[Jaminlow]

Hi all,

I’m sure this has probably been covered but Im having a hard time finding out if there is any differences between the n52 and N53 3stage manifolds.

I have a 2011 N53 325i e90 and would like to find out if the N52 3stage intake manifold would be viable option for a 330i conversion?

Would really appreciate any input

[4foothill]

It will not fit, there are minor differences in shape, connections etc. I mistakenly bought the n52 one originally but thankfully I double checked before taking the car to bits.

[Jaminlow]

Ah ok, thanks for the heads up

Did you have any other tips when considering a 330i tune, or just the N53 specific 3stage, software, re map etc.. ?

Also if anyone has any leads on a N53 3stage intake ��

[insomniscient]

I'm in the same boat as OP. Where do you even look in Europe? I would imagine it's a high demand part, so even if one popped up on eBay or at a breaker yard, it'd be gone within days.

There should be an aftermarket part. Surely it wouldn't be that hard to R&D one and it would pay off within a year or two with orders globally?

[4foothill]

I got mine on eBay from a German seller for about 300 euros (complete with disa valves). You have to be creative with your search, there's lots of other models that use the n53 manifold, and not all are titled correctly so inspect the pictures. Or email a bunch of breakers telling them what you're after and hopefully they will get in contact when they next break one.

N53 doesn't seem to be very common and certainly not modded much. There does seems to be an influx recently on forums and FB groups, I guess they've dropped enough in prices to reach an audience more willing to mod. I still don't think we'll ever see an aftermarket, don't forget this engine was never released in the US.

[Jaminlow]

I recently saw one on eBay but got distracted over the wknd and it got snapped up, think you have to be pretty quick if you see one.

I’ve also been reading some interesting posts regarding a N53 330i remap with a few tuners claiming they can get 265Hp without the inlet conversion, something to do with fully opening the throttle which apparently is restricted to 70% on the N53 325i.

https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1240075

http://www.promaptuning.co.uk/

Seems to be some conflicting info so would be good to hear if any one has done this remap without the 3stage conversion, or if anyone knows of a tuner near London who offers this?