[blackedout330i]

Hello, I'm Jason and had a E46 328i that was built and customized quite intimately haha. It had
3.46 rear lsd
90a race rear subframe bushings and reinforced subframe. all bushings were replaced with powerflex.
8lb flywheel and m5 clutch setup (UUC STG 2)
b30 intake conversion (similar to people doing m50)

****I NOW OWN a 330i m sport 6 speed e90***** sorry forgot to mention 6/2/2020 edit

The car was very visceral. Rear end always planted. Solid feel. "rails"

Anyway, some drunk ahole rear ended it, totaled it, and it was found in someones front yard (it was parked at the time...)

So now its time to hop into the E90 chassis and here are some build ideas and questions. Feel free to add in any hp/tq mods that i havent gone over.

1st mod - automatic diff from 328 to swap gearing from 3.15 to 3.46. I hear highway isnt effected much and even though it wont make a huge difference in the quarter mile the lower speeds up to 40 come quicker.

2nd mod - I have access to a 3d printer with a build area of 18" x 18"x 18". I'm going to recreate the scoop section that connects to the kidneys, and then fabricate a new air box and connecting hoses. Use larger diameter ducting and integrate a cone air or double panel filter k&n for a louder free flowing intake.

How well does the N52B30 respond to intake modifications? are there any gain to be had here. I'm wondering if 3d printing a intake manifold out of abs plastic and using much larger ports and longer runners would net more torque. How well does this head flow?

Any other good mods on this chassis? Its got the msport package on a black sedan so she looks good.

Also i've been searching and search and find very small amounts of people that have tried to boost the n52. Is there a reason for this? I would think valvetronic would be great for a twin scroll turbo. Is the 3 stage manifold to blame for lack of boosted n52s?

[Tambohamilton]

Originally Posted by blackedout330i

Any other good mods on this chassis? Its got the msport package on a black sedan so she looks good.

Also i've been searching and search and find very small amounts of people that have tried to boost the n52. Is there a reason for this? I would think valvetronic would be great for a twin scroll turbo. Is the 3 stage manifold to blame for lack of boosted n52s?

M3 or aftermarket rear subframe bushings. M3 front arms. M3 rear guide rods.

The 335i is the reason not many folk turbo the N52...works out a lot cheaper for an engine that's already sorted.

[blackedout330i]

looks like ill still do the induction snorkel kit and custom air box, the suspension mods you listed diff swap and leave it at is. didnt see the price point in a 335 when they only make 30hp more 268vs 300.. sure some extra torque..

heard n52b30 a bit more reliable for a daily as well. not knocking the 335. love the chassis

[Tambohamilton]

Add a tune to the 335, and the difference becomes very apparent!

[Biginboca]

Jason, is the car you are modding an auto or a manual? The build path for each is different.

[rjahl]

Originally Posted by blackedout330i

looks like ill still do the induction snorkel kit and custom air box, the suspension mods you listed diff swap and leave it at is. didnt see the price point in a 335 when they only make 30hp more 268vs 300.. sure some extra torque..

heard n52b30 a bit more reliable for a daily as well. not knocking the 335. love the chassis

Just for clarification.

It's not just the 30hp difference, which is wrong anyways it's the area under the curve. Overlay dyno graphs from the two motors and look at all the are under the N54/N55 powerband curve.


A bone stock N54 puts out 300hp at the crank. You can push that to 375 with just a flash.

l"ll never knock the N52 but it's just not fair to compare these two motors in this way. Different animals.

As a daily, the N52 is probably more reliable and no one really needs the type of power the N54. can develop anyways.

[nsjames]

Originally Posted by blackedout330i

2nd mod - I have access to a 3d printer with a build area of 18" x 18"x 18". I'm going to recreate the scoop section that connects to the kidneys, and then fabricate a new air box and connecting hoses. Use larger diameter ducting and integrate a cone air or double panel filter k&n for a louder free flowing intake.
Just buy a euro airbox

How well does the N52B30 respond to intake modifications? are there any gain to be had here. I'm wondering if 3d printing a intake manifold out of abs plastic and using much larger ports and longer runners would net more torque. How well does this head flow?
You need the DISA system to make the torque. You're not going to improve upon it. The head is very good.
Any other good mods on this chassis? Its got the msport package on a black sedan so she looks good.

Also i've been searching and search and find very small amounts of people that have tried to boost the n52. Is there a reason for this? I would think valvetronic would be great for a twin scroll turbo. Is the 3 stage manifold to blame for lack of boosted n52s?

it's pretty pointless to spend the money to put forced induction on an n52 when the n54/55 exist.
the engine was built to be light and rev happy. It is not built for the rigors of forced induction.

[Tambohamilton]

+1 to the above.


...but, OP, if you feel like going FI on the N52, please do a build thread...would make some great reading for the rest of us

[Moisture]

In my opinion, the factory intake system on the N52 is already quite good. My only concern is underhood intake temperatures. I would add some sort of hood vent to try and alleviate that.

As for an air intake modification. Look up the Mercedes ML500 and look at the vents in the hood, right in front of the windshield. One of them feeds air directly into the intake. If you plan to modify yours, for optimal performance make sure you have it feed air from somewhere directly in front of the cowl. This is a high pressure area meaning air wants to "force" itself into the engine bay from that end - exactly what you want for an intake.

On the other hand, the front half of the hood is a low pressure area. This is where air wants to escape. If you add a vent there, not only will you effectively improve radiator flow, but you will also help with underhood temperatures too.

Not only will airflow improve however needed, but these two vents will be working together to subtly improve aerodynamics as well.

[freakystyly]

See Dinan ram intake post for easier intake modifications straight to the airbox from beside the front bumper brake duct. M3s already have their own version of this, plus a functional hood vent on some trims. No point in re-inventing the wheel unless you're really bored during this downtime.

If you want to put your printer to work, check out the OEM e90 performance intake for ideas?

[HydroxFrost]

Search around for the Dinan style intake DIY, delete the intake resonator, the charcoal filter inside of the intake box. Replace the stock filter with a K&N drop in filter, or you could buy an AFE intake instead of the dinan style diy. As far as exhaust modifications, I recommend the active autowerke headers and exhaust. Also I wouldn't delete the stock resonator as it actually makes the exhaust sound good. The last two mods you'll probably want to do is MILVS (Modified Intake Lift Valvetronic Supports) and a tune.

Not everyone will agree but that's just my two cents.

[E92William]

My auto e92 328xi has a 3.91 final drive. That'd be the one I'd go for. Not too bad on the highway. Turning about 4k rpm at 117 or so

[matthewjmoser]

Originally Posted by E92William

My auto e92 328xi has a 3.91 final drive. That'd be the one I'd go for. Not too bad on the highway. Turning about 4k rpm at 117 or so

yep i have the same diff . just xdelete. i like the 3.91

[Kubricks]

IMO camber plate bring one of the most dramatic handling improvement after the LSD, which you already have.
Go Dinan camber plate for OEM hat or Vorshlag full adjustable.

[blackedout330i]

Hey sorry I didnt check back, it seemed like this thread went dead. My car is a 6 speed. Was thinking about when its time to refresh the clutch to go with a lightweight flywheel. however i see nothing but poor reviews on the e90 chassis. My e46 with a 8.5 fly and stg2 uuc kit was like kicking marbles at idle but #racercar haha. didnt care because it only was at idle. Made a heck of a difference in daily driving. Didnt upset mpgs either.

I also hear people say a set of headers on the n52 will blow it up? Lol how is that even possible?

anywho, i still plan on making the new kidney to snorkel and snorkel to intake box and new intake box as well. have more research to do on this chassis. love e90s!

[blackedout330i]

Originally Posted by Biginboca

Jason, is the car you are modding an auto or a manual? The build path for each is different.

6 speed! Any automatic trans car I had always had issues. After owning standard trans no issues!

[hassmaschine]

Originally Posted by blackedout330i

I also hear people say a set of headers on the n52 will blow it up? Lol how is that even possible?

What? No, they will not.

There's a whole subforum dedicated to the N52 - I suggest starting there.

[blackedout330i]

Originally Posted by hassmaschine

What? No, they will not.

There's a whole subforum dedicated to the N52 - I suggest starting there.

Yeah I was a little shocked by that as well. Like how the f can a free flowing exhaust cause engine failure. We had a good laugh on that one

[blackedout330i]

so PO must've been worst manual driver ever. Need a clutch asap.

slips in 2nd at 2000+ rpms with 50% throttle LOL

Im thinking JB Racing Flywheel and Valeo Sprung clutch kit. Only issue is I cannot for the life of me find the Valeo clutch kit part # that the 328xi guys are using with the single mass valeo conversion kits. Is this only single conversion kit specific and I Cant get it by itself?

[72GMC]

BlackedOut,
I'm also new to E90 330i ownership, and have been looking into diff swaps.

The 3.46 ratio might not be compatible without changing the driveshaft. And it's really a "mild"change.

I'm leaning towards a 3.64 ratio, which I would classify as "moderate" option

Next option is the 3.91, an "aggressive" choice that many seem to be happy with.

[Phil325i]

Originally Posted by 72GMC

BlackedOut,
I'm also new to E90 330i ownership, and have been looking into diff swaps.

The 3.46 ratio might not be compatible without changing the driveshaft. And it's really a "mild"change.

I'm leaning towards a 3.64 ratio, which I would classify as "moderate" option

Next option is the 3.91, an "aggressive" choice that many seem to be happy with.

If you're thinking of a diff swap, you could always do this..!

https://www.ad-eng.net/store/p44/ADE...sion_Kit_.html

[cooperolson]

Originally Posted by 72GMC

BlackedOut,
I'm also new to E90 330i ownership, and have been looking into diff swaps.

The 3.46 ratio might not be compatible without changing the driveshaft. And it's really a "mild"change.

I'm leaning towards a 3.64 ratio, which I would classify as "moderate" option

Next option is the 3.91, an "aggressive" choice that many seem to be happy with.

Any diff swap you will need a driveshaft I believe, I have the 3.91 and don't mind it, revs about 2.5K at 60mph in 6th. acceleration feels great but maybe a little shorter than I would like around town but you get used to it.

https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1160923 Great thread on all diff options

good luck!