As it is with most M3 enthusiasts, we are always on a search for more power. Finding this additional power can be tricky on the S65 engine, but if you search hard enough - it's there and can be utilized:
Pictured above are two 2011 M3s, similarly-equipped with bolt-on modifications.
Vehicle Info:
Vehicle: 2011 BMW M3 (Alpine White, left)
Transmission: DCT
Modifications: Macht Schnell Stage 2 Intake Charge Kit w/ Intake Scoops, Macht Schnell S65 Performance Underdrive Pulleys, Challenge Race+ X-Pipe (Catless), Akrapovic Slip-On Titanium Exhaust System
Software: Stock
Fuel: 91 Octane
Vehicle: 2011 BMW M3 (Mineral White, right)
Transmission: DCT
Modifications: Macht Schnell Stage 2 Intake Charge Kit w/ Intake Scoops, Macht Schnell S65 Performance Underdrive Pulleys, Akrapovic Evolution Titanium Exhaust System
Software: Stock
Fuel: 91 Octane
Parts being installed:
2011 BMW M3 (Alpine White)
Dynorun 21: Baseline
Dynorun 30: Macht Schnell Stage 2 Intake Charge Kit, Stock Exhaust
Dynorun 33: Macht Schnell S65 Performance Underdrive Pulleys, OEM Intake, Stock Exhaust
Dynorun 36: Macht Schnell Stage 2 Intake Charge Kit, Macht Schnell S65 Performance Underdrive Pulleys, Stock Exhaust
Dynorun 52: Macht Schnell Stage 2 Intake Charge Kit, Macht Schnell S65 Performance Underdrive Pulleys, Challenge Race+ X-Pipe (Catless), Akrapovic Slip-On Titanium Exhaust System
Vehicle: 2011 BMW M3 (Mineral White)
Dynorun 2: Baseline
Dynorun 7: Macht Schnell Stage 2 Intake Charge Kit, Macht Schnell S65 Performance Underdrive Pulleys, Stock Exhaust
Dynorun 16: Macht Schnell Stage 2 Intake Charge Kit, Macht Schnell S65 Performance Underdrive Pulleys, Akrapovic Evolution Titanium Exhaust System
Vehicle: 2011 BMW M3 (Alpine White) vs. 2011 BMW M3 (Mineral White)
Dynorun 21: Baseline - 2011 Alpine White M3
Dynorun 52: Macht Schnell Stage 2 Intake Charge Kit, Challenge Race+ X-Pipe (Catless), Akrapovic Slip-On Titanium Exhaust System - 2011 Alpine White M3
Dynorun 2: Baseline - 2011 Mineral White M3
Dynorun 16: Macht Schnell Stage 2 Intake Charge Kit, Macht Schnell S65 Performance Underdrive Pulleys, Akrapovic Evolution Titanium Exhaust System - 2011 Mineral White M3
While its easy to look at peak gains, its important to see the area under the curve, which shows where the power is truly gained. In this example, we see that removing the catalytic converters (replacing with Race+ X-pipe/Akra Slip-On exhaust combo) resulted in a 10hp/10ft lb loss in midrange (4K-5K) while still reaching equivalent numbers as the full Akrapovic Evolution-equipped M3 in top end.
Overview:
- Approximate 40 peak hp gain 20ft-lb TQ from simple bolt-on mods
- Power numbers are easily replicated between different vehicles
- Increased acceleration, throttle response
- Aggressive intake & exhaust note
- OEM+ look & appearance
- Easy DIY
- Approximately 2-3 hours install time
This shows that the stock ECU does a very good job at adapting to bolt-on modifications and the power numbers can be replicated on different platforms. We have equipped a handful of M3s with the same equipment, all giving similar results and making the M3 an absolutely blast to drive. Choosing the correct mods to work together as a system will give you the best overall driving experience.
The quest for more power continues, software should be the key to easily allow one to approach the 400hp club.