328i 6MT, BMW Aero, CF hood/boot, PI+CAI+RM+3IM+BPC, SS+CI528+ThermoTec+SS#1+2XBurns, AKG 75D eng/trans, Al/Delrin diff/RS, CM 850, UCP, CAE, AKG DSSR, DiffsOnline 3.91 30/90 LSD+BW cooler, C&R, Setrab, Accusump, AST 3-way+Swift, Aurora PR+BW spherical, Vorshlag CPs, M3 brace+UR bar, ARC-8 18x8.5, 255 R1R, RB/CSL rotors+cooling, 135i calipers, RS29, RT700, Safecraft, OMP HTE-R+804F+QD Superquadro, 6pt cage+FIA, Braille, RT DL1Mk3
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Pete.J Captain 491 Rep 620 Posts Drives: BMW M4 DCT (F82) Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Melbourne iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 Honda Accord Euro [0.00] 2015 BMW M4 [0.00] 1998 Ford Falcon Ut ... [0.00] 2007 Volkswagen Gol ... [0.00]	Ok, thanks for the replies guys. How about a 335i exhaust for a free flowing exhaust for the N52? I have one sitting around that I got for free off my cousin's 335i after he got Eisemann muffler with quad tips installed on his'. I know I'll need a 335i diffuser and boot floor to install that exhaust, but is the N54 exhaust big enough or do I still need to go aftermarket? Secondly, what's the best tune brand yielding the most power/torque that everyone uses these days? __________________ Current: F82 Mineral White M4 7DCT Gone but never forgotten: E92 Sparking Graphite 335i (N54) 6MT build thread.
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10-06-2015, 08:26 AM	#9
Digitalinkartist MrSixSpeed 46 Rep 920 Posts Drives: e92 Garage Queen Join Date: May 2007 Location: ATL iTrader: (4)	My recommendation: AA ecu tune + Simon tool (for future upgrades) Exhaust + midpipe (Eisenmann or PBMW) 3-stage manifold (oem) AA Headers 3.73 (own) open differential swap (if 6 speed) Charcoal air intake filter delete Not 335 fast but a great, reliable canyon carver. __________________ Recent polling data indicates that 100% of manual transmission drivers can operate a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission.
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10-06-2015, 09:23 AM	#10
hassmaschine Major General 4059 Rep 7,236 Posts Drives: "NBO" 330i Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: earth iTrader: (0)	There's really only 3 IMO: Tune headers 3 stage intake everything else is pretty "meh".
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10-06-2015, 10:39 AM	#12
hassmaschine Major General 4059 Rep 7,236 Posts Drives: "NBO" 330i Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: earth iTrader: (0)	yeah, I guess the intake tube is a good value. I agree on leaving the exhaust stock unless you just like a loud car.. this is a 3500lb family sedan, it seems silly to make it sound like a 90's Honda with a fart can..
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10-06-2015, 02:43 PM	#13
Taskmaster Banned 2539 Rep 9,004 Posts Drives: M235i 6MT / E92 328 Msport 6MT Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Florida iTrader: (6)	(Supercharger....) Headers 3 stage manifold Tune intake (not the European airbox) Exhaust.
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10-06-2015, 03:32 PM	#15
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10-06-2015, 03:36 PM	#18
Delta0311 Banned 7518 Rep 10,119 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 335xi E92 2016 228xi Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: NJ iTrader: (1)	1. Replacement with a N54/N55 based 3 series.
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10-06-2015, 04:02 PM	#20
Tom Droze Major 428 Rep 1,286 Posts Drives: 2012 BMW 328i (e92) Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Scottsdale, Arizona iTrader: (0)	I am so tempted to buy a 335i and mod it, change the rear bumper with a single exhaust, and rebadge it with a 328i badge, and then go on the hunt for some cocky 335i guys.
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