Quote:
Originally Posted by yakev724
You really have 3 options to increase power of your N52:
1) This is the most effective but most involved. Your car is producing 230 hp and 200 ft-lbf torque. In some cars, BMW used a 3-stage manifold and altered the ECU to output 255 hp and 220 ft-lbf. There is a conversion thread here in which someone purchased all necessary parts and converted their standard N52 to the more potent 3-stage version. Unfortunately you'll have to get an aftermarket tune in this case, as BMW won't be able to help with any OEM solutions. You can find a 3-stage intake manifold from a salvaged 06 330i, Z4 3.0si, E83 3.0si, or E70 3.0si. Or you can buy all the parts new, which I believe comes out to about $1k (+another $500-$1k for the tune).
2) You can improve your intake in one of two ways: 1] pull your airbox, cut out the black permanent carbon filter (make sure all edges are smooth and clean), and replace your stock air filter with a KNN drop-in. (Or you can PM me and I'll trade this setup for your stock one + some cash as I'm going back to stock). This will make a slight difference in how your car idles, revs, and sounds. 2] The much nicer intake is the euro airbox. This is a different airbox used on non-US cars which uses a cone filter and significantly improves airflow. You can order from ECS Tuning for ~$400 (+$50 for KNN cone filter), or the better solution is to monitor ebay.co.uk and look for a used one there. They were used on all 130i/330i/530i (+ probably more) in the UK. Ask the seller for US shipping if he doesn't offer it. This method will give a notable increase in how quickly your car revs and sounds. I loved this setup when I had it. Maybe 10hp? I used in in combination with the 3-stage manifold, with which my 330i comes standard.
3) You can get an exhaust. Since BMW doesn't make the 'Performance Exhaust' for your E60, I'd recommend going a custom route. You're probably best off going to a shop for custom work. Have the resonator cut out and replaced with a Y-pipe (assuming you have a resonator like E90s) and the muffler replaced with a $100 magnaflow. You can go the pre-built aftermarket route, but you'll be spending over $1k and without any clear benefit. Again, maybe 10hp.
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Thats Awesome, man! Thanks for all of the information. Could you possibly give me the part number for the airbox off of the ecs tuning website? i looked and couldn't find it, i'm definitely going to get a new one rather then the ebay route (which was an awesome idea). I was also looking for the manifolds at some of the local junkyards that specialize in BMW's. I think i'm going to try and get a double whammy like you said, along with a custom exhaust. I'm just a little worried about the sound of a magnaflow...i was an american car guy before this, and wanted to get away from the loud rumbly sound and i don't want the car to be too loud.