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View Poll Results: Best Way To Increase the 128i/E82/N52 Engines' HP? | |||
N55 Swap | 2 | 10.53% | |
N54 Swap | 6 | 31.58% | |
Other Swap | 8 | 42.11% | |
Programming/Coding | 2 | 10.53% | |
Other (Post Your Suggestions) | 5 | 26.32% | |
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 19. You may not vote on this poll |
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06-22-2019, 02:01 PM | #1 |
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2011 128i/E82 Engine Swap
I'm fairly new here and I'll get straight to the point.
I own a 2011 128i/E82 (Only sold In Canada and the US) with the N52B30 engine, and automatic transmission. The stock 228 bhp isn't cutting it, and I'm looking at, and weighing my options to increase horsepower. The clear and defined direction and goal this attempts to achieve is to lay out options for increasing 128i performance. Swaps, upgrades, and suggestions across all boards - that don't include selling it for a different car. This thread is committed to the 128i. Thoughts I've had:
I'm looking to 1addicts to give insight into my options here. What have you done to squeeze some extra ponies out of the N52? Last edited by RayBae; 06-23-2019 at 01:19 PM.. |
06-22-2019, 06:33 PM | #2 |
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I've done a 3 stage intake, AA catless headers, and will be doing MILVS soon. Most people agree that lands you somewhere in the 270bhp-280bhp range.
Just the intake and headers have made a major improvement in power delivery and how it drives. However, the key ingredient that is still missing is TQ. Even with all I've done and finish the MILVS, I would be lucky to see 250rwhp. But TQ is something that does not comes as easy. I don't think I've ever seen a dyno where someone hit 230+ TQ to the wheels. Even with the supercharger option with the stock pulley, I think I've seen dyno's of around 300 rwhp, but still no more than 250 rwtq. But also understand that the power delivery is fun in a different way. The car loves to rev and does so effortlessly to 7K with no lag like a turbo will give. I also have a C6 with over 450 rwtq, and it's a completely different animal. But the 128i is still fun to drive in its own way.
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06-22-2019, 07:44 PM | #3 |
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Wouldn't bother with N54 or N55 swap. Way too much effort when you could sell the car and buy one with that motor already in it.
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06-22-2019, 08:23 PM | #4 |
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06-22-2019, 08:25 PM | #5 | |
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I do plan to do the manual conversion at some point in the cars life so that's the next route for me.. and that is also the costliest.
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Mods Done: AA Exhaust/Headers | 3SIM | MILVs | StageFP Dyno Tuned | Euro Box Intake Swap | LCI Blackline Tailights | OEM Euro Bi-Xenon Swap from Halogen | Rear Bumper M-Sport Swap | Rear PDC Retrofit | BMW OEM CF Diffuser/Spoiler | BMW Front Aero Kit | Supersprint Sec 1 Cat Delete Straight Pipes
To Do: Ohlins R n T Suspension | Front/Rear Sway Bars | M3 Front Control Arms/Bushings Eventually: AT -> MT Swap (!?) |
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06-22-2019, 11:09 PM | #6 | |
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Thanks, Captain Obvious. |
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06-22-2019, 11:11 PM | #7 |
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That's what I'm talking about. What did you go with for part models and brands? Maybe drop some links for your intake and headers?
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06-22-2019, 11:19 PM | #8 | |
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What's the bolting pattern like? We may have to replace the subframe. Has anyone attempted this? Also, any other swap suggestions? |
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06-23-2019, 02:31 AM | #9 | |
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Are you gonna try and bolt an N54 to a 128i automatic transmission? Lemme know how that goes. Click the link in my signature for my list of mods. I'm FBO.
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Parents' 2014 528i - Mineral White/Ivory White - fully loaded Instagram @Andreys_128i and @Honda.Bito Last edited by desertman123; 06-23-2019 at 02:37 AM.. |
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06-23-2019, 06:08 AM | #10 | |
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His build is actually what I'm basing my own build own. He outlines everything he did, and how to be the most cost efficient. To help with the lack of TQ feeling, I swapped the stock 3:23 differiential with one from an automatic car that has stock 3:73 gears. Again....stolen idea from him! But with everything I've done, I still probably have less than $1500 in parts in it and no install costs as I did all of the work myself so far. You just have to look around. For example, I got the rear differiential on the junk cars network (Carparts) out of an automatic that had been wrecked in the front and totalled. The car had less than 25K miles on it, and I got the complete rear unit shipped to me for about $185. I just changed the fluid in it, then installed it.
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06-23-2019, 06:28 AM | #11 |
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I will say shorter gears make a huge difference in acceleration and help compensate for a lack of power. The key is getting it right. Try to stick with a wheel/tire size (affects gearing too) along with gears where 2nd will take you just above 60mph and avoiding a second shift to get there. Gears reduce mpg but obviously that’s not your goal.
I’d avoid a supercharger on a car not really designed for it. It can be fun at first but almost always results in headaches even if you don’t blow the motor. I’d just do a full bolt on and good tune. It will cost less than your limit but honestly, I’d just switch to an m235i. I realize it’s more than you probably want to spend, so maybe swap to a 228i,preferably with M Sport package. You can find them around $15k. This will give you a turbocharged motor with more room to grow power wise and a good platform to expand suspension upgrades. |
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06-23-2019, 06:32 AM | #12 | ||
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The 128 is about balance, and there are pretty decent gains with a few mods. If the 128 had a DCT available I would have bought one & modified it. Oh and welcome to the forum. Your car looks nice & clean. I'm surprised 20" wheels fit without rubbing.
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06-23-2019, 06:33 AM | #13 |
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Just one other thought, since you’re not worried about matching numbers etc is if you want a fast car with peace of mind, consider an LS engine swap. You can get 430hp and don’t need to mess with all the BMW DME weirdness. And from a maintenance standpoint, it’s pretty bulletproof. I believe they make kits for E36s so would be good to check if other kits are offered. You can get a fully dressed and ready to drive kit for right around $9k. Might be able to go cheaper if you look for everything salvage but will take a lot longer and you still need to buy the control unit etc.
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06-23-2019, 07:07 AM | #14 | |
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In my opinion, you should first decide what it is that you want out of this car. Do you want 400+hp and 8300RPM? It would make more sense to just buy an M3. If you're looking for "just a little more", then headers/tune/MILVs may be enough. But that's where the road ends for the 128i. If you want serious power and love this platform, selling your car and buying a 135i is 100% the way to go. |
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06-23-2019, 07:18 AM | #15 | |
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Plus I'm seeing more and more posts of people who are starting to experience engine failures. Like I said, with what I've done and plan to complete, my car may be 240-250rwhp and maybe 225rwtq. Couple that with the 3:73's, and it's a fun little car that makes for a nice daily driver that you enjoy getting into. I have my weekend car for satisfying my power "itch", and will probably be replacing it within a year or so for a C7 and start modding that as LS motors are so easy to make huge power with just a few mods.
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06-23-2019, 10:36 AM | #16 |
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Don't be a jerk; desertman123 was correct-best way to go. And most of us would have put on a BMW PE before those wheels.
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06-23-2019, 12:59 PM | #17 | |
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I noticed you did the MILV upgrade. What exactly do those accomplish? No one has suggested that to me yet. I know they abbreviate Modified Intake Lift Valvetronic Supports but I'm still not really sure what that means. |
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06-23-2019, 01:04 PM | #18 | |
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Here in Canada, most cars are winter driven, and get rusty. My 1 is actually incredibly rare here. There might be 4 other 1's in my city of 400,000 people. Guaranteed, all 4 have been winter driven. |
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06-23-2019, 01:06 PM | #19 |
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He's knows I'm just teasing. Sorry, "PE"? I'm not sure what you're abbreviating there. Be specific and concise so others will glean the advice you impart here.
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06-23-2019, 01:08 PM | #20 |
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Thank you. I should probably do a fitment guide. It was not easy getting them to fit. It's rarely been done, so I was motivated. Super happy with how they turned out. The kit wasn't cheap!
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06-23-2019, 01:10 PM | #21 | |
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06-23-2019, 01:15 PM | #22 | |
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A clear direction for this thread should be: How to get the most power out of the 128i. Swap, enhancements, recommendations across all boards - that don't include selling it for a different car. Some links to headers and tunes would be amazing. We all talk about them, but it benefits readers most to have specific product examples and comparisons. |
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