[CYL]

Originally Posted by essex_lad

The n53 325 is the exact same 3.0l engine that's in the 330 the only difference is the 330 comes with a 3 stage manifold which gives it the extra power.

What about my N52?
I am not after hp, I am more interested in the torque and the acceleration....thinking of how to increase the torque and could make the start off more powerful/the low range rpm more powerful.....

[essex_lad]

Hmmm all I can suggest is a remap anything else will be mega money.

[BudVlad]

Originally Posted by CYL

What about my N52?
I am not after hp, I am more interested in the torque and the acceleration....thinking of how to increase the torque and could make the start off more powerful/the low range rpm more powerful.....

If you are after torque, then the 3 stage manifold will do it. Variable length manifold doesn’t increase hp it will flatten torque curve and improve drivability. DISA valves are working without remapping. Proper ECU remapping is lot more expensive than the manifold. Manhart Racing is charging 2,800 to 5,000 Euros.
To improve my acceleration I installed 3.46 dif.

[nate5ks]

Originally Posted by BudVlad

When I was deciding between 325i and 330i I was comparing all the differences and price of the different parts. Beside the intake manifold and software in the ECU there are other differences: transmission, differential, brakes, muffler. Since I was going to get big brakes and different exhaust in any case I figured that converting 325i makes more sense. I bought intake manifold and 2 DISAs new. The DISA valves are working without reprogramming ECU. However, there was no hp gain but gain in torque and much better torque curve. Loading 330i software was costly mistake. Engine run normally but with reduced horsepower. Software and tuning by DS Motorsport solved the problem and increased dramatically horsepower. I installed BMW Performance brakes, Performance intake with Pipercross filter, Supersprint exhaust and 3.46 diff. I was able to use SPEC kevlar performance clutch since Euro 325i has the same transmission as US 328i.

What problems did you run across by flashing your car with 330i software?

[CYL]

Originally Posted by BudVlad

If you are after torque, then the 3 stage manifold will do it. Variable length manifold doesn’t increase hp it will flatten torque curve and improve drivability. DISA valves are working without remapping. Proper ECU remapping is lot more expensive than the manifold. Manhart Racing is charging 2,800 to 5,000 Euros.
To improve my acceleration I installed 3.46 dif.

So, the three stage manifold will fit to my N52B25 too?
I saw one:
http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-17...28i528iz4.aspx
Not sure if it fits my N52 as mine is 2.5L engine, but the product mentions for 3.0 engine..

[CYL]

Originally Posted by essex_lad

Hmmm all I can suggest is a remap anything else will be mega money.

Remap like the BMS power box?

[BudVlad]

Originally Posted by nate5ks

What problems did you run across by flashing your car with 330i software?

Engine was running without any warning lights but lost power. On almost any uphill which I normally take in 6 gear I had to shift down.

[essex_lad]

Originally Posted by CYL

So, the three stage manifold will fit to my N52B25 too?
I saw one:
http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-17...28i528iz4.aspx
Not sure if it fits my N52 as mine is 2.5L engine, but the product mentions for 3.0 engine..

The n53 and n52 manifolds are different, you can also get a 3 stage manifold for n52 off a z4.

[jokers_greg]

OK before people just start simply guessing what works where, I can guarantee you that the intake manifolds in the US/Canadian market (whether 323,325,328,330) will all bolt up to any of those vehicles.

If you have an N52 (doesn't matter if it's 2.5 or 3.0L) in North America, you too can benefit from the 3-stage manifold (assuming you don't already have one). You will need a tune to take full advantage of the upgrade.

However, if you choose (don't know why you would, unless you're broke) you could drive with the manifold swap WITHOUT a tune. Just don't expect to see any noticeable gains.

FYI for those wondering about pricing (this is in Canada, I'm sure it'll be cheaper in the states):

You can get a used 3-stage anywhere from $400-$600

Preconfigured tunes (usually for the 328i + 3 stage manifold) cost under $500

I'm getting a custom tune (custom map) for two reasons:
1) I also installed new headers which delete cats, and want to remove the cat monitoring system
2) Not many N52B25 tunes out there for a 3-stage swap

So that's costing me about $650.

Totals: ~$950 for the upgrade if you're in a 328i, ~$1100 if you're getting a custom tune (for additional upgrades like headers)

[jokers_greg]

Originally Posted by CYL

Remap like the BMS power box?

No, a proper ECU flash.

[Neilios]

How do I tell if my car is N52 or N53? It's a 2010 325i and would not mind this conversion to be done, would anyone no of a garage in the North East to undertake such a task. Thanks

[andrey_gta]

Originally Posted by Neilios

How do I tell if my car is N52 or N53? It's a 2010 325i and would not mind this conversion to be done, would anyone no of a garage in the North East to undertake such a task. Thanks

realoem.com should help you the most to understand and see if there is a differecne between the 3 stage manifold by part number netween the n53 or n52 engine. I had n52 so i looked for a n52 donor. I dont see why n53 would use a diffeent manifold and flaps.

Originally Posted by CYL

So, the three stage manifold will fit to my N52B25 too?
I saw one:
http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-17...28i528iz4.aspx
Not sure if it fits my N52 as mine is 2.5L engine, but the product mentions for 3.0 engine..

N52 2.5 usually came with the manifold. Open the hood and check for the Flapper box on the right side of manifold, see images floating around of 330i engines

Sometimes the 2.5 came with a 2 stage, missing the small DISA flapper. If that is the case you should do some cost benefit analysis and perhaps try getting a tune first would be used with a 3 stage manifold- i doubt you would miss the gains of the small DISA should the tune work as discussed.

[Johnny D]

Originally Posted by Neilios

How do I tell if my car is N52 or N53? It's a 2010 325i and would not mind this conversion to be done, would anyone no of a garage in the North East to undertake such a task. Thanks

Only euro cars got the n53. The USA only got the n51 and n52. Plug the last 7 of your vin into realoem should tell you which motor you have.

[Neilios]

Originally Posted by Johnny D

Only euro cars got the n53. The USA only got the n51 and n52. Plug the last 7 of your vin into realoem should tell you which motor you have.

Yes it is a N53, I wonder if the E60 530i manifold would fit?

[essex_lad]

Just an update all systems are go again. I fitted an N53 330i inlet to my car today and so far so good. Tomorrow I will be getting autoenhance to load the manifold comfig and remap onto my car and I will let you all know how it goes.

I will also get a dyno run done next time one of my local dyno garages has a deal on for bhp runs and scan in the print off.

[essex_lad]

Originally Posted by Broken_Gearbox

If you dont mind me asking... Did you get it off flee bay? Wondering where to look. Cheers

Yer just thought I would have a quick look and one popped up for a very good price. Iv tried bmw breaker yards all across the country time and time again and no luck.

[Vish8895]

Originally Posted by essex_lad

Yer just thought I would have a quick look and one popped up for a very good price. Iv tried bmw breaker yards all across the country time and time again and no luck.

Hi bud,

sorry to dig up an ancient thread, looking to buy a 325i as 330i's are out of budget. I live up in the West Mids. How difficult was it to find someone to professionally map the car to a safe and reliable map? I envisage difficulty explaining to a remapper what I am trying to do and how it can be done.

Thanks
Vish

[essex_lad]

your standard remap garage probably wont be able to do it, a few people have messaged me asking for advice on how to map it as their remap garage cant do it. Its best to find a garage that has done it before. My tune is by mosselman, if you email them they might be able to tell you a garage near you that can install the tune. Ill be honest the map is the easy bit, finding a manifold is the hard bit.

Originally Posted by Vish8895

Hi bud,

sorry to dig up an ancient thread, looking to buy a 325i as 330i's are out of budget. I live up in the West Mids. How difficult was it to find someone to professionally map the car to a safe and reliable map? I envisage difficulty explaining to a remapper what I am trying to do and how it can be done.

Thanks
Vish

[Vish8895]

Originally Posted by essex_lad

your standard remap garage probably wont be able to do it, a few people have messaged me asking for advice on how to map it as their remap garage cant do it. Its best to find a garage that has done it before. My tune is by mosselman, if you email them they might be able to tell you a garage near you that can install the tune. Ill be honest the map is the easy bit, finding a manifold is the hard bit.

Thanks for the reply!

I thought that would be the case, I'm a little way off yet but might have a chat with them if I go for it. And yes I haven't seen any online, maybe if one comes up I'll snag it. Or try and visit some breakers... :/

[essex_lad]

I found someone breaking a 330i on eBay so had it off him for about 150 ish.

[Vish8895]

Originally Posted by essex_lad

I found someone breaking a 330i on eBay so had it off him for about 150 ish.

Yeah that'll probably be the plan. I'll update as and when i get round to it

[Vish8895]

Gave in and bought a 335i in the end