Which is a better upgrade, header or intake manifold?

[mma600psi]

I have a 2009 128i convert. Cold air intake, short shift, magnaflow exhaust

What would be the better upgrade?

Intake manifold?: http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-17...28i528iz4.aspx
supposed 30hp gain

Or

Exhaust header? http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-42...e-headers.aspx
Supposed 15-20 hp gain
(this site is expensive I found the same one for $1300 elsewhere)

I like the idea of the headers, becuase I have ready that the popping and gurgling when letting off the gas decreases. I did put headers on an old 4-banger sentra years ago (stillen headers) and the damn thing sounded like it had angry bees in the tailpipe...wasnt happy about that.

Anyone do the intake upgrade?

[andrey_gta]

What will you do about the headers Check engine light?
That question here is solved by a tune OR maybe some kind of Fouwler fooling O2 sensor on Emission test days ( however the CEL it self slows the car down - hence why a tune is best to shut it up and not interfere with performance). Tunes handle the CEL differently - some turn it off - while the system shows Error internally, others make it simulate readings and do not have CEL registered anywhere in the system

Also no tune headers have issues near redline - the power usually drops from 6-6.5k

The intake manifold from 330i or x3 ( newer is better) can work without a tune - but will also lose power at around redline

[TheSt|G]

As far as I know, there is no distributor selling Supersprint headers for $1300. I'm also 99% sure that Turner is currently the only BMW distributor for Supersprint in NA.

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by TheSt|G

As far as I know, there is no distributor selling Supersprint headers for $1300. I'm also 99% sure that Turner is currently the only BMW distributor for Supersprint in NA.

And BMP Design (if you call the 1-800# on Supersprint's website it goes directly to BMP)

[TheSt|G]

Originally Posted by 3002 tii

And BMP Design (if you call the 1-800# on Supersprint's website it goes directly to BMP)

Must be a more recent development. I know when I was in Italy they were telling me that they had eliminated all other distros other than Turner as there were some who were cloning them in house and selling them as a Supersprint product.

[RoundelM3]

To answer the original question, I'd go for the 3-stage intake manifold and associated software. Friend of mine did the upgrade on his 328i and it made a noticeable difference in power. It's a genuine BMW part and probably a lot easier to change out than doing the header install.

[JimD]

Originally Posted by roundel335

To answer the original question, I'd go for the 2-stage intake manifold and associated software. Friend of mine did the upgrade on his 328i and it made a noticeable difference in power. It's a genuine BMW part and probably a lot easier to change out than doing the header install.

+1. I would do the manifold, then possibly a tune, then possibly the headers. Each step will add a little power and work with the preceeding steps.

[TheSt|G]

Originally Posted by roundel335

To answer the original question, I'd go for the 3-stage intake manifold and associated software. Friend of mine did the upgrade on his 328i and it made a noticeable difference in power. It's a genuine BMW part and probably a lot easier to change out than doing the header install.

It's a shorter project, but I wouldn't really say it is easier. The header install in our cars is pretty simple.

[MarkkyyMan]

30 hp is probably a little generous for a 3 stage intake manifold.

[Taskmaster]

Originally Posted by MarkkyyMan

30 hp is probably a little generous for a 3 stage intake manifold.

Very.
OP, make sure you plan a head with your tuner to what you want to do.

[RoundelM3]

Originally Posted by MarkkyyMan

30 hp is probably a little generous for a 3 stage intake manifold.

It's not just the manifold - there's a software upgrade that is required in order for the internal "flaps" to work properly. This raises the power to the same level as the 2006 330i, which was rated at 255 hp. Turner Motorsports is pretty reliable as far as truth in advertising.

[kobeballer96]

Originally Posted by roundel335

It's not just the manifold - there's a software upgrade that is required in order for the internal "flaps" to work properly. This raises the power to the same level as the 2006 330i, which was rated at 255 hp. Turner Motorsports is pretty reliable as far as truth in advertising.

DME still is adaptive to the stage 3 manifold without tune. I had it on my car for about 4 months with no problems, still a notice a power gains too but not as much as with a tune. And no CEL and it still runs great and strong! Day and night difference. I'm waiting to get my tune once I have all the mods I want so I don't have to go back and buy another tune when I get more mods added to the car. The power curve will drop off towards redline without the tune with the stage 3 manifold but not enough to even be a big deal.

[RoundelM3]

Originally Posted by kobeballer96

DME still is adaptive to the stage 3 manifold without tune. I had it on my car for about 4 months with no problems, still a notice a power gains too but not as much as with a tune. And no CEL and it still runs great and strong! Day and night difference. I'm waiting to get my tune once I have all the mods I want so I don't have to go back and buy another tune when I get more mods added to the car. The power curve will drop off towards redline without the tune with the stage 3 manifold but not enough to even be a big deal.

Good feedback. I had a 2003 330i ZHP 6MT that had 235 hp, 10 more than the "regular" 330i, and as I recall, it was due to upgraded cams. There really wasn't much you could do for these cars with software alone, but there were tunes (Dinan, EuroSport, etc.) that would take advantage of bigger throttle body and free-flow exhaust, plus the "power pulley" mod (smaller crank pulley for the accessory belt). Definitely made a difference, but those mods did require software to get the full power gains.