128i or 228i for track days?

[wootloops]

Originally Posted by Gangplank

Thanks spidertri

Looking at prices I'm seriously considering an n52 either:

'08-12 128i or

'06 325, '06 330, or '07-'12 328 models (all have 3.0 n52 w/ 3 stage manifold)

Upgrade and running costs for consumables would be less than trying to make the 35i more reliable.

Still modern enough and in the 3 series could get a 4 door DD/track day sleeper

FYI the 07-12 328 with N52 do not include 3 stage manifold (at least in the USA). It's a relatively cheap swap though. The only car that came with the N52+3SIM in the USA is the 330i.

I would argue for a track-focused car the N54 manifold conversion is a better option than 3SIM anyway. It flows a little more up top which is nice especially if you bump the redline up to say 7300-7500RPM (which has been proven to be safe on the n52 over many thousands of miles driven).

[racer_951]

If I had an N52, I’d definitely get the N54 manifold and throttle bottle instead of 3 stage. With my N51, I already have 3 stage manifold. Switching to N54 is not a priority as I’m focusing on the suspension mods: TC Kline coilovers, M3 control arms front and rear, solid subframe bushings, rear sway.

For engine, I have charcoal filter delete, silicone intake tube (I actually notice a slight improvement on throttle response). I’m doing my own exhaust mods. I’m decatting my old N54 mid pipe and pair it with my N54 rear muffler. I heard the N55 muffler flows better and sounds better. I’ll finish the exhaust mod first and see how it sounds. No secondary cats should free up a few ponies. Down the road, AA headers and a tune should be good for a while.