[328xiguy0322]

Feeling a bit underpowered on my 328xi and got around 2k to spend on performance mods. Since I have the n51 doesn’t that mean I also have the 3 stage intake manifold. Could I get a stage 1 tune? I have an AA exhaust system and y pipe resonator delete Alr done so I don’t really know what would be the first thing to do for more power. I stg if I hear one more “ever thought about getting a new car😃” ima start squeezing fr. No I do not want a 335i. I’m only a hs student so that’s pretty impractical.

[Nando_e90]

Maybe Xhp flashtool for the transmission?

[E30M CW]

Have you already got forged or flow formed wheels? That'd be a quick and easy mod for more performance. Just stay stock size or even undersize 1, so long as it still clears the calipers.

[lowrydr310]

Originally Posted by 328xiguy0322

I want more power on my n51

You won't get it for $2000. Be realistic with your expectations and save your money for something else. A custom tune (especially since you have headers) which utilizes the three stage intake will be the biggest bang for your buck. If you want to squeeze a few more HP then look into MILVs but don't expect too much.

If you really want to improve the car, upgrade the wheels/tires and suspension. The reality is lots of new cars are faster than the E90 328/330 in a straight line, but the E90 is still well balanced with incredible handling and feel.

[jova]

I have a 2011 328xi N51 engine with 103k miles. 3.0L 6-cylinder. I want new mods for more power, speed, and sounds. My thoughts were tuning or downpipe or muffler and/or res delete. Any suggestions ?

[StradaRedlands]

I think with a N51 you're pretty limited. N52s aren't that much more upgradeable, but at least you can throw a three stage intake & tune on them. Maybe you can do that on a N51 as well, I just don't know.

Unless you're in snow country, consider ditching the X drive. If you're at lower elevation and not getting consistent snow, you're just carrying around excess mass and hp sapping drivetrain parts.

[jova]

I understand I’m limited but I would need AWD for winter seasons as I get snow in my state. No other suggestions such as muffler/ res delete? Tune? Downpipe ?

[StradaRedlands]

Originally Posted by jova

I understand I’m limited but I would need AWD for winter seasons as I get snow in my state. No other suggestions such as muffler/ res delete? Tune? Downpipe ?

It'll just make it louder, but not faster.

Put the money into getting a 335i which is what you really want...

[iroblesui]

All you can really do is a Euro air intake box since it’s less restrictive but results in very minuscule hp gains and sound, or the 330i tune since you have the 3 stage intake. I only recommend going with the tune if your car is out of SULEV warranty as you void it once you tune the car. Euro air intake box is what I’m currently running on my N51 SULEV, sounds great and there’s a very tiny power bump compared to stock and it keeps your SULEV warranty aswell (in my experience at BMW dealerships and for SMOG purposes here in CA).

[oVeRdOsE.]

not familiar with N51, but I saw ''huge'' increase on N52, I mean for a n/a engine, this is impressive. Very possible to go from 230hp to near 290bhp+.
Some people put some impressive dyno.

- intake : 3 stage or N54
- full exhaust, including headers.
- charcoal permanent filter delete. This can be clogged hard on high mileage car.
- xdelete . Well this one is not power related, but where you want it.
Based on machine element physics, if the powersource don't waste energy to move element in a system, you technically redistribute the power more efficiently. For every (moving) part added in a system, you loose energy (mainly heat). You can even redistribute power to the rear wheel if you remove drive shaft and axle.

- and a tune, aggressive custom tune if you have the budget.

[jova]

Originally Posted by iroblesui

All you can really do is a Euro air intake box since it’s less restrictive but results in very minuscule hp gains and sound, or the 330i tune since you have the 3 stage intake. I only recommend going with the tune if your car is out of SULEV warranty as you void it once you tune the car. Euro air intake box is what I’m currently running on my N51 SULEV, sounds great and there’s a very tiny power bump compared to stock and it keeps your SULEV warranty aswell (in my experience at BMW dealerships and for SMOG purposes here in CA).

I am very confused. You said you recommend if your car is out of SULEV warranty then later says it keeps your sulev warranty aswell… can you explain? Sorry

[iroblesui]

Originally Posted by jova

I am very confused. You said you recommend if your car is out of SULEV warranty then later says it keeps your sulev warranty aswell… can you explain? Sorry

330i tune will void your warranty, euro box will keep your warranty

[jova]

Originally Posted by iroblesui

330i tune will void your warranty, euro box will keep your warranty

Any recommendation for the euro box ? Links ?

[iroblesui]

Originally Posted by jova

Any recommendation for the euro box ? Links ?

You can try eBay.uk or sometimes they get posted for sale on here. Tends to go for around 150-300$. It’s a OEM part, came on the European versions of the 328/330i so they’re usually pretty easy to find. I don’t have any links rn atm for any.

[jova]

Originally Posted by oVeRdOsE.

not familiar with N51, but I saw ''huge'' increase on N52, I mean for a n/a engine, this is impressive. Very possible to go from 230hp to near 290bhp+.
Some people put some impressive dyno.

- intake : 3 stage or N54
- full exhaust, including headers.
- charcoal permanent filter delete. This can be clogged hard on high mileage car.
- xdelete . Well this one is not power related, but where you want it.
Based on machine element physics, if the powersource don't waste energy to move element in a system, you technically redistribute the power more efficiently. For every (moving) part added in a system, you loose energy (mainly heat). You can even redistribute power to the rear wheel if you remove drive shaft and axle.

- and a tune, aggressive custom tune if you have the budget.

Any suggestions for a new exhaust system ? My next planned mod would be a straight pipe and then the euro air intakes

[krhodes1]

Originally Posted by StradaRedlands

I think with a N51 you're pretty limited. N52s aren't that much more upgradeable, but at least you can throw a three stage intake & tune on them. Maybe you can do that on a N51 as well, I just don't know.

Unless you're in snow country, consider ditching the X drive. If you're at lower elevation and not getting consistent snow, you're just carrying around excess mass and hp sapping drivetrain parts.

N51 already has the 3-stage intake. It gets back the power lost to the lower compression ratio and other emissions-reducing features. Having both an N51 and an N52 in my garage, they may make the same PEAK power numbers, but the "area under the curve" of the N52 is better - it's notably stronger and my N52 car is the heavier of the two.

The solution here is sell the car and buy something faster if it isn't fast enough. About all you can do to an N51 is make it sound faster, which I guess is something. It won't BE measurably faster though without spending a HELL of a lot of money - and realistically, that would start by swapping in an N52 block.

[krhodes1]

Originally Posted by jova

I understand I’m limited but I would need AWD for winter seasons as I get snow in my state. No other suggestions such as muffler/ res delete? Tune? Downpipe ?

I never saw the need for AWD in *Maine*, LOL. You would be just fine with winter tires and RWD in climate-change era CT.