BMW 1 Series Coupe Forum / 1 Series Convertible Forum (1M / tii / 135i / 128i / Coupe / Cabrio / Hatchback) (BMW E82 E88 128i 130i 135i)
 





 

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      07-08-2007, 12:54 PM   #1
Big Red One
Private First Class
9
Rep
130
Posts

Drives:
Join Date: Jun 2007

iTrader: (0)

N52 Aftermarket Modifications?

As I understand it, the 230hp N52 in the 128i (and 328i) is essentially the same engine that produced 215hp in the E90 325i and 255hp in the E90 330i. apparently it's simply a software change that is responsible for the changes in horsepower.

Anyone know of aftermarket options for getting more power out of the N52 in the 128i?
Appreciate 0
      07-09-2007, 11:18 AM   #2
335i=:)
Second Lieutenant
27
Rep
290
Posts

Drives: 335i sedan-blk/blk-Poplar
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: utah

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by jrsites View Post
I know this section of the board is N54 specific, but being as I have an engine question, this probably still belongs in here more than it does in the other sections.

As I understand it, the 230hp N52 in the 128i (and 328i) is essentially the same engine that produced 215hp in the E90 325i and 255hp in the E90 330i. apparently it's simply a software change that is responsible for the changes in horsepower.

Anyone know of aftermarket options for getting more power out of the N52 in the 128i?

I remember seeing a "chip" over at e90post.com for the 325i that gave it nearly 330i power. I would imagine there is one for the 328 to get it to at least 245 hp, then intake and exhaust should get you to about 260hp. But that's about it. The engine reaches it's peak hp at 6600 rpm I believe so not much use in a raised rev limiter.

But if your going to spend around 2k for all those things, you'd be much better off buying the 135i. Have you driven a 335i? Go drive one. I've have mine for 8months now. It's a beast. And, it's getting great track time's, right there with the e46 m3 and rs4. The oner with better brakes, lighter, etc. will be great. Plus you get the m-springs.
Appreciate 0
      03-31-2008, 06:05 PM   #3
Brandon26pdx
Lieutenant Colonel
United_States
28
Rep
1,938
Posts

Drives: 2011 135i
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Portland, OR

iTrader: (1)

The N52 has been rated as high as 268 or 272 hp in stock form, depending on what source you're checking. (In the X3 and some other different models.)

Theres defintely more power to be had.
Appreciate 0
      03-31-2008, 10:26 PM   #4
mikeo
Santa Fe Concorso
mikeo's Avatar
United_States
103
Rep
2,984
Posts

Drives: '11 M-sport 328i, '13 X1 28i
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Santa Fe, NM

iTrader: (3)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Big Red One View Post
As I understand it, the 230hp N52 in the 128i (and 328i) is essentially the same engine that produced 215hp in the E90 325i and 255hp in the E90 330i. apparently it's simply a software change that is responsible for the changes in horsepower...
In addition, the e90 330i has a three-stage intake manifold as opposed to the 128/328 single-stage manifold.
Appreciate 0
      09-12-2008, 03:41 PM   #5
ModBargains.com
Banned
United_States
475
Rep
13,583
Posts

Drives: JB E92 335i
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: 1721 E. Lambert Rd #C, La Habra, CA 90631

iTrader: (51)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Big Red One View Post
As I understand it, the 230hp N52 in the 128i (and 328i) is essentially the same engine that produced 215hp in the E90 325i and 255hp in the E90 330i. apparently it's simply a software change that is responsible for the changes in horsepower.

Anyone know of aftermarket options for getting more power out of the N52 in the 128i?
Well at this point, getting the basic performance parts like intakes, exhausts, performance chips (if it exists), and lighter exterior will probably help.
Appreciate 0
      09-12-2008, 03:52 PM   #6
modbargains
Brigadier General
modbargains's Avatar
168
Rep
3,160
Posts

Drives: 08 E90 335i & 01 Toyota Avalon
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: La Habra, CA

iTrader: (5)

As James already mentioned above, just wanted to ad the addition of light weight wheels and suspension upgrades to reduce unsprung weight and rear squat then starting from a dig.
Appreciate 0
      08-19-2010, 02:22 PM   #7
3002 tii
Lieutenant General
3002 tii's Avatar
2272
Rep
12,559
Posts

Drives: Z4 M, X5, GX460
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: CT

iTrader: (99)

Garage List
best way to get the 330i numbers is to upgrade to 330i components which is the 3 stage intake manifold as someone else mentioned. that plus software and you're good to go. intake and exhaust will have minimal effects.
__________________
Follow for latest mods
Appreciate 0
      08-19-2010, 07:52 PM   #8
Evice
Major
Evice's Avatar
193
Rep
1,457
Posts

Drives: E92M3
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Somewhere here

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for reviving this topic after almost 2 years
__________________
Appreciate 0
      08-19-2010, 11:43 PM   #9
Lucky1
Colonel
Canada
640
Rep
2,045
Posts

Drives: '08 128i Coupe SGM 6MT
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Toronto

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dubbedown View Post
best way to get the 330i numbers is to upgrade to 330i components which is the 3 stage intake manifold as someone else mentioned. that plus software and you're good to go. intake and exhaust will have minimal effects.
Is the 3 stage intake manifold from the 330i a drop-in component or do other modifications have to be made to accomodate? Any ideas on the effect it has on noise? I would think as you increase the throttle it would give a deeper throatier sound which I really am not interested in.

And as for the software, who supplies this?
Appreciate 0
      08-19-2010, 11:49 PM   #10
Lucky1
Colonel
Canada
640
Rep
2,045
Posts

Drives: '08 128i Coupe SGM 6MT
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Toronto

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Found this link that has some details on guys trying to do a 325i conversion to 330i with the 3-stage intake manifold and some ECU reprogramming. Haven't read the whole thing yet to see their results; will do later and report back. Here it is for anyone who is interested:

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37444
Appreciate 0
      08-20-2010, 08:37 AM   #11
tgxmike
Second Lieutenant
tgxmike's Avatar
United_States
18
Rep
293
Posts

Drives: '21 M2C 6MT, '21 Charger Scat
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Boise, ID

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2021 BMW M2  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by mikeo View Post
In addition, the e90 330i has a three-stage intake manifold as opposed to the 128/328 single-stage manifold.
The part number for the 330i intake is the same as the N51 intake. so yes it will fit. But I believe the rest of the intake needs to be modified.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lucky1 View Post
Is the 3 stage intake manifold from the 330i a drop-in component or do other modifications have to be made to accomodate? Any ideas on the effect it has on noise? I would think as you increase the throttle it would give a deeper throatier sound which I really am not interested in.

And as for the software, who supplies this?
As above you can order the 128i N51 intake, but no software supplier exists. Closest thing is a BMS powerbox

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lucky1 View Post
Found this link that has some details on guys trying to do a 325i conversion to 330i with the 3-stage intake manifold and some ECU reprogramming. Haven't read the whole thing yet to see their results; will do later and report back. Here it is for anyone who is interested:

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37444
In short, If you add a exhaust and intake to the N51, you get the most you can from the 128i. and the BMS PBX is usless at that point. To the best of my knowledge no one make a software upgrade that improve over the modification.

So I see 2 possibilities.

CAI + exhaust...... or Powerbox, but NOT both

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showt...highlight=128i

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showt...t=N51+powerbox
Appreciate 0
      10-20-2010, 07:38 PM   #12
Ox
New Member
Ox's Avatar
2
Rep
24
Posts

Drives: 2013 BMW 135is
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: St. Charles, IL

iTrader: (0)

Supercharger

I was wondering if anyone like Eaton makes a Supercharger made for the 128i? I like the 135i performance but think Turbos suck, are problematic and will eventually fail on you. Didn't BMW issue a recall on their turbos?

Ox
__________________

Previous Cars: 1987 325, 1999 323is, 2002 Z3, 2002 325ci, 2006 Cooper S, 2011 128i, 2013 128i
Current Car: 2013 135is
Appreciate 0
      11-07-2010, 11:13 PM   #13
strati1
Lieutenant
United_States
30
Rep
457
Posts

Drives: a slow car fast
Join Date: May 2010
Location: DFW/SoCal

iTrader: (0)

is there a scoop kit for the 128?
Appreciate 0
      11-14-2010, 10:38 PM   #14
leesat
samuray
United_States
6
Rep
139
Posts

Drives: M235i
Join Date: May 2010
Location: WA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2014 M235i  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by strati1 View Post
is there a scoop kit for the 128?
I think there is scoop kit but it won't work on 128i.
Appreciate 0
      12-12-2010, 02:05 PM   #15
cse73
New Member
cse73's Avatar
Spain
0
Rep
7
Posts

Drives: 125i coupe
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Barcelona

iTrader: (0)

Hi there;

In Europe; there are some tuners to reprogram the ecu, get power numbers like of 130i/330 i

In Belgium
http://www.shiftech.be/
In Germany
http://www.ds-motorsport.de/bmw-tuning/1er.html

Greetings
Appreciate 0
      12-12-2010, 08:19 PM   #16
strati1
Lieutenant
United_States
30
Rep
457
Posts

Drives: a slow car fast
Join Date: May 2010
Location: DFW/SoCal

iTrader: (0)

I looked it up the afe scoops fit both 128 and 135. gains of 7-10 hp @ 70mph. Pretty good for 90 bucks.
Appreciate 0
      12-13-2010, 09:19 AM   #17
Alex_bm
Major
Canada
175
Rep
1,040
Posts

Drives: Giulia QV
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Canada, Toronto

iTrader: (1)

It might be 7-10 hp for 135. What about that gains for 128?

Quote:
Originally Posted by strati1 View Post
I looked it up the afe scoops fit both 128 and 135. gains of 7-10 hp @ 70mph. Pretty good for 90 bucks.
Appreciate 0
      12-13-2010, 09:25 AM   #18
Evice
Major
Evice's Avatar
193
Rep
1,457
Posts

Drives: E92M3
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Somewhere here

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by strati1 View Post
I looked it up the afe scoops fit both 128 and 135. gains of 7-10 hp @ 70mph. Pretty good for 90 bucks.
you are not going to get 7-10 HP with scoops. It is wrong to even suggest that..
__________________
Appreciate 0
      12-14-2010, 12:20 AM   #19
strati1
Lieutenant
United_States
30
Rep
457
Posts

Drives: a slow car fast
Join Date: May 2010
Location: DFW/SoCal

iTrader: (0)

thats the CLAIM not the dyno results. ill let you know the real gains when i install them
Appreciate 0
      12-14-2010, 01:19 AM   #20
Yvette
Major General
Canada
759
Rep
7,408
Posts

Drives: M
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Vancouver

iTrader: (19)

In couple years, I am sure there will be more market in performance for N52.
Appreciate 0
      12-14-2010, 09:13 PM   #21
strati1
Lieutenant
United_States
30
Rep
457
Posts

Drives: a slow car fast
Join Date: May 2010
Location: DFW/SoCal

iTrader: (0)

Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:26 AM.




1addicts
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST