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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > BIMMERPOST Universal Forums > General BMW News and Cars Discussion > How to turn a 318 into a 320



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      03-19-2010, 09:52 AM   #1
p17blo
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How to turn a 318 into a 320

Ok, I admit I know less than nothing about the mechanics of car engines - I am a driver of cars (a user if you like) and nothing more.

But upon looking through the specs on UK 318 and 320 (2010 model year) they both state they have a 1995cc engine. Both have identical published specs with the exception of the final drive ratio (which I assume has something to do with the RPM to Speed when in 6th Gear, but please note my first point above).

So the only other difference I can see between the two engines is the Power. So my question is what is it that controls this power? And is it theoretically possible to take an ECU map from the 320 and put it onto the 318? If not how would you go about 'upgrading' the 318 to a 320 or is that just not the done thing?

I am sure this question will have a lot of you rolling around the floor in fits of histerics, but if you could possibly refrain from flaming me in public I would be eternally grateful

Paul
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      03-19-2010, 11:15 AM   #2
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You buy a 320.
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      03-19-2010, 11:17 AM   #3
p17blo
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OK, so perhaps I should have also greatfully asked for stupid answers NOT to be posted.

And BMW drivers wonder why we get a bad rap!
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      03-19-2010, 11:55 AM   #4
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Are you talking about an e9x model? I'm sure if the engine is the same size than gear ratios and ECU chip is most likely what it would take.
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      03-19-2010, 06:09 PM   #5
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In the old days BMW had a simple nomenclature for their car: the first digit was the series and the next two digits were the engine displacement in liters
and then a string of letters describing chassis characteristics and additional engine characteristics.

We could write an essay on this but to keep it simple let's look at the difference between 318 and 320. Originally, the 318 had a 1.8L engine that got upgraded to a 2.0L engine while keeping the moniker 318i. BMW then upgraded that engine to develop more power and changed the moniker to 320. A classic example is the 330i becoming 335i. The E9X engine used to be a 3.0L NA developing 255 hp IIRC named 330i. Then BMW added twin turbos to it and it now develops 300hp. They then renamed the model 335i.

Hope it helps clarify thngs a little bit.

Cheers.
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      03-19-2010, 09:52 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by p17blo View Post
OK, so perhaps I should have also greatfully asked for stupid answers NOT to be posted.

And BMW drivers wonder why we get a bad rap!
Oh, I'm very sorry. You are a delightful chap.

Don't be a douche bag. Nobody likes them.

NO, you can't achieve the same specifications for less than it would cost to just purchase a 320. Does that better float your boat?
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      03-19-2010, 10:10 PM   #7
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      08-12-2013, 05:53 AM   #8
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Understand but still the burning question

I read through and through this post and fully understand the answers, but ........get ready..........the problems lies that I already have the 2011 318i and is questioning, is there simple flashing solutions to make it a 320, if not, so be it. its not that big of a deal or power increase, but if there were........ding ding ding........I wouldn't mind having the extra ponies. So in that regard, can someone please answer the question of what it it will take to make the adjustment. Thanks so Much

James
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      08-22-2013, 03:49 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by saleenr6
I read through and through this post and fully understand the answers, but ........get ready..........the problems lies that I already have the 2011 318i and is questioning, is there simple flashing solutions to make it a 320, if not, so be it. its not that big of a deal or power increase, but if there were........ding ding ding........I wouldn't mind having the extra ponies. So in that regard, can someone please answer the question of what it it will take to make the adjustment. Thanks so Much

James
Why not just source a piggyback tune for around $500 you plug and viola, play with up to 50 extra HP + some more torque? Try this: http://www.giyf.com/
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