My E92 335I SE
Discussion
Thank you.
The advantage of the Cobb Accessport is that I can swap between maps at will. If I nknow that I'm just slogging up the motorway in traffic i'Il run the standard 306bhp map (which feels a bit dead now!), where as if I'm in the mood, a stage 1 map is loaded, taking the boost from 8psi to around 15psi, and yes, it feels quick running like that.
Stage 2 map in January, which should be well in excess of 400BHP!
Not bad for a shonky old 3 series.
The advantage of the Cobb Accessport is that I can swap between maps at will. If I nknow that I'm just slogging up the motorway in traffic i'Il run the standard 306bhp map (which feels a bit dead now!), where as if I'm in the mood, a stage 1 map is loaded, taking the boost from 8psi to around 15psi, and yes, it feels quick running like that.
Stage 2 map in January, which should be well in excess of 400BHP!
Not bad for a shonky old 3 series.
Be interested to hear your thoughts on the VRSF downpipes?
I've got a Z4 35i and have been talking to VRSF at length about their z4 DPs and fitment on RHD vehicles - short story is that they can't guarantee. I've got a shop in UK that has a set in stock for £400 and can deliver next day but concerns over steering rack and the o2 sensors.
What about the sound? All accounts suggest it sounds great on WOT but lots of turbo whistle at low speeds (a bit diesel?).
Car looks great btw, huge fan of N54 in all applications.
I've got a Z4 35i and have been talking to VRSF at length about their z4 DPs and fitment on RHD vehicles - short story is that they can't guarantee. I've got a shop in UK that has a set in stock for £400 and can deliver next day but concerns over steering rack and the o2 sensors.
What about the sound? All accounts suggest it sounds great on WOT but lots of turbo whistle at low speeds (a bit diesel?).
Car looks great btw, huge fan of N54 in all applications.
Cheers do let me know.
Z4 kept the N54 right until it was discontinued in August 2016, didn't switch to N55 as far as I know.
Im running Evolve remap to a conservative 360bhp, BMS dual cone in take, carbon boot lip and a few other little things, vast majority of kit fits the Z4, downpipes an exception unfortunately. QReminds me I should get a reader's car thread up.
Looking forward to hearing about DPs!
Z4 kept the N54 right until it was discontinued in August 2016, didn't switch to N55 as far as I know.
Im running Evolve remap to a conservative 360bhp, BMS dual cone in take, carbon boot lip and a few other little things, vast majority of kit fits the Z4, downpipes an exception unfortunately. QReminds me I should get a reader's car thread up.
Looking forward to hearing about DPs!
Bit of an update for those who were interested in the decatted downpipes.
Dropped the car off at 9am, and collected upon completion at 4.30pm, so it would appear it was a bit of a job to remove the cats and refit, so I'm pleased I didn't try and tackle it myself.
No issues with fitment, and they don't appear to hit/rub/rattle at all, although they are a bit on the raspy side so we'll see if they settle down at all.
I uploaded a stage 2+ aggressive map on to the car, which "should" produce between 420-455bhp...I'm taking that with a pinch of salt as I'm not sure if I believe that, so until I have the car dyno'd let's just say it is adequate, and I'd not be surprised if it was somewhere around 400...ish....maybe....
Far more responsive and noticeably quicker than when it was when it was running 370bhp.
Dropped the car off at 9am, and collected upon completion at 4.30pm, so it would appear it was a bit of a job to remove the cats and refit, so I'm pleased I didn't try and tackle it myself.
No issues with fitment, and they don't appear to hit/rub/rattle at all, although they are a bit on the raspy side so we'll see if they settle down at all.
I uploaded a stage 2+ aggressive map on to the car, which "should" produce between 420-455bhp...I'm taking that with a pinch of salt as I'm not sure if I believe that, so until I have the car dyno'd let's just say it is adequate, and I'd not be surprised if it was somewhere around 400...ish....maybe....
Far more responsive and noticeably quicker than when it was when it was running 370bhp.
When it was running the old map it was very useable...as long as you were driving with some sympathy then it would pretty much put all of its power down regardless of the conditions.
It's far more agressive now in its delivery, to the point where it needs a bit of respect with the conditions we have at the moment. I do have the option to tone it down at will using the Cobb.
It's far more agressive now in its delivery, to the point where it needs a bit of respect with the conditions we have at the moment. I do have the option to tone it down at will using the Cobb.
Does it retain the lag-free character of the standard engine, which I find pulls well all through the rev range? Or is it more turbo-like now, with lots of low end grunt?
I've been thinking of going for a stage 1 map but I'm worried it will make it more like my old Leon Cupra R, which was fast but felt a bit lifeless above 5k rpm. The 335i motor is fantastic and a bit more of the same would be great.
I've been thinking of going for a stage 1 map but I'm worried it will make it more like my old Leon Cupra R, which was fast but felt a bit lifeless above 5k rpm. The 335i motor is fantastic and a bit more of the same would be great.
Good thread. I have a 2010 330i SE Highline. Have had for two years and 20k miles. Great car. I like the SE and I think the chrome window surrounds look great but most people seem to prefe the black. Mine doesn't have the tuning potential of the 335 of course but 272 bhp is still pretty good !
Has big Nav, elec roof, auto box etc - was a BMW 'showroom special' hence the rare Individual Atlantis Blue color which wasn't even an option in the brochure at the time I don't think. I bought private from guy who owned it from new. The only thing I've changed is the run flats for normal tyres. Amazing diffidence even on 18" wheels.
Pic below parked next to my previous car which I kept until recently as couldn't bear to part with it (2003 4.2 XKR - what a car !). On lookout for a nice Audi S5 V6 now....
Has big Nav, elec roof, auto box etc - was a BMW 'showroom special' hence the rare Individual Atlantis Blue color which wasn't even an option in the brochure at the time I don't think. I bought private from guy who owned it from new. The only thing I've changed is the run flats for normal tyres. Amazing diffidence even on 18" wheels.
Pic below parked next to my previous car which I kept until recently as couldn't bear to part with it (2003 4.2 XKR - what a car !). On lookout for a nice Audi S5 V6 now....
Edited by OddCat on Friday 13th January 21:35
General Fluff said:
Does it retain the lag-free character of the standard engine, which I find pulls well all through the rev range? Or is it more turbo-like now, with lots of low end grunt?
I've been thinking of going for a stage 1 map but I'm worried it will make it more like my old Leon Cupra R, which was fast but felt a bit lifeless above 5k rpm. The 335i motor is fantastic and a bit more of the same would be great.
Good question.I've been thinking of going for a stage 1 map but I'm worried it will make it more like my old Leon Cupra R, which was fast but felt a bit lifeless above 5k rpm. The 335i motor is fantastic and a bit more of the same would be great.
When it was remapped running circa 370bhp it was great, behave just like the standard engine and I'd recommend it to anyone.
In its current state of tune it is far more aggressive, but largely retains the manners of the standard set up, and night and day different in terms of performance, even compared to the remap I was running previously. While this is massively fun, if I'm being honest this level of go is probably a bit unnecessary.
My advice would be that the sweet spot in terms of bang for buck is a remap from a reputable company and leave it at that.
Although who am I trying to kid...making modern hot hatches look silly in a 10 year old SE spec 3 series appeals to me greatly.
Bit of an update for anyone who is interested, and I'll add some pictures tomorrow to liven it up a bit.
The car has just ticked over 67k.
I've been running stage 2+ aggressive for a week or so, and monitoring for fault codes under various conditions and it seems to be coping well with this power level.
One thing I do notice with the decatted downpipes is that you are occasionally aware of a little smoke from the exhaust which I suppose would have been hidden to a degree by the cats. N54 engines have a reputation for a weak breather system so I've fitted an uprated PCV valve and a BMS baffled oil catch can to assist with this. It's a really well designed bit of kit and really stealthy, I'd add pics but it's invisible once fitted. You can reach under the scuttle to unscrew the base to check/empty.
Bit of an interior update. The standard SE spec steering wheel rim is not as thick as that fitted to the M sport cars, and was something that I was going to get round to changing.
I purchased a paddleshift wheel from an Msport model in almost perfect condition locally, and swapped all of the SE hardware and trim on to it, so it's a bit of a hybrid using the thicker rim but keeping the look of the factory original SE centre trim. This has worked very well and is much nicer to hold. As an added bonus I put the old wheel on our favourite auction site and although it's got a day or so left to run it looks like Thais mod is only going to have cost me around £25 by the time I sell the other, Bargain!
I have had a problem when the car started running like a bag of s
t. The Cobb Accessport allows me to read fault codes and a little further investigation lead to a failed coil for cylinder three. Replaced it and all is well so an easy fix. I did also buy a couple of spares as the one I removed had a 2006 date code on it so obviously original. It might not be too much of a surprise if more of these were to fail so I'll keep replacement in the boot and an 8mm socket and a 5mm Allen key is enough tools to change it. At the side of the road.
I've decided to swap the plugs for one grade colder to try and safeguard against issues as much as possible, these should be here in the next few days and at £65 for the set not too bad.
So future plans, I've covered about 8.5K since the last oil change so I'll book that in to BMW for another stamp, and I'm going to get the engine walnut blasted to remove the excessive carbon build up around the valves that these engines are known for, along with an oil and filter change for the Gearbox.
Otherwise, put petrol in it and enjoy it as much as possible.
The car has just ticked over 67k.
I've been running stage 2+ aggressive for a week or so, and monitoring for fault codes under various conditions and it seems to be coping well with this power level.
One thing I do notice with the decatted downpipes is that you are occasionally aware of a little smoke from the exhaust which I suppose would have been hidden to a degree by the cats. N54 engines have a reputation for a weak breather system so I've fitted an uprated PCV valve and a BMS baffled oil catch can to assist with this. It's a really well designed bit of kit and really stealthy, I'd add pics but it's invisible once fitted. You can reach under the scuttle to unscrew the base to check/empty.
Bit of an interior update. The standard SE spec steering wheel rim is not as thick as that fitted to the M sport cars, and was something that I was going to get round to changing.
I purchased a paddleshift wheel from an Msport model in almost perfect condition locally, and swapped all of the SE hardware and trim on to it, so it's a bit of a hybrid using the thicker rim but keeping the look of the factory original SE centre trim. This has worked very well and is much nicer to hold. As an added bonus I put the old wheel on our favourite auction site and although it's got a day or so left to run it looks like Thais mod is only going to have cost me around £25 by the time I sell the other, Bargain!
I have had a problem when the car started running like a bag of s
t. The Cobb Accessport allows me to read fault codes and a little further investigation lead to a failed coil for cylinder three. Replaced it and all is well so an easy fix. I did also buy a couple of spares as the one I removed had a 2006 date code on it so obviously original. It might not be too much of a surprise if more of these were to fail so I'll keep replacement in the boot and an 8mm socket and a 5mm Allen key is enough tools to change it. At the side of the road.I've decided to swap the plugs for one grade colder to try and safeguard against issues as much as possible, these should be here in the next few days and at £65 for the set not too bad.
So future plans, I've covered about 8.5K since the last oil change so I'll book that in to BMW for another stamp, and I'm going to get the engine walnut blasted to remove the excessive carbon build up around the valves that these engines are known for, along with an oil and filter change for the Gearbox.
Otherwise, put petrol in it and enjoy it as much as possible.
Edited by f1nn on Saturday 14th January 01:11
Edited by f1nn on Saturday 14th January 15:56
Edited by f1nn on Saturday 14th January 15:57
Well, the waterpump was a bit of a stinger of course, but I'm taking the view that I'm screwing another 120-150hp from a ten year old, admittedly well maintained, engine....and although the car spends the vast majority of its time at low speed around town or at low revs on the motorway, things are bound to go wrong right?
The purpose of this thread, if there is such a thing, is to give people an honest opinion of how badly they go wrong.
At the end of the day it's a 3 series, so there is nothing that could fail that couldn't be fixed within a few days.
The purpose of this thread, if there is such a thing, is to give people an honest opinion of how badly they go wrong.
At the end of the day it's a 3 series, so there is nothing that could fail that couldn't be fixed within a few days.
Edited by f1nn on Saturday 14th January 18:22
OddCat said:
Good thread. I have a 2010 330i SE Highline. Have had for two years and 20k miles. Great car. I like the SE and I think the chrome window surrounds look great but most people seem to prefe the black. Mine doesn't have the tuning potential of the 335 of course but 272 bhp is still pretty good!
Yours looks a beaut - have an E92 M/Sport myself, but nearly went for an SE and think they have real air of grace around them - love that colour! 
Thanks for updating!
Interesting to hear about rasp of the downpipes, I'd read a few reports of this. Is a cold start as loud as everyone says? Your honest feedback r.e the reality of running a 420bhp+ 335i may have convinced my to keep my n54 at lower levels to retain stock nature? Does sound entertaining though!
Interesting to hear about rasp of the downpipes, I'd read a few reports of this. Is a cold start as loud as everyone says? Your honest feedback r.e the reality of running a 420bhp+ 335i may have convinced my to keep my n54 at lower levels to retain stock nature? Does sound entertaining though!
How have I missed this thread? Great stuff and that is a lovely motor. I bought my 335i E90 in July and love it. It's a fully stock, manual M Sport with iDrive and 'dementor' back interior.
Just to add to the tales of n54 ownership, since I bought it 47k miles I have:
New Tie rod ends (seized - common) and 4 wheel alignment for £245
Replaced all 6 injectors including spark plugs, full service including filters and fluids for £1878 @ main dealer (should have been covered under warranty but it appears the sellers are cowboys)
Front discs and pads, abs sensor and brake fluid change £660.
4x Michelin Pilot Sport 4 for £475 (18"). Seem to work nicely as winter tyres too.
I'm going to be booking in for a walnut blast + oil change sometime soon I hope, I have been quoted at £400ish so will need to negotiate I reckon. Car is on 57k miles now so reckon it needs it.
Just to add to the tales of n54 ownership, since I bought it 47k miles I have:
New Tie rod ends (seized - common) and 4 wheel alignment for £245
Replaced all 6 injectors including spark plugs, full service including filters and fluids for £1878 @ main dealer (should have been covered under warranty but it appears the sellers are cowboys)
Front discs and pads, abs sensor and brake fluid change £660.
4x Michelin Pilot Sport 4 for £475 (18"). Seem to work nicely as winter tyres too.
I'm going to be booking in for a walnut blast + oil change sometime soon I hope, I have been quoted at £400ish so will need to negotiate I reckon. Car is on 57k miles now so reckon it needs it.
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